Send your email to let the President know he has your support! president@whitehouse.gov

Latest pages: http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm

9-19-01
The Whispering* Activist
a.k.a. Martha Jones
MsAtte2ude (MsAtte2ude@aol.com)
If MsA mailbox is full, please use AltMartha (AltMartha@aol.com).

Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that anyone can use to get involved and make a difference.
*No one I know wants to listen to screamers, whiners or crybabies ...

As noted on page copy for first WA mailing, 9-15, publishing is the one sure way (famous last words) I know to preserve records. This was the last e-mail send - no huge attempt made to spit shine here - lots of goodies and a few notes about future publications. Between starting the mailer in the first place, fighting aol at every step (including disappearing address book messages), then converting to pages ... I found a whole new way to make myself crazy. For those who have been pestering me about a newsletter (you know who you are), hope y'all are happy. Ain't gonna happen now, not ever, fer sure, no how, no way, nada, nix, nope. Pages are my natural habitat. We can visit any time, and I don't have to worry about housekeeping. I never do anyway, even so, the state of the crud has gone a tad beyond the beyond.

As I keep up with the latest war support developments, the pieces I usually save for day brighteners such as easy recipes, general time-saver tips, critter highlights and humor will appear here too. Each feature will go toward lightening the load all around. Please send notification requests to SendNewPage@aol.com - still no guarantee that list won't disappear again but, for now, it's the easiest way I can handle. Still best to bookmark and check back for new links every few days. If you lose me, searching for AltMartha on almost any engine will spit out at least one of my pages, or just type TheRealMartha.com (don't need the www.) into browser. Follow index links from there.

One more time, I have no regular publishing plan. Or any idea what all may end up on these pages, including advertising (feel free to ask, I'll make up a price quote). I'm here for the duration.

Disclaimer, such as it is: This arrived because I (or primary recipient) consider(s) you a friend or we have communicated* on another subject. No skin off my nose if you do not want the next send. Hit reply, type no more WA in the subject line. Thank you for helping keep my files clean. If forwarding in part or whole, please include e-mail links above - thanks, your support is most appreciated. If this came as a forward, tell the sender to stop or continue - obviously I have no control there.

*(You may know me as TheRealMartha.com, or from Feeder's Digest Index of Recipes, Bright Spots, Dog's Eye View, hosted by Miss Liberty, ME (Mutt Extraordinaire), Toot - Toot from Buster the Boston, Granny Greetings, Skewed Views, Classy-fieds, Links I like and more, and/or SelectiveSingles.)

Please bear with assorted bugaboos - peddling as fast I can to iron out the system. This is not what I do!

If copying and pasting to send around, I will appreciate corrections (and please notify me) if typos are glaring or vulgar. Certain words tend to appear regularly with letters transposed. Working on setting up pages - once there, I can easily correct for archives. In the meantime, enjoy 'em when ya find 'em. Completely accurate self-proofing is impossible.

This one won't be "long as a well rope" (thanks Sue, love that expression), having a terrible time with freeze-ups even offline. I want my cable modem! (Whined to the tune of "I want my Maypo" - is that stuff still around?). We will be back home in about a week, I hope. Mike works for the FAA. We're in OKC for school, *the* FAA school. Not only is an overall "raw" atmosphere present, the possibility of any Fed. building as a target is somewhat unnerving too. Plus, housing is all FAA. How do we know how far the enemy will go? Students are not mostly newbies, vast stores of experience here too that could easily be eliminated. Feels almost like waiting for an earthquake.

I am still trying to clearly define editorial policy. Priority naturally goes to people I "know" - indeed, several very good friends I respect are those I know only online. Dependable insight is on hand to be presented. I can return edited, for the sake of brevity or duplication, copy for approval, or you can trust my judgment to speed processing. Original, creative, do-something ideas are the main reason I started this effort. Before sending anything, including links, from other lists, please hold off a bit. It will save time all around on those showing up repeatedly. I subscribe to a wide variety of material - doing my best to "cherry pick." A clearly descriptive subject line will be most helpful to avoid opening duplicate sends.

The trouble with words is that you never know whose mouths they've been in."
~ Dennis Potter ~

Absolutely right on - be aware, the 'net is prime for propaganda. Something that looks completely sensible may actually be a plant. That is not paranoia talking. If you have the knowledge to back up any suspicion, forward to the FBI, and tell the source you are doing so. Make it your business to be certain a source is trustworthy before passing anything around, anywhere.

