cc` !DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> My Dragon's Lair Sharing is the reason for my being...

My Dragon's Lair Sharing is the reason for my being...

Altered and added new content 10-4-07 Important 5-4-07 No longer Child safe because of the links inside sites included here. Adult Humor is posted here. Template errors still. E shows wrong, and Netscape shows mostly correct. Activly learning HTML to correct and improve. Be it fun or serious I hope you enjoy and take away with you what I find to share. LI

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Political humor from Mark Fiore



Mark Fiore The new animation "Spineocrat" has just been posted!
Spineless Democrat? - See the new animation!

Consult your doctor and conscience today. -Mark Fiore

See News The War for Profit ~ Supply and Demand ~ Trust me!

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posted by LadyIrene @ 10/18/2007 05:07:00 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Soldiers face hostile conditions in Iraq

Troops in Iraq fight bugs, parasites

A parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies has become so common in Iraq that troops call it the "Baghdad boil."
The Boston Globe reported 2,500 U.S. troops have been infected with the disease, leishmaniasis, in the past four years.
The military recommends troops sleep with bed nets, wear uniforms treated with insect repellant, treat exposed skin with the chemical DEET and wear long pants, long-sleeves and socks when outside to avoid the tiny, hopping insects that carry the disease, which often causes a rash. But Army Col. Peter J. Weina of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md., learned on a trip to Iraq that some commanders don't follow the recommendations to combat the sand flies and leishmaniasis.
"In some areas, every one had heard about bed nets and about leishmaniasis, but other military units were totally oblivious," Weina told the Globe.
"From the perspective of the person on the ground, they are bombarded with so many concerns. The way the war is going now, getting a little sore that may or may not go away is minor compared to losing your leg," he said.
The disease can be fatal if it strikes the organs, the Globe reported.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International

I remembered a photo someone sent me about 3-4 years ago. With these huge spiders!
camel spider in Iraq Camel Spider (Solifugidae)

Camel spiders [pictures], or windscorpions, are neither true spiders nor true scorpions. They belong to a separate group of arachnids called solifugids (sunspiders or Solfugidae). Solifugids are medium-sized arachnids that occur mainly in arid regions of the world. They are nocturnal predators that can run very fast. The long, forward-projecting front "legs" are really pedipalps used in food-handling and mating. Solifugids are not poisonous but may inflict a painful bite like any large arthropod.

note: the name "camel spider" is actually misspelled here. Since these arachnids are not true spiders the correct spelling should be camelspider or camel-spider. However, popular usage is clearly on the side of "camel spider"; also called wind scorpions and sun spiders; sand flies are sometimes called sand fleas.

An urban legend has sprung up around the camel spiders found by US soldiers in the deserts of Iraq. In the spring of 2004 a photo of soldiers in Iraq holding what appears to be two large camel spiders (above) began circulating on the Internet.

The two camel spiders appear to be the size of the soldier's thigh, or larger. Reports circulated that these creatures were both poisonous and aggressive which is false. This legend actually started in 1990-91 during the first Gulf War. See the Spider Myths & Facts site for additional history about this legend.

If you look closely you'll see that this picture is distorted somewhat. The distortion is caused by moving the camera very close to the specimen. Compare the size of the camel spiders to the near jacket sleeve in the photo.


In the US solifugids are less than 2" (50 mm) in length (body) with a back leg to pedipalp span of around 4-5" (125 mm). In other regions of the world the leg to pedipalp span can be as much as 6" (150 mm). So why are these arthropods commonly reported to be much bigger? First, solifugids move fast.

People are innately fearful of fast-moving arthropods and almost always exaggerate their size. Second, the long, forward-projecting pedipalps make the overall body size appear larger when viewed from above. While camel spiders may serve as a good vehicle for teaching new soldiers about the dangers of desert wildlife, the real threats are from much smaller arthropods.

Dangerous insects, spiders and other arachnids in Iraq

Mosquitoes, sand flies and scorpions, not camel spiders, are the main arthropod threats to anyone in the deserts of the Middle East. Mosquitoes occur anywhere there is standing water and may transmit the malaria pathogen, and other serious diseases. Phlebotomine sand flies are small, delicate, hairy flies similar in appearace to drain flies (Psychodidae). They are vectors of the human pathogen causing leishmaniasis, a very serious skin and internal organ disease. Repellents containing DEET and permethrin-treated clothing are effective for both mosquitoes and sand flies.

Finally, there are a number of scorpion species that can inflict a painful and sometimes poisonous sting from their tail-mounted stinger. Because scorpions are relatively large they are more easily avoided than either mosquitoes or sand flies. [ Found on Living with bugs.]


