I'm so tired of China it's not even funny. MORE toys are being recalled because of lead paint - made in China of course. I'm so glad I'm not trying to raise kids in this day and age. I'd be taking away any toy with ANY paint on it! Now I know why my Mom wasn't so big on disposable diapers! Needless to say, I won't be buying any more electronics anytime soon. I really want a bigger CF card eventually, but finding one NOT made in China is liable to be next to impossible, and I'm not willing to gamble what's on the thing that shouldn't be there at all.
I'm just glad I'm not a health food junkie. Twice now there's been spinach recalls, first for e coli, now for salmonella contamination! It makes me want to scream and not buy any food grown in California as much as I don't want to buy anything made in China! Unfortunately, a lot of my favorite foods aren't often grown here, especially bananas. But with all the recent crap going on I'm wondering what anyone can do anymore. Our food isn't safe, our kids' toys and possibly more isn't safe, but yet what are we going to do? Most electronics and toys are made in China. I wonder if the products from Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong are any safer. One would assume the Japanese ones are as they are quite more high-tech than China and therefore have the knowledge to produce things safer at a reasonable price. I must wonder also why many western countries, especially the US, are still doing business in China, especially considering we have a major labor pool just south of us in Mexico. They'll work for dirt cheap, and maybe if we pump money into their economy down there, they'll quit trying to come up here! Let them assemble our electronics. It's got to be cheaper than sending them all the way across the ocean from China! I'm not sure what's left to be done, I just got the sneaky feeling our best solution lies on our own continent. Imagine if Sony pulled out of China and built plants in Mexico. I'm sure the wages they're paying the Chinese would probably be middle-class like wages in Mexico, so many of them would be working there, which means they wouldn't be so anxious to come up here illegally to work. They'd be paying taxes down there, which means there'd be more government money available for infrastructure. Plus the people would be able to spend more money which would help create jobs at grocery stores etc. And if they're eating more, maybe they'd be buying more of our food, evening the trade deficit. And in return we'd be getting safer products as we'd be showing them how to do it, and they'd still be cheap just like we prefer it to be! I don't know what the solution is, I just know SOMETHING has to be done, I' just don't know WHAT.
So, my fellow Americans, what do you think our politicians should do about Sen. Craig, the Republican caught supposedly soliciting anonymous same-gender sex in a bathroom stall at Minneapolis airport from an undercover cop? Mind you, he pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct, even though now he says that it was a "mistake" to plead, that it was a "misunderstanding" of some sorts. So apparently SOMETHING happened. The thing is, he didn't come right out and admit that anything had happened; reports have it that he didn't even tell his own WIFE of the arrest. (Ok if that was MY husband getting arrested and not telling me, I think there'd be some words exchanged at LEAST. That's one of those things the significant other needs to know, much less your boss!) He's already "temporarily" resigned all his committee posts, so he's ONLY a Senator now. Should the party heads force him to resign? Or should they just reprimand him and prohibit him from holding any more committee posts? Or do you believe him, that it was all a big misunderstanding?
Another one for (at least mainly) my American readers. Why do you think the Gulf Coast is still (at least in many areas) in bad condition two YEARS after Hurricane Katrina? Do you think race has a part in it? Is it just proof of the government's inability to make anything that's critical happen? Is it because the insurance companies and others in the area refuse to take responsibility and are taking advantage of the people by charging outrageous rates to live there? Or is it a combination of them?
And why is the presidential field so awful? Why is it that the best hope I see isn't on the side I tend to lean? Why do I see more hope in the side that I do NOT want to see in power for another 4 years? Even the ones that look promising have parts of them I cannot stand. But God knows I cannot support Clinton, Obama, or McCain. Giulliani has issues, but at least he seems to be a LITTLE more open-minded. No one seems to know for sure where Thompson stands on the issues. And then you got laughing stocks like Kucinnich who, just by speaking, either make you sick or laugh. And the talk of pushing Gore to run again makes me sick. He's probably the best candidate just solely based on policies, but no one would take him serious based on his global warming stance (as the science isn't even conclusive and many know that). And on that note, Edwards ruined it for me when he said recently if elected, he'd ask all of us Americans to cough up our SUV's just because they're gas guzzlers. How about all the families that bought them to transport their children around because they're safer and more spacious than a tiny little Prius? Let's grow up people! Let's just SUPPOSE man is at least contributing to the "warming" of this planet (which I can believe). We as Americans - and I believe advanced nations as a hole - do not sacrifice ourselves out of situations. In the words of Glenn Beck last night, we "invent ourselves out" of the crises of our time. Instead of banning or overtaxing SUV's, let's focus on making them more fuel efficient. If a Prius can get 40mpg, why can't an SUV get at least 30? I understand they're bigger. But I think we can do it.
So there's my rant for today. I hope I made everyone think, and I invite everyone to comment, even if you usually only read. I really want to know what everyone thinks, both here in the US and across the world. Peace folks!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Political News etc
Well, it's official. The third most hated man in the White House is
resigning. No, it's not President Bush, or Vice President Cheney. It's
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the one at the center of several
scandals, including the firing of the U. S. Attorneys. I can't
possibly state how estatic I am to see - first Mr. Rove, now Mr.
Gonzales - resign from this troubled and troubling administration.
Alright, I lied, I CAN state it. WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! There
is still hope that something good can come out of the last nearly 7
years of hell. It's not easy being an American ashamed of your own
government because not only do they not represent you, they don't
represent your country, what it means to be American, or the standards
and morals of the country. Perhaps now we can move on from all these
scandals and get down to the business of the country. We should make
these politicians use their month's vacation doing our work - building
our fence in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas!!!!
On a personal note, I apologize for not writing much lately, I've been
writing, just not publicly. It's been a rough week, one none of you
would want to read day in and day out. I will comment real briefly
though about Walter's comment on my last blog... All I want to do is
remind you the Bible has been revised several times over the last
several hundred years, and to assume nothing got omitted or added to
the text - whether right or wrong - is being extremely optimistic. I
understand what you're saying when you say you can't cherry pick. All
I'm saying is we need to take the focus on religious rituals etc., and
get back to the personal faith.
resigning. No, it's not President Bush, or Vice President Cheney. It's
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the one at the center of several
scandals, including the firing of the U. S. Attorneys. I can't
possibly state how estatic I am to see - first Mr. Rove, now Mr.