I know that you published information about the Better Homes and Garden "Unity Ribbon." You may want to check this one out as well, http://www.theunityribbon.org/. For some reason though I have found that it does not work with the AOL browser ... but it works fine in Explorer.

I did try it, on aol - no problem for a change. Access may be only a matter of timing.

I sent this earlier as a special quickie, the repeat is for new readers.
You can send any card to help cheer those in hospitals, police, fire fighters, etc. to:

TOWER TRAGEDY
PO BOX 2
ISLAND PARK, NY 11558

Somebody needs to set up a DC address too. I've asked my friends there, or if they know anyone who could. More than a few people are needed to make the effort a smasheroo. Even better, if someone would volunteer to print e-mails for snail or hand distribution - there'd be plenty to go around right away by making copies of the best with graphics, etc. Simple process, pick a greeting, add a message and appropriate art ... print. Ask to use office copier or collect a money to pay a printer and for postage. I have a pretty good blank tag stash and will add a few at a time in future sends, also will put on a page a.s.a.p. The rose below was a special request - as far as I know, it has not circulated, making it unique for now. Please send any of your favorites - only as embedded though, I am not risking any download.

This is also a cool idea for nursing and veterans homes. Taking it a step further, make a greeting jar as a group/class project. Cut small slips of paper, ask everyone to write a personal thought/wish. Think what an excellent distraction from pain reading those notes would be. The jar could then be passed around to other patients, rescue workers, fire fighters and police. Throw in whatever else comes to mind, kids could cut flowers from construction paper or ribbons, add stickers to decorate - a little imagination will go a long way.

I love this one, with "Heard ya zigged when ya shoulda zagged, get well/better quick!"

Send in your ideas for captions and messages. Colleen, editor, HBCB Graphics, who sent the copy below of her letter to the President, is responsible for the following captions. The pic was intended for another greeting card page, I had to use it here ... a much needed howl for all. I still don't have an answer from the person who sent the blank about credit. Please let me know if you do. And if you do nothing else with this send, save and print the pic to post just about anywhere or circulate by E.

To the confused do-gooders sure to have their underwear in a bundle, sniveling exploitation: Get a life! To semi-quote a Maxine 'toon, "Don't bug me until you've kicked butt in my shoes." (Maxine said don't judge.)



Also have as: Bed & Breakfast - A Dog's Life

Mr. President:

I can only imagine how difficult the decisions that you, and all of our leaders, are now facing. I have three sons and one nephew who are of draft age. If it comes down to that please know that while I will be a scared mom/aunt - I will be a mom/aunt proud to give her sons and nephew to her country.

God Bless you, Vice President Cheney, your families and all of our leaders.

Colleen Rech, crech43@aol.com (Crech43 is HBCB subscribe address, ask for a sample copy. American graphics offered are outstanding - anyone can use in e-mail.)

Government Guide: Express Write the President, congress, the Mayor of NY, and almost anyone else involved, including fire fighters and rescue workers.

September 11 - Journalists' Resources: http://www.mediamap.com/Sept11.asp - Incredible info collection, can't imagine what could be missing.

Update: It is with great sadness that I say that I must join the ranks in protecting our soldiers and will no longer send Any Soldier addresses. You will still receive your soldier as I get to your name on the list, however I must ask that all mail to Any Soldier must cease. The post office has said all Any Soldier APOs are being closed and mail will be returned. I know this is sad, but we must comply with the post office. So please just hang in there until you get your soldier.  

Germany:
Any Soldier
APO AE 09096

Germany:
Any Soldier
APO AE 09139

For Europe & South West Asia
Any Service Member
APO AE 09135

For the Far East:
Any Service Member
APO AP 96285

Mediterranean Basin:
Any Service Member
FPO AE 09646

For the Pacific Basin:
Any Service Member
FPO AP 96385

Many of you are very excited about sending care packages. I think that is wonderful. I personally, however would save that special treat for when you get your own soldier. But that is totally your decision. Here is a list of ideas:

Home baked goodies!! (I remember sending goodies to my uncles, and the guys fighting over them!! they like their sweets!)
Stationary, notebooks, note paper, envelopes, pens (this encourages them to write)
Packets of hot cocoa or instant coffee (it gets very cold at night especially in the desert)
Local Newspapers (it is very hard to get stateside news when deployed
Pictures (if you are comfortable with this) let them know what you and your family look like
Decks of cards (they gotta have something to do on guard duty hehehehe)
Hand warmers (you can get these at camping supply stores - crushing activates them to stay warm for hours!)
magazines
books
long johns
deodorant
shampoo
soap
lotion
sunscreen
chapstick

Just a reminder ... this is not a dating service so if you are looking for love, well like the song says, "You're lookin' for love in all the wrong places," and this is one of them. This is for military support.

