Hillary Clinton vs Obama - Fake southern drawl in Selma

This was such an embarassing moment for her. What was she thinking!! It is stuff like this that has already turned me off on this election. Although she is not the only one, oh no, Obama has made his guffaws as well. he stated, at the smae march, that due to the Selma march his parents got together and he was born. Well, he was born in 1961, the march did not occur until 3 years later. he was trying to connect to hard with the core group and prove his relationship with them. These hijinxs are just a few reasons why I am already for this mess to be over and done!!

Change Is Good

As someone who has almost always been opposed to change I felt that it was time. I have never been a fan of re-doing things, but this was a two-fold purpose. First, I screwed up my settings, somehow, and had to redesign my blog. So, since I had to choose a new template I also thought that now would also be the time to make the switch to something lighter. A background that was more soothing to the eye and had a more relaxed look and feel. I think that I have succeeded.

I also do not usually like to do things again that I have already done in the past; such as getting the old links and other misc. that I had on the old blog, but again, since I screwed up I am taking it as a sign that it is/was time to clean house anyway. Update some new and toss out some old. Those roads less traveled type places.

Tonight is the book signing by Ishmael Beah at a Starbucks up near Cleveland. I am riding up with a few other pals from work. I am anxious to meet this guy. Not much to say except that I respect what he has done with his life since getting out of his country. I'll write more about that tomorrow or this weekend.

Tomorrow is the big physical/drug screen for the new job. I had to fill out about 15 pages of paperwork last night. Hearing test, TB test, a flexibility test as well as the drug and alcohol screen. It will probably last 2 hours and all that time with NO COFFEE!!!!! I may go insaneat that hour of the AM. Cruel and unusual punishment if you ask me.

Like I said earlier, I don't adjust well, but change can be good.

Who Am I?

Thanks Mixter!! It is right on!




You are Amelia EarhartAdventurous and boundary breaking. You believe that you can do anything, and do not hesitate to take risks to achieve a big goal. You like to problem solve, when a problem comes up.Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

You are Amelia Earhart Adventurous and boundary breaking. You believe that you can do anything, and do not hesitate to take risks to achieve a big goal. You like to problem solve, when a problem comes up. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Tragedies of War

Newsweek and MSNBC both have very serious and intense articles about what is lacking in care for those returning from Iraq. The story of Jonathan Schulze had me already crying into my coffee this morning. Now, I know that there are many, many, many returning soldiers and many more sad stories, but this just happens to be one of the many that were chosen for this article. It in no way means that I am indifferent to any of them. As a matter of fact my friend Jane, whose son Brett is over there, has told me recently about how intense and angry his calls home have been of late. His best friend was killed while they were on the same mission. I am sure that he will require some type of mental counseling upon his return, but will it be readily available? There are many questions.

A military task force put together a panel that has put forth a 67 page report that, among other things, states that the military mental health sysytem is overwhelmed and understaffed. Do you think that they have had enough time, duration of this war, to work on preparing themselves for this outcome? They site a 40% vacancy rate for active duty psychologists and a weak transition for those leaving active duty.

There has always been a stigma attached to the act of getting mental help, but it seems to be even more so for military personel who are always expected to tough it out and suck it up. They might be more inclined to try and go it on their own, and as in the case of Jonathan Schulze medicate with alcohol. Although his story ends very sadly there might still be hope for the many more returning vets if help is placed in the correct areas.

The study found that more than 3 out of 10 met the criteria for a "mental disoredre" but far less than half even sought help. Partly due to the stigma attached, but also due to the lack of availability. The task force was chaired by an active duty military psychologist who said,".... that realitively few high quality mental health programs exist in the military right now." That is sad indeed. Especially for the families and friends of those returning. Hopefully they will not have to endure the sad ending that the family of Jonathan Schulze did.

Starbucks, Mitt Romney & Star Obsessions

It is almost an oxymoron to have Mitt Romney & Starbucks in the same sentence, let alone the title of this post! But since he is among the gagle of contenders for President it is all fair game and open to discussion.

Romney is going to be facing many issues that go along with his Mormonism. As one of many articles has pointed out recently, many people have problems with his faith, or however they perceive his religious affiliation. The majority of conservative Christians & Evangelicals find them to be a cult. Aside from reading this I know first hand. When I was attending a modern and evangelical type church, in my town, when they saw that I was a recovering Mormon they thought that I had been a member of a cult. I assured them that it wasn't quite that bad and that I wasn't even a very good one in that I drank copious quantities of coffee and had already damned my self in their eyes anyway.

My biggest problem with Mitt is not that faith in particular but, like Bush, he believes that the President must lead with a strong faith and I do not like that. he said, " I'm convinced the nation does need... to have people of different faiths but we need to have a person of faith lead the country." You mean, like we do now? That makes me very uncomfortable. I prefere to have my President one that goes to some church, but does not use his religion as a guide while in office and does not talk to God or use Him/Her as a cabinet member! More as an appearance issue. They attend on all the respectable holidays etc., but do not use it as departmental policy. When you are a Mormon it IS your entire life. There is nothing outside of the church.

They say that he is trying to court the extrememly conservative Republicans that have lost faith, no pun, in McCain and Guiliani. Well, I happen to think that Guiliani has very healthy ideas about abortion gay rights etc. He is the more well-rounded choice for them, in my opinion.

