The devastated mother of a UDA murder victim has spoken of her disgust after sick vandals desecrated his grave.

Up to 30 plots were attacked in a weekend wrecking spree in Carnmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey - many of them the graves of children and babies.

Trinkets, vases, ornaments and flower displays were destroyed in the cemetery. Security patrols are now set to be stepped up by Newtownabbey council.

Carnmoney Cemetery has been the focus of simmering sectarian tensions in Newtownabbey in recent years. The annual Catholic Blessing of the Graves service has sparked loyalist rioting in the past and previous years have also seen headstones smashed.

One of the graves targeted on Saturday was that of Daniel McColgan. The 20-year-old Catholic postman was shot dead by the UDA as he arrived for work in January 2002.

His mother Marie told the Belfast Telegraph that his grave had now been violated on at least three occasions.

In 2002 his headstone had to be replaced after it was completely destroyed.

"To be honest it is just so much to take in at the minute," said Ms McColgan

"I went up to the grave on Saturday night and noticed that all the wee trinkets and flowers had been smashed against the headstone. I looked around and saw that there was stuff scattered around the ground from lots of other graves.

"The people who did this have no respect for people whether they are dead or living. When we were kids we would not have gone anywhere near a grave."

"We just have to tidy up once more and try to move on. It is heartbreaking everytime this happens because it is such an insult to Daniel."

Now don't get me wrong, we have a plethora of problems here in the states, but I had to speak out about this, because it disturbed me. In my area we've got murderers, rapist (plenty of those, unfortunately), Bank Robbers (a ton of these idiots), Drug Users and Sellers, and many, many more.

The great thing about my camcorder is the DV tapes, so if I run out of tape, I can just buy some more. On the other hand, who wants to fuck around with a bunch of tapes, much less drag them around Ireland. In addition, I have my Lumix DMC-LZ2, which I love. My only concern is getting my stuff stolen in one of these hotels, or somebody mugging me, and me having to kick their ass or vice versa. I may be a "little fella", but I fight with the best of them. :-) Anyhow, have a great Monday everyone. This time change is really, and let me stress "really" going to screw me up. If you have any suggestion, please let me know!

Earlier today, I watched Uruguay and Northern Ireland battle it out on the Giants stadium in New Jersey. Sadly, Uruguay won, but Northern Ireland was missing eleven of its players due to injuries. I like soccer, but I need more time to learn all the rules, but I'm sure people will inform me when I get to Ireland. As I was watching the game, I was reminded of George Best, which was a famous Irish (Northern Ireland) soccer player throughout the world; in fact, my good friend Wayne Ordinary American wrote up a piece about Mr. Best.

Northern Ireland played without 11 regulars because of injuries and club commitments. Uruguay used a starting team of almost entirely foreign-based players because its local championship is still going on.

The game was played in intermittent rain before a crowd of 4,152 that overwhelmingly backed Uruguay. This was the first of two exhibitions in the United States for both teams — Uruguay plays Romania on Tuesday; Northern Ireland plays Romania in Chicago on Friday.

Estoyanoff's goal gave Oscar Tabarez a winning debut since being rehired as Uruguay's manager in March. Tabarez coached Uruguay in the 1990 World Cup and replaced interim Gustavo Ferrin, who took over for Jorge Fosatti after Uruguay lost a two-leg World Cup playoff with Australia.

Estoyanoff provided the only serious offense for either team in the first half, driving a shot inside the near post into the upper corner.

"It was important because we have a new coach, making his debut, and getting a goal in front of him gives you a lot of confidence," Estoyanoff said.

Northern Ireland's lineup featured two players making their international debut — Stephen Craigan and Jeff Hughes — and goalkeeper Michael Ingham making his first start.

The only positive thing I can think of about this distro, was the Install, which was darn easy. A pretty little install does not make up for the hell it is to use Ubuntu. They are trying to make an OS that people in the Windows world can use, but this will not cut the mustard. If you are sick of Microsoft, then get a freaking MAC. I'm planning on picking up a new MacBook as soon as I get back from Ireland. What's your say on Ubuntu?

Download Episode_14.mp3

Have The Jefferson Davis Saga Brought to You via iTunes

Hi there folks, I just finished updating my profile, if you are interested in learning who I am, and what I'm all about. Several mysteries are revealed in the updated Profile, which I have not uttered before. I asked a friend to come up with some questions that I wouldn't won't to answer on here, but I answered every one of them; in fact, I gave a lot more detail than I ever have before. If you have any more questions, let me know. By the way, that is 60lbs. attached to my back and ten pound weights on each leg, and it's up hill. On average, I walk five miles a day. Yeah, I've got dumbo ears, ya got a problem with it. :-)

Thanks JD...

UPDATE: Sheila Roberts from MoviesOnline.ca gave the movie four out of ten stars. Yikes, she was not impressed, but I'm still going to check it out for myself.

Sinead Gleason over at The Sigla Blog reviewed The Da Vinci Code Movie and she had several things to say that were interesting. Like her, I plan on finishing the book, which I just started reading, before I express my feelings. I'm going to see it tomorrow night, if I can finish the book in time. It is 600 pages of fluff, but like she said, "it’s also a pathological page-turner, full of exactly what people want from a good yarn - intrigue, thrills, mystery, puzzles and ultimately what Christopher Hitchens calls “the exhaust fumes of democracy” - a conspiracy theory". What are your thoughts?

Hey there folks, I'm curious to find out what your feelings are on this new movie coming out on the 19th. It was released today in Cannes , amidst hoopla and bruha. Personally, I don't believe this garbage, because after all it is just fiction, but I have decided to read the book, then I'll go see the movie. I'm going to try and keep an open mind about this movie. I will keep an open mind and I hope you will as well.

The screen adaptation, like the novel, suggests that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene and fathered a child. One reporter asked the cast if they believed Christ was married.

Star Tom Hanks quipped, "Well, I wasn't around."

Hanks said he had not felt pressure from religious groups. He added that his religious heritage "communicates that our sins have been taken away, not our brains."

Christian groups from various countries, including South Korea, Thailand and India have protested the movie, planning boycotts, a hunger strike and attempts to block or shorten screenings. In India, the government even delayed the premiere, putting it on a temporary hold while it weighs complaints by Catholic groups that want the film banned. A decision is not expected before Friday.

Lobbyists in Thailand persuaded local censors to cut the final 10 minutes out of the film, but the censors later reversed their position after Columbia Pictures appealed.

Australian Christians bought cinema advertisements challenging the movie's plot. Hong Kong's Catholic church has organized forums to "clarify the facts."

In Cannes, the British nun who took her protest to the red carpet, Sister Mary Michael, prayed before a wooden cross.

"I think this movie will confuse people," she explained. "The world is a mess, and Jesus has the answers."

Several countries have forbidden this movie all together, while others are trying to censor it. I don't agree with censoring movies. Everyone, regardless of where he or she lives, should have the right to watch what they want, do what they want, and believe what they want. Movies like this one push the bounds of what we believe and perceive.

What's your say on The Da Vinci Code?

Recently a friend of mine informed me that I had serious anger issues, so I've been doing some research and applying anger management techniques on myself. I've not noticed a change yet, but I just started, so it will take a while I guess.

People that are close to me know that when I get mad at someone, their height, muscular build, and stature does not matter, for I loose all common sense and become enraged, which is dangerous for me and them. I've not always had anger problems, but after years of taking crap from everybody, it finally surfaced. Like the movie Anger Management, I also believe that there are two kinds of people in this world, quiet cashiers and raging customers.

Also, I want to appoligize for going on and on about the immigration bullshit. I was really mad that day, and expressed it in my post, and for that I'm sorry. Two of my good friends at work are Hispanic, and I love them dearly, and wouldn't ever want to do anything to hurt their feelings. However, I do still express my aggravation with the whole illegal immigrants getting a free pass spill. I have no problem with those that are legal, only the illegals.

Anyhow, Here is seven steps to hopefully resolve Anger.

• Try physical outlets, e.g. exercise, housework, crafts, etc.
• Problem solve and come up with action plans, e.g. forming a neighborhood watch to combat vandalism.

• realize the powerlessness over the situation.
• give yourself a time limit to be angry, and then... let it go!
• constantly remind yourself "I cannot afford to stay angry. What's at stake here?"
• recognize the need for forgiveness. "No painful event is allowed to contribute to my anger more than one time."
• focus on the present.

UPDATE: Make sure to read the entire post, for the first part is misleading.

Monday, President Bush is going to give a 15 to 20 minute speech on security among other subjects. He's not made a firm stance on the immigration issue, except for the legalization of some 12 million illegal aliens. Conservatives are screaming that he mustn't legalize 12 million illegal immigrants, while the liberals are screaming that he must legalize these people. I'm not for booting these people out of the country, because it would be utterly impossible to do so, and it would be wrong. However, I do not like the fact that people from Mexico can just walk across the border and become a US citizen, while so many other individuals actually have to learn English and go through the INS bureaucracy.

Bush, locked in a test of wills with some conservatives furious at his support for legalizing some illegal immigrants, will stand firm in his support for a guest-worker program and his opposition to a mass deportation of the estimated 12 million immigrants in the country, the official said.

The White House is asking major television networks for live coverage of the 15 to 20 minute speech at 8 p.m. EDT on Monday.

The president supports attempts in the Senate to pass a measure that legalizes the status of some illegal immigrants while also beefing up borders rather than a version passed in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives that would focus on security, a bill that has drawn the ire of immigrant communities.

Senate leaders this week agreed to try to reconsider a broad immigration measure after an earlier deadlock.

A Defense Department official said the Pentagon was considering options for possibly sending troops or equipment to help with security on the U.S.-Mexican border.

In Arizona, the state that sees the most crossings by illegal immigrants, pressure is growing from conservative quarters to take tougher action.

The Minutemen, a citizens' border patrol group, have vowed to begin erecting a fence in southern Arizona on May 27 unless Bush sends National Guard troops to the porous border.

Now, I know what you are thinking, "They can't just hop across the border, for it is a very treacherous path for them to take". Yes, that may be true, but don't you think that it's a hell of a lot easier to cross over land, than it is to cross oceans. Personally, I hope he does send the National Guard down to the border. After all, Mexicans are not the only ones crossing the border. Don't you think that terrorist from other countries could pay Vicente Fox to look the other way.

Star Spangled Banner in Spanish

English-Original Version

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

...

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Spanish Version Translated into English

Verse 1

The day is breaking, do you see it? In the light of the dawn?

What we so acclaimed at nightfall?

Its stars, its stripes,

flew yesterday

In the fierce battle

in a sign of victory,

The glow of battle, in step with liberty

At night they said: “It’s being defended!”

Chorus:

Oh say!

The voice of your starry beauty

is still unfolding

Over the land of the free

The sacred flag?

Verse 2

Its stars, its stripes,

Freedom, we are equal

We are brothers, in our anthem.

In the fierce combat in a sign of victory

The glow of battle, in step with liberty

My people keep fighting

It’s time to break the chains

At night they said: “It’s being defended!”

Oh say! Your starry beauty is still unfolding.

No, I did not translate that myself, nor did I Google it. Do you see my point? Totally different meaning. The Star Spangled Banner was written after the War of 1812. This Spanish version does not have the same significance or meaning as the original. Sure things change, but we are talking about the history of America, for if these people succeed, the fabric and essence of America and what it stands for will be lost. Us Americans have gotten lazy, it is time for us to stand up and change things, instead of complaining. I'm sick of whiners. Do something with you life. Don't ever expect anything from anybody. What's your say?

These people may scare you with their threatening to quit working the agricultural fields of America, which would make vegetable and fruit prices skyrocket, but I don't care, because I have a garden every year. I'm a country boy, so not much scares me. I'm not scared by these tactics...

Folks, Episode 13 is ready for the masses. I discuss my trip to Ireland, politics, and today's news. I also go into detail about Anonymity, and how nobody has Anonymity on the Internet, or anywhere for that matter. I hope you like this episode. Make sure you listen to the end, for it's damn funny.

Also, I make a correction about my ancestry.

Download Epiisode 13

UPDATE: 13 Days to Go!

Ladies, Gentleman, and World Travelers, should I take my laptop on my trip through Ireland? On one hand, if I take it, then I'll be able to keep in touch and post pictures. On the other hand, I'll have to lug that damn thing all over the freaking place, and who really wants to do that. Now, if I had a smaller notebook, then I wouldn't even think about it, but this bad boy is seven pounds of lead, so I can't figure out what to do. Anyone have a suggestion or a smart ass comment? Both are accepted here. :-)

Yes, to answer your question, that is Linux running on a Dell laptop. I'm down with Linux. I'm a geek/ poet/ author/ lover all wrapped up in one. LOL Seriously, I do love Linux, but I still use windows for some stuff. Never underestimate a southerner, especially one named Jefferson Davis. :-)

Yes, that's right folks, brother Jeb Bush may run for President in 2008. Both George H.W. and George W. Bush support him running in 2008, but he has repeatedly said, "NO". We shall soon find out what his plans are for 2008. Heck, he might get this country straightened out. I thought George senior did a good job, for the four years he was in office. It's only the later Bush that has gave them all a bad name. Personally, I don't hate or dislike any of the Bush's, but I do get steamed when I find out that that family and many others are lining their pockets with Oil/Iraqi money.

The president said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is well-suited for another office and would make "a great president."

"I would like to see Jeb run at some point in time, but I have no idea if that's his intention or not," Bush said in an interview with Florida reporters, according to an account on the St. Petersburg Times Web site.

The president said he had "pushed him fairly hard about what he intends to do," but Jeb has not said.

"I have no idea what he's going to do. I've asked him that question myself. I truly don't think he knows," Bush said.

Jeb Bush, 53, will end his second term as governor in January. His brother George ends his second presidential term in January 2009. Neither can seek re-election because of term limits.

Jeb Bush has repeatedly said he is not going to run in 2008.

But even his own father said no one believes him when he says he's not interested in running at some point. Former President George H.W. Bush told CNN's "Larry King Live" last year that he would like Jeb Bush to run one day and that he would be "awfully good" as president.

What's your say?

CIA chief Porter Goss, quit today under ridicule from pretty much everyone in Washington D.C. He had been on the job for less than two years.

President George W. Bush gave no explanation for the move, which a senior administration official said Bush had been discussing with Goss' boss, national intelligence director John Negroponte, for the last few weeks.

No replacement was named for Goss, who has come under fire inside and outside the agency during a difficult tenure. But an administration official said Negroponte could recommend a successor as early as Monday.

Bush is pursuing a shake-up of his staff in an attempt to present a new face on his team and rebound from sagging poll numbers. He now faces the difficult task of finding a high-profile candidate prepared to take over an agency in turmoil.

The CIA lost clout when it fell under a newly created director of national intelligence as part of reforms in response to intelligence failures over the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

An administration official said tensions between Negroponte and Goss resulted as the new intelligence arm sought to assert itself over the CIA and met opposition from the spy agency.

Mounting tensions came to a boil when Negroponte decided that many counterterrorism analysts from the CIA should be moved to the relatively new National Counterterrorism Center that was created as part of intelligence reforms.

Goss objected because he believed that would erode the CIA's capability, an intelligence official said. "He was standing up for the agency."

How many more of Bush' officials are going to either walk or be fired? I am glad that he is making some changes, he might actually get some people in his cabinet that know how to run Washington. I thought that Collin Powell was a great Secretary of State. Of couse, anybody would be better than Condoleeza Rice.

P.S.: Eighteen Days until I leave for Ireland. Yee Hah!

Folks, I sincerely apologize for not posting lately, but I’ve been extremely busy with school work and my jobs. I have one more final exam left, and then I’m done until the fall. Halleluiah I should have some interested post beginning Tuesday of next week.

Also, I have been walking about five miles a day for the past two months; in fact, I started walking with forty pounds in my backpack and ten pound leg weights on each leg. One mile like that is like five miles of regular walking. It has been fervidly hot around these parts. Yesterday, the temperature almost got into the 90s, which is hot for this time of year.

In addition, I only have 19 days, until I leave for Ireland. Hot Damn!