More on last Saturday's party

My new friends (formerly Friends I Hadn't Met Yet) Jim and Erica have excellent posts and roundup on the party. You know we have a lot in common when you realize they loved my shoes:

in addition to their very kind words.

Apparently this

"...was a higher class of blogemeet than we usually attend."

as Denny put it, even after I bored the heck out of him talking about NJ politics. He had a nice flight drive home.

Alas, the only thing we didn't have a chance to do was for the Elderly Brothers to sing and play:

Of course, this means we have to have another one!


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Brief early evening FIHMY roundup

Mamacita says Pennies are legal tender and Tell your daugher I say so. The Harrison Ford fans are not pleased.

Siggy ponders Looking For Mr Good Enough and Laurie Kendrick examines Emotional Settlers.

Have you listened to today's podcast yet? First we talked about Hugo Chavez and in the second half of the program La Vida Vica was our guest.



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Saturday morning posts from the FIHMYs

Friends I Haven't Met Yet have been busy posting:
Shane asks Where Are All The Male Teachers?
My son was in an all-boys' school where he had several excellent male teachers and to this day is inspired by their example.

GM Roper asks, Will Texas Hispanics Abandon Hillary for Obama?

Mamacita remembers the Fractured Fairy Tales on Leap Day:


Kevin is now nine years old today.

Speaking of Leap Day, Ed Morrissey, Jazz Shaw and Siggy discussed proposing in yesterday's podcast

When you're out of wind, you're out of power.

Noonan, Buckley & the Paradox of Privilege
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Other links:
Via Marc, Obama Offers Wild Revision of His Own History

Josh Levin links to Hillary Clinton is your new HD DVD player
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My friend Horacio of The Money Map Report sees Better Times Ahead

Special thanks to Larwyn



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Michelle as Hillary redux, and other posts from the FIHMYs

It's time for a Friends I Haven't Met Yet roundup:

The Anchoress says Michelle Obama is just Hillary redux, and The Anchoress is right.

Siggy tackles Confusion And The Crumbling Nation and hits the ball out of the ballpark while I mix my metaphors.

Laurie Kendrick comes across The Stamp of Disapproval.

Jeremayakovka quotes U. S. Grant.

Spanish Pundit has a bilingual post on why Kosovo's independence is not a good thing.

John Chappell ponders the news in Barcelona.

Nothing Is As Lovely As Global Warming On A Tuesday In February

Speaking of global warming, Gateway Pundit's got cold news. Tim Blair wants us to listen to the AAAS.

ShrinkWrapped opens the archive on The Arab Mind.

Mamacita goes shopping.



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Monday late afternoon roundup from the FIHMYs

Since I was at CPAC I haven't done a roundup of posts by my Friends I Haven't Met Yet for a while, so here it is:

GM Roper asks, Iraq: Who to believe - Terrorists or Democrats?

Siggy revisits his devastating post on abortion in It's A Tough Life

It's Lent, and The Anchoress wants to know Do you keep holy water in your house?

One of the best things about Sundays is that you can look forward to Francis Porretto's ruminations. Yesterday he wrote about Pain and desire.

Laurie Kendrick lets it all hang out in An Utter Obama-Nation

Mamacita has a vase or two of Fresh Flowers.

I was planning on going to tango lessons tonight but maybe I'll stay home and rest; maybe I'm coming down with a cold.
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Matt Sanchez was at CPAC (therefore he's not a FIHMY) and flew to Paris to appear in TV5's Kioske. He was sensational.



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Late afternoon roundup, and a book

The roundup
It's been a busy Monday here at casa de Fausta but I came across some really interesting stuff while waiting for dinner to cook:

Friend I Haven't Met Yet (FIHMY) Arthur Chrenkoff has an excellent article Good News From Iraq? More than in the Past

Barak Obama wants to issue drivers' licenses to illegal aliens

At Cafe Hayek, I Worry Much Less About the Reality than About the Reactions and I agree with Brian Wesbury when he says that the economy is fine.

The Anchoress, also a FIHMY, has another lovely post on beautiful music.

And last but not least, Dreams Into Lightning has an excellent roundup, "The thugs in Tehran stay busy, Palestinian officials like to create a little atmosphere, and more." Go read it.

The book:
I was on my way home yesterday afternoon when I saw this in a bookshop window:



I love bassets, and had to take a look.