Then we move on to the coffee mega giant. Seems that they are receiving much press these days for their over-diversification and making their service speedier. But then, in another article, they are talking about entering in to a marketing plan with Pepsi to have machines where you can get hot coffee from vending machines in hallways! Even before I worked there it was always the atmosphere that I was attracted to along with the product. I love to sit and sip my latte while I read the current papers or their current book all the time listening to the tunes of the moment. They do usually play good music there. I have bought several of the CD's that they sell. They often introduce new groups as well. That is where I learned about Antigone Rising.

Fame, money and trying to hold on to it, and the men that try to get at it. These can be some of the factors that help lead these Stars into the dark abyss that makes them the fodder for news shows, talk shows and tabloid journalists. Dateline had an intersting perspective about why people continue to watch the circus that is the life of these young girls.

Well, now the fun begins. The ice storm has gone through and if I want to get to the coffee shop today I am going to have to be careful not to fall on my ass. otherwise I'll be giving first aid to myself!! We had the good sense to cover the car with tarps, since the garage is too full to park in, and we don't have to chisel it out of an ice sculpture. When I went out to put out the bird seed I felt like I was an attraction in Disney on Ice. Although I do not think, given the way I looked, I would have passed for any Disney Princess this AM.

So, it is off to the showers and latte nirvana. Heres wishing you all a "grande" day!!

Tunes

I usually drive around with a small notebook on my dash so when I hear a tune, on the station that I listen to, I can write it down and then either I or the son will burn me a new CD. I listen to a local alternative station so I don't often get the names of bands while driving so it takes me awhile. Finally have a new playlist and it goes something like this:

Miss Murder - AFI

Seize the Day - Avenged Sevenfold

Land of Confusion- a great old Genisis song re-done wonderfully & a bit better by Disturbed

Rooftops - The Lost Profits

Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

I Write Sins Not Tragedies & Diff. Between Martyrdom & Suicide - Panic at the Disco

Make Damn Sure - Taking Back Sunday

Pain - Three Days Grace

Boys of Summer - an old Don Henley tune re-done MUCH BETTER by the Ataris

Book Buzz, Britney & 2008 Election Headache

Here it is, only Feb. 2007, and I am already tired of the election! Mostly, I am already sick & tired of the ugliness and mudslinging. This has all the markings of a very ugly mess. I am tired of all the nasty articles and name calling, all the dirt digging and the Hollywood brouhaha. I know that it is politics as usual in this day and age, but I guess I am getting tired of it. I am tired of hearing about a "woman" president or a "black" president. People, there are much more important issues!!! Hello!! This whole new thing about David Geffen and the Clintons and Obama is just putting me over the edge and a few blogs I have read said that this stuff is doing nothing more than tipping things in favor of John Edwards.

I used to really enjoy election years. I used to read several papers and the internet devouring as much as I could about the candidates and issues, but if this is going to keep up I may just back off and just skirt the issue.

She's in, she's out, she's back in again. Now they are talking to some former nannies of this messed up pop princess. Seems like she was looking for friendship as well as child care. How sad. I think that her life may have become so full of "yes" people and those who were looking for something that she had to go out and shop or hire someone to be a friend. She is messed up. How unfortunate that she has two small children in this world. Did she think she had found Mr. Right and that having two kids together would cement their forever after? Hopefully the girl can get the help she needs.

The other book that I am reading now, " A Long Way Gone , memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah has been receiving a good deal of press and rightly so. It is being sold at the coffee mega giant and we had read a short release. It was not a very large book and so I picked it up. It has been riveting!! The young man that wrote the book has been on The Daily Show and even Jon Stewart said," I've rarely read a book that makes my head hurt, but this really does." On Thursady March 1st I am going to a coffee mega giant, near the Cleveland area, where the young man will be doing a signing and Q & A session for the book. If I were still teaching it would be one that I would have my high school kids read. Talk about a person who had to deal with and overcome the worst of life situations. An excellnt and a fast read if any of you are interested. A strange clash of words to be reading the Dalai Lama at the same time.

Also, in final news, I did get offered an EMS job in that city where I interviewed. I am going to get my physical and drug screen on March 2nd and then will see what hours etc. they have available. Lucky for me they are looking for days and that will mean that I do not have to have a whacked out sleep situation on some kind of midnights. I plan to try and hold on to the coffee job because I like the "perks" and there is one in the town where I will be working and I'll be able to drop in and continue to get the great discount!!

Thinking About Lent, Denial & Proving Something

This post was first posted in Feb. of 2007. It caused quite a discussion! The TV, this morning, has been chock full of those beginning to discuss what they are giving up for Lent, so I am re-printing rather than come up with a whole new post. After reading this one I still feel the same in 2011 as I did in 2007.

This is always an interesting time of year, or at least it was when I was teaching. It just also happens to be a topic similar, but in noway the same, to what the Drew talks about over at his blog today as well. This whole season of Lent and sacrifice and proving that you can give somethging up.

I worked with a fella that taught Social Studies and he claimed to be a Catholic, although I guess, as the Drew points out, many Christian religions have this activity at this time of year. He would make it a big point to tell us how he was giving up beer for Lent. This from a guy who was also not very faithful to his wife. In the bigger picture how can the beer get you in to Heaven? I hope it is not that convoluted!! He never attended any church, except at the time of his wedding, but made it out to be a very special time in his life, this whole Lent process, as if the rest of us were infidels.

