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The Guild 12-6-2004 Gift Ideas
Posted on 12/06/2004 3:12:53 AM PST by BigWaveBetty
Everyone has someone they know that's hard to buy a gift for, a boss, the person who has everything, an aquaintance or neighbor you don't know too well or your child has friend he/she wants to give a gift. Here are just a few suggestions that I hope will help or inspire. Now, get shopping!
College Quilted Throw - $99
![](http://www.normthompson.com/images//product/family/16801.jpg)
Wrap up in school pride with a College Quilted Throw. Admit ityou're an unabashed, die-hard fan...or know someone who is! Use this cotton throw as a blanket for the home, a proud wall hangingeven a warm wrap for the bleachers. Each is a bold presentation of school colors, handcrafted and handstitched with appliqué embroidery featuring the school mascot or name. 50"x60". Washable or dry clean. Catalog #16801
For list of available schools, see Read More.
College Slipper Clogs - Catalog #15800 - $45 - also at that link.
Lighted tabletop Christmas tree - $99.50
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/68414.jpg)
Minutes after this tree is delivered to the door, it can be shining brightly with holiday spirit. All the ornaments, ribbons and lights are in placejust plug in and enjoy. Ornaments look like glass, but are shatterproof Resiglas®. The 35 clear lights are commercial-quality. A thoughtful gift for someone without time to decorate. Traveling for Christmas? We'll deliver to your destination. Overall: 30"H. Catalog #68414
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Wine Gift Boxes
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/67544.jpg)
Catalog #67544 Single Wine Gift Box - $9.50
Catalog #68629 Double Wine Gift Box - 14.50
They'll enjoy the gift box long after the gift inside is gone. Here's a unique way to present a gift of wine! These handsome wood boxes bring to mind a spanish treasure chest that might be filled with doubloons, but these boxes are meant to be instant gift wrap for a bottle or two of wine. When the wine is gone, the chest is sure to be reused to hold jewelry, a rock collection, photos or other treasures. Two styles for standard 750 ml bottles: the single-bottle style is lined with felt and has a rich, warm finish; the unlined double-bottle style is decorated with an Old World map. both have decorative metal trim, sturdy metal handle, front latch and rubber feet. More information
Footstool
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/67596.jpg)
Price- $39.50
Catalog #68136 - Sueded Cord Cube
Catalog #67596 - Faux Suede Cube
Footstool weighs about a pound...holds up to 300!
Tired feet love it! Easy to carry from room to room. When you're not using this footstool as a resting place for your tired feet, use it as casual seating, or as back support when watching TV on the floor. Set a tray atop and it becomes an instant coffee table! Available in faux suede or sueded cord fabric; both are polyester/cotton with lightweight polystyrene fill. 11-1/2"Hx14-1/2" sq.
More information.
Cracker Tray - 19.50
Catalog #68343
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/68343.jpg)
This elegant tray keeps crackers neatly stacked on the buffet table. This dish is better than a plate or bowl for serving crackers, because it keeps them from sliding around or turning into a crumbled mess. Handsomely styled in silverplated brass with decorative handles, trim and legs, it's also perfectly sized for serving baguette slices or tea breads. Approx. 15"Lx3½"W.
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Doodle-Case - $10.00
Catalog #64680
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images/product/family/64680.jpg)
Hours of drawing and writing fun packed in a portable case! The kids will enjoy the trip more when you take the Doodle-Case on your next extended car ride or flight. Great for drawing pictures, writing letters, even doing homework ...mom or dad will be tempted to borrow it while paying bills on the couch or for writing letters while riding in the car. Inside this sturdy plastic case/clipboard are artists' tools for doodling, plus extra space to store their other tools. 10"Wx16"L. Case includes: 8 markers, 18 oil pastels, 12 colored pencils, pencil sharpener and 20 sheets of paper.
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Flip Flop Art
Catalog #68554 -Child's Flip Flop Fun Kit - $14.50
Catalog #68555 - Women's Flip-Flop Fun Kit - 19.50
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/68554.jpg)
She'll enjoy turning plain flip-flops into personal art!
Kids and teens can create shoes uniquely theirs! This kit has everything they need: a pair of plain black flip-flops, three tubes of paint, a bag of "jewels" and sequins, and waterproof glue. Child's Flip-Flop Fun Kit shoe size: XS(12-13), S(1-2), M(3-4) or L(5-6). Women's Flip-Flop Fun Kit shoe size: S(5-6), M(7-8) or L(9-10).