Reminder, their is a now a support group for military families. Please contact Lori at this link for the group invitation. Support For Military Families

Also, there is a wonderful woman in this group working on setting up a chat room.  As soon as she is ready and creates a room I will share the link. This will be a place for you to discuss ideas, letters, what to write, etc. That way you can help each other with ideas.

I knew this was a great idea - happy to support it anyway I can. When one of my brothers was in Vietnam, several friends got together to write, including the other guys in his unit. We all had a great time sharing our letters, and my brother says he and the others will always remember it.

I know, ain't nobody happy if mama ain't happy. This is me, can't say I've ever worked on anything this important but I always overdo. Part Scorp thing, part who knows. My other muttly selves are a big help :) Actually, I'm the mutt, "they" have their own separate functions. Think they're the ones taking naps. Speaking of mutts, tell me whatcha think about little ditty at the end (of last send) about Buster - couldn't help it - all true too. OOOps, forgot to put the part about needing notes to remember if I fed him. He lies a lot!

Just put a thing in about planning for displaced pets right now. Yesterday, as nicely a possible, well OK, I called it crap - someone, along with a perfectly good list of evacuation suggestions, said leave the critters to fend for themselves, natural predators. "What if we run out of food for the baby ... ." What I shoulda said was, what if you turn into food when hungry, frightened scavengers form packs. I will repeat: people who do not consider a pet as part of the family do not deserve them. They need to turn them over to shelters now, humane euthanization is far preferable to an unknown, probably gruesome fate.

I'm lucky that way ... with just the one, Beau can TRY to lie about whether or not he's eaten, but he's not fooling anybody!

LOL, Buster is the only dog in the family, by muttly selves, I meant my own. I haven't actually been diagnosed ya see, certainly it's a handy, "Oh you must have talking to one of my other personalities." I'm (we're) bad, have slapped us :)

Gee, and I thought being a Gemini was confusing! Thanks for the chuckles, every one counts these days.

Most welcome, I may just throw our conversation in for the rest to enjoy :) Now the question is, if a Gemini is already a split personality, do you have twin other selves? That'll give ya something to think on!

Warning: PG rating ahead. He did, and sent his own joke, "What do you call two Geminis in bed together?" Add it up and add the word some. There now, a little distraction for you too. How thoughtful of me ... seemed like several people had their minds same-elsewhere.

From the next E down the line, "The s*x was so good, even the neighbors had a cigarette." Hmmm, maybe y'all better be careful, we're s'posed to be getting to know our neighbors ... oh chill! I promise there will be more.

Coming soon: easy recipes, from my rather huge collection and others - that is what I do. It so happens I had a new book started, zipping right along as a matter of fact. Got the idea when I realized most students have to fend for themselves, as do the near and dears they left behind. I have to come with Mike if a class lasts longer than a week (far more entertaining ways to spend the money he would waste eating out). So what the hell, things will calm down, more time for testing. No matter what is happening at home or anywhere, we all gotta eat, somebody has to cook. It was one "normal" thing to do at first, as previously noted in queen of kitchen calamity mode.

It's no fun lugging groceries back and forth, or certain bare necessities. Equipment provided is, at best, pathetic. The culinarily inept truly need a running start to get anywhere. Even though, based on numerous less than perfect conditions due to a variety of LTP circumstance, I am pretty sure I could come up with something edible if only a hot rock was handy. Still haven't poisoned anyone, and somewhere along the way managed to hone the fine art of can-ivorism. Can-ivores use cans and otherwise conveniently packaged ingredients. It's all been valuable practice for coping with current challenges. I have always made my own no BS, emphasis on non PC, KISS (keep it simple sweetheart) path - no time like the present to put it all together.

Tell me what you're doing, shortcuts you've developed and so on. I'll send you a free book if I publish your contribution. It'll be a while before it's ready, however, I do have the start up difficulties tended to and most of the recipes are just scaled down, altogether easier than my usual. Depending on which way the wind blows ... might be done sooner than expected. I'm a hint junkie too, all kinds, free book offer goes for NOOMs (new ones on me) too.