I have heard others recently talk about chocolate and other food items as their sacrifice. Is it just me or is this somewhat shallow? Isn't the sacrifice meant to be something a tad more relevant and isn't the person supposed to be more repentant? Isn't this behavior something you should follow all year long and not just at the time that leads up to Easter? I was even told, yesterday, that elderly or older people do not have to give up anything for Lent according to one ladies church. If this is so does that mean that once you hit a certain age that you get an automatic pass in to Heaven? What is that age? Does it come with the AARP or Golden Buckeye card?

Also, why does it have to be such a public display? Why does one have to go around and make themselves seem to be so grand and sacrificing because they ARE giving something up? I believe that even the Bible says that when you do your good works that you are not supposed to be bragging. I know many people with good hearts that do good works, but they do them all year long. They scarifice all year long. Are they any less special because they may not ascribe to the whole lenten ideal?

I have been having a personal question and much debate recently with Christianity especially since many others also have the same ideals. I just began reading " The Way to a Meaningful Life" by the Dalai Lama and he speaks about the same guiding principles. I have been to several web sites that say that one should learn of all the worlds religions and take bits and pieces of them all as opposed to ascribing to one particulare faith.

My mom made a big deal about having to go to work early so that she could go get her "ashes" today. I asked her why? She said just because that is what you do. There was no real reason or philosophy, just because it is the outward sign to everyone else that you believe in something. Does it have to be an outward sign or symbol? Can't you believe in something and have it be internal and go about your life and good works without needing the approval or accolades of others? Isn't that the more "Godlike" way? Can't we just do our good works or random acts of kindness without worrying about the thanks we will/or should get? Why does it have to be in the public forum? Can't we just simply be good people and not worry about certain readings and writings etc.?

Why do we have to deny ourselves to prove anything?

Welcome Wagon

It has been some time since I have linked any new material and today is the day! Two new and diverse links have been added for your reading pleasure....or not. I guess it depends on your slant or maybe lack of slant.

The first is, Mother Jones News, for those of you that like to get smart , fearless journalism. It is a site for you! They have a large magazine and many, many news topics to choose from. It will be a good place to go during the election as well.

The second is an excellent little blog titled "Dooce". I fell upon it as a link at another blog that I like to read Indigo Luna, and liked it immediately! The author and I have some things in common, and as she calls it, we are both "recovering Mormons". Yes, I was once a fully covered and non- coffee drinking member of that organization/church. Hard to believe when you consider the coffee mega giant that I work for and top that with my political slant and you have a lethal combo!

If you go to her bio she has some very funny things to say about that topic. Once you are "out" there are many things you can write about in a very humorous way. I never attended BYU, couldn't afford it, and I am thankful for that! Also I did not have a family that belonged to the church, so I did not have anyone pushing me to attend that university.

This is one reason why I know so much about Mormons and their business and why I raise an eyebrow at Mitt Romney and his presidential bid. Not that religion should play any role, but with Mormons it runs their entire life. It IS their life. Everything flows around the church and doctrine and tells you how to live your life.

Anyway, as for this new blog, check her out, she is funny. I know I laughed. She is personal and does not seem to be too political. I like to keep up the variety in my reading and like to toss it out there for you folks as well. Besides, I like her title , "Valedictorian of Bottom Feeders".

Snow Night Wine & Fun

No, we're not playing Twister, but since we are stuck at home tonight, yes Drew, due to the blizzard!! I came across this meme, although long what else is there to do tonight, at one of my other blogs Indigo Luna. Since I am having some wine and hours to kill before bedtime I thought I would give it a go. My answers are going to be in this bluish color. Since my color is not functioning correctly I can only assume that it is blue. After making it through I realized that I have done a few things and as I was going through I also relived many of the memories and ....it was fun too!!!

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink2. Swam with dolphins3. Climbed a mountain4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive5. Been inside the Great Pyramid6. Held a tarantula7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone8. Said “I love you” and meant it9. Hugged a tree10. Bungee jumped11. Visited Paris12. Watched a lightning storm at sea13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise14. Seen the Northern Lights15.Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables18. Touched an iceberg19. Slept under the stars20. Changed a baby’s diaper21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon22. Watched a meteor shower23. Gotten drunk on champagne24. Given more than you can afford to charity25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment27. Had a food fight28. Bet on a winning horse29. Asked out a stranger30. Had a snowball fight31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can32. Held a lamb33. Seen a total eclipse34. Ridden a roller coaster (only under duress and with my eyes closed - the wooden rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk)35. Hit a home run36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking37. Adopted an accent for an entire day38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment39. Had two hard drives for your computer40. Visited all 50 states41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced42. Had an amazing friend - one of them recommended this meme43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country44. Watched wild whales45. Stolen a sign46. Backpacked in Europe47. Taken a road-trip48. Gone rock climbing49. Midnight walk on the beach50. Gone sky diving51. Visited Ireland 52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them54. Visited Japan55. Milked a cow56. Alphabetized your CDs57. Pretended to be a superhero58. Sung karaoke59. Lounged around in bed all day 60. Posed nude in front of strangers61. Gone scuba diving62. Kissed in the rain63. Played in the mud64. Played in the rain65. Gone to a drive-in theater66. Visited the Great Wall of China67. Started a business68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken69. Toured ancient sites70. Taken a martial arts class71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight72. Gotten married73. Been in a movie74. Crashed a party76. Gone without food for 5 days77. Made cookies from scratch78. Won first prize in a costume contest79. Ridden a gondola in Venice80. Gotten a tattoo81. Rafted the Snake River82. Been on television news programs as an expert83. Got flowers for no reason84. Performed on stage85. Been to Las Vegas86. Recorded music87. Eaten shark88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)89. Had a one-night stand90. Gone to Thailand91. Bought a house92. Been in a combat zone93. Buried one/both of your parents94. Been on a cruise ship95. Spoken more than one language fluently - every day at work96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show97. Raised children - in progress98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking103. Had plastic surgery104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived105. Wrote articles for a large publication106. Lost over 100 pounds107. Held someone while they were having a flashback108. Piloted an airplane109. Petted a stingray110. Broken someone’s heart111. Ridden a bike112. Won money on a T.V. game show113. Broken a bone - tailbone114. Gone on an African photo safari115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild118. Ridden a horse119. Had surgery120. Had a snake as a pet121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours - when I had mono123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states124. Visited all 7 continents125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days126. Eaten kangaroo meat127. Eaten sushi128. Had your picture in the newspaper129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about130. Gone back to school131. Parasailed132. Petted a cockroach133. Eaten fried green tomatoes134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 137. Skipped all your school reunions - 20th is coming up138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language139. Been elected to public office140. Written your own computer language141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care143. Built your own PC from parts144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you145. Had a booth at a street fair146. Dyed your hair - last night as a matter of fact147. Been a DJ148. Shaved your head149. Caused a car accident150. Saved someone’s life - you never knew