Gonzales - resign from this troubled and troubling administration.
Alright, I lied, I CAN state it. WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! There
is still hope that something good can come out of the last nearly 7
years of hell. It's not easy being an American ashamed of your own
government because not only do they not represent you, they don't
represent your country, what it means to be American, or the standards
and morals of the country. Perhaps now we can move on from all these
scandals and get down to the business of the country. We should make
these politicians use their month's vacation doing our work - building
our fence in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas!!!!
On a personal note, I apologize for not writing much lately, I've been
writing, just not publicly. It's been a rough week, one none of you
would want to read day in and day out. I will comment real briefly
though about Walter's comment on my last blog... All I want to do is
remind you the Bible has been revised several times over the last
several hundred years, and to assume nothing got omitted or added to
the text - whether right or wrong - is being extremely optimistic. I
understand what you're saying when you say you can't cherry pick. All
I'm saying is we need to take the focus on religious rituals etc., and
get back to the personal faith.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Stupidity in Philly (and an 'aawww' moment)
So often our laws seem inadequate, and even worse, our government's
reaction to a well-meant response to inadequate city actions are met
with disapproval. Take Philadelphia for example. There is a question
on whether or not to pursue murder charges in the case of a 1966
shooting of a Philadelphia Police Officer who finally succumb to his
injuries this week (one bullet lodged very close to his spine). Now
granted, the criminal spent a few years behind bars for attempted
murder. But seeing as how he never reformed and to this day - almost
40 years later - is living in a halfway house, perhaps this is a man
that shouldn't even be out on the streets? Now I understand the
thought process that it might be hard to prove that it was injuries
from the shooting that killed this man as he wasn't exactly a "spring
chicken" anymore, but the coroner has already stated the cause of
death, and if that's the case, then why shouldn't the District
Attorney try to seek justice for the family?
Yet here's the other end of the spectrum. A man has decided to make a
sign pleading with the citizens of Philadelphia to stop the shootings
(90% of which are usually fatal). There are two other such signs on
city busses and/or storefronts, but because this one features a
blown-up image of a 9mm pistol along with the names of all 406 murder
victims of last year, it's too racy. Yet the other two posters aren't
much better if you ask me (and this is a direct quote out of
yesterday's Inquirer): "One ad targeting illegal weapons features a
little girl, a gun, and a price tag. In the Mayor Street-endorsed "Put
It Down" campaign, a gun pierces a red heart splattering black blood."
So a gun all by itself - no children, no blood - is worse than one
with a child and a price tag? WTF? Here's an idea: build a prison for
just murderers, and anyone caught and convicted of gun-related murder
is automatically sentenced to life in prison. Unfortunately, that's
not the answer, but it'd keep them - and their guns - off the streets.
The answer may be more radical. First of all, this culture of silence
MUST be broken through. The police often cannot solve a murder
investigation without eyewitnesses coming forward. But maybe
Philadelphia needs a concealed-carry law? Maybe if the criminals
realize they're liable to get killed themselves they'll quit killing
each other - and sadly, often innocent people in the process.
The problem is obvious. Sadly, the solution isn't quite so obvious.
reaction to a well-meant response to inadequate city actions are met
with disapproval. Take Philadelphia for example. There is a question
on whether or not to pursue murder charges in the case of a 1966
shooting of a Philadelphia Police Officer who finally succumb to his
injuries this week (one bullet lodged very close to his spine). Now
granted, the criminal spent a few years behind bars for attempted
murder. But seeing as how he never reformed and to this day - almost
40 years later - is living in a halfway house, perhaps this is a man
that shouldn't even be out on the streets? Now I understand the
thought process that it might be hard to prove that it was injuries
from the shooting that killed this man as he wasn't exactly a "spring
chicken" anymore, but the coroner has already stated the cause of
death, and if that's the case, then why shouldn't the District
Attorney try to seek justice for the family?
Yet here's the other end of the spectrum. A man has decided to make a
sign pleading with the citizens of Philadelphia to stop the shootings
(90% of which are usually fatal). There are two other such signs on
city busses and/or storefronts, but because this one features a
blown-up image of a 9mm pistol along with the names of all 406 murder
victims of last year, it's too racy. Yet the other two posters aren't
much better if you ask me (and this is a direct quote out of
yesterday's Inquirer): "One ad targeting illegal weapons features a
little girl, a gun, and a price tag. In the Mayor Street-endorsed "Put
It Down" campaign, a gun pierces a red heart splattering black blood."
So a gun all by itself - no children, no blood - is worse than one
with a child and a price tag? WTF? Here's an idea: build a prison for
just murderers, and anyone caught and convicted of gun-related murder
is automatically sentenced to life in prison. Unfortunately, that's
not the answer, but it'd keep them - and their guns - off the streets.
The answer may be more radical. First of all, this culture of silence
MUST be broken through. The police often cannot solve a murder
investigation without eyewitnesses coming forward. But maybe
Philadelphia needs a concealed-carry law? Maybe if the criminals
realize they're liable to get killed themselves they'll quit killing
each other - and sadly, often innocent people in the process.
The problem is obvious. Sadly, the solution isn't quite so obvious.
OK to brighter news.
Thank you E for letting me watch - and help a little - as you made the
biggest heap of lasagna I've ever seen in my life! Maybe someday not
too far from now, when it's getting cold outside, I'll make my own
attempt at it. But dang that was good!
And speaking of E, it was absolutely adorable yesterday, folks, I wish
I had pictures. She's got two white cats, a male and a female, of
which the male just loves people - especially me when J ain't around
(if Q's favorite woman is around, everyone else is sure to be ignored
LOL). So yesterday, just after the lasagna had been put together, I
kicked back on E's couch, and up comes Mr. Q... Whom, granted, isn't
quite as heavy as Curzon is, but is still chunky enough to make a
skinny kid go OOF when he sits on the stomach. But this time he
decided it was nap time - right on me. So we crashed together... And
both of us dozed off! Of course when it was time to get back moving,
my black long-sleeved shirt looked more like a white cat, as I was so
covered in fur, but it was worth it! There's no better medicine in the
world than having a cat trust you enough to sleep on you, especially
when he's not your cat! Of course, as I typed that, I got a set of
eyes staring at me from across the room by Ms. Jadzia as if saying
"Ain't NO cat loves you more than ME!" And she's probably right... The
only competition would be her brother, who, the moment I pick him up,
pretty much goes limp in my arms. Of course that only makes the cat
seem even heavier, but it's ok. I should be more than used to picking
up 20lb cats by now!