As I recently told Marisa, K9WebWorld@aol.com ... animals are my first priority, if I can make life easier for their caretakers, cool.

I love hearing from the members, and the idea of the ribbons on dog collars is a good one ... my dogs are sporting red, white and blue collars right now. <smile> I, too, have been encouraged that showing the incredible attributes and willingness to serve of our dogs is highlighted by this horrific disaster ... I'm looking for bright spots to hold onto, and this is one of the few I've been able to find. As for the comment about various religions and who any individual may pray to ... I'd like for everyone to remember that America was founded on freedom of religion ... not everyone is Christian, but that doesn't mean that they aren't loving, faithful people who still believe in God, just perhaps under another name. It sickens me that Muslim Americans and those of Middle Eastern descent are coming under attack for no other reason than that they come from the same part of the world as a group of terrorists. I'm a white American ... nobody targeted me when McVey, another white American, blew up the building in Oklahoma City. America is a country of diversity, and our strength is in that diversity, I believe ... a place where it's OK to be Christian, Wiccan, Muslim or other ... and where it's ok to have skin of white, brown, red, black, yellow and all shades in between. Gone to the dogs ... Marisa

I had asked about her reference to "any face of the All" after this mail, K9WebWorld & K9WebWorld Graphics lists are suspending mailings for the rest of the week, while we mourn the devastation to our country, and go about the business of healing. It's much more important that we spend time hugging those we love, and praying for the safety of those who have not yet been heard from. Whether you pray to Jesus, to the Goddess, to Allah or to any other face of The All, may you find solace in your prayers in these days ahead, and may you and your loved ones be safe and whole. Don't forget to hug your pets ... they feel your pain, too.

A few weeks ago I borrowed an Indian legend published in K9WebWorld for the Firecracker Dog page. The First Man, First Woman and First Dog legend applied directly to animal abuse and is an even more appropriate lesson for today. People must respect all life. Those who don't create pain. Children must be taught that respect, very early. Note to regular readers, you will find a few new additions if you haven't checked progress lately. Also know, I have not given up, and I need and appreciate your help now more than ever. I hope new readers will also become involved. http://www.therealmartha.com/FirecrackerDog/index.htm

I recently read another broken record against, "Animal rights activists ... who spend considerable time and money yapping ... do these do-gooders realize that there are sixteen million homeless people in this once great country? Do they realize ... American kids go to bed hungry every night? And that one out of five Americans can't read? Get a grip folks. Pushing for rights is a noble thing to do but let's get our rights in the right order."

No sh*t Sherlock - this is news? Get a real clue, take the energy you spend blabbering and look at the connection. Every person I know working for animals has child welfare well in mind. (Several people thought that was addressed to me. Noticed it in another publication - hit the usual nerve - I answered it for general enlightenment.

Just realized some of the material below may be duplications, it did get hairy saving the last send - in any case, all well worth repeating.

This site will send a fireman, policeman or angel bear to children who lost a parent in NYC free of charge. You get to add a message to the bears they send out. It's a great contribution to the children who are grieving the loss of a parent. Click here: The Vermont Teddy Bear Company® Virtual Bear-Gram® Cards: Kids

From the American friend living in Canada I told you about last send. The Hand Me Down Haven stands ready to help, all of the children/families made homeless by the bombings, need clothing donations sent to us at Rural Route 2, Desboro, ON. CA. N0H-1K0

Looking more for clothing than cash, but cash could aid in shipping costs, or be used to buy stuff like socks and underwear. Checks would have to be made out in my name, Jill Podell. I don't have a special account yet for HMDH. I've bullied family members in NY and NJ (all within one hour of NYC) to help with the delivery of items, once we get them packed, sorted by size, etc. A local truck rental dealer is giving me a break, if I need, to haul it all down there. Anyone with people needing clothes, send their sizes, and other info, mail goes to hmdh@post.com

Still trying to fix up site, but still same problems I've had for the past three months, getting a helper though. The kids are pumped up to do this, they have classmates going through their closets.