...And in Other News.....

One would have to have been a monk in a monastary to have missed the recent news tsunami about Anna Nicole Smith and her death. I listened, in passing, the first day and moved on with my life. There are much more important things going on in the world, but can you tell?

There was a great little piece at CBS about why people care to continue with the speculation. Nancy Giles says that, "Maybe it's time to stop rubbernecking the human train wrecks, and pay more attention to people who actually contribute something positive to our lives." So true!

You know what she is talking about because you have been there on the roadways as traffice slows to a crawl and you finally get up there and see what everyone was rubbernecking to see. The general public has a bloodlust mentality when it comes to tabloid type people and their activities. How else can you account for the lasting appeal of the Star and National Enquirer magazines?

The 39 year old, named Vickie Lynn Hogan, at birth had all the qualities of a co-dependent addictive personality from the time she married her senior citizen hubby up till the minute she died. One of her last interviews, played over & over, showed signs of being high on something. It is very sad that her son died and that she left a newborn baby behind. Often after a trainwreck it is the survivors that have to figure out a way to carry on with their lives. This little baby girl has no idea.

Much Misc.

Last night I went to the calling hours for Matt "Doc" Conte. The 22 year old Navy serviceman that was a former student of mine. He had become a very well respected medic and had served in Afghanistan and most recently Iraq.

Needless to say, it was very emotionally draining. A fellow teacher and I went together. She brought 2 pieces of Matts art work with her, that he had left at our school ,and we presented them to his parents. We could barely speak. They were very appreciative and talked about how our school had turned his life around. Nice to hear and too bad that funding is cut and I was laid off and we are being shut down, but I digress.

The thing that cut me to the core was seeing the flag drapped coffin of this 22 year old young man and full military honor guard and the tattered stuffed animal that had belonged to him as a child sitting beside him. A sad reminder of a young and tragic loss and the children that he will never have to inherit that stuffed animal.

Tomorrow, Saturday, will be the long procession to the church where the final services will take place. I think I will join others that will be lining the streets for the procession. It is going to take me a long time to loose this feeling. More Marines have died this week and I am worried about my girlfriends son. She has not heard from him recently and he is right where all that action is taking place right now.

On a different note, I had an outstanding job interview yesterday and I will wait for them to the background check and may hear in 2 - 3 weeks if I have the job. One cool thing is that they teach you to drive the ambulance. Fun stuff!! Everyone has to take turns in the teams. Awesome. Lights & sirens and a big vehicle. Can't wait.

There is tons of paperwork though. I am starting a new file for myself and man how I hate paperwork. I did not realize how much would be involved. Phone calls and papers and yadda, yadda, yadda. Then do it all over again when it is time to renew in 2 years!!

Off until Tuesday. Plan to do some reading, check out the political scene and watch some of the first 5 years of Saturday Night Live from Netflix.

What about you?

Looks Like We Made It

Yesterday afternoon it became official..... I am an EMT for the state of Ohio!!! I passed. They no longer give actual scores, it is either pass or fail. In another week I will be mailed my patch. Tomorrow I have a job interview and things are moving along quite nicely. I also found an ambulance company that is hiring and they have a good reputation. I know of several guys that work for them as well as diff cities as EMT's. So, I may work for Hudson, and AMR and keep the coffee mega giant as just a few days a week so I can hang on to all those "grande" coffee shop "perks". I am still amazed that somehow I contain the knowledge to either save your life and/or deliver a baby. It boggles the mind.

Rural America & Girls Gone Wild

The report from the University of New Hampshire's Carsey Institute does not come as any surprise to me. The study titled," U.S. Rural Soldiers Account for a Disproportionately High Share of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan". You can read the study, as a PDF file, by clicking the link at the end of the article over at CBS news.

It doesn't tell you anything that you did not already surmise. That youth in the more rural parts of the U.S. find no other options than joining the military. Having taught in a county that has many rural school districts I was able to see first hand the number of kids that would not even make it to a trade school and saw the military as their only way out. They would often contact our school to see if the recruiters could come in and talk to our kids. They knew where the demographics were. Not that the military is a bad thing, but they seem to seek out those with lesser means and it is obvious and this study backs that up.