So anyways, I do think it's time to STFU and let this blog go into the
blogosphere before it turns into a blog of epic proportions!! ;-)
Peace and love to all my peeps!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Congress
Why do even the Democrats have such low approval of the Democrat-led
Congress? It's easy. They lied. They lied when they said they were
going to demand change in Iraq. They lied when they said they were
going to require "benchmarks" before sending more money. I'm not
saying I agree with the Democrats. What I AM saying is, if you - no
matter your party affiliation - promise your base one thing and do
another, you will quickly lose support. It's unfortunate this time
that there is a lot more at stake than a couple congressional seats.
It could provide Republicans with momentum going into the Presidential
election. It can affect how we fight the war against the radical
elements in the Middle East. It can affect the whole face of Congress.
What needs to happen is we need to ban politics from being a career.
We need to go back to the day when ordinary citizens were in
leadership roles. When your word was your honor and you paid the price
for not doing as you promised, or at least trying. We need to throw
away the labels of "Democrat" and "Republican" and get to the truth -
we are Americans, and it's time we start acting like it again. America
does not get involved in every disturbance around the world. America
respects and honors the soverignity of other nations. America supports
her friends in the world, but also understands that she's not
responsible to take care of her friends all the time either. But
instead, we've mingled in almost every conflict in the world that we
had no business being in, especially the last few decades. There was a
reason we didn't get involved in the World Wars earlier than we did -
it wasn't our war to fight. We supported our friends through covert
means, but we weren't about to ask our sons (and daughters) to fight a
war for someone else. We shouldn't have gottten involved in Vietnam,
Korea, or this second war in Iraq. We helped a friend who couldn't
help herself repel an invasion, and we should've stopped there. But
instead, we went back a few years later and totally overthrew that
government.
I'm not saying Saddam was a good man; he wasn't much worse than
Hitler. But it wasn't our job to overthrow him, that job fell on the
shoulders of the Iraqis.
But what's done is done, we must finish what we started - and soon. We
must finish helping the Iraqis set their military back up. We must
help train local police departments. It's time we finish up - then GET
OUT.
Congress? It's easy. They lied. They lied when they said they were
going to demand change in Iraq. They lied when they said they were
going to require "benchmarks" before sending more money. I'm not
saying I agree with the Democrats. What I AM saying is, if you - no
matter your party affiliation - promise your base one thing and do
another, you will quickly lose support. It's unfortunate this time
that there is a lot more at stake than a couple congressional seats.
It could provide Republicans with momentum going into the Presidential
election. It can affect how we fight the war against the radical
elements in the Middle East. It can affect the whole face of Congress.
What needs to happen is we need to ban politics from being a career.
We need to go back to the day when ordinary citizens were in
leadership roles. When your word was your honor and you paid the price
for not doing as you promised, or at least trying. We need to throw
away the labels of "Democrat" and "Republican" and get to the truth -
we are Americans, and it's time we start acting like it again. America
does not get involved in every disturbance around the world. America
respects and honors the soverignity of other nations. America supports
her friends in the world, but also understands that she's not
responsible to take care of her friends all the time either. But
instead, we've mingled in almost every conflict in the world that we
had no business being in, especially the last few decades. There was a
reason we didn't get involved in the World Wars earlier than we did -
it wasn't our war to fight. We supported our friends through covert
means, but we weren't about to ask our sons (and daughters) to fight a
war for someone else. We shouldn't have gottten involved in Vietnam,
Korea, or this second war in Iraq. We helped a friend who couldn't
help herself repel an invasion, and we should've stopped there. But
instead, we went back a few years later and totally overthrew that
government.
I'm not saying Saddam was a good man; he wasn't much worse than
Hitler. But it wasn't our job to overthrow him, that job fell on the
shoulders of the Iraqis.
But what's done is done, we must finish what we started - and soon. We
must finish helping the Iraqis set their military back up. We must
help train local police departments. It's time we finish up - then GET
OUT.
Lynx's Rant - and Views - on Religion and Faith
First of all, my disclaimer. DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED OR NOT SECURE ENOUGH IN YOUR FAITH TO QUESTION IT OCCASIONALLY. I cannot and will not be held responsible for any doubts I may put in your mind or the consequences thereof. Your life - and soul - are between you and your "boss", whoever you choose to believe in and answer to. This blog - and especially this post - is only the view and thought processes of one person - ME. Now if you're stable and secure, come with me on my journey.
Who says that one must either be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim? Are we not ALL God's children? Does God really care which religion we are? I don't think so. I don't think God cares if we believe Jesus was the Savior or one of the - if not THE - greatest Prophets of all time. That is merely a matter of religious dogma and personal faith. Would God rather have an evil devout person than a good person who believed in God but spent their life questioning matters of religious dogma for themselves? I think not! God cares much more about who we are inside than what we proclaim on the outside. How dare we preach love and tolerance if we hate another of God's children?
Now I'm not preaching tolerance of radical Islam, Judaism, or Christianity (all religions have radical elements). I guess it comes down to a modernized version of the Golden Rule - Treat others as you'd want to be treated but work to defeat the radical elements of all faiths, not always by fighting but also by faith, prayer, and love. As Walter told me in email about a totally different situation, sometimes the best way to deal with someone who hates you is to be nice! Let God deal with the technicalities. Every last one of us - good and evil - will have to stand at the gates and answer to God (or maybe the gatekeeper LOL) for what we have done. Who knows if hell exists, or if we all have to spend some time in an individualized version of jail based upon the depth of our evil, or we are allowed to walk through the gate forgiven without punishment there. Maybe purgatory exists, maybe it doesn't. Maybe hell exists, maybe it doesn't. Honestly, I think maybe both do. Hell is for the inherently and irredeemably evil like Hitler and those who kill other children of God's in the name of religion or worse in God's name. Maybe purgatory is for ordinary shmoes like us who tried to lead good lives, help our neighbors, showed those of other faiths that not everyone of our faith is hateful towards them, but made some mistakes along the way. Maybe it's a time for the soul to learn from the mistakes made here on earth even more than it is a place to pay your dues for what you did. I don't know. If I knew I wouldn't be an ordinary shmuck. I'd be rich and famous and have a book deal!
