And then I'm done with it (I think...)

So what's the antithesis of Pastor Smith's honest assessment that the "king of pop is now bowing to the King of Kings"? It absolutely has to be Al Sharpton's statement at the memorial that was directed to Michael's three children: "Kids, wuhn't nuthin' strange about yo daddy!" Sir, I beg to differ...

Exhibit A:

(This is a photo from the raid on Neverland Ranch in 2003. TMZ.com posted about 50 official photos from the Sheriff's Department and there were many more of these strange childlike mannequins in other photos. All were fully dressed and lounging about in a filthy, cluttered room. Note the ornate gold [probably 24K] chair.)

Exhibit B:

(PS: "Blanket," that's you, honey. Smile! You're hanging from a 5th-story balcony with nothing but a throng of paparazzi to break your fall!)

Exhibit C:

(The first picture is MJ in his early teen years while the bottom is a mugshot from the year 2003, approximately 30 years later. For the record, Jackson said he simply "matured" and only underwent two nose surgeries.)

Now it's a shame that I'm somehow a racist if I think Michael Jackson was a freakshow. That's why I'm going to report and you can decide. But I will say that there's no way anyone with an IQ over 50 can deduce that Michael Jackson was one of the world's greatest humanitarian and a bastion of normalcy who was simply the victim of the white man's negative press. I won't even go into Quincy Jones' statement that Jackson "obviously didn't want to be black" because honestly I don't care about any of it! Seriously, I couldn't care less about his racial aspirations. However, I would pedal a bike to Encino CA tomorrow if I'd have a chance to tell his children face-to-face that they don't have to be defined by their daddy's choices. They have the privilege of remembering only the wonderful characteristics of their father while disregarding all the bizarre and queer behavior that seemed to engulf him in the end. They don't have to go into The Biz (no matter WHAT your Grandpa Joe or Uncle Jermaine may say!) or remain a pawn for their gold-digging, egg donor mother. Ultimately, they can eventually fade into the background if they so choose as I think this too shall pass. Most of all, I pray they know that they are loved very much by a Heavenly Father who can literally move mountains to give them a hope and a future. So to Prince, Paris, and Blanket I say, "Call me." (Or at the very least email me at stephsotherspace@gmail.com and I'll send you my number.)

A bone, to you from me

I know it's been a while (late April to be exact) since I last posted and I will brief you on the situations that led to my absence at a later date (let's aim for mid-June, 'kay?) but I just had to take this opportunity to post one of my all-time favorite pics. In fact, I aspire to own a high-quality print of this very photo to hang in my house someday (because not everything that hangs in my house has to be a Daniel Moore...not that there's anything wrong with that):

Is that not an absolutely fantastic picture that says so much more than words ever could? I was only about 10 years old at the time but the image has stuck with me for, oh, about the last 20 years. It's definitely a dead-heat between this photo for my all-time favorite non-family photo:

I do have a print out of this one but have never found the appropriate place to hang it. I'm sure I will someday. I might have to give the edge to the "Tank Man" since that happened in my lifetime, as much as I would actually like to imagine that I'm really from the WWII era. (Truly The Greatest American Generation EVER. Wellllll, the pilgrims were as tough as nails too. ) Anywhoo, I knew June 5th would be a very busy day for me so I couldn't wait until the actual 20th anniversary of that photo to post it here so enjoy it a day in advance. Plus, I didn't want to steal any thunder from my sister's anniversary. :)

Okay--seriously-- it looks like mid-June before I post again but hopefully we already keep up with each other on facebook. If not, request that I be your friend and I'll consider it. In the meantime, if you're looking for stuff to read... try this. Or this. Or this. Or maybe even this. And don't forget to keep up with all my virtual buddies over on the sidebar ----->

After that, you're on your own.

'Til we meet again...

Hey, what's the big idea?!?!