Yesterday as I was having a day off cup of coffee, at the coffee mega giant, I opened a local paper and saw a face I recognized on the front page. A former student was just killed in Iraq. Matt Conte a 22 year old kid from Streetsboro, Ohio. He was a Navy medic asigned to a Marine unit. It is very sad. A very handsome young man that had great art abilities. A fellow teacher and I plan to attend the calling hours as soon as they are announced.

Now, it is getting closer and more personal.

Newsweek coined an excellent word,"prosti-tot", to describe the VERY young girls that like to follow the antics of Paris, Britney & Lindsey. If I were the parent of a 7 year old girl, I know that it would be hard, but I would not even allow any of them to be idolized!! I used to waitress with 20 something girls that thought that Paris was soooo cool and wanted to be her!! I could see that from my gay hairdresser, but what are they thinking!!?? Where did it ever become the norm for Paris to be a role model? I know she doesn't want to be or never said that she was, but why do they think she is so cool? Is it that they hate underwear?

Just saw the local on the 8's from the Weather Channel and it is 0 here and the windchill is -12. I just put out the birdseed for the birds and squirrels. As cold as it has been they have been here in droves to feast. If we did not have this party tonight it would be a good night to stay in and watch movies.

Good Dog

This is another reason why I love dogs!! This German Sheppard saved this ladies life. I am thrilled to hear that so many people are wanting to adopt him and that he may become a lifesaving animal.

Good boy!!

Here Goes..........

Tomorrow is the big day!! At noon I will begin the 2 hours and 15 minutes that will determine if I am going to be certified to be an EMT. One of the guys from my class, who already took the tes, said that it only took him one hour. I plan to read slowly and carefully and take my good old time.

I am not, nor have I been, nervous. I have been studying some evey day. Doing the flashcards that I have made every chapter. Going through old worksheets etc. I really feel as if nothing more can come in and I know what I know and that's it. I am ready.

I will know in about 2 days, via e-mail, if I passed and then in several days I will receive the scores via snail mail and be able to see how I scored in each test area. I hope it goes well as I don't want it to overshadow my superbowl/weekend plans.

The son & my mom and I are going to a big shindig. My girlfriend and her boyfriend are putting on a rather large party. Live music downstairs, 60 inch TV and food upstairs. Open bar. Diverse age group and much fun to be had. I even took Monday off so I could recouperate. I really am not that in to the game, but the food and fun. I actually like the commercials more!!

Under the Category of: Things I Already Knew and/or Suspected

I did not watch the SOTU show the other night. I knew that it would just piss me off. I figured that I would hear enough about it in the following days and if I was so inclined I could even read the entire text anywhere online. So, instead I went to bed. Now, days later, after the smoke has all died down and the "cat is out of the bag", so to speak, I have had enough time to do a slow burn and found the time to post about said burn.

I knew that this address was going to be allot of smoke and mirrors. Much yadda, yadda, yadda about nothing. No health care for those without, no real standards set for fuel emissions and the list goes on. The "Decider" and "Decision-Maker" hath spoken. Well, as I was following my daily news reading, this AM, I found a nice little piece over at Mother Jones and it provided many interesting figures.

We all know that those who lobby give much dinero to the political world and this is a HUGE reason why many in various office do not like to rock the boat when it comes to the changes that most of us want to see. Like in health care. The struggles are famous. When the Clintons wanted to make changes in the system you would have thought the world was coming to an end! There are so many, in this country, that are without and due to the risings costs more and more yearly. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Prioities in 2005 we hit the record high with 46.6 million uninsured. Of these numbers 360,000 were children. My own family is STILL uninsured because I have not yet hit the required hours to qualify and SO's company has something that they "call" insurance, but it really is just a "you pay as you go and when you hit $2200.00 we'll chip in" plan.

When you see how much money comes from the health care lobby you can see why the Republicans are hesitant to make any waves. Accident & Health Insurance gave $ 7,320,915 and 68% went to the Republicans. Health Professionals $49,717,325 and 63% to Republicans. Pharmaceuticals gave $17,865,648 with 68% going to the team. So you can see that the health care people are most concerned with maintaining the status quo. They like things the way they are and defy anyone to try and make changes.

Then you get in to the environment and clean air etc. and you see the kind of money that is given by the oil groups, coal etc. The only group that mightily to the Democrats were the Environmental groups. They gave $889,748 with 83% going to Dems.

It is a short, but intersting read if you care to trot over to Mother Jones and take a look. There is also much other good news to be found in those pages. One that I will be adding to my links list.

So, in the category of Things I Might Rather be Doing While President is on Air Speaking About Things Nothing will be Done About, I think I will watch a TiVo'd Daily Show and get some real news.

R.I.P.

Saturday there were 2 more Marines killed in Anbar Province. One of them was the best friend of my girlfriends son, Brett, who is in Iraq. They were together. Brett is fine, he called his mom to tell her of his friends death, and he wanted her to know that he was okay. I know nothing else about this young man, she was too upset and I did not want to press the issue right now.

This war is just getting too close. How many more young men, or any men or women, must die?

Blogging High Five

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I passed my final with a 90%. The last class, written final. Now all I have to do is wait for the school to release me, to the state, and I will find a site to take the National Registry Exam. It is something that I wish to do ASAP while the info is still fresh in my brain. In the meantime a few friends are taking SO & I out to celebrate tomorrow night. He will be the one with toothpicks holding his eyes open as I am picking him up from the airport tonight as he returns from Australia.