So here's my point. I honestly don't care if your Christian, Jewish, or Muslim - or what sect or denomination thereof either. I REALLY DON'T. I have plenty of Christian friends, including denominational and non-denominationals. I have had the pleasure of meeting and befriending a couple Jews along the way, and a couple Muslims too. It doesn't matter what label we attach to ourselves. God doesn't read labels. God reads hearts. And if we are trying to follow by example, shouldn't we do the same? Shouldn't we live to treat people the way they treat us, if not better? Shouldn't we try to make this hellhole of a planet a little better while we're here? God loves us all - no matter what religion, ethnicity, or gender. God is the ultimate in NONbiased love. And not just ordinary love. Unconditional LOVE. Trust me - if God can love a bumbling nutcase like me, you're loved too. Just ask. You'll see. ;-)
So let's all resolve to be better subjects of the eternal "boss" instead of focusing solely on doing as one particular religion tells us. Let's not condemn each other for mistakes others make in the name of their religion or mistakes their ancestors made. All religions had bungles and grievous errors in judgement in their history, Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. No one can claim "holier than thou" status. Well, no human that is.
Peace folks.
Who says that one must either be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim? Are we not ALL God's children? Does God really care which religion we are? I don't think so. I don't think God cares if we believe Jesus was the Savior or one of the - if not THE - greatest Prophets of all time. That is merely a matter of religious dogma and personal faith. Would God rather have an evil devout person than a good person who believed in God but spent their life questioning matters of religious dogma for themselves? I think not! God cares much more about who we are inside than what we proclaim on the outside. How dare we preach love and tolerance if we hate another of God's children?
Now I'm not preaching tolerance of radical Islam, Judaism, or Christianity (all religions have radical elements). I guess it comes down to a modernized version of the Golden Rule - Treat others as you'd want to be treated but work to defeat the radical elements of all faiths, not always by fighting but also by faith, prayer, and love. As Walter told me in email about a totally different situation, sometimes the best way to deal with someone who hates you is to be nice! Let God deal with the technicalities. Every last one of us - good and evil - will have to stand at the gates and answer to God (or maybe the gatekeeper LOL) for what we have done. Who knows if hell exists, or if we all have to spend some time in an individualized version of jail based upon the depth of our evil, or we are allowed to walk through the gate forgiven without punishment there. Maybe purgatory exists, maybe it doesn't. Maybe hell exists, maybe it doesn't. Honestly, I think maybe both do. Hell is for the inherently and irredeemably evil like Hitler and those who kill other children of God's in the name of religion or worse in God's name. Maybe purgatory is for ordinary shmoes like us who tried to lead good lives, help our neighbors, showed those of other faiths that not everyone of our faith is hateful towards them, but made some mistakes along the way. Maybe it's a time for the soul to learn from the mistakes made here on earth even more than it is a place to pay your dues for what you did. I don't know. If I knew I wouldn't be an ordinary shmuck. I'd be rich and famous and have a book deal!
So here's my point. I honestly don't care if your Christian, Jewish, or Muslim - or what sect or denomination thereof either. I REALLY DON'T. I have plenty of Christian friends, including denominational and non-denominationals. I have had the pleasure of meeting and befriending a couple Jews along the way, and a couple Muslims too. It doesn't matter what label we attach to ourselves. God doesn't read labels. God reads hearts. And if we are trying to follow by example, shouldn't we do the same? Shouldn't we live to treat people the way they treat us, if not better? Shouldn't we try to make this hellhole of a planet a little better while we're here? God loves us all - no matter what religion, ethnicity, or gender. God is the ultimate in NONbiased love. And not just ordinary love. Unconditional LOVE. Trust me - if God can love a bumbling nutcase like me, you're loved too. Just ask. You'll see. ;-)
So let's all resolve to be better subjects of the eternal "boss" instead of focusing solely on doing as one particular religion tells us. Let's not condemn each other for mistakes others make in the name of their religion or mistakes their ancestors made. All religions had bungles and grievous errors in judgement in their history, Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. No one can claim "holier than thou" status. Well, no human that is.
Peace folks.
And remember two things - and yes I know they're part of Christian texts, but they're not just for Christians.
1. Vengeance isn't ours to own or use.
2. The greatest gift is LOVE - share it!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Unavoidable Silence
I must apologize in advance if I go silent this week. I'm not feeling
too well and this has one of two effects. Either I'll be feeling so
bad that I'll I be able to do is veg out in front of the tv and blog
from the PDA or I'll be feeling so bad all I'll want to do is sleep.
As you can see I already have part of it figured out. It might be gone
in a day or two, or it might take me a few more days to get back to
normal. We shall see. Besides, all that's on the news is that Michael
Vick is so stupid that he hasn't plea bargained out of his legal
troubles even though the other three people charged alongside of him
have already done so (almost ensuring they will testify against him)
and he will likely face more charges. The only other thing in the news
is the weather... flooding in Minnesota, flooding in Texas and
Oklahoma from the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin, and the devastation
and path of Category 4 Hurricane Dean and the ramifications of it
depending on where it goes.
So, what I'd really like from all my readers is your opinions on
Michael Vick. Let's take the hypothetical situation that he's found
guilty of the charges he faces in this dog-fighting ring, where many
dogs were killed in very disgusting ways for not "performing" up to
standards. Should he ever be allowed to play professional sports
again? And what do you think his punishment should be? Right now he's
only charged with moving the dogs across state lines and hosting the
ring (if I remember correctly, it's on CNN). What if he faces
additional charges of illegal gambling and racketeering, like word is
he might be charged with this week? What say you? Or even on a wider
scale, what do you think the punishment should be for cruelty to
animals?
too well and this has one of two effects. Either I'll be feeling so
bad that I'll I be able to do is veg out in front of the tv and blog
from the PDA or I'll be feeling so bad all I'll want to do is sleep.