Snoopes says they are real. Da. Says there are reasons why to stay out of the desert. Though Snoopes does disclaim some of the discriptions of the 'spiders' that are not spiders but wind scorpions. That this is an angle of the camera. Another exageration.
There is a link to an artile by National Geographic.

Camel Spiders: Behind an E-Mail Sensation From Iraq

Cameron Walker for National Geographic News June 29, 2004
This spring, an arachnophobe's biggest nightmare started to pop up in e-mail in-boxes. A photo of two huge spiders, each the size of a man's calf, was accompanied by an alarming note. The sender said his or her friend—or friend of a friend—knew a soldier stationed in Iraq who had said that these spiders could inject a sleeping soldier with anesthetic, then chew out a chunk of flesh.

Creepy? Yes. But arachnid experts say it's a hoax. In fact, the creatures in the photo aren't spiders at all. They're actually solpugids, or solifugids (aka camel spiders, aka wind scorpions). Along with spiders, they are members of the class Arachnida. The eight-legged solifugids have no venom glands, and the largest species is no more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) long with its legs outstretched. "If any solpugid has anything they can inject, I haven't heard of it," said Rod Crawford, an arachnologist at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington.
Crawford has been debunking this and other spider myths for several years. This rumor, he said, spread to Western countries during the 1990-91 Gulf War and has now reemerged and become even more widespread with the return of U.S. troops to Iraq.
"Wind Scorpions" Around the World
In an article in the July issue of National Geographic magazine, writer and photographer Mark W. Moffett tracks "wind scorpions" in the Middle East and closer to home.
Gosh any one can think of a pet! There are some mighty strange people out there!

WIND SPIDER
Galeodes arabs Origin: Sinai desert Family:
http://wwwfaunaimportuk.com/ Only for the trade but welcomes you to enjoy their site.


Also known as Camel spider, Wind scorpions, Solifugid.

This rarely imported species occasionally arrives in Egyptian shipments.
This weird looking arachnid is not in fact a scorpion or spider at all but belongs to its own order- solifugid. This species can attain a leg span of 5” and a body of 2”. Wind spiders are fast moving aggressive hunters, capable of over powering much larger prey than itself. Its front pair of legs are modified as feelers to detect and pull its prey into its large over sized jaws. Its three pairs of legs are capable of speed making this creature a fast moving killing machine.

The wind spider is adapted to life in the desert and can withstand the harsh environment well. As its name suggests it can sometimes be seen tumbling around in sand storms. To escape the worst of the environment they sometimes make burrows under bushes, buildings etc. The female will also make a burrow to lay her eggs.
This can be a challenging captive, but the examples we have imported recently have arrived in good condition. The wind spider is a seasonal animal so life expectance is not long, and growth is rapid due to their huge appetite. They are best kept in an aquarium with sand and potting compost mix, they don’t require humidity but some will drink form shallow water dishes or damp cotton wool. Temperatures should be in the 80°F with a 10°F night drop. Temperature variations should be provided, with hot and cooler spots. The opportunity to burrow must be provided, especially when dealing with wild collected females.

Take a look at the size of this creature’s jaws and you will appreciate the immense power, as previously mentioned overpowering a larger creature is not a problem. In the wild the diet would consist of small lizards & invertebrates, in captivity suitably sized commercial raised live foods are satisfactory.
Not much is known about the breeding cycle of this species, although the female is known to bury her eggs in a burrow. The hatching time is not known, so if you are lucky enough to have a female lay a clutch of eggs make sure you write notes of what happens, even if it is nothing at all.

Overall this is an amazing creature, not for the novice but if you have experience with inverts why not give it a go? The wind spider is not venomous in any way but those jaws can give a very painful bite, I have not been bitten myself, but I bet if it bites it won’t let go!



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posted by LadyIrene @ 7/24/2007 08:45:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, July 06, 2007

Quilts of Valor Foundation

Found on Nova's Library schedule below. Quilts of Valor

Welcome to Quilts of Valor Foundation

Quilting Honor and Comfort for Our Wounded

The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover ALL combat wounded and injured servicemembers from the War on Terror whether physical or psychological wounds with wartime quilts called Quilts of Valor (QOVS).

This foundation is not about politics. It's about people.