This is a way for kids to get involved. Jill started the project several years before moving to Canada. She is still not back up to top speed, but getting there. There are warnings all over about checking all charities, as well there need be. You can feel confident if you decide to send money, it will be used properly. Jill is a single mom. She is not wealthy, she's never told me why she does this. I do know she has accomplished a lot. Feel free to ask any questions at above E address. Working page: http://hometown.aol.com/jempodell/myhomepage/index.html

From a dog group list post: Have heard from two handlers who both said it was like working in Beirut or Hiroshima. Both dogs were working well, making finds, and being decontaminated at the end of each day. I assumed that meant washing them thoroughly to remove some of the grime/dust and stench from the work area. They said it was hard going for the handlers, but the dogs seemed to be getting around better than the humans were. The rubble pile is pretty unstable for handlers, kinder to the dogs. One of those teams is already out of there, but the Colorado team was still working.

Four days later pets being rescued: http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/16/rec.pet.rescues/   CNN story

Click here: The World Mourns
http://home.covad.net/~georgelsjr/Tribute/world_mourns_1.htm 

A World United Through Terrorism
http://suzywoo2.homestead.com/HonorWTC.html

Go here to print your own flag, download images of the flag for wallpaper or check out the other ones listed ... some are VERY nice :) Even songs to d/load & screensavers! http://www.imagesoft.net/uspatriotic.html
United States - USA Patriotic Page - Flag, Anthem, Songs

A Cop on the Take

First he takes ... the oath.

Now look at what else he takes:

He takes ... it in stride when people call him pig.
He takes ... his lousy pay check realizing he'll never be rich.
He takes ... a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support his family.
He takes ... time to stop and talk to children.
He takes ... your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.
He takes ... on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes ... time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes ... your injured child to the hospital.
He takes ... the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes ... his life into his hands daily.
He takes ... you home when your car breaks down.
He takes ... time to explain why both your headlights have to work.
He takes ... the job no one else wants - telling you a loved one has died.
He takes ... criminals to jail.
He takes ... in sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.
 
He takes ... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even  one day.
He takes ... time to explain to his family why he can't make the ball game his child is in and why he has to work on the holiday when other parents are off.
 
Sometimes, he takes a bullet.

And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.
If he is lucky, he takes retirement.
author unknown

I will be including the above in e-mail to a friend's son who lost a friend from the police academy to "normal" senseless violence two night ago. I'm still working on the note, condolences are not my best thing. If you find any words you'd like to use, please do. Just as I printed another friend's letter to the President, I'll make room for examples and suggestions for any of the messages we all need right now.

I am sorry for you for your pain. No civilian can understand the heart and courage it takes to serve the public. One consideration is the hope that heightened security measures will help to root out home grown vermin too.

Surely there is a better beyond for those who lose their lives protecting others. Somehow, I know you won't take offense at the following. It eased my pain after losing a soul very important to me. Wisdom is found often in unexpected settings.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me - I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Shane grew up to be a public servant. Even though Belker was old, Shane understood in his own way, the good die young. Find the entire article, Just my Dog - a must read, including more examples of appreciation that (s)he's not just a dog. http://www.therealmartha.com/justmydog/index.htm

If You Can

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without  resentment, If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you sleep without the aid of drugs ...
you are probably the family dog.

I also like the ending from the first version I saw a long time ago, "Then my friend, you are almost as good as your dog."

I think this completes the mail copies, no telling what I still may find floating around - stay tuned! On to the new ... which will be linked here as soon as page happens.

Thanks for your patience and support, all suggestions are welcome.

Please submit this link to any of your subscriptions. Feel free to write your own comment to accompany or use: "The Whispering Activist" a.k.a. Martha Jones - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load; includes links, household tips, easy recipes and a little humor along the way. Animal issues also addressed, they know something isn't right, try to be tuned in and extra attentive to their feelings. The WA effort is intended to help us all cope. As we get back to "normal," so will our best friends. http://www.therealmartha.com/WAwelcomeintro/index.htm

Some people are working backstage, some are
playing in the orchestra, some are on stage singing,
some are in the audience as critics and some are
there to applaud. Know who and where you are.

MsAtte2ude@aol.com or if that mailbox is full AltMartha@aol.com

Martha Jones, 11469 Olive Blvd. #236, St. Louis, MO 63141

http://www.therealmartha.com/flagmore/index.htm
THE Flag and more
http://www.therealmartha.com/WhisperActive/index.htm
9-15 (copy of first mailer)
http://www.therealmartha.com/WA%209-17%20both/index.htm
(as is w/%20s) WA 9-17
http://www.therealmartha.com/WANews/index.htm
Damage Control
http://www.therealmartha.com/WADamageContrl/index.htm
News vs. Facts
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAmixed/index.htm
A mixed bag