Well, it's the old Strunk and White, only this time it's been improved with witty illustrations by Maira Kalman. The full color pictures highight the text at the same time that they add humor and sometimes insightful nuances to the rules.

I bought it, recommended it to two other FIHMY, and sent one for a birthday gift.

Yes, buy it for the pictures!



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Friends, food, faith and podcast

This morning I had the privilege of talking to two friends I haven't met yet, Siggy and Julie of Happy Catholic and Meanwhile, Back in the kitchen.

Julie was very impressed over Siggy's voice, because of Ooooo, those melting British tones! offering even some cinnamon buns from heaven.

Siggy posts about the podcast,

We talked about the natural and spiritual relationship between food and religion- feeding the body and feeding the soul, and the similarities between communing with family over meals at home and communing with God in a House of Worship. We hope to be able to expand on these and other issues in a follow up podcast.

Julie masquerades as the author of a couple of blogs, but in fact she’s a terrific writer, literary and film critic. More than that, she writes cogently and with clarity.

Siggy also talked about ice cream emergencies, a tradition we all must start in our own homes.

You can listen to the podcast here. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed talking to Julie and Siggy.



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GM's message to Tim Blair

Tim Blair has been diagnosed with cancer and has a difficult battle ahead of him.

GM Roper urges him to fight on,

This coming February 6th will be the 2nd anniversary of my surgery and I count myself two years in full remission as the CT scan and P.E.T. scan following surgery were both clean. But I didn't do it by myself. I had God in my corner, my family, my friends, my readers and my medical staff. They all pulled me through and what ever comes for you (or for me for that matter) we can never overlook their kindnesses and generosity expressed through their love, their skill, their knowledge and their caring for another human being.

Hang in there, a good attitude and a determination to "Fight On" is more critical than you can ever imagine. We are all pulling for you and don't ever forget that.

You must go read the rest of GM's post.

GM Roper was my podcast guest last September. You can listen to the podcast here



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Iowa, Laurie's 100k, and more FIHMYs

Huckabee, Obama have huge night in Iowa. Don Surber has the photos.

Betsy says, Poor Hillary: they're just not into you.

Friend I Haven't Met Yet (FIHMY) Jeremayakovka's having huckmares, while Beth (another FIHMY) calls Iowa an archaic, stupid, expensive, absurd process that gives undue weight to voters that do not represent America as a whole.

Update
Iowa caucus critique
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FIHMY Laurie Kendrick is celebrating her first 100,000 views. Go say hi and help her get to 200,000.
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Maria - a very dear friend who's put up with me for decades - tells me that A cold spell soon to replace global warming. Right now it's 14F outside, so I want to know where's my global warming, or has it been replaced already?
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Another friend I haven't met yet, GM Roper, posts on healthcare: Just Give Me A Corner To Die In. The Anchoress (also a FIHMY) realizes that If you're not perfect you might as well just die, while Doug Ross (also a FIHMY) finds a sickening punchline.
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After Wednesday's troubles with my podcast, which had to be cancelled, I'll be doing a 15-minute podcast today at 11AM. FIHMY Siggy will be calling in, and you can join us by calling (646) 652-2639, and I'll also have live chat. It would be a big help if you could join us.

Hopefully this one will go better than Wednesday's!



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In tonight's podcast: Thanksgiving

Tonight at 9PM Eastern Siggy and I will talk about The American Passion For Giving Thanks.

From Siggy's post:

Americans talk about freedom so passionately because we are passionate about that great ideal. Our political debates are vigorous because Americans are passionate about giving thanks for the freedoms we share. Freedom is the foundation of our beliefs. Because of freedom we free to choose the things we believe in, without fear of violence or repercussion.

We will talk about his post, about freedom, and about thankfulness.

Join us tonight at 9. The call-in number is (646) 652-2639

Control, discord, and friends I haven't met yet

Yesterday's post on control in relationships got a lot of comments from many friends I haven't met yet, and a wonderful post by Siggy.

Here's a sample of the first three:Jeremayalovka:

There's nothing wrong with control when it has to do with leading and leadership. Think: leading a dance.