As you can see I already have part of it figured out. It might be gone
in a day or two, or it might take me a few more days to get back to
normal. We shall see. Besides, all that's on the news is that Michael
Vick is so stupid that he hasn't plea bargained out of his legal
troubles even though the other three people charged alongside of him
have already done so (almost ensuring they will testify against him)
and he will likely face more charges. The only other thing in the news
is the weather... flooding in Minnesota, flooding in Texas and
Oklahoma from the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin, and the devastation
and path of Category 4 Hurricane Dean and the ramifications of it
depending on where it goes.
So, what I'd really like from all my readers is your opinions on
Michael Vick. Let's take the hypothetical situation that he's found
guilty of the charges he faces in this dog-fighting ring, where many
dogs were killed in very disgusting ways for not "performing" up to
standards. Should he ever be allowed to play professional sports
again? And what do you think his punishment should be? Right now he's
only charged with moving the dogs across state lines and hosting the
ring (if I remember correctly, it's on CNN). What if he faces
additional charges of illegal gambling and racketeering, like word is
he might be charged with this week? What say you? Or even on a wider
scale, what do you think the punishment should be for cruelty to
animals?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
News
The Imus lawsuit... Not Imus' suit, the suit filed by one of the
Rutgers players against Imus, CBS, and MSNBC... Ok wait a minute,
wtf?!? Are we that thin-skinned that a few words can ruin a career?
Granted, what Imus said was wrong, and should never have been spoken -
by anyone much less someone with a national audience. That's not the
point. He paid his dues. He's not worked in 4 months. That's a pretty
good suspension if you ask me. Now he's in talks to get back to work.
But if this lady'd just let the words go and get on with her life, I
seriously doubt anyone would have said anything different about her
than if the whole thing had never happened. Now she's marked as
another person filing a frivolous lawsuit. The media now has its mark
on her, and everyone know who she is, better or worse. If I filed suit
every time someone said something bad about me, I'd be the poorest
millionaire in the world, as I'd have many lawsuits won, but no one'd
pay. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut and move on.
Make the best of your situation, learn from it, and move on. But some
people are just money hungry. Like those in the African-American
community that want us white folks to pay reparations for their
ancestors' slavery. Sorry, my family wasn't here long enough for that.
And for those who were, the crimes of the father shall not be held
against their great-grandchildren! Your ancestors should've taken care
of that then. Grow up. Move on. Quit trying to get your sticky hands
in MY pocket. It's light enough as it is! Try working for your money
instead.
Now other news...
So, the surge is "working" eh? Ok then why are hundreds of Iraqis
still dying? Why are we still losing soldiers every day? It's time we
sit the Iraqi government down and say, get your act together or we'll
leave and you can deal with the Saudis and Iranians yourself!
The Chinese must think that they can do whatever they want. First cat
food, then toothpaste, now toys!! If possible, we need to boycott
everything Chinese. I'm just fed up with them.
Space is still dangerous, no matter what NASA seems to do. No matter
how much they try to cut down on foam chunks from the fuel tank, a
piece managed to come off and hit the underside of the shuttle
Endeavor. Why can't we replace a few tiles in space? Even more
importantly, why can't NASA keep the fuel tanks in one piece?
So our economy is in good shape? Why is the housing market tanking,
many local economies dying, the stock market falling fast, and so many
people struggling just to get by? A good economy is marked by low
inflation and low unemployment. So far, anyone I know looking for a
job is having a hard time finding anything, and even then, two jobs
are often necessary. That doesn't sound too good for me.
The miners still haven't been rescued in Utah. It's been over a week.
Can they really still be alive? I am hopeful, but I am a little
pessimistic nowadays.
Rutgers players against Imus, CBS, and MSNBC... Ok wait a minute,
wtf?!? Are we that thin-skinned that a few words can ruin a career?
Granted, what Imus said was wrong, and should never have been spoken -
by anyone much less someone with a national audience. That's not the
point. He paid his dues. He's not worked in 4 months. That's a pretty
good suspension if you ask me. Now he's in talks to get back to work.
But if this lady'd just let the words go and get on with her life, I
seriously doubt anyone would have said anything different about her
than if the whole thing had never happened. Now she's marked as
another person filing a frivolous lawsuit. The media now has its mark
on her, and everyone know who she is, better or worse. If I filed suit
every time someone said something bad about me, I'd be the poorest
millionaire in the world, as I'd have many lawsuits won, but no one'd
pay. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut and move on.
Make the best of your situation, learn from it, and move on. But some
people are just money hungry. Like those in the African-American
community that want us white folks to pay reparations for their
ancestors' slavery. Sorry, my family wasn't here long enough for that.
And for those who were, the crimes of the father shall not be held
against their great-grandchildren! Your ancestors should've taken care
of that then. Grow up. Move on. Quit trying to get your sticky hands
in MY pocket. It's light enough as it is! Try working for your money
instead.
Now other news...
So, the surge is "working" eh? Ok then why are hundreds of Iraqis
still dying? Why are we still losing soldiers every day? It's time we
sit the Iraqi government down and say, get your act together or we'll
leave and you can deal with the Saudis and Iranians yourself!
The Chinese must think that they can do whatever they want. First cat
food, then toothpaste, now toys!! If possible, we need to boycott
everything Chinese. I'm just fed up with them.
Space is still dangerous, no matter what NASA seems to do. No matter
how much they try to cut down on foam chunks from the fuel tank, a
piece managed to come off and hit the underside of the shuttle
Endeavor. Why can't we replace a few tiles in space? Even more
importantly, why can't NASA keep the fuel tanks in one piece?
So our economy is in good shape? Why is the housing market tanking,
many local economies dying, the stock market falling fast, and so many
people struggling just to get by? A good economy is marked by low
inflation and low unemployment. So far, anyone I know looking for a
job is having a hard time finding anything, and even then, two jobs
are often necessary. That doesn't sound too good for me.
The miners still haven't been rescued in Utah. It's been over a week.
Can they really still be alive? I am hopeful, but I am a little
pessimistic nowadays.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thanks to a cat
Alright, I have to fess up, one of my cats figured out how to totally draw my mind away from all of the crap that has gone on lately around here and focus it on much better things. And go figure, it was Ms Jadzia!
