MerrinDonahue.com

It’s not just liberals crying over today’s ruling. Any time the government decides that it’s OK to “sneak a peek” at the lives of ordinary citizens, somebody has to speak up. Let’s get something straight: I DO NOT disagree with the theory that we should do everything within our power to make sure that a tragedy like 9/11 does not happen again. The problem lies with the right-wing whack job who will undoubtedly take today’s decision as a license to tap the phones of the kid who used to beat him up on the playground. Make no mistake: That WILL happen. Power is seductive, and often abused. I’m not the left-wing, Big-Brother-is-watching, paranoia-inducing Democrat. I just think that there is a much BIGGER issue at stake here: Every flood starts as one drop of rain. The floodgates flew open today when Uncle Sam got the go-ahead to check my email. I fully understand that there is no Constitutional right which guarantees privacy (go ahead and check…there isn’t (it’s a common misconception that the 4th Ammendment is the Right to Privacy, but it’s not, so don’t send hate mail). I learned this for certain while I was busy being under-educated in my Constitutional Law class at Austin College, the school for people too smart to go to UT). Listen to what Judge Royce Lamberth has to say:

” Justice Department officials had frequently misled the court by claiming they were seeking wiretap authorization for intelligence gathering but had been deceptive in that they were trying to obtain a wiretap for a criminal investigation.”

Judge Lambert, by the way, was appointed during the Reagan Administration to the bench of FISA, and ruled against Democratic interests several times. Here’s one example. He resigned his post when liberties (including his own) started getting flushed.
If used as originally intended, there is no problem defending the U.S. against foregin agents with ties to terrorism by means of “sharing information obtained by wiretaps”. But you and I both know it won’t stop here. As a society, we’re famous for witch hunts, and this will no doubt prove to be the biggest in our history. Ever hear of Pandora’s Box? Well, we just flung it open.

Apparently, naked Slip-n-Slide is the way to inspire peace. You gotta hand it to these ladies–this was certainly one creative way to go about protesting the imminent war in Iraq. Hey, anything that involves “a lot of squealing and giggling and whooping and hollering” should be taken really seriously. Make love, not war. Don’t get me wrong: I agree with the message, just not the delivery.

So they’re getting Chrissy some help. I for one think it’s about time, what with the sqaushing of the dog and all. The fact that he beat the crap out of Ade is a pretty good reason, too. Never disrespect your mother! And poor AJ! How much would it suck to be dragged along on your mother’s prurient escapades? If Furio looked any more forlorn, I would have started crying. Send in the sad clowns for Tony…The poor guy can only feel pity for animals. With only 3 episodes left to go, one can only wonder about Paulie’s intentions. Surely, the image of himself as Napoleon is foreshadowing….

Or at least to the Ice Palace. Hot Damn! We’re off to Tampa to see Buffett. How cool are my husband and my father-in-law? Best of all, the WHOLE FAMILY is going! We can’t wait to see y’all in February! Now if we could just unload the extra 12 tickets….

An eight-foot condom.

So Kevin said, “Why don’t you post your answers?” Thanks to Mom for the original email! Here are my responses:

1. LIVING ARRANGEMENT?
I live with my husband and three wonderful dogs, who quite frequently share our bed.

2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
You mean which FOUR? Chesapeake Blue, Devil in the White City, Prey, and Digital Fortress.

3. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I don’t have one; I use an optical mouse.

4. FAVORITE CARD GAMES?
Spades, Hearts, with the occasional game of Asshole thrown in for fun.

5. Favorite magazines?
Maxim, Cook’s Illustrated, Martha Stewart Living (I’m a masochist), and Conde Nast Travel.

6. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Roast Beef, garlic and butter sauteeing together, Eternity for Men

6b. LEAST FAVORITE SMELLS?
People who don’t use deodorant.

7. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
My favorite songs, my husband’s voice, and friends laughing.

8. WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
When I say or do something in the heat of the moment that I can’t take back.

9. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP?
Snooze, dammit!

10. FAVORITE COLORS?
Black for clothes and green for everything else.

11. HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE?
Depends on how long it takes me to find the phone.

12. FUTURE CHILD’S NAME?
Emerson Grace, for a girl, and possibly Colin Brian for a boy.

13. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE?
Duh: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.” (See answer to #28).

14. FAVORITE FOODS?
Mexican and anything my mom cooks.

15. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate. You mean there are other flavors?

16. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST?
Yes, but only on the freeway; never in residential areas.

17. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
Kind of; I have a body pillow, but I still have Flopsy Bunny from when I was little. (Note to Mom: she needs her ear fixed again!)

18. STORMS -
Love ‘em.

19. WHAT TYPE WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
Plymouth Acclaim.

20. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE?
Don Henley. Those of you who know me, know why. I am going to marry him.

21. FAVORITE DRINK?
Tie: Coor’s Light and Dr. Pepper

22. WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?
Gemini.

23. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI?
Yes, but I don’t eat the flowers.

24. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB YOU WANTED WHAT
WOULD IT BE?
Homemaker, but slave to Barnes and Noble is not bad, at least until I can find time to write.

25. IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR?
Thanks to my good genes, I’ll never change my hair color. It’s one of the only things I truly LOVE about myself.

26. EVER BEEN IN LOVE?
Yes, and I still am.

27. IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?
Depends on how hard it’s raining, but usually half-full or just right.

28. FAVORITE MOVIE?
Tie: Moulin Rouge and Beauty and the Beast. See response to #22.

29. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT
KEYS?
Yes, but I often have trouble reaching the “z”

30. WHAT’S UNDER YOUR BED?
Two storage bins filled with books, and at night, Abby the cocker spaniel.

31. FAVORITE NUMBER?
7

32. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
Boxing, especially Lennox Lewis or Oscar de la Hoya.

33. IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A fish or a bird, depending on the necessary perspective.

Yay! My favorite Muppet is getting his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As someone whose cell phone ringer is the theme song to the Muppet Show, I speak with some authority on the subject when I say that Kermit is an inspiration to all human- (and frog)kind. It makes me want to listen to the Electric Mayhem and leave the swamp to pursue a career in the movies.

Logically, I know that I went into work for 5 hours on Sunday–my day off–so I know I shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving work at noon today, but I can’t help it. It feels so…wrong! At least Kev is cutting out early, too, so at least I have a partner in crime. Meanwhile, I’ll be mentally preparing myself for tomorrow’s premiere of Harry Potter. Hooray!

Okay, let’s get something straight: If you’re going to steal champagne, at least make it someting decent. Really, White Star?!? I realize that my snobbery is rearing its ugly head, but life is too short to drink crappy champagne. And I should know; the champagne-fest that is Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and my family never misses the chance to get loaded on really good bubbles. Even Kevin gets in the spirit (no pun intended) of things, seeing as it’s the only day of the year that he drinks to excess. Hmmmmm. I think I have to go to the liquor store now.

Or, how crazy are we? So Kev gets an email from his dad that Buffet is playing in Tampa on February 8, and so he has decided that we are going to figure out a way to go. Tickets go on sale Saturday, so if we can finagle the numbers to afford it, we’re there. Are we true fans, or what?

Here’s a little nugget to brighten your day. Looks like maybe he was auditioning for Santa’s job… By the way, this happened in my neck of the woods. Who are the people in your neighborhood?

WARNING!!!! WARNING!!!! WARNING!!!! WARNING!!!!
Do not read this if you have not already watched last night’s episode of the Sopranos.
Thank God Tony finally did something about that punk Ralphie. I took an informal poll today, and the general consensus was that Ralph, indeed, would not last the season. But the big shocker is that Tony himself was responsible for whacking the freak. Most of us (me included) thought that Paulie was going to get the glory on that job. Either way, I’m glad it finally happened, and now I can’t wait to see what happens as a result! Now if they’d just get Carm and Furio together at last….

After watching the Sopranos, I’m now convinced that I, too need nails as long as Valentina’s, complete with jeweled tips. The only other thing I have to say about last week’s episode is: You go, Carmella. I only wish that you’d flown to Naples to be with Furio!

And I haven’t even watched last week’s episode yet! No matter, what with the power of Tivo. I’ll be sure to throw in my 2 cents worth either tonight or tomorrow (or would it be 4 cents worth—2 per episode?). Thank God for Tony and the gang!
On another note, big thanks to Gianna for swinging by this morning, bright and early, and entertaining the crew. There simply are no words to describe how cool you are.

I really am married to the most wonderful man in the world. Here’s the skinny on just exactly what Kevin did this week to make my life easier: He procured (in some cases, even cooked) dinner every night this week. He vacuumed the entire house today, even my office. He did the dishes. He did his own laundry. He said (while at the grocery store!) “Make it however you like; it’s your kitchen” (this is, by the way, the first time in eight years he has conceded that little point). He bought bones for the dogs. He did some Christmas shopping. All of this on top of being incredibly supportive of my desire for sleep. You rock, Kev. Thanks.