Greta:

We all know from the world around us that if someone is in a dominating relationship - they will either
1. leave or
2. live a miserable life

Cassandra:

To be fully human, I believe, we must develop and use all our faculties and it is the degree to which we are successful in doing this that makes each of us uniquely what we are.

If you can, please do take some time to read these and all the comments. Each commenter is insightful and thoughtful, and their blogs are worth a daily visit.

This morning Siggy honors my post greatly by mentioning it in his excellent post The Divine Destiny Of Discord. He explores the effect of power on others and on society in general, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Siggy starts by discussing the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar:

How is it that Abraham gave into Sarah's demands after only a mild protest? How is it that Abraham allowed the mother of his firstborn to be subject to much abuse and suffering? God had promised Abraham that his offspring would found great nations. How could Abraham turn a blind eye to the fact that banishing Hagar and Ishmael into the desert was in fact a death sentence? Was this what God expected from His servant?

Siggy goes on

Perhaps one lesson that can be learned here is that Abraham never attempted to assert control or dominion over that which he knew was in God’s purview. Each of his sons were promised great legacies and Abraham trusted enough in God to not interfere, despite what must have been clearly a great conflict within himself. Not to assert control or domination but to trust in God- really trust in Him- takes a kind of maturity, not so easily learned.

Obviously I can not do justice to Siggy's post. You must go and read every word.

And again, the most rewarding aspect of blogging is to be in the company of such excellent people, all friends I haven't met yet (and two that I have).



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Double Thanks for the Thinking Blogger Award

The lovely Spanish Punditand Blog For Cuba have honored me with a Thinking Blogger Award!

I am truly thankful to have such wonderful friends. Their continued support inspires me every day.

According to Spanish Pundit, the rules are

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award" with a link to the post that you wrote.

Since the Nice Matters Award was for women bloggers, now it's time for the guys:

1. Siggy, for his blog and for his invaluable support and help with my podcasts.

2. Ed Morrissey, for his excellent blog and for being a true friend.

3. GM Roper, because his posts make me laugh and think.

4. Rob Bluey for his blog, for his support, and for his work at the Heritage Foundation, which is an invaluable source of well-researched, well-explained information in all economic matters affecting our contry.

5. Jeremayakovka, for his excellent commentary on arts and politics.

And guys, you don't have to link back. I just wanted to say Thanks.

In today's podcast: GM Roper and Siggy

UPDATE: You can listen to the podcast here
Join us today at noon. My guests are GM Roper and Siggy of Sigmund, Carl and Alfred (who's also co-host, too).

We'll be talking about the Democrat agenda, including healthcare.

20 Questions

GM Roper asked me 20 Questions this week, and I am honored to answer them. GM's one of the "Friends I Haven't Met Yet", and I'm a big fan of his blog so this is a real treat.
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There's a big bruhaha over a new book about Mother Theresa. Mother Theresa had doubts!

Well, I submit to you this thought:
That's what made her a saint.

Blind faith isn't.
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Dr. Sanity has the Carnival

Memes, women and terror

Jeremayakovka replied to last week's tag before I asked, but today he has Eight Theses On Being Jeremayakovka

In terror, time and language collapse. What remains in the mind (if anything) is the will -- yet even that is often displaced. Tossed in that surf, my body became a vivid, constricted concert of heart, lungs, throat, nostrils, a concert bellowing in stunning, perfect pitch: Confront terror with every fiber of your being. If you don't, it will seize you and make off with you. Fight it NOW or succumb forever.

Go read the rest.

Obi's Sister makes her own jewlery, Alice the Camel listens to my podcasts (Thank You, Alice!!), Spanish Pundit loves tea, and Lady Godiva (in Spanish) likes people who don't talk a lot, tell the truth and don't beat around the bush.

Today on Blog Talk Radio: Mamacita

Mamacita of Scheiss Weekly talks about education, parenting and role models in my next Blog Talk Radio program today, and Siggy co-hosts.

With those two, what more can a Blog Talk Radio Show hostess want? Well, she wants you to listen to the podcast.

Please join us today at noon Eastern Time on Monday, June 11.


Update: We talked about schooling, parenting, and education. I got caught in the conversation and we talked for nearly forty minutes. You can listen to the podcast here

Tomorrow my BTR guests will be Brian Darling and Rob Bluey of the Heritage Foundation. We will discuss Venezuela and Latin America. Please tune in at 4:30PM.