Now there's something you have to understand about this cat. She is VERY shy, very untrusting of humans, even more wary of the outdoors. She shuns her collar until it's actually ON her, then she jingles her bell! But grab the lead, and she's liable to stare at you like you're insane or just outright make a dart out of arm's reach.
Last night was different. She didn't resist the lead being latched onto her collar. She didn't squirm too much to get out of my arms on the way outside. She didn't cry while we sat outside. She didn't constantly beg to go inside, scratching on the door. This is so NOT Jadzia habit. It is NOT in her personality to LIKE being outside. Last time she was voluntarily outside, she ended up pregnant (would YOU want to be outside after that... I think not).
Jadzia had a blast outside. She was walking around the landing, watching the traffic, watching people, giving her two humans all the affection she could, and getting it all back - and enjoying not having anyone competing for attention with her. Towards the end, I gave her a little pat on her hind quarters, just a lovepat, nothing that could be misconstrued as a "move it" pat. But she took off down the stairs! I was shocked but I thought she just wanted a better view of the world. I was wrong. She slowly made her way up the sidewalk, sniffing everything along the way, taking a few chomps on some grass. She stayed out where she was obviously vulnerable for a good 5 minutes (which in Jazzy-time is eternity LOL), but when whistled for, she ran straight back to the landing, where she proceeded to give a headbut, then ran back down the stairs and tried to take me on a second walk! Of course we said no, as it was late and we humans had to be up early in the morning. So she decided she was going to act like her brother and resist the entire way! Once we got her up the stairs though she realized it was time to go inside, and went willingly, though not at her normal feverish speed.
Now granted, she didn't do a full lap or two like Curzon had done a little earler in the evening. But for her to walk halfway up the sidewalk, approaching traffic, is very impressive! But if you're going to get brave and try something new, and you hate anything that moves that ain't on 4 legs and smaller than you, nighttime is the best time to do it. I nearly cried as she took her first brave steps out (wuss, I know, but Jadzia had never shown that side of herself) and then laughed at her when she decided she was taking over the pace and direction of the exploration. It was a thoroughly enjoyed moment at a time when I needed it most. Now if I could only figure out why these cats are suddenly taking to grass... They usually avoid it! Maybe it's that pineapple top that they got to chew on for a while a couple weeks back. Maybe they got the taste of fresh greens. I don't know. I'm just happy that my little girl is starting to come out of her skin.
You know this little cat has a way of reaching deep down inside of you and just making you feel so special. And with the way she was last night, she reminded me sometimes we do need to just go balls-to-the-wall and try something new. Otherwise we'll just dislike it because we never tried to like it. And as she lays curled up in her little ball on the loveseat, she also reminds me that a good rest after such an excursion - even if it's a whole day later - gives you time to contemplate the events and determine how best to proceed.
So what's on your agenda for today? Will you continue on your monotinous routine, bored and unhappy with your life? Or will you try something new, even if it's just trying to grow a plant for the first time? Will you do so today? Or will you put it off for another day to come?
Now there's something you have to understand about this cat. She is VERY shy, very untrusting of humans, even more wary of the outdoors. She shuns her collar until it's actually ON her, then she jingles her bell! But grab the lead, and she's liable to stare at you like you're insane or just outright make a dart out of arm's reach.
Last night was different. She didn't resist the lead being latched onto her collar. She didn't squirm too much to get out of my arms on the way outside. She didn't cry while we sat outside. She didn't constantly beg to go inside, scratching on the door. This is so NOT Jadzia habit. It is NOT in her personality to LIKE being outside. Last time she was voluntarily outside, she ended up pregnant (would YOU want to be outside after that... I think not).
Jadzia had a blast outside. She was walking around the landing, watching the traffic, watching people, giving her two humans all the affection she could, and getting it all back - and enjoying not having anyone competing for attention with her. Towards the end, I gave her a little pat on her hind quarters, just a lovepat, nothing that could be misconstrued as a "move it" pat. But she took off down the stairs! I was shocked but I thought she just wanted a better view of the world. I was wrong. She slowly made her way up the sidewalk, sniffing everything along the way, taking a few chomps on some grass. She stayed out where she was obviously vulnerable for a good 5 minutes (which in Jazzy-time is eternity LOL), but when whistled for, she ran straight back to the landing, where she proceeded to give a headbut, then ran back down the stairs and tried to take me on a second walk! Of course we said no, as it was late and we humans had to be up early in the morning. So she decided she was going to act like her brother and resist the entire way! Once we got her up the stairs though she realized it was time to go inside, and went willingly, though not at her normal feverish speed.
Now granted, she didn't do a full lap or two like Curzon had done a little earler in the evening. But for her to walk halfway up the sidewalk, approaching traffic, is very impressive! But if you're going to get brave and try something new, and you hate anything that moves that ain't on 4 legs and smaller than you, nighttime is the best time to do it. I nearly cried as she took her first brave steps out (wuss, I know, but Jadzia had never shown that side of herself) and then laughed at her when she decided she was taking over the pace and direction of the exploration. It was a thoroughly enjoyed moment at a time when I needed it most. Now if I could only figure out why these cats are suddenly taking to grass... They usually avoid it! Maybe it's that pineapple top that they got to chew on for a while a couple weeks back. Maybe they got the taste of fresh greens. I don't know. I'm just happy that my little girl is starting to come out of her skin.
You know this little cat has a way of reaching deep down inside of you and just making you feel so special. And with the way she was last night, she reminded me sometimes we do need to just go balls-to-the-wall and try something new. Otherwise we'll just dislike it because we never tried to like it. And as she lays curled up in her little ball on the loveseat, she also reminds me that a good rest after such an excursion - even if it's a whole day later - gives you time to contemplate the events and determine how best to proceed.
So what's on your agenda for today? Will you continue on your monotinous routine, bored and unhappy with your life? Or will you try something new, even if it's just trying to grow a plant for the first time? Will you do so today? Or will you put it off for another day to come?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Update
Well I got snubbed 2-3 times last nite, the man went off on the "host" b**** (rightfully so, but wrong time), roommate got snubbed, and the man also got dissed by another set of neighbors. So all in all, what a shitty day! But oh well. Today we went grocery shopping at Giant for the first time and realized that they're 99% better than Wegman's... all except the food selection. Then it was grilling time. So all's well that ends well I guess. I got such fatty burgers that the fat rekindled the fire (to say the least) but the fire got to the burgers so quick the majority of the juice couldn't even escape. Perhaps next time I'll use more bread crumbs! LOL Peace folks... literally.