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Playhouse Log Cabin - $149.00
Catalog #68633
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/68633.jpg)
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images/product/another_view/68633.jpg)
No tools required! Any child can build (and rebuild) this "log" cabin with ease.
This kit makes it easy for kids to construct their own playhouse they can use indoors or out! The set includes 71 soft, non-toxic foam pieces that interlock to create a log house with roof and chimney. No splinters, no rough edges, so it's suitable for children ages 2 and up. 36"sq.x52"H.
Please note: Because of its size and weight, this product requires a $10.00 shipping surcharge. This charge will appear at the summary page of checkout. For shipping to outside the contiguous 48 United States, please call customer service at 1-877-718-7901. Street address required for this product.
More information
Tulle Tutu - 48.00
Catalog #8498
![](http://www.garnethill.com/garnet_hill/images/product/8498kw04i.jpg)
Luxury dress-up. This frothy pink tutu features nylon tulle netting layers with fabric rose petals encased in the hem. Accented by four oversized fabric roses, the full elastic waist is banded with a wide satin ribbon. USA. Color: Ballet Pink. More information
Pair it with Petit Bateau Bodysuit Infant & Toddlers
Also available at the more information link:
and ![]( http://www.garnethill.com/garnet_hill/images/product/00964kw04t.jpg)
Walkie-talkie wristwatches (5+ years) - $30
Catalog #134788
![](http://images.redenvelope.com/is/image/production/H04_131515_W2?nanos=770&qlt=75,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0&wid=250&hei=250)
Move over, 007. These undercover devices allow young sleuths to hold their own covert conversations. Disguised as digital wristwatches that display the time and date, these walkie-talkies have their own built-in microphones and are fitted with an earpiece for hands-free communication. Range of approximately 400 feet. Four interchangeable colored front covers, antennae and cell-button batteries included. Set of two
More information
Swedish Ice Scraper/Mitten - 19.50
Catalog #68609
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/68609.jpg)
No more freezing fingers when scraping the car windows.
Two-blade scraper sweeps snow and chips ice. In Sweden, where this ingenious product was developed, they know a little something about ice and snow! With this scraper/mitten in your car, your hands will stay warm and your expensive gloves protected as you clear the car of snow and ice. The plastic scraper (approx. 8½"L) has a long handle that slips through the top of the mitten to provide a good grip. Two bladesone is soft rubber, the other is hard, non-scratching plastic. Mitten is 100% polyester in red with sheep pattern. Machine washable. One size.
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Character Clogs - 29.50
Catalog #67896
![](http://www.solutionscatalog.com/images//product/family/67896.jpg)
Slip into durable, easy-clean clogs for gardening or running errands. Keep a pair of these clogs by the back door so you can slip in and out of them when working in the garden, or making a quick trip to the mailbox or store. The bright ladybug and bumblebee designs are made of waterproof rubber with heavy-duty soles; removable neoprene liners add comfort and an extra splash of color. Just hose to clean. Waffle tread provides traction on pavement and in the garden. Women's whole sizes 5-11.
More information
Silver-plated wine stoppers - $35
Catalog # 156898 - with monogram - $40
![](http://images.redenvelope.com/is/image/production/FC04_150740_W?nanos=770&qlt=75,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0&wid=250&hei=250)
Keep wine fresh (and well-dressed). Unlike corks, which can break or be difficult to reinsert, these heavyweight silver-plated stoppers are effortless to insert and remove. The sturdy corks provide an airtight seal, preventing wine from being spoiled by oxidation. Top may be engraved with a single initial. The set arrives in a black presentation box lined in ivory faux suede. Measures 3 1/2" x 1 1/4". Set of two. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.
Processing and shipping details: This item will take an additional five business days for processing if the personalized option is chosen. Personalized and nonpersonalized items sent to the same address will be shipped together. More information
Photo collage tote - $55
Catalog #158218
![](http://images.redenvelope.com/is/image/production/H04_150628_W?nanos=770&qlt=75,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0&wid=250&hei=250)
Any bag can accommodate their favorite things; this one makes room for their favorite people, too. Made of durable cotton canvas with leather trim, it displays three 4 1/4" x 3 1/2" round photo frames. The interior zippered pocket holds their keys and cell phone, while a gusseted design provides ample storage. The bag features shoulder-length straps for hands-free toting. Choose blue or red. Measures 15" x 7 1/4" x 12 1/2" high. Imported. Exclusively from RedEnvelope. More Information
Red Pitcher - $29.95
Catalog #16016
![](http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/CrateandBarrel/RedPitcher?$lg$)
Perfect hostess gift filled with flowers. Bold in shape and shade, with a graceful flared lip and scrolled handle.
