I would rather be gardening in my yard than anywhere else. The only exception would be if I were in Tuscany drinking a limoncello at a table next to an olive tree. I realize not all of you share my fondness for gardens, but I know most of you share my love for food.

Which is why this post is about honeybees. They pollinate 90 percent of all American crops, most yellow and blue flowers, berries, apples, watermelons, citrus, mums, crocuses, dahlias, and tomatoes. A partial list of bee pollinated plants can be found here. Our honeybees are dying. There are less than 5% of our feral colonies left due to loss of natural habitat, and beekeepers are currently battling with a deadly mite that is killing our domesticated bees at the rate of 85%.

Now I don’t particularly care for honey, except when it’s in baklava. But a life without limoncello is not worth living. Or wine for that matter.

Yesterday, I planted some purple Bee Balm and Lemon Verbena. I’ve dedicated a space in my backyard to the honeysuckle and the clover, and allowed it to run rampant. I never have used pesticides or fertilizers because of pets. I hate to mow the lawn, but now I’ve learned it’s good for the bees, I’ll be mowing only when the grass is above my ankles.

Hope the bees come back.

Posted by Susan in General at 12:25 PM PDT

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Last year’s Oscar win for this song means Three 6 Mafia has one Oscar, and Martin Scorsese has none.

Raging Bull. Taxi Driver. (You talkin’ to me?) Good Fellas. The Age of Innocence. He deserved an Oscar for any one of these films. Instead, he’ll probably win this year for The Departed. A good film, but not in the same class as Taxi Driver. Personally, I can’t wait to see his acceptance speech. Scorsese’s rapid fire delivery ought to make for good TV, and that rarity in Oscar-land, a short acceptance speech. Plus, it will be a nice break from Helen Mirren and the Dreamgirls juggernaut.

Helen Mirren is such a lock for The Queen, bookies in England have stopped taking bets already. The Academy does love a good British accent, after all. Judi Dench was brilliant in Notes on a Scandal, and Meryl was marvelous in Devil Wears Prada, but they get nominated every year. I understand Dame Judy isn’t even attending this year’s Oscar ceremony, pleading a heavy shooting schedule. Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet will look beautiful on the red carpet, as usual, but both of them are long shots to take the golden boy home. And besides, Angelina’s already had his baby.

Lawrence of Arabia. The Lion in Winter. My Favorite Year. Venus. In short, the sublime Peter O’Toole. In his youth, a serious contender for most beautiful man on the planet, and a fabulous actor. As well as a talented drinker. Unfortunately, due to his previous scorn of the Academy, his win this year is dubious. Even his British accent won’t save him. On the other hand, everyone loves Will Smith, but I doubt he stands a chance for Pursuit of Happyness. He and Jada will look great on the red carpet though, as well as providing a few cute sound bites. Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson? He must be having sex with half the academy voters, since that film sucked so royally, it was damn near unwatchable. If Leo had been nominated for The Departed instead of Blood Diamond, he might’ve stood a fighting chance. Leo was good in Blood Diamond (Afrikaans accent notwithstanding), but Forest Whitaker is pretty much a lock for The Last King of Scotland, his violent and brilliant portrayal of Idi Amin. And if the last two years are any indication, the Academy loves a biopic, and Africa is the current cause celebre. It will be nice to see a chubby Oscar winner.

Speaking of chubby, Jennifer Hudson was ordered to gain weight for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls. She was so good in that film, she stole the show from Beyonce. I hope she’s hired a speechwriter since she won the Golden Globe. Other nominees: Cate Blanchett - won too recently. Was great in Notes on a Scandal, but suffers from Academy overexposure. The two babes from Babel didn’t have enough screen time to merit their nominations, and Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine is just too young.

Which brings me to Alan Arkin. He made Little Miss Sunshine more than just a good independent film, playing a heroin snorting, f-bomb dropping septuagenarian, who tells his granddaughter he loves her not for her brains or for her personality, but for her looks. He was funnier than Steve Carrell and Greg Kinnear combined, and altogether lovable. Eddie Murphy was FABULOUS in Dreamgirls, but hurt his chances by releasing Norbit during Academy season. If he wins, I hope he wears his dress from Norbit to the awards. Djimon Hounsou and his pecs were compelling in Blood Diamond, Marky Mark doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Hell, and I didn’t see Little Children. Who is Jackie Earle Haley? Jackie? What man above the age of 8, and not a member of the Jackson clan allows himself to be called Jackie? Unless he’s a pimp.

Posted by Susan in Movies at 10:31 AM PST

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Nothing else to do on an icy day but read the New Castle Weekly, all six pages.

After noting the 1956 class reunion of St. Peter’s High School, and the hiring of a new secretary, I was interested to spy the following, under City Council New Business:

“10. Discussion and scheduling a public hearing to consider proposed Ordinance No. 450, adding a section to the New Castle City Code regulating the feeding of wildlife on City and other public property.” (Sponsored by Councilperson Churchill-posted 2-2-07)

Apparently, Councilperson Churchill had a problem last month with her telephone lines. Councilperson Churchill called the telephone company, and they came out and fixed it. ‘Nuff said? Not for the good Councilperson. She then called the President of Verizon, who she’d met on City Business last year. Did she attempt to discuss the needs of the citizens of New Castle with the president of Verizon? No, she complained about squirrels, resulting in a return phone call from the Operations Manager, Eric Pulliam. This did not content Councilperson Churchill, so she has taken up a crusade against squirrel feeding in the City.