YES!!!!!!!!!! Soon, I will be legally allowed to either deliver a baby or splint your arm. Cool. My teachers dept. is one that will secure the loan for you to attend paramedic school as long as you agree to give them 2 years. I am applying. I will also look for another dept. that I might be able to work part time and keep the coffee job just very part time. Gotta keep those "perks" if I can. Gotta love that coffee humor.

Have a "grande" day!!!!

12 Angry Men

If you are one of 12 men, in Texas, that has been exonerated by DNA testing I would guess that you might be angry. Barry Scheck, of the Innocence Project, says that there are 12 and counting in the Dallas area. No one knows why, but they are looking in to it. One Texas lawmaker, State Senator Rodney Ellis has introduced a bill that would establish a Texas Innocence Commission to study exonerations and wrongful convictions.

The most recent example is James Waller, a 50 year old man, convicted of a heinous crime against a 12 year old boy that had him spending nearly half of his life in prison. Wednesday he became the 12th man, since 2001, to be exonerated due to DNA testing. Mr. Scheck stated that," Nowhere else in the nation have so many individual wrongful convictions been proven in one county in such a short span." More than have occured anywhere except the entire states of New York and Illinois since the nations first DNA exoneration in 1989.

Thank God that there are people are there that can and will champion the case for those who are less able to do so. The Innocence Project has grown and it is good to see that more and more people come aboard to carry the torch. It is good to see that men like James Waller can be given back their life despite having lost over half of it in a crappy place like prison. There need to be more champions of the downtrodden.

"The sad thing is," said Dallas County's District Attorney Craig Watkins," the person who actually did this crime is still out there on the streets." It is very sad, but we can only hope that they are possibly locked up for some other crime and maybe , one day, their involvement in this crime will come to light. Just like the innocence of James Waller.

An Ego War

"I think the Iraqi people owe the American people a huge debt of gratitude."

Gee, one guess who made that assinine remark. Yes, I bet they want to thank us for the huge lack of any sort of infrastructure left in their country, for lack of utilities etc. and for the streets that are so unsafe to walk that people are living in fear. Yes, I am sure that they want to personally thank each and every one of us for that. Not to mention the flowers that they would like to give to every U.S. soldier that is over there.

I am amazed every day at the self-grandure that Bush & Cheney have. They are ready to take all challengers. Like the bullies on the bloock daring anyone to step across the line that they will draw in the sand. They are truly scarey individuals!!

The article over at MSNBC, much like many that will be abounding, shows how little regard they have for the thoughts and desires for the people of this country let alone the Iraqi people. Bush is quoted as saying that he is going forward. So, no matter what it is full speed ahead. The article states that Cheney had to point out that Bush is the commander in chief, well if anyone had any faith it would not need to be pointed out. People would respect tha man. I repsect the position, but most certainly not the man. Even Republicans are expressing frustration and that they too are unimpressed with the way Bush is handling this entire situation.

Glad to see that some of them are finally seeing the light.

No Cake for You!

Well, another year down and I can not believe it, but another in a line of crappy birthdays!! I just always seem to have some sort of catastrophe.

By the way, I PASSED my practical final!!!! Yes, I had that to be very happy about. It was hard and half of us had to repeat the medical a second time. Intense. I passed and that had me on a good high.

Went out with some class memebers for a congratulatory adult beverage and lunch. Still on a high note. Came home and got dressed, back over night bags etc. Looked good and ready for a night out. Spending the night at moms I planned to have a few glasses of wine and cvelebrate all around. Until...........

We stopped at the coffee mega giant for a beverage en route, and maybe it was a good thing, because upon trying to leave the battery was dead! Had to call AAA for a jump. Sat there and waited for an hour. IT is getting later. Called my mom and let her know that we would be late. Once the guy jumps me and does the battery test he informs that the battery has a chanrge and it might be the alternater. So, I drive down the street to Autozone and they put some various machines on and tell me that ,yes, it is the alternater. Something about the charge or whatever. I could not buy one becasue SO is in Australia and no one else can put one on. So, he jumps me again and we drive home. Today I have to get another jump and drive it to the place that usually works on our cars and hope they can get it in first thing Monday AM.

Now I am without wheels for what could be a few days and have to try and find rides to grocery store and most of all class Wed. night. That is the last written final. Once I pass that then the school will release me to the state and I can apply to take the National Certfication test.

No cake and no embarassing happy birthday song. But I miss that.

Happy Birthday

Today is not only my birthday, but also that of Mixters daughter!! So I wish her a happy, happy birthday too!

Yes, today is my birthday. The only time I am going to say this...... it is 46. Ouch. That hurt. Not that I am as hung up on that as I used to be, but it does not sound as cool as maybe......36. But I am coming around. I am beginning to finally feel comfortable in my own skin. The Drew had an excellent post about Reubenesque women and art . Great post Drew and it made me feel very good. Too bad society, this society, has gotten everything all screwed up. Older woman are and can be hot!!

So, what very NON hot things do I have planned for the big day? Well, let's see shall we.......

Last night I went to a local fire station and practiced for a few hours with the EMT's to prepare myself for todays practical exam. I was, and still am, VERY nervous. They were great help though and went through and made up traumas for me and showed me various pieces of equipment. Thanks to them! It helped me to feel more confident. So this morning I take that practical final. I am stopping at the coffee mega giant to pick up two coffee travelers for all of us, sort of a birthday thing, not a bribe thing. :-) This really is taking the fun out of any celebrating because I am so nervous. Really, yesterday I thought I was going to cry. I can take any kind of written test and I can write an awesome paper, but I have never done anything like this before. It scares me that I could have made it this far, after paying for the class and maybe not pass today. I am freaked.