Based on our actions (or lack thereof), you'd think we're dealing with the friggin' Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. For anyone who ever thought Dubya was a warmonger, be very (and I mean very) happy I'm not Commander in Chief. I woulda blasted these terrorists back to the African coast 3 1/2 days ago and then invaded Somalia to clean up the rest of the country. Finally I'd stand on top of the nearest sand dune and shout "King Kong ain't got nuthin' on me!!!!" while challenging the rest of these demon-possessed warlords of Africa to Bring. It. On. But that's just me.

It ain't braggin' if you can do it...

I hope all who search the internet looking for info on the south Alabama shootings near Samson and Geneva will eventually run across this story. I have more to say on the matter but I'm not in the blogging mood lately. I'll be back sometime soon, God willing.

What's black and blue with horns and an obvious traumatic brain injury affecting her judgment?

Apparently Rihanna. Girl, you're worth way more than this. Don't ever forget it.

Did I miss my calling?

Because I know that I know that I know I would've sought and secured the death penalty for this depraved couple. And not necessarily because I'm that good but because they are that bad (egregiously so) and if for no other reason than this trial is in Texas for crying out loud... I hear they still hang 'em at sunset out there. Good thing The Father sees and knows all. Me thinks He won't take too kindly to what these scumbags did if they don't repent.

Gag indeed...

... This makes me want to throw up. Obama is nothing if not an astute politician.

You lookin' at me???

Are you waiting for me to comment on today's historic events? Well, it is historic no matter your views on the candidate (read: don't listen to Rush Limbaugh...ever!) as it's only the 44th President in this country's history. That said, today is not the day to wax poetically about the future of our country. I'm sincerely happy that people perceive today as a huge step forward in the ongoing civil rights movement but I won't deny I'd much (much!) rather see the likes of Condoleeza Rice, Alan Keyes, or perhaps even Montgomery's own native son Artur Davis taking that oath today. I too have a dream that one day all people (political candidates most definitely included) will be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. So I guess that's it for me today (and for who knows how long because it's a never-ending job being a mom!) Bless God America and may God be with President Obama as well as his fellow Americans.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1

I was afraid this was going to happen...

I know a lot of people were a little more at ease with President-Elect Obama after his choice of Rick Warren for the invocation at the inauguration. Unfortunately, I figured something like this would eventually happen. Now I'm not giving up on Barack Obama and his ability to lead our country in a positive direction (nor am I saying "I told ya so") but I am quite concerned about Obama's propensity for easily being led astray. And just for the record, what I find offensive about Gene Robinson from that article has nothing to do with his sexuality... it's his flippant attitude towards God's word. I'm not sure what version he reads, but I've never ever come across a Bible that paints God or His plan for our lives as "happy, clappy."

PS: Dear Mr. Robinson, please go about your business doing as you please and so long as you're not breaking any laws or imposing your will on me or my family, I'll gladly (no pun intended) let you be. However, I'd like to respectfully request that you stop calling yourself a Christian. You're not so I'll continue to call you out whenever and wherever I can if you continue to do so. Have a happy, clappy day!

So much for life without parole...

How much you wanna bet the prosecutors in this case will rethink seeking the death penalty? It's times like this that I have a strong (yet fleeting) desire to spend the remainder of my life toiling away as a DA. Alas, I just have to take comfort in knowing Caylee is going to have her bestest Christmas yet while her monster of a mother rots in jail. Good riddance, Casey...

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8

Nosedive

Stocks plummeting, people panicking... and I'm not even talking about football (for once!) Nope, not this week in honor of the bye week for my beloved Crimson Tide. In fact, it's a bye week here at Steph's Other Space. Busy, busy times. Ugh.

Alas, I couldn't see the Dow dips almost 700 points (again!) without making some sort of quasi-statement here. First of all, I'm glad I'm broke (relatively speaking anyway) as the fluctuations don't mean that much to you when you have so very little invested in the market anyway. But I know there are lots and lots out there whose stomachs are in knots as they watch the ole ticker everyday just to see their hard-earned pennies melt away. I have no good advice whatsoever (I mean, shifting all your assets into gold would have been genius a few weeks ago but that's too little, too late now!) so I thought I'd refer you to my favorite financial handbook to see what it says. Hang in there, folks! God watches o'er His own.