And as a side note, Venezuelan President Chavez forecasted $100/barrel oil soon... maybe that's how much he thinks we'll pay for his sht but he can get a life, we'll be driving hydrogen cars first. Oh and he thinks the US is gonna attack his POS country... we got bigger fish to fry, idiot!!!!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Trouble update
Not only have I been totally ignored, I've been totally dissed! I was told not to make my famous chicken a month and a half ago but now someone's making chicken on the grill! I guess my juicy chicken isn't good enough, never mind only one of the neighbors has had it and she loved it! So you know what? FK ALL OF THEM. If I ain't good enough for some drunk b****'s party, then I ain't ever cooking for them again. They didn't even want my brownies last year. FK THEM. Done's done. I sat outside for an hour and only one - who hangs out around here anyways - even said HI to me, even when I walked up to the crowd. I got more "hi"s from the neighbor I went over to see than the crowd at the grill-out. Another day all by myself. Fk it tho, I'd rather be alone and alone than in the middle of a crowd and totally ignored.
Trouble on the horizon?
I'm just waiting to get chewed out. There's a complex-wide picnic of sorts today and it's bout to start and I haven't paid the $10 (which was due monday actually lol) and have no intention on it either (they won't let someone bring the hamburgers so they charge everyone for one of them to make them and paper plates n stuff, which, I'm sorry, if it's costing them that much to get that stuff, they need to shop elsewhere). I honestly could probably get all the supplies AND the meat for $30 tops. Nevermind the food isn't all that good and the ones who put the show together aren't that friendly, especially after the roommate fixed the one's car and she hasn't even paid him for the part yet much less a little for the labor to say thanks. I honestly think it's more of a ploy to try to show she still has the "best parties" as they have been outside our door almost every weekend and during the week a lot lately. No food, just people hanging out laughing... that's what it's all about. So I'm going to stay inside except for when I'm hauling laundry - might as well get SOMETHING done! I might just hang out with one of the other neighbors who really didn't want to socialize either! :P
On the news of the pda, nothing new right now, I haven't even started to prepare for what might very well happen... me having to reformat it anyways (it's called a hard boot). So I'm kinda procrastinating, but I still haven't even received word yet that the Bluetooth thing has shipped. We'll see. If it doesn't soon, I'll complain! I'm mighty good at that! LOL
As for the cats, they are doing quite well, I actually am surrounded by furballs at the moment. So all is well that ends well, so here I end it! Peace to all of you!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Cat update
Very few things in life I take for granted. Even fewer of the little things in life that rarely happen start happening on a semi-frequent basis. Lately though, my NON lap cat Nimbus has suddenly decided to start laying on me now and then, at the rate of nearly once a day. This is something that usually only Curzon does, especially after I sit down from doing housework or errands. This is not normal Nimbus behavior. But over the last week or two it has suddenly become a welcomed occurrence. I have thoroughly been enjoying it, as something so rare from such an independent cat must be treasured. It makes me wonder if maybe he's sensing some nervousness, anxiousness, or maybe the increasingly frequent pain and is helping me out the best way he knows how.
Thoughts, News, and Updates...
Singing in the rain, I'm singing in the rain... Ok, not quite, but I did go walking during the downpour and I did go puddle hopping later... Oh it felt so good! But I found our neighborhood garter snake dead... Probably drowned in the heavy rain, poor little feller, and I really don't like snakes, but I don't hate them either. I'll hold a little one if its not poisonous, but big ones and poisonous ones can stay in their cages, thank you very much! It sure felt good though to be out in the rain after the heat of the last what seems like month! Stupid me went down by the creek though, and within a minute I was getting bitten by mean ol bugs. I got away before more than two got me, but this one right below my right elbow is itching, but I just put some anti-itching stuff on it and so hopefully it'll be over soon.
My PocketPC is acting up again, this time I'm not being able to sync, yet I can once I reset the device, so now I'm debating what to do. I ordered a USB Bluetooth adapter, so hopefully that'll allow me to sync without having to follow through with the hard reset and reinstalling EVERYTHING. So we shall see, either way it will come in handy if I indeed can sync with it.
The news has been mixed today. Two arrests have been made in the Newark murders of 3 college kids, and there appears to be good progress finally in getting to the 6 trapped Utah coal miners. But some Katrina victims got slapped in the face by the court system as the courts sided with the insurance companies, telling the victims that they're on their own when it comes to the costs incurred by the damage, even if they had insurance. I'm sorry, if I have "homeowner's insurance" I should be covered no matter WHAT brings the house down. But of course, it doesn't work that way unfortunatly. This decision only gives the insurance companies more freedom to take our money and not give some back when we need it. Add on the fact now there are kids throwing liquids back at fast food drive-through employees, sometimes yelling racial slurs at them at the same time. One even received injuries to the eyes as something was in there that irritated his eyes upon contact.
The heat has broken though, which is a very good thing. The rain really helped, though I don't think it's going to last too long but any little break - even if it's just for a few hours - is appreciated.
So here's my thought for the day, as the miners are trying everything to at least get air and critical supplies to the miners if they're still alive, as we all hope they are.
Sometimes life throws us a curveball, and no matter how much we try, we keep struggling to straighten out that curve. I know there are times it seems no matter what I do, it just never seems to go right, whatever I'm doing. So what do you do? Try your best and go with it? Give up? Or step outside the box and try something totally different? Do we settle for what we come up with, or do we constantly try to improve?? A thought or two... Or three... To ponder.
My PocketPC is acting up again, this time I'm not being able to sync, yet I can once I reset the device, so now I'm debating what to do. I ordered a USB Bluetooth adapter, so hopefully that'll allow me to sync without having to follow through with the hard reset and reinstalling EVERYTHING. So we shall see, either way it will come in handy if I indeed can sync with it.
