Some photos of Meadville, PA, the town where I was born and spent the early part of my childhood. Most of my family still live nearby. Via flickr.

“Don’t Tread On Me”

Before you jump to any conclusions, be aware that the “carpet” (it sure looks like a doormat to me) is the proud property of Ladder Company 10 in downtown Manhattan, who lost six of their brave men on 9/11. But I still wish I knew whose idea it was to have the President stand on it.

I remember about three years ago, I accompanied my then-boyfriend to suburban Maryland for a family party. His grandmother was turning 80, and the family had rented the VFW hall there. When I walked in to take off my coat, the first thing I saw was a huge fake Christmas tree, proudly decorated with photos of the Twin Towers. Burning. We are not talking just one or two images here, but a whole theme of death and destruction, with the largest photo reserved for the special spot on top where an angel commonly sits. But what really got me was that almost no one else seemed to find this morbid or tacky.

Check out this very rare video clip of the VU performing on The Lawrence Welk Show.

“‘We’ve already had about 3500 people inquire on our Web site about buying a home there — you know, they’re all Catholic,’ Monaghan says excitedly. ‘We’re going to control all the commercial real estate, so there’s not going to be any pornography sold in this town. We’re controlling the cable system. The pharmacies are not going to be able to sell condoms or dispense contraceptives.’ A private chapel will be located within walking distance of each home. At the stunning church in the center of town, Mass will be said hourly, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. on. ‘So,’ Monaghan concludes, with just a hint of understatement, ‘it’ll be a unique town.’”

…the same way that Nazi Germany was a “unique” nation, I suppose.

WorkingForChange-Mr. Monaghan builds his dream town