Tomorrow on Fausta's Blog Talk Radio: Mamacita of Scheiss Weekly

Mamacita of Scheiss Weekly talks about education, parenting and role models in my next Blog Talk Radio program tomorrow. Siggy co-hosts.

Please join us tomorrow at noon Eastern Time on Monday, June 11.

British Faculty Association Votes to Boycott 2 Israeli Universities, and today's round-up

UK lecturers support Israel boycott call British Faculty Association Votes to Boycott 2 Israeli Universities

Today's round-up:
Malasia's highest court denies a woman the right to convert from Islam (h/t 762 justice)

"My carbon footprint's a lot bigger than yours" - way bigger!

Is this picture from Atlanta? North Carolina's reseach triangle? Someplace in Florida?

News The Husband probably won't want to hear: the new Saks 5th Ave shoe department will be so big it'll have its own zip code, and a VIP room, too. Ferragamo's right across the street, also ready and waiting.

Run, Fred, run!

A group of Cuban doctors working in Namibia who sought asylum in the US had to go into hiding... oh, wait, but let's keep an open mind!

Janet-my-personal-trainer has nothing to fear.

What an Anchoress does

1986 Redux: Proposed Senate Immigration Reform Repeats Past Failure

Robbing Rector
Does the WSJ read before they editorialize?

Bush Finally Fires Up the Base

Today on Blog Talk Radio: Gates of Vienna and Sigmund, Carl and Alfred

On today's podcast: Dymphna and Baron Bodissey of Gates of Vienna join my co-host Siggy and I today at noon, EDT.

What does this have to do with Memorial Day? Tune in to find out!

Update You can listen to the archived podcast here
Dymphna and Baron Bodissey talked about The Center for Vigilant Freedom. I'm adding the link to my blogroll.

Jimmy, the worst president ever, and today's items

Investor's Business Daily has Profiles in Incompetence: a 10-part series on the worst president in American history
Part one: Look who's talking
Go and read all of them.

Monica Showalter, editorial writer for IBD, was one of my podcast guests. You can listen to the podcast here
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Who's feeding Cuba, you ask?
The US:

Cuba expects to sign deals worth $150 million with American food producers at talks starting on Monday that point to sustained U.S. interest in the Cuban market despite political hurdles.
...
One U.S. farm state delegation after another has gone to Havana this year to pitch sales of wheat, corn, beans, peas, lentils, chicken and other products needed by communist Cuba to feed its people.
...
U.S. sales to Cuba are allowed on a cash-only basis under an exception to the embargo enforced against Castro's leftist government since 1962. Despite the hostility between Washington and Havana, [US] exports have totaled $1.55 billion since 2001.

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Sigmund, Carl and Alfred has an excellent post on Memorial Day And The Mirror Of Hope,

Americans talk about freedom so passionately because we are passionate about that great ideal.

Freedom is the foundation of our beliefs. Because of freedom we free to choose the things we believe in, without fear of violence or repercussion. Freedom is the only ideology that wants to make the world a better place, a place where each and every one of us can author our own destiny- and do so without without stripping others of their rights. In a free society, we are free to exercise free will. We can choose to believe in God or we can exercise that free will and choose not to believe in God. In a free society, God takes care of His affairs. In a society that isn't free, the tyranny du jour takes it upon itself to handle God's affairs for Him.

The fight for freedom has not been easy. It never is. There are those that see the cost of freedom and want us to abandon the citizens of nations that so desperately need liberation from tyranny. It is tempting indeed to walk away, in the myopic and absurd belief that we would be forever extricating ourselves from a problem.

You must read the rest. You can also vote for it at Real Clear Politics

Siggy has been my podcast guest three times and tomorrow he'll co-host with me as we welcome Gates of Vienna's Dymphna and Baron Bodissey.

If you didn't listen to Siggy's reading of School Daze, go back and listen. This was my inagural podcast and it certainly was "starting with the right foot".
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Barcepundit (who was also my podcast guest - is there a pattern here?) has a this hypothetical letter from a newspaper editor to a cartoonist.
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My neighbor TigerHawk has Operation Hero Miles: Donate your frequent flier miles to injured soldiers and their families. Here's how.
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The Carnival's not up yet, but here's the link all the same up - go check it out:


I'll be posting about last night's podcast later today.