The news has been mixed today. Two arrests have been made in the Newark murders of 3 college kids, and there appears to be good progress finally in getting to the 6 trapped Utah coal miners. But some Katrina victims got slapped in the face by the court system as the courts sided with the insurance companies, telling the victims that they're on their own when it comes to the costs incurred by the damage, even if they had insurance. I'm sorry, if I have "homeowner's insurance" I should be covered no matter WHAT brings the house down. But of course, it doesn't work that way unfortunatly. This decision only gives the insurance companies more freedom to take our money and not give some back when we need it. Add on the fact now there are kids throwing liquids back at fast food drive-through employees, sometimes yelling racial slurs at them at the same time. One even received injuries to the eyes as something was in there that irritated his eyes upon contact.
The heat has broken though, which is a very good thing. The rain really helped, though I don't think it's going to last too long but any little break - even if it's just for a few hours - is appreciated.
So here's my thought for the day, as the miners are trying everything to at least get air and critical supplies to the miners if they're still alive, as we all hope they are.
Sometimes life throws us a curveball, and no matter how much we try, we keep struggling to straighten out that curve. I know there are times it seems no matter what I do, it just never seems to go right, whatever I'm doing. So what do you do? Try your best and go with it? Give up? Or step outside the box and try something totally different? Do we settle for what we come up with, or do we constantly try to improve?? A thought or two... Or three... To ponder.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Heat Wave
I heard this line of BS this weekend on the TV: "It's official - the heat wave is over." All because ONE day we managed to NOT slip into the 90s. That's BS. It FELT like 90 that day. So KMA it wasn't no breaking of the heat wave. And I wouldn't so much mind 90 so much if it wasn't so humid and already back to 80 by 8am. I had to leave on my morning errand at 630am just to escape the heat! But the low fog was around, and the humidity was still suffocatingly high. Right now they SAY it's 90 feeling like 95 but let me tell you, they lie. Heat index is a FORMULA, it doesn't TRULY tell you how hot it feels outside. It feels like 105. And I've lived in 115 degree heat. This is pretty daggum close to it. I just want to sleep all day and then do my housework at night but can't with the guys both sleeping. It just doesn't work like that, and to get me to vaccum right now is almost comical if not so insane to ask, as I just got in from a trip in from the heat to go see what was going on at the thrift store. Never mind I've been a bad girl - I haven't eaten yet and I didn't eat enough yesterday. But gosh dangit, I'd rather keep my food down once I ate it, and in this heat, one step outside and my stomach wants to empty out! Now I'm sure the peeps in Arizona are laughing at us as we whine about the heat, but may I remind you that rarely do you see humidity as high as ours is, and when you do, you scream just as much!
So here's my song for the day... anything that brings RAIN!!!!!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
A Little Info...
Well, some of you have been reading my blogs since I finally got to
blogging some months back and still don't know too much about me, so I
thought it was time I tell ya'll a little more about me than what's in
my profile. Hope ya'll don't mind.
blogging some months back and still don't know too much about me, so I
thought it was time I tell ya'll a little more about me than what's in
my profile. Hope ya'll don't mind.
Favorite musicians (as of 080107)
1. Godsmack
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. The Drams (just look em up!)
Last 3 Songs stuck in my head
1. (current) "Voodoo" - Godsmack
2. "Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers (Thanks Jeannine for
getting it stuck in there! LOL)
3. Assortment of The Drams' songs off of their "Jubilee Dive" CD
Pet Peeves and annoyances
1. Prank calls - so stupidly annoying to me!
2. Stupid PA drivers who don't know basic rule #1 - pedestrians have
right-of-way, especially if we're already half-way across when you
even get to the intersection!!
3. Stupid family and friends who think that if it's not right, it's my
fault, or who think I can change the world all by my **** self!
4. Those pesky bugs!
5. Pushy religious types. The more you push your religion on me, the
worse chance you have!!
Favorite Colors
1. Black
2. Dark Blue
3. Dark Purple
Favorite Hobbies
1. Sleep
2. Eat
3. Sit outside when it's pleasant weather
4. Make people laugh - hopefully not at me
5. Write
Biggest Blonde Moments
1. Just happened too - going outside to write a blog on the PDA,
keyboard in hand, but no PDA!!
2. Putting the wifi card in my pocket!
3. Trying to make my famous chicken without my #1 ingredient -
butter!! That's like trying to make tea without tea bags!!
Biggest Dreams
1. Hit the lottery, see one of my previous posts as to why
2. Find that stay-at-home online PC job so I never have to work retail again!!
3. Live out in the middle of nowhere so no one can find me and I only
have to go into town for food yet still have zoom fast internet
service.
Next item on the agenda: eat
If I had $1000 I would spend it: at the vet with the cats having the
twins' hearts checked and if I had enough $ left over, getting their
shots updated and getting them groomed.
If I only had $100 I would: hire someone to do all my laundry for me
and spend the rest at the thrift store!
Longest-Running Nicknames
1. Casper
2. Bigfoot (I STILL get called it, cuz, regardless of your sister-in-law)
3. Klutz
4. Midget
5. Bottomless Pit (cause I can eat so much)
6. Absent-minded Professor (D'OH!!!!)
So folks, I think that's about it for now. If I left something out,
let me know and if I can, I will post the answer!! And smart-@ss
comments from my fave relatives is ok... In good taste! (:P cuz)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Bad Blogger!!
I know, I know... I haven't been blogging like normal lately. I took a
break. Sorry for going off unannounced. And sorry again for not
calling either, MA. I just wanted a couple days to me. Plus with my
back acting up the last few days, I really have needed the rest.
Besides, not much has changed around here, and not much new in the
news either except the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, which words
escape me on. The cats are doing fine, Curzon got a wee sick this
morning, but not like he used to on the other food. Probably a
hairball that moved a little... so I'll probably have a present soon.
Lovely. NOT!!!! And btw, thx Linc for yer help this morning with the
computer... and the remote control.
break. Sorry for going off unannounced. And sorry again for not
calling either, MA. I just wanted a couple days to me. Plus with my
back acting up the last few days, I really have needed the rest.
Besides, not much has changed around here, and not much new in the
news either except the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, which words
escape me on. The cats are doing fine, Curzon got a wee sick this
morning, but not like he used to on the other food. Probably a
hairball that moved a little... so I'll probably have a present soon.
Lovely. NOT!!!! And btw, thx Linc for yer help this morning with the
computer... and the remote control.
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