Earthenware
Made in Italy
More information
Velvet Vases - $24.95-$39.95
Catalog #'s 46035 - $24.95
46034 - 34.95
46033 - 39.95
![](http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/CrateandBarrel/VelvetVases?$lg$)
The rich, luxurious shimmer of these gorgeous vases is created by layering gold and colored paint under clear glass. The gold interior is visible at the rim, adding a sparkle to the warm, elegant presence of each iridescent piece.
Handblown
Handpainted
Water safe
Made in Poland
More information
Magnetic Spice Rack - $32.00
Catalog #00750
Convert the jars of this magnetic spice rack from containers to shakers with a twist of the removable lid. The rack can attach to the wall or stand on its own. Also a clever tool for organizing a sewing room, workshop or office. Sticker labels and nine varieties of spices are included. Imported. Color: Stainless Steel.
Canister: 2" high x 2½" in diameter, with a 2" magnet on the bottom Rack: 14" x 9¾"
Nine spices included: mustard seed, pizza seasoning, caraway seed, bay leaves, coriander, mint, basil, marjoram, oregano.
Nine spices included: mustard seed, pizza seasoning, caraway seed, bay leaves, coriander, mint, basil, marjoram, oregano. More information
Our best selling Perfect-Fit Cami (What every lady wants) - #32.00
Catalog #24799
![](http://www.normthompson.com/images//product/family/24799.jpg)
This supportive tank has a full underwire bra built right in!
Unlike most tanks (that have just a shelf bra and offer little real support) this one has a full underwire bra with adjustable back hook built in. Wear it on its own (no straps to show!) or layer it like a camisole under any jacket or shirt. With adjustable straps. Cotton with touches of nylon and spandex. Cotton in white, cafe, pink or black. A great layering piece---only from us! More information
Simple suede sneakers -$50
Catalog #G4083A - blue
Catalog #G4027E - pink
![](http://img.jjill.com/3222/jjillimage/614805/regular/614805_029.jpg)
![](http://img.jjill.com/3222/jjillimage/618265/regular/618265_212.jpg)
The comfort of your favorite sneakers with a retro flair. Soft suede upper with contrast stitching. Flexible rubber sole. From Simple®. Catalog/jjill.com exclusive.
More information
Donegal Wool Ribbed T-Neck - $118.00
Catalog #8350
(BWB's personal recommendation: I have one in Berry and it gets compliments everytime.)
![](http://www.garnethill.com/garnet_hill/images/product/8350wg03i.jpg)
Relaxed without being boxy, this soft pullover is rib-knit of beautifully flecked Donegal yarns. Features include a traditional fold-over turtleneck, fully fashioned long sleeves with turn-back cuffs and gentle shaping at the waist for a contemporary fit. 80% wool/20% nylon. From White & Warren. USA. Colors: Berry, Cornflower, Cocoa, Sprout. More information
TOPICS: The Guild
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To: mountaineer
Disappearing email is over my pay grade. What email server are you using?
181
posted on
12/14/2004 7:22:16 AM PST
by
Timeout
To: Iowa Granny
Strawberry Shortcake seems like a tough cookie. I loved it when she said, when asked if she would have liked to hear from Peterson, she said I saw enough of him...It is hard to believe that Gerragos did not coach Peterson better on his courtoom demeanor...sounds like he was cocky and smary the whole way through.
A full sized view of SSC
To: Timeout
It was my hotmail account. The header to the email was still there, but there was no message, i.e., the text of my very lengthy story. I'm not going to worry about it. This job is not worth the stress level, I'll tell you that.
To: All
Could the demise of Rudolph Giuliani protegé Bernard Kerik end up helping Rudy's former antagonist Bill Bratton?
The Los Angeles police chief, whom the former mayor fired after he landed on the cover of Time magazine for leading the crime turnaround in New York City, has been a favorite of President Bush and outgoing Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge, who often point to the City of Angels as a role model for preparedness.
Bratton and his counterterrorism chief John Miller, who found Osama bin Laden and interviewed him when he was a TV journalist, have sent detectives to Iraq to work with the Marines to study Al Qaeda methods of kidnappings, attacks, device building and use of electronics. They have also built relationships with the CIA and FBI, and with the L.A. Fire Department (fire brass are invited to police intelligence meetings), which have been historically been strained in New York.