Then tonight the child and I are driving out to go to TGIFridays with my mom for dinner. Then, here comes the exciting part, we are going back to her place to play cards with her 82 year old girlfriend. Does that sound like kickin' it or what!! Can I party? For some reason the idea of a hell raisning night on the town just did not appeal to me this year. Maybe because I have friends that I don't even really like right now. Who knows, but we are going to spend the night down there, so I plan to have some wine or other intoxicating beverage.

So, all that said, another day..... another birthday, but it has the potential to be very memorable if I pass this test today and that is what I am going to focus on. Just have to remember, airway, airway, airway.......

To Surge or Not To Surge ?

I am not a fan of the "surge" that is being talked about in context with this war and, so it seems, others agree. I am actually attending a protest with a local peace coalition on Thursday evening.

Yesterday I had some time, before going to the hospital, to sit and have a quiet coffee and even catch up with some newspapers and editorial sections. It seems that even Retired Army General Wesley Clark and N.Y. Times columnist David Brooks have some very good points about the proposed "surge" and the whole Iraq situation. They make very good points.

Gen. Clark said that, "Yes, several more brigades would allow for more roadblocks, patrols and neighborhood clearing operations. Some initial successes would be evident. But how significant would this be?" So, very true, but of course you know that they would constantly point out whatever successes they have and not not the bigger picture. They would, as they do now, try to over look how it is more of a big, huge mess.

He went on to say, "We've never had enough troops in Iraq. In Kosovo we had 40,000 troops for a population of 2 million. That ratio would call for at least 500,000 troops in Iraq, adding 20,000 now seems too little, too late." So true.

David Brooks almost mimics the exact same thoughts. ".......putting 20,000 more troops into Baghdad, finally occupying the dangerous neighborhoods, finally starting a jobs program, finally forcing national reconciliation....if the goal is to create a stable, unified Iraq, the surge is a good policy three years too late."

Also a good point. If they wanted these things to happen it should have happened years ago. Not now, after so many have died, and his approval rating and that of this war are down around 17%. Last night, on Keith Olberman, the approval rating of this war was shown as 63% of the American public disapproves. I, of course, agree.

My girlfriends son was due to be out there this summer and now I fear that this surge will end up keeping him there longer and, after 2 years, ups the danger that he will face. Every day that I hear more Marines are killed I am afraid for her loss. Hers and every parent out there.

General Clark made a good point that I think works well as a closing remark, he said, " What the surge would do is put more American troops in harms way, further undercut the moral of U.S. forces and risk further alienating elements of the Iraqi populace."

' Nuff said.

Ditto

Bob Schieffer, over at CBS, had a great, although short article about things to NOT care about this year. As in the news type things and I agreed with many of them and even thought about a few more that I would personally like to add.

Aside from Britney & Paris I would also like to add Lindsy Lohan. Who I believe is a big drama queen as well. If it isn't a story about her probable anorexia they then say she is a cutter, or going along with the previous two females all sans underwear. Pam Anderson too. Why does she or anyone bother to cover her marital status? She'll probably just do it again!! Duh.

Yes the Donald & Rosie thing is just plain annoying. She couldn't ruin the View since it already is quite annoying.

I don't care how many "professional" athletes get into assorted brawls. They all seem to exhibit bad behavior anyway. Oprah and Dr. Phil are not the end all be all and we don't have to hang on their every word. It is wonderful that Oprah donates money, but so do many others that don't ask for major acknowledgement.

Also, red carpet moments.... famous and made over people wearing designer clothing is not a major news event. They have not solved world hunger or found the cure for cancer.

Just a few that I could think of, at 3:00 in the morning, what things would add? Or do you just not care what bloggers have to say?

Sacrifice

Keith Olbermann has a great, although very disturbing, article over at MSNBC. It is all about the plan to "surge and accelerate" with as many as 20,000 more troops in Iraq. It was reported, by the BBC, that this is the plan that Bush has finally put together after a month since the Irag Study Group gave their thoughts and proposals. The word sacrifice is often used. That families will have to just sacrifice more. Well, as a parent of a male that will be 17, this year, I am very unhappy and uncomfortable with the direction that this is going. I have begun to worry that this is going to be a long haul.

I do not wish to make that sacrifice. More than 2/3 of Americans already do not agree with this war. If it was something that I could believe in I imagine that I would go along with whatever choices had to be made. If my son even came to me and told me that he wanted to join the service. This has turned into such a mess and daily it becomes more violent and deadly.

Holiday Booty

Casey guarding her Chirstmas toys!!

Looking Ahead 2007

The holiday break always seems to be too short and fly by far too quickly. It was a wonderful time spent with family and reconnecting. Not just with them, but also myself.

I am not one who makes "resolutions". I think that any changes that I feel the need to make should just be a regular part of the "work in progress" that I am on a daily basis. And that is some work!!! :-)

One area that I know that needs osme work is the area of ACCEPTANCE. That of myself and others. I am far too critital of others and not very good at self-acceptance. One new mantra is going to be," accept it, let it be." I am going to try and follow a more Buddhist approac and say," Things are as they are or " This is what is". I am going to try very hard to not always want things to be the way that I think they should be. Stop trying to control life. Let it be what it is. I have to say that I have been trying this in a small way and I am already feeling better.

