100 Top Songs of 2007

Because our very existence is an irony, one thing can be said about the Americans I know, including myself, we love the ironic, the sardonic. Randy Newman, a contemporary American songwriter, cornered the market on American musical sardonic humor in his latest release, A Few Words In Defense of Our Country!

While Randy's new song is an apology for America and Americans, we don't get off the hook so easily. He is more than willing to make hay with our current history, including our American Pity Party pursuing terror.

I suppose that may explain why A Few Words In Defense of Our Country quietly became the #2 song in Rolling Stones 100 Best Songs of 2007. There is another irony, so everyone can relate to part of the song, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country while recognizing the validity of all of the song.

I would like to believe that one important reason this song became so highly prized in 2007 is because Americans understand who we are better than people in other countries believe we do. We are Americans, the whelps of the downtrodden, indentured servants and slaves, the dregs of all your countries, the naysayers and the political enemies of many of the most successful dictators in the ENTIRE world. We are Americans, so we know who we are and where we come from in the historical scheme of things.

We are Americans, and we established a country, a democracy, that many want to join and many want to hate.

My mother always told me that the people who want to destroy you the most are the people who want what you have....in plainspeak....they are jealous. That doesn't let us, Americans, off the hook for any issues we have caused, it just explains why some of the issues exist. Don't get it? It is OK, irony is often the tool of subtlety.

Parent Approved! 100% Kid-Safe Lead Free Paint

I saw the interview of Mike Whitworth the owner of this company on CNBC today; Whittle Shortline Railroad is located in Louisiana, MO; all toys must be sent to outside inspectors to check various safety issues, including toxicity of materials. They have lots of cool toys and you can order through their website. Target.com will have their toys on their website after December 5, 2007, according to this CNBC report. Here is the URL for this cool interview.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=597919724

clipped from www.woodentrain.com For generations, the story of The Little Engine That Could has been told and retold to countless children and now the story comes to life with these solid hardwood toys. Our Little Engine toys are of heirloom quality and will be passed down from generation to generation. These Little Engine toys are compatible with Brio and Thomas track but can also operate without track. A simple adjustment to the Blue Engine's Wheels and the train is ready for the kitchen floor or grandma's coffee table. Purchase the entire set of The Little Engine That Could toys and receive the Book. The Little Engine That Could Toy Set and Book. $39.95

USA Clothing, Toys and Candy

This company, The Vermont Country Store is awesome. I am collecting information for friends and relatives on reliable companies that have USA products and reliable imported products. The toys they sell are tested for safety. This company has very cool, regional candies, soaps, perfumes and other products. I thought I would share with others.

clipped from www.vermontcountrystore.com Lanz Two-Piece Footed Pajamas Keep Boys and Girls Snuggle-Up Warm Right Down to Their Toes In a festive Red Stewart plaid that's perfect for the holidays, these hard-to-find two-piece footed pajamas by Lanz keep kids toasty even when they toss off their blankets in the night or pad around the house without slippers. Machine wash and dry. USA of U.S. and Canadian material. Features: Top is finished with rib knitting at the Henley neck and cuffs Elastic-waist bottoms have slip-resistant vinyl-soled feet Flame-resistant polyester Tailored to meet Lanz's high standards of quality, these PJs will look as good as new when passed down to younger sisters and brothers.