Not to mention that Bratton has lowered crime stats in L.A. the same way he did here - as the L.A. Times reported last week.
"Bratton would be the smartest, but not the most likely choice," said one law-enforcement source. "He's really apolitical, but he associated himself with former NYC Public Advocate Mark Green's failed run for mayor, so he's probably seen as a Democrat." http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/261986p-224157c.html
To: mountaineer
December 8:
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9:
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years, felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.
This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12:
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry; we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14:
Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15:
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and two extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16:
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17:
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for five hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20:
Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Goddamn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying.
Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22:
Bob was right about a white Christmas, because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt 'til August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel, and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel! Tried to hire Bob, who has a plow on his truck, for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.
December 23:
Only 2" of snow today, and it warmed up to "0". The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What, is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did, but I think she's lying.
December 24:
6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son-of-a-bitch who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over everywhere I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.
December 25:
Merry M*&#@% F&@!#$& Christmas. 20 more inches of the f*%#@%* slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26:
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27:
Temperature dropped to -30, and the pipes froze. Plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him; he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28:
Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!!!
December 29:
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30:
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver. He is now suing me for a million dollars; not for only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.
December 31:
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8:
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
185
posted on
12/14/2004 7:52:43 AM PST
by
lodwick
To: lodwick
It's not quite that bad here, but I still would prefer a snowless winter.
To: mountaineer
Independent Media TV | 14 Dec 2004 | Evelyn Pringle
Prince Neil Bush - Far From Charming
By: Evelyn Pringle
Independent Media TV
Once upon a time, Prince Neil Bush was best-known for his role in the collapse of the Silverado Savings and Loan. But here come to find out, he is actually the romeo of the Bush Royal Family.
I say this because last year his videotaped divorce deposition became public and quite frankly, the revelations in it do not paint a picture of strong moral values. As it turns out, while still married to his wife, Princess Sharon, Neil had what can only be described as random sex with a number of women, contracted a venereal disease, had an affair with his mother's married secretary, and was accused of fathering a child out of wedlock.
I guess the lectures delivered by Neil's I'm not an obnoxious drunk anymore brother George, missed the mark. So much for abstinence and safe sex in the First Royal Family.
Although Neil also testified about several highly questionable business deals in which he received huge amounts of money for little (if any) effort, they were completely overshadowed by the tales of his sexual liaisons with the gals in Thailand and Hong Kong.
I will never forget what W said back when the Clinton pardon scandal hit the headlines with charges that brother-in-law Hugh Rodham had accepted $400,000 to lobby for clemency for two felons. When reporters asked W what advice he would give to his own family members, he said: "My guidance to them is, 'Behave yourself.' And they will."
Oh is that right? ha.ha.ha.ha.ha. The absurdity of that statement is almost as funny as the jokes made about their dad's "read my lips" comment.
A Match Made In Heaven
Prince Neil met Sharon during the 1980 presidential campaign. After a brief courtship, they married, moved to Colorado, had 3 children and remained happily married (or at least Sharon did) for 23 years.
The whole divorce saga began in May, 2002, when Neil informed Sharon that he wanted a divorce in an e-mail. The actual email makes for one hell of a "Dear John" letter. The following is in part, what he had to say to Sharon:
"Your comments at our pool-side dinner with the kids that you and I should race to see who could make a million dollars faster, your belief expressed in different ways that I have not made enough money, your belief that it was easy to make money, and that Jamal Daniel's plotting or Dad's influence will be the magic answer to our financial woes all cause me consternation and reflect the bitterness and anger that has come from the loneliness you described Friday," Neil wrote.
"It is very clear that we are failing to meet each other's core needs. We're almost out of money and I've lost my patience for being compared to my brothers, for being put down for my inability to make money, and tired of not being loved. I'm sure you have felt abandoned and a deep sense of loneliness," he wrote.
Of course, Neil forgot to mention a few things in the email. Like he didn't tell Sharon about his Asian sex romps or that he was already having an affair with Maria Anderson, wife of Robert Andrews, a woman Sharon once regarded as a friend, but who she would later call "Neil's Mexican whore."