Simultaneously, Ms. Churchill took time out of her busy schedule to write a blistering screed in the New Castle Weekly against squirrel feeding. Then she got 100 people to sign a petition against squirrels. In addition, she enthusiastically voted to approve a major subdivision for the Riverbend project. Riverbend is an over 55 community the Trustees of New Castle Common have approved to be built on erstwhile common land. City Council has gone along with the charade that Riverbend will benefit the citizens of New Castle so greatly, that it is a good deal to give up the common land to developers. Riverbend is located on Route 9, in the swamp, at the precise point where the Delaware River has overwhelmed Route 9 at high tide for over 50 years. For those of you not familiar with the location, simply drive down Route 9 on any rainy evening. As soon as the road begins to flood, look into the cat-tails, and you will see the guard shack intended for Riverbend.

Councilperson Churchill has had a busy month. She attempted to outlaw feeding seagulls in Battery Park. I don’t know how that turned out, since I was busy feeding seagulls and ducks in Battery Park. Might I suggest that squirrels have lived in New Castle for longer than Ms. Churchill, and hopefully, will be here long after she goes? Not only are the squirrels prettier and more charming than Ms. Churchill, they do not knock on the door asking for votes. In addition, squirrel stew is only good if the squirrels are meaty, and plentiful. If we plan to outlaw wildlife in New Castle City proper, let’s outlaw Republicans. Or Developers. Does this mean my bird feeders will soon be prohibited? Might I suggest the Councilperson would better employ her time ordering and actually reading a geological survey of the proposed Riverbend site?

If she can find the time.

Posted by Susan in Common Sense, Craziness at 2:34 PM PST

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Joyeaux Noel, Buon Natale, Kurisumasu Omedeto, Feliz Navidad. Nollaig Shona Dhuit. Mele Kalikimaka. Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.

Since it is Christmas, I thought we might give the politics a short rest. Time enough tomorrow to follow the exploits of the rogues gallery of wife beaters and theives, alcoholics and blood money opportunists that masquerade as our current crop of public servants. Today is a day to enjoy the good things in life: Friends, Family, and Mikey’s new phone. Christmas lights and candles, good food, good conversation, beautiful music, Bailey’s Irish Cream and the drunken ramblings of seldom-seen friends. New pajamas. A digital camera. Simple relief that the office parties are now over, the shopping has ceased, and you finally get a minute to breathe.

One of the Christmas stories in my family, is originally from my grandparent’s parents, Rosa and Pasquale of Abruzzi, Italy. This story draws its origins from the agrarian culture the Abruzzese still practice, in their beautiful hills by the sea. Beginning on Christmas Eve morning, all the animals are fed and watered well, groomed, petted and given treats in preparation for midnight, when they recieved the greatest gift. Since the animals were the primary witness to Jesus’ birth, when the Holy Spirit came, he gave them the gift of tongues, temporarily, in typical mysterious Holy Ghost fashion. Which makes Christmas Eve, the Night the Animals Talk. Easy comparisons to DWA aside, I find this a charming story, and have fed and watered my animals well, so that when they talk amongst themselves, they have nice things to say about me.

I’m having seven fishes for dinner. Whatever you do today, I hope it is done with people you love, that you enjoy it, and that we can all just get along. Peace. Merry Christmas.

Posted by Susan in General at 11:28 AM PST

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This post was written by Susan, NOT Mike:

Those of us who spent yesterday morning on our computers, as opposed to the prevalent shopping frenzy or turkey coma, were privy to a rare treat: bloggers on the radio! Imagine my delight at the prospect of not one, but FIVE of our home grown bloggers, not only on WDEL, but actually accepting phone in questions! Obvious comparisons to sitting ducks aside, WDEL’s Gerry Fulcher, a blogger himself, played host to Dana Garrett, Jason from Delaware Liberal, Dave Burris and our own Mike Matthews. Too bad they didn’t invite Hube. Suffice to say, after a great deal of cackling on my part, I toned down my questions from “Mike, how many tube socks have you used during Christine O’Donnell’s campaign” to “Do you think Christine O’Donnell should’ve won, and why?” We all know the answer to THAT question, but I wanted to hear it stated publicly.

I just have to say that our local bloggers are a well spoken, intelligent bunch. I was honored to heckle speak to them publicly. When Mike brought up Ruth Ann’s latest colonoscopy, I knew that free speech was alive and well in Delaware, and my patriotic heart swelled with pride.

Thanks, bloggers, for restoring my faith in Democracy!