I am going to try and eliminate the "shoulds" and "coulds" from my thought pattern. Stop the pattern of thinking that I have that tells me that thing should be a certain way. I have been too rigid. I need to be much more flexible. I also gave that a shot over break and the entire week was so much more enjoyable. I actually went with the flow and it was so free of stress and every moment was enjoyable and fun.

I have gone back and re-read and re-highlighted the book by Abby Seixas, that I had read rather too quickly, and gave myself an opportunity to really absorb the words. It was MUCH better the second and third times.

There is an exercise called "Wabi-Sabi Eyes". This is a Japanese exercise that focuses on the beauty in simple, humble things that are imperfect, incomplete and/or impermanent. It is a good antidote to those of us who see things through the eyes of perfection.

I am looking forward to finishing my class, the 20th, taking the final on-line test and then turning ym time to becoming my focused and active in and / or with issues. After watching "An Inconvienient Truth" I really want to find a way to become more involved in the global warming efoorts and awareness. We are totally boring, that is what we did on N Y Eve. Watched that movie and ate finger food!! If I was still teaching I would not be affraid to show it in my classroom. That was always the advantage of teaching in an alternative school, you did not have march to the beat of anyone elses drum! My 16 year old watched it and was very interested and blown away.

I am looking forward to a birthday, on the 13th, and thinking of doing something very different this year. I had thought about a trip to New York to visit a dear old friend, but to get a hotel package and a show was just TOO expensive, so I am thinking a bit smaller in scale and maybe just a hot tub and a pedicure. Something that I don't usually do. Something quiet and with few people. SO left on the 2nd for Australia, for a month, and so I will be entertaining myself until his return.

Well, I am off to work on my balance & meaning as I take my chicken enchiladas out of the oven!!

Happy New Year!!

Favorite Sports Movie

I was on sabbatical, but this morning MSNBC had an article that I thought would make for fun holiday blogging fodder. This particular writter had his top 10 list of sports movies. Now, I know that you guys might have differing opinions, as I totally did not like some of his choices, but I had watched a few in my lifetime and thought that I would list a few of mine and then see what yours might be.

Remember the Titans: I know that is about a high school team, but it was one of the best movies I have ever seen and it was about football. The game shots were excellent. IT had Denzel in some of his best acting ever.

Rocky: The first one. It was the first of its kind and the fight scenes were very exciting. After that the character got annoying . The wife character was really annoying. I don't know if I will see the newest chapter when it comes out.

Major League: Funniest baseball movie ever! It was about a Cleveland team that sucked. Hmmmmmm. So many good actors in it and they were all younger. Charlie Sheen was at his best in that one as the "Wild Thing".

Field of Dreams: Not totally a sports movie, but a great movie that used baseball and kept baseball from being totally boring.

The Replacements: Funny stuff. Gene hackman, Keanu Reeves. Say what you will, I still have a thing for him and football was secondary.

There you have it. Now, I think I'll get a bag of peanuts and hot dog and coke for about 25 bucks.

Play Ball!!

Got Tagged?

Just a quickie, for fun, since the Drew tagged me on this book meme from Mixter.

Directions:

The book closest to me is one that has always been a favorite. I am not currently reading it, but when I cleaned off the shelf, above my desk, it was the only one that I left up there, for some reason.

Tuesdays with Morrie.

Turn to page 123 and read what sentences 5-7 have to say.

" It's all part of the same problem, Mitch," Morrie said. "We put our values in the wrong things. And it leads to very disillusioned lives. I think we should talk about that."


Now, back to my sabbatical.

Holiday Sabatical

Wishing a most joyous holiday and New Year to all bloggers!! I am taking the next few weeks off to regroup and get some much needed R&R. As I have been somewhat cranky recently I think I need to step back, read some more, re-evaluate and then look at everything with a new face.

I hope you all enjoy your families & freinds. I will still be reading all of your great & often very funny blogs and throwing my hat into the ring once in awhile.

All the best to you all and to all ...... a good night!!

Gold Star

Got an 87% on the big test last night. 110 questions. Scenarios out the wazoo. Going back to old info to see what we can recall and have committed to memory. I am happy with that.

Postability

Can not post on you beta bloggers. Not having any problems with Esteban etc. Just those on Beta. So let me just say. Mixter, as usual, good stuff. Love the Holiday Greeting!! May use that. Funny stuff.

Drew, great sunrise. No words necessary for that.

The Home Stretch & Other Stuff

Here we are closing in on the end of the month. It seems like I just started this class and was terrified that I would not make it through. Now, I am amazed at what I know and what I am retaining. I just did not think I could do it. Tonight I am taking my last big unit test before the end of class practical. Tonight is 190 questions all about trauma and bone injuries. This is the easy stuff!! The end of the year practical test is Jan. 20th. Just about a month away. Then I just have to take the online test p[ortion, whenever I can scedule it and find a test site that I don't mind driving to, and it will be all about the waiting game for grades and then finding that job.

Monday night, while waiting for class to begin, I was talking with a guy in my class. he seems to be a bit older than me, professional guy, I thought he seemed smart. he has traveled much. We were talking about looking forward to break and I mentioned that I might like to read Barak Obamas first book and see what the hub-bub is about with this guy. He said something like," You better watch out. That guys middle name is Muhammad or something like that". The tone of voice was one of caution. I was surprised. I felt like he was saying that the book spouted some kind of inflamitory rhetoric. So, I came home and looked him up on