In fact, he forgot to mention quite a few things. A review of exhibits from Maria's divorce deposition, reveals that at the same time that Neil penning the Dear John email to Sharon, he was also writing love letters to Maria, evidently looking to get his core needs met with her. In one email he tells Maria, "My heart is breaking with solitude. I can't wait to be free to dedicate all of my passion to love you. I hurt to have you in my arms, to make love with you and be a part of your life. Prince Neil almost puts Prince Charles to shame.
Neil said he met Maria in 2001 while she was working in his mother's office. He claims the affair did not begin until January 2002, when they ended up together at a fundraiser for brother Jeb. A few weeks later Neil went to the Maria's house looking to raise money for his new company and I guess it was Andrew's unlucky day. For when Neil left that day, he not only walked out with $100,000 of Andrew's money, he also bagged his wife, Maria.
A few weeks later, Maria and Neil took a pre-divorce Honeymoon to Mexico and the rest is history. Neil soon fired off his parting email to Sharon and when he returned to the US from Dubai, he set up a bachelor pad in Houston.
And get this, court records show that Neil and Maria both filed for divorce on the same day, August 26, 2002. What a sentimental couple.
In a July, 2002 interview on KHOU TV in Texas, Sharon said that she had never expected a divorce, "It was totally out of the blue, she said.
However, Neil told a different tale. Apparently unbeknownst to Sharon, the marriage had been on the rocks for years. In his 270 page deposition, Neil testified that there was "no affection" and "very little sexual activity over the past 10 or 12 years." He told Sharons attorney, "Our marriage has been broken. It's loveless. And there is nothing left to it.
When she got the email, Sharon says she was taken off guard because 2 days earlier, Neil had given her a ring and said he loved her. When she reached out to her in-laws she claims, "I just really basically was turned off, turned away," Sharon said.
She talked about a conversation between her and Queen Barbara Bush, "I said I think Neil is having a mid-life crisis. You know, I'm worried about his business and maybe stress was leading to this e-mail. And she basically said, you talk to your mother and Neilsy will talk to me. And Neilsy will never abandon his children. And that was it, according to ABC News on Oct 10, 2004.
As late as April 28, 2003, the day the divorce became finalize, Sharon was telling the judge that she wasn't sure she wanted the divorce. "I believe in working through a marriage," she testified, "and I don't believe in divorce with three children." The judge showed no sympathy and granted the divorce anyways.
All Out War
After Sharon learned of Neil's affair with Maria, she went on a rampage. She made no secret of the fact that she did not want a divorce, and launched an all out attack on the 2 love-birds. She hired top PR man Lou Colasuonno, a former editor of both the New York Post and the New York Daily News.
Colasuonno's first move was to announce that Sharon was looking for a publisher for a book she planned to write. "This is a woman who has had some wonderful times with the Bushes," Colasuonno told the New York Observer. "But she has seen the dark side, too. And she intends to provide a view of the family that everyone will want to read."
Next he set up a lunch date for his client to meet with the famous author, Kitty Kelley, who was already working on a book about the Bush family. Then he hinted that Sharon might be feeding Kelley Bush family secrets.
Sharon and Kelley enjoyed a 4 hour lunch and Kelley couldn't say enough about how badly poor Sharon was being treated. "I learned a great deal about the Bush family from Sharon," Kelley told The Washington Post. "She told me he's only offering $1,000 a month in support -- take it or leave it. . . . She said that when she told Neil she needs more to live on, Neil Bush said, 'Just get remarried.' Sharon was sobbing as she told me, 'Kitty, I just won't sell my body!' "
PR guy Colasuonno claims that Kelley's disclosure to the Post, prompted the Prince to more than double his offer of settlement to about $30,000 a year. In her interview with ABC on Oct 10, 2004, Sharon said her final divorce settlement allowed for 4 years of alimony at $2,500 a month, and that she may soon have to sell the family home in Houston.
When it was released this year, Kelley's book contained quotes attributed to Sharon that included the allegation that W snorted cocaine with his brother at Camp David during the first Bush presidency. Sharon quickly denied making that allegation but her PR guy Colasuonno, and 2 others who were at the lunch, backed Kelley's version of the conversations.
Sharon also told Kelly that at one point, she had even received an implied death threat from Neil. According to Sharon, he left a message on her answering machine telling her that if she didn't shut her mouth, she would find herself "in a dark alley."
So here we have the brother of the current president and the son of an ex-president threatening his soon to be ex-wife with death if she doesn't keep quiet about the family secrets. Are we talking about the Royal First Family here? Or the Mafia?