Posted by Susan in General at 8:18 AM PST

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I’ve been called a partisan for months now, as if it’s a bad thing. This week, I’ve become very proud to be called one. At least I’m consistent. As such, I feel entitled to a bit of congratulatory crowing. I deserve it and it’s been a long time coming. So you Repubs are just going to have to suck it up, rather like ODB did today at lunch with Nancy Pelosi.

Rumsfeld is gone. Rove is nervous.

Hannity is screaming about impeachment and Reagan Republicanism.

Claire McCaskill is newly elected in Missouri. I liked Michael J. Fox’s ad, and Rush Limbaugh is an Oxy-addicted, belching blowhard.

The rest of the world is cheering the outcome of Tuesday’s elections, and hoping American voters have finally come to their senses.

Tony Blair will not be running again.

The Democrats Control The House AND the Senate, AND There are 28 New Democratic State Governors.

This is wonderful. The overly high testosterone levels in Washington have been diluted by a calming dose of estrogen.
And it’s only been two days. I, for one, cannot wait to see what new discomfort tomorrow will bring the lame duck that is Bushco and Dick.

They deserve it. And so do we. Democracy Rocks!

Somewhere, John Lennon is smiling.

Posted by Susan in ODB (Our Dumb Bush) at 11:53 PM PST

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For those of you who accuse me of unabashed partisanism, and hatred of George W. Bush, I offer a little appeasance. Today, our President did something right. He’s been working up to it, he stayed the course, and today, George Bush used a four syllable word. His usage and pronounciation were both correct. While describing Kim Jong-il, our Dictionary in Chief said:

“its the intransigence”

Sorry, my astonishment was so great, I couldn’t comprehend the rest of the quote.

After only six years of the best coaches our country can provide, our president managed to speak presidentially. I am confident that with another six years of training, he will be able to pronounce nuclear.

Posted by Susan in ODB (Our Dumb Bush) at 2:01 AM PDT

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Marian Fisher asked him to shoot her first.

After offering their forgiveness to his widow, the Amish elders invited her to attend the funerals of their dead children.

The Mennonite woman who spoke to the press on behalf of the Amish said they thought it best the murders happened in their school. They felt if it had happened somewhere else, the children there might not have been as ready to go to God as their own children were.

Without sound bites, The Amish demonstrated their unshakeable faith to the nation. Their generosity has left me so awestruck as to be uncharacteristically speechless. They taught me how small my own faith is in comparison to theirs, but more importantly, how to bear the unbearable without drama or histrionics. I was outraged, they were stoic. These people are anything but plain. They are shining beacons of hope and faith in a crazy and violent world.

Posted by Susan in Heroes at 12:44 AM PDT

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I’m not going to be the first American President to lose a war”

Richard Nixon discussing Viet Nam in October 1969

58,000 Americans died, 304,000 were wounded, and left to the tender mercies of VA hospitals. 1.5 million Vietnamese civilians were killed, and American taxpayers paid $146 billion dollars to conduct that war. History has demonstrated how well the above philosophy worked for Tricky Dick. Coincidentally, Richard Nixon was a Republican.

Why did we fight? The politicians have tried, Oliver Stone has tried and I have tried, but no one has ever answered that question, at least not to my satisfaction.

The world has changed in the last 40 years. In place of pot, we have Xanax prescriptions. We don’t burn Beatles records, we burn Dixie Chicks CD’s. Now we have computers and cellphones so we can all communicate. Instead of World Trade Centers, we have NAFTA. Guantanamo is not a concentration camp. Terrorists have attacked our way of life, so we are bringing Democracy to Iraq.

I don’t want to stand in the way of progress, but I’m going to quote the immortal John Lennon, who was murdered 26 years ago. Give peace a chance. War is Over, If You Want It. His lyrics managed to influence politics decades ago. I am hoping they still hold that power today.

Instant Karma.

Posted by Susan in Heroes at 9:02 AM PDT

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Over lunch today, I mentioned to a friend that I’d promised my dog a walk at the Battery. My friend, not a dog owner, laughed at me for thinking that a dog would know what I’d said, and hold me to a promise. Actually, he sneered. Now my dog happens to be a superior animal, not to mention the cutest beastie on four legs. Anthropomorphism aside, any dog owner knows the response the word “walk” or the mere sight of a leash elicits from a canine. Then I remembered some experiments on this subject that had interested me, so I looked it up. Sure enough, there are demonstrated projects by reputable scientists proving certain dogs can comprehend up to 200 words. The only thing I find amazing in this, is that the list isn’t larger. Not only does my dog comprehend and act upon Walk, Out, Stop, Sit, Paw, Come, Sleep, Bath, Sweater and Cookie, he also responds to short sentances, like Don’t Eat That, and Stop Licking your Ass!

So, I have a question for you. If a dog can be trained to ignore his natural ass-licking tendencies, and can understand over 200 words, wouldn’t it be possible to apply modern dog-training techniques to humans? You know, those of us who cannot understand more complex lessons, like making war in Iraq will create more terrorists? Maybe a good trainer is all GWB needs to get his head out of his ass too. Or am I being too anthropomorphic?

Posted by Susan in Friends at 8:25 PM PDT

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