Learn more about QOVF.
New Jersey State Fair Posted on June 25, 2007 by Crowell
2007-08-03 00:00 2007-08-12 00:00
Quilts of Valor display at the New Jersey State Fair. August 3 -12, 2007
Login or register to post comments Read more, Calendar
© 2007 Quilts of Valor Foundation PO Box 1003 • Seaford DE 19973 • (302) 236.0230
Site Map: Lost or Confused? QOVF Site Help

Nova Library Saturday July 14

Quilt of Valor
Quilts of Valor
July 2 - August 10, 2007
Library Gallery, second floor

This exhibit will include quilts made by Broward quilters for a nationwide project called "Quilts of Valor." A Quilt of Valor (QOV) is a tribute to the wounded soldier, recognizing his or her service, dedication, and sacrifices made on behalf of our country. It’s a lap-size machine or handmade quilt, which has been pieced and quilted using materials such as cotton and flannels for warmth and comfort. After the exhibit, these quilts will be donated to the Miami VA Hospital to be given to wounded soldiers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

A free Quilts of Valor workshop will be held in the Library Gallery on Saturday, July 14, from 10 am to 4 pm. Interested quilters can register by contacting Carla Millares, 954-655-2202, Carla@keylimequilts.com

Related Links:
Quilts of Valor Foundation

  • Quilts of Valor workshop
    Quilts of Valor (QOV) is a nationwide project in which quilters create quilts that are donated to wounded soldiers. For more information, visit the     Quilts of Valor exhibit in the library's art gallery, 2nd floor. Interested quilters can register for the workshop by contacting Carla at 954-655-2202
    10:00 am - 4:00

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posted by LadyIrene @ 7/06/2007 08:28:00 AM 0 comments

Saturday, June 23, 2007

How to support the Gurkha who have won the Victoria Cross.

Gurkha tells of citizenship joy
Tul Bahadur Pun
Mr Pun said he would campaign for better rights for Gurkhas

A former Gurkha who won the Victoria Cross has told of his joy at being given the right to live in the UK.

BREAKING NEWS: TUL BAHADUR PUN VC WILL ARRIVE IN THE UK ON 4 JULY 2007, AT 5:55 PM, AT HEATHROW TERMINAL 3 ON VIRGIN ATLANTIC FLIGHT VS301 FROM NEW DELHI - PLEASE COME & WELCOME THIS HERO "HOME"!

Please help these soldiers by signing a Pittion and offer these loyal allies support.

Find their history, who they are, how you can help Tul Bahadar Pun (http://www.vchero.co.uk/)

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posted by LadyIrene @ 6/23/2007 09:13:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, May 28, 2007

[circletimes] Wiccan Widows Speak about Memorial Day Dedication

[circletimes] Wiccan Widows Speak about Memorial Day Dedication of VA-issued Pentacle Gravestones for their Veteran Husbands
Widows of Wiccan Veterans to Dedicate Gravestones with Pentacles on Memorial Day near Barneveld, Wisconsin USA
On this day of national remembrance the story of three Wiccan widows and a Pentacle etched in stone is being told all over the world. Three widows, all members of Circle Sanctuary have gathered at church headquarters this weekend, and are reflecting upon their husbands, their lives, their deaths, and equal rights for the Wiccan religion.

*"Now that I've seen Jerome's burial site up close, I'm starting to really feel the accomplishment we've made. I'm very pleased with the gravestone at the Circle Cemetery site, and I believe he is as well."Karen DePolito of Utah widow of Jerome Birnbaum, Korean War Veteran

*"Douglas was Wiccan as long as he could remember. Having a pentacle on his gravestone and being recognized for who he is means the world to both of us. His remains are now at peace in their new home at Circle Cemetery. He fought for Freedom for twenty-four years and now, finally he is Free."Sandra Wilkey of Kentucky widow of Douglas Wilkey, Korean War & Vietnam War Veteran

*"Today is a great day, not only for myself, but for other Wiccan families. This Memorial Day at last I am having closure. Our fight for religious freedom is over, and my husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart can rest in peace. For the first time since Patrick's death, I don't feel as if he died in vain. May all our soldiers be blessed and remembered on this very special Memorial Day.Roberta Stewart of Nevada widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart, Desert Storm Veteran & Killed in Action in Operation Enduring Freedom

Reflections on the Memorial Day Wiccan Veteran Gravestone Dedication by Rev. Selena Fox, who will be facilitating the ceremony. She is Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary and Executive Director of Circle Cemetery, Wisconsin's first conservation cemetery.

*This Memorial Day, we gather to remember and honor the lives and service of our veterans who have died and to dedicate their newly issued VA gravestones with pentacles. We gather to support their widows in finally bringing closure to marking the sites of their husband's remains at our church cemetery. We also gather to celebrate our victory in upholding religious freedom -- and to envision, pray and work for a world with liberty and justice for all.

Wiccans, Christians, and those of other faiths from Wisconsin, Ohio,Nevada, Minnesota, Michigan, Utah, Illinois, Kentucky, and elsewhereacross the nation are traveling to Barneveld, Wisconsin to take part in the nation's first Memorial Day Dedication of Wiccan veteran gravestones with pentacles.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, the church will be open for arrivals at 9:30am. A press briefing will be held 10-10:30am. The Dedication will be held 11am-12:30pm and will be followed by a reception from 1-4 pm.

More Information & to schedule interviews: Rev. Selena Fox: (608) 924-2219
Circle Sanctuary: (608) 924-2216 http://www.circlesanctuary.org
For details about the Veteran Pentacle Quest religious freedom victory, achieved with the support of Americans United for Separation of Church and State: http://www.au.org/http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle
More details about Memorial Day Dedication:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/memday07.htm
CNN International/Associated Press: May 27, 2007
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/05/27/memorialday.wiccans.ap/
Circle Times: Sunday, May 27, 2007

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posted by LadyIrene @ 5/28/2007 07:33:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, May 27, 2007

[circletimes] Connect with Memorial Day Wiccan Veteran Gravestones Dedication


America's first Memorial Day dedication of Wiccan veteran gravestones with pentacles takes place at Circle Sanctuary headquarters in Wisconsin on Monday.
We invite you to join us in one or more of these ways:
ATTEND: The Memorial Day Dedication will be held on Monday, May 28 at Circle Cemetery at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve near Barneveld, Wisconsin. Wiccans, Pagans, and those of other paths from across the country will be at this event as well as media. More information: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/memday07.htm
Interested in attending? Contact us as soon as possible:

email: events@circlesanctuary.org; phone (leave message):(608) 924-2216.
ATTUNE: Do personal or group rituals and meditations in support of this event wherever you may be. Connect with us from 10 - 10:30am when we do our press briefing and from 11am - 1pm during the Dedication ritual.
Spiritually join in our celebration from 1 - 4 pm following the ceremony.
WELL WISHES: Convey your support to the Wiccan widows and their deceased combat veteran husband whose markers with pentacles will be dedicated on Memorial Day ... and to others taking part in the Dedication by submitting an email on-line:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/memdaysurvey.htm
MEDIA NETWORKING: Post URLs of various media reports about the Dedication to websites, blogs, e-lists, etc. Post comments of support on-line at media websites. Forward URLs of media coverage to local, regional,national, and global media sources and encourage media to cover this historic event.
Sampling of media reports now on-line:
Widows of Wiccan veterans to participate in dedication ceremony Winona Daily News (May 26) http://www.winonadailynews.com/articles/2007/05/26/wi/01wiccan0526.txt
COMMENT: post at the end of the article Wiccans win right to put emblem on veterans' graves Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (May 26)

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=610879
COMMENT: link to on-line forum & letters to editor at bottom of page Pentacle gets OK for use on gravemarkers Capital Times (May 25) http://www.madison.com/tct/news/136433
COMMENT: following the article
For articles in other media sources, do a Google News search for Wiccan pentacle and follow links.
Please forward this email on to others you know who may be interested in joining in the Dedication in one or more ways. Thank you! Circle Times: Saturday, May 26, 2007

(This is detailed. All I would say is it is our sign of being connected to our 5 elements, Our link to Our Mother Earth and God/dess, and I include Spirit. This symbol has been in many countries through out history.)
Pentagram - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pentagram (sometimes known as pentalpha or pentangle) is the shape of a five-pointed star drawn with five straight strokes.

Pentagrams: Meaning and History
A reference file from the alt.magick hierarchy.


REF: Pentagrams (meaning, history, etc.)

[Grand Lodge] The pentagram, Notes, citations and references (This is a long read with many details.)

Military views of Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/military.htm Wicca is currently the fastest growing spiritual path in the U.S.) Military Views on Wicca - US Army Chaplain's Manual


Excerpt from the U.S. Army's Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains (pgs 231-236).

Another explanation can be found in this illustration.

Mandarin Words > < The Five Elements Chinese symbols: fire, earth, wood, water Found on Geomancy.net Strict copyright.

Alternative Religions on About.com Stict copyrited Only link supplied.

Notice: this article is copyrighted. Please do not copy any part to any webpage, newsgroup, Book of Shadows, etc., other than a brief excerpt and link.

Please respect the artists and authors.

Pentagram found on Google ElectricWitch.com

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posted by LadyIrene @ 5/27/2007 09:08:00 AM 0 comments