Kelley and Sharon were both interviewed by Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show on Sept 13 and 14, 2004, and both ladies stuck to their story, as far as what was said at their 4 hour lunch.
The April 22, 2003 Washington Post, reported that Sharon also met with another author, Julie McCarron, in Houston on April 14, 2003, to explore writing a memoir of her life in the Bush family.
McCarron wrote a memo about their day long session together to Michael Viner, who had agreed to a $200,000-plus book deal to publish Sharon's book "First Family." According to McCarron, they ran into Neil's mistress Maria that day at a restaurant called Grotto. "This was very upsetting to Sharon," McCarron wrote in the memo. In the end, Viner withdrew from the book deal, according to the Post.
McCarron memo said that she met Sharon at the Bush family home in Houston. "She was very teary as we toured her house and looked at the hundreds of framed family photos on the wall," McCarron wrote. "She swore that she had been an excellent wife and mother for more than twenty years. . . . She was very upset that the woman her husband was having an affair with had been on Barbara Bush's staff -- how could she not have known?"
According to McCarron, Sharon "stated that the only thing the Bush family cares about is their money and their public image," McCarron continued. "She was devastated over the end of her marriage and the emotional state of her children. As far as writing a book went, she hadn't thought too much about specifics. She did not want to be perceived as a woman scorned. . . . She wanted to write the story of . . . how a 'perfect' marriage can explode after 22 years . . . how she bought into the image of the perfect family, but couldn't cope when everyone in that family turned against her. The Bush family preached family values while she practiced them," wrote McCarron, as reported in the Post.
"They were my family for almost a quarter-century," Sharon said of the Bushes. "I believed in families, and I believed in the family values. And I thought they did, too. So, I thought I would get help from them," according to ABC News.
I guess poor Sharon thought wrong.
What? No Pillow Talk?
During the deposition, when asked by his wife's attorney whether he'd had affairs during his marriage, Neil disclosed a string of sexcapades that could almost put Bill Clinton to shame. And they were all by chance.
During his business trips to Hong Kong and Thailand, Neil said that he would be sitting in his hotel room, just minding his own business, when all of a sudden there would be a knock at the door and a woman would be standing there wanting to have sex with him. He testified that he had no idea who they were or why they showed up.
Neil told his wifes attorney, "I had sexual intercourse with perhaps three or four, I don't remember the exact number, women, at different times. In Thailand once, I have a pretty clear recollection that there was one time in Thailand and in Hong Kong."
I wonder why he has "a pretty clear recollection" of certain encounters. Or is it because they were such memorable events or is it because he caught venereal disease during one of those particular trists?
Attorney Brown asked Neil about this, "Is that where you caught the venereal diseases?" and Neil said, "No." Brown asked, "Where did you catch those?" And Neil replied, "Diseases plural? I didn't catch..."
Brown apologized, I guess for being insensitive, "Well, I'm sorry. How ... how many venereal diseases do you suffer from?" Neil said, "I've had one venereal disease." To which Brown asked, "Which was?" "Herpes," he said.
I've got news for Neil. Had is past tense. Somebody better inform him that once you have Herpes, its a life-long affliction.
A little later, Sharon's attorney tried to get Neil to explain more about who these women were, "Were they prostitutes?" he asked. "I don't -- I don't know," Neil replied. Brown asked, "Did you pay them for that sex?" And Neil said, "No, I did not."
Brown then asked did you, "Pick them up in a sushi house?"
Bush: "No. ... My recollection is, where I can recall, they came to my room."
You can tell that Brown is having a good time at Neil's expense by the way he ridicules him: "Do you know the name of that hotel? I may go to Thailand sometime."
I think its fairly obviously that some of Neil's foreign business deals came with perks that he was more than happy to take advantage of.
When asked how he knew what to do when a woman came to the door, Neil replied, "Whatever happened, happened." That snide comment could lead the mind to any number of visions. If need be, Prince Neil could probably make a few extra bucks by publishing his deposition and marketing it as a soft porn novel.
Sharon's attorney was amazed at Neils Asian romps, "you have to admit that it's a pretty remarkable thing for a man just to go to a hotel room door and open it and have a woman standing there and have sex with her," he said.
"It was very unusual," Neil replied.
That right there was lie under oath in a civil deposition. Also known as perjury during the Clinton years. How can Neil claim the events were unusual when by his own admission, they happened at least 3 or 4 times? I say arrest the Prince for lying under oath, and if by any chance he holds a license to practice anything, revoke it.
