Song in her Head: California's been good to me. Hope it don't fall into the sea. Sometimes you got to trust yourself. It aint like anywhere else. It aint like anywhere else......Tom Petty

In Season: nasturtium flower salad, Harley's 100 year anniverary party, touristas

Bumpersticker sitings:

Lottery: A tax for people who can't do math
Don't drink and jibe


Every 3 months I receive a Police Hall of Fame Newsletter. My father was a cop killed on duty when i was 10 and I have a morbid fascination reading the 2 pages of on-duty deaths that occurr in each issue. Whether these cops were "good" or "bad", I would like to honor these three families coping with their loss.

Ray Giacomelli, 46 Pittsburgh, PA survived by wife and 2 daughters
R. Giacomelli was fatally shot while conducting an interview into a murder investigation. He was found inside the suspect's home by another officer who had arranged to meet him at the scene.

Scott Hylton, 43 Christianburg, VA survived by wife, 3 sons and 1 daughter
Officer Hylton was fatally shot on May 9, 2003 after responding to a shoplifting call at a convenience store. A struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of Hylton's service weapon, shooting him several times.

Tony Zeppetella, 27 Oceanside, CA survived by wife and daughter
Officer Zeppetalla was shot and killed June 13, 2003 after he stopped a vehicle belonging to a known gang member.

Alter-Abled News

Bush Drug Czar Says Medical Marijuana Political Ploy

By WILLIAM McCALL
The Associated Press
8/14/03
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Drug czar John Walters (isn't he dashing!) said Thursday that medical marijuana is being used as a political ploy to support efforts to legalize marijuana in a state where it already poses the most serious drug abuse problem for teenagers.
Read the whole story here.

This guy is out of touch...check out one of his quotes from The Weekly Standard, here.


A Free-Wheeling Wheelchair Gets Approval
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
August 14, 2003
Washington - Stairs are about to become less of an obstacle for some of the nation's 2 million wheelchair users. The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved a wheelchair that literally can go up and down steps - as well as shift into four-wheel drive for grassy hills and elevate its occupant to standing height. Called the iBOT Mobility System, it uses sensors and gyroscopes to navigate stairs while balancing on two wheels. (Linkage)

Hmmm $29,000.....How many alter-abled folks living on disability can afford that?