Jesus said "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

Thanks for EVERYTHING Johnny...

Hey y'all... luckily my blog is back up and running but unfortunately I have some really sad news. Gene Stallings' son John Mark (seriously, don't ask "who's Gene Stallings?") passed away today in Texas. I loved* that guy (*from afar-- I guess it was more like a real, sincere admiration) and remember seeing him working hard at the Bryant Museum. I'm extremely proud of the Crimson nation (a rarity these days!) because we all loved him, I mean really loved and appreciated him. They just don't "make 'em" like the Stallings family anymore and that's a real tragedy. Here's a great link and another one here. I'll post more links here as they become available but until then, here's a statement from our AD Mal Moore. I thought it best encapsulated all our sentiments:

"I've known John Mark Stallings his entire life," said Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore in a statement this morning. "I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Coach Stallings, Ruth Ann and the entire Stallings family. For someone who never played or coached a game, I think John Mark may have touched more Alabama fans than any other person ever did."I would like to thank the Stallings family for sharing their love for John Mark with all of us."

Country roads, take me home...

Hey Dick, I thought it was funny (and I can say that as an Alabama fan.) Wow, I don't think he caught as much flack when he shot that dude in the face.

Birthday Buddies

My dear friend Stacie welcomed her second daughter, Miss Lily, into this world yesterday so now her and Crabman can be birthday buddies. Congrats to Stacie, Pat, and their entire family.

Comforting, I know...

I guess all those economic stimulus checks have been put to good use. Between that article and the economy, I'm feeling real good about the future of our country. How 'bout you?

So easy a caveman could do it?

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT making light of the Madeleine McCann situation. Having my child kidnapped is my absolute worst nightmare (well, actually them rejecting Jesus is my worst nightmare but this is definitely second runner-up.) Madeleine's situation is tragic any which way you cut it. However, it's hard for me to not take a jab at her parents, who at the very least, left their children (ages 3 and under!) unattended in a resort villa that offered babysitting services just so they could enjoy a quiet meal with their friends. Anyway, if you haven't already slammed your laptop closed in disgust... read the article below. I have appropriately re-titled it:

I paid The Metodo 3 Agency $74,000+ A Month To Find My Child and All I Got Was This Lousy Sketch Art

Condi for Pres (or at least VP... hop to it, McCain!)

The only reason this wasn't posted sooner is I didn't have the time to find it online but mad props to my dad for emailing with this link. He didn't even know I was looking for it but you know great minds think alike! Love ya Condi, mean it!

PS: I have a truckload of links I want to eventually post here about all sorts of things (you know, random things) but I think this is our busiest time of year. And judging by the amount of posts (read: lack thereof) on other people's blogs, it's busy for everyone else too. Just a random tidbit til we meet again, it sleeted here in Bama yesterday afternoon. Ca-razy.

Not surprised...

I believe one of Plumberboy's relatives owes me dinner from back in mid-January when I bet her McCain would be the Repub nominee. Too bad I'd have to go to New Hampshire to collect.

PS: NBC News scared me when they broke into Access Hollywood (or whatever tabloid show was on in the background) to announce this news. I thought Buckwheat had been shot or something. ("Hey Mr. Wheat!")

One last thing...

Sad news from within The Crimson Nation today (actually yesterday.) You can read more about Meg here and here. Fear not, she may have lost the battle but I think she probably won the war. Thanks for representing, Meg!

For what it's worth...

This story is just unbelievable. N-to-tha-asty. Though not as nasty as this. (Well, it's a toss up...Bon appetit! )

Other highlights from today: John E is out. Rudy is out too and he likes John M. Discuss.