For those wondering how Sharon felt sitting there listening to the details of Neil sexcapades, she said, "I was totally devastated, and so were our children upon learning this," reported the New York Post's PAGE SIX. "I trusted him while he was on all those foreign trips and kept the home fires burning while raising three great children . . . His behavior has been appalling. Where are the family values?"
That is a very good question. Where's the moral outrage from the Bush family over Neil's behavior?
In fairness to Neil, the Asian trips were not all play and no work. Its just that the sex stories overshadow the curious financial deals that were discussed in same deposition.
So if these women were not perks from foreign investors seeking to gain influence through the Presidents brother, who were they? Wasn't there any pillow talk whatsoever?
What does Neil expect us to believe? That 3 or 4 different women spotted him in a hotel lobby and found him so irresistible that they slipped a bellhop 50 bucks to get his room number? For anyone even considering this scenario, go take a good look at Neil Bush and decide if anyone would willingly pay one dime for a romp in the sack with him.
In July 2002, Sharon appeared for a live interview on KHOU-TV News. By that time, the TV station had obtained a copy of Neil's videotaped deposition and it played excerpts from the deposition that contained his own accounts of the Asian sexcapades.
After that, an all-out publicity war began. Neil's Attorney, John Spalding, called reporters with a story that Sharon had yanked hair out of Neil's head so she could make a voodoo doll and put a curse on him. "It was bizarre," he said, "She literally pulled his hair and yanked it out of his head. He told me about it."
Sharon admitted that she took some of Neil's hair, but said it came from his barber's floor and that it was not for a voodoo doll. She told the Houston Chronicle that because Neil was acting so erratic, she wanted to test the hair for drug use. The tests were inconclusive, she said.
The 3-Some Gangs Up On Princess Sharon
When Sharon found out about Neil and Maria's affair, she began claiming that Neil and Maria had been sleeping together for years and that Neil was the father of Maria's 2 year old son.
Next thing you know, Maria's husband, Robert, who just happened to also be a business associate of Neil's, claimed that Sharon defamed his son by saying the boy was fathered by Neil and filed a defamation lawsuit against her.
This set off a sandstorm of accusations and demands from all sides. A Texas judge granted Sharon's demand for DNA samples from Andrews and his son, and even though Neil had already given one DNA sample, Sharon's attorney got the judge to make him give another. "We require he be forced to give a sample under court supervision," Attorney David Berg, told UPI on Nov 26, 2003. "He voluntarily did it before we got to court but not under court supervision. It was a good first step, but we want it under court supervised conditions," Berg said.
The Houston Chronicle reported the story that, Neil provided a tissue sample Friday that will be used to determine whether he fathered a child by his girlfriend while she was still married to another man. He hopes the results will settle a paternity question that is at the core of an $850,000 defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, according to a statement issued by Neil's attorney, John Spalding.
The suit alleged that Sharon had spread the rumor to news outlets, friends and "fast food restaurant employees." The amount that Andrews demanded from Sharon in damages was significant for 2 reasons. First of all, as part of the divorce settlement, Sharon was allowed to buy the family home from Neil for $850,000. On the exact same day that she closed on the house, Andrews filed the lawsuit and guess how much he asked for? $850,000.
The second reason the demand was significant was that Andrews apparently decided to team up with the guy who stole his wife and help Neil and Maria kill 2 birds with one stone. To stop Sharon from writing a book, Andrews asked that he be awarded all royalties that she might earn from writing any book about the case, according to UPI.
Sharons attorney was quick to call foul. "We consider it (the suit) vindictive and an attempt to shut her up," Berg said. "You'd have to be blind not to understand the message when they sued her on the same day that she closed on the house for the same amount of money, an identical amount, he claimed. "They are sending a message ... It sounds like Andrews is a stalking horse for Bush."
Then Andrew's attorney, Dale Jefferson, thought he'd drive the lets-humiliate-Sharon-knife a little deeper, and went public with a "put-up-or-shut-up" settlement offer: "We'll put up $850,000 and Sharon Bush can put up $850,000," Jefferson said. "And if she's right and Neil Bush is the father of that child, she gets Mr. Andrews's $850,000, and if we're right, we get her $850,000."
Today, Sharon Bush is not only divorced from Neil, she told 20/20, but completely cut out of the larger Bush clan, what she calls the Bush corporation. She say it is a tight-knit family that sticks together financially, socially, and of course, politically. "Well, you know, we all work together to support George and get him elected. And my father-in-law, to get him elected. It's a family affair. You work hard," Sharon recalled.
All I can say is that I think the Princess deserved a much better retirement package for 23 years of service in the Bush Corporation.
As for the happy couple, on March 6, 2004, Neil and Maria tied the knot. The wedding took place in Houston with most of the Bush clan there to celebrate. Described as a Dom Perignon affair, the wedding was attended by family patriarch and former President George H.W. Bush, as well as prominent guests from the Middle East and China, according to ABC New on Oct 10, 2004. Jeb, George and Laura apparently had other plans because they were no shows.
As always with the Bush family, and especially when folks from foreign countries attend a Bush Bash, the Prince and his new Princess were showered with presents. "There were also very lavish gifts," said Mimi Swartz, of Texas Monthly. "I think the couple got matching Bulgari watches, I think someone else gave them an SUV."
Meanwhile, Neil and his new wife are building a multi-million dollar house next door to his parents, reports ABC, where I assume they plan to live happily ever after, or at least until Neil travels to Asia again.
The moral of this story is I guess its better if half of a couple lives happily ever after than no one at all.
THE END
By Evelyn Pringle
e.pringle@sbcglobal.net
187
posted on
12/14/2004 8:18:16 AM PST
by
lodwick
To: lodwick
Good Grief! I lost interest in that long post about a quarter of the way thru. Who needs to know this stuff?
On another matter: Congrats for cleaning up the Christmas Snow letter. I wasn't sure it could be cleansed in such a way that it was printable on a family site. But you did it, and I give you credit for that.
To: lodwick
I don't really give a rat's patootey about Neil Bush. My elder sibling's behavior is disgusting and reprehensible, but I'm no more responsible for it than G. W. Bush is for his brother's.
To: Iowa Granny
I agree, but it just kept on and on and on with more unbelievable revelations about what a pos is Neil. Given his history, what sort of a woman would marry him and expect things to go any better for her?
Off to fight the paper-war battle before Mrs.L really becomes distraught with me.
190
posted on
12/14/2004 11:10:45 AM PST
by
lodwick
To: lodwick; mountaineer; Timeout; Hillary's Lovely Legs; All
HELP!
Do any of you all know whether I can still cross in and out of Canada into BC from Washington state with just a driver's license or do I need a passport?
I have a meeting coming up and one of the participants, who is my responsibility needs to be picked up in Vancouver and brought down to Washington state for the meeting. My passport is expired. Do I need one to go in and out of Canadia? (I haven't crossed the border since September 11th.)
To: mountaineer
send your snow to me. i love it.
To: Endeavor
My daughter and I went to Niagara Falls last summer and all I needed was my driver's license, although we had our passports just in case. Good luck.
To: Endeavor
To visit Canada you:
must be healthy. You might need a doctors examination;
must respect Canadian laws;
will need a valid passport, proof of who you are or other travel documents;
will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you are from one of these countries; and
may need a letter of invitation.
***
That's from the gov's website...not the clearest reg I've ever read.
194
posted on
12/14/2004 1:29:12 PM PST
by
lodwick
To: Endeavor
Just bring your driver's license and you birth certificate.
Be nice, declare everything in your car, don't smell of pot or booze, and you should be fine. :)
I cross at least twice a month into Canada and the only time I ever had a problem was when BigWaveBetty was in the car. She just HAD to have been born in England.
195
posted on
12/14/2004 1:31:05 PM PST
by
Hillary's Lovely Legs
(Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps.)
To: lodwick
Dear Ms. Pringle,
Please learn how to use the English language correctly. If that happens, I might take you more seriously. You also might wish to report on a story that hasn't already been reported to death, or perhaps you should simply pursue a career writing daytime soap operas.
If you need any other tips on life, be sure to let me know. -- E
To: Hillary's Lovely Legs
I don't know where my birth certificate is. I don't have it and my mother doesn't have it. That's never bothered the IRS.
No booze or pot? What will become of me? /sarcasm
To: Hillary's Lovely Legs
the only time I ever had a problem was when BigWaveBetty was in the car. No need to explain - we understand.
;^ )
To: Endeavor
You can write the county health department where you were born and get it from them.
199
posted on
12/14/2004 1:49:17 PM PST
by
Hillary's Lovely Legs
(Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps.)
To: daisyscarlett; All
200
posted on
12/14/2004 2:35:20 PM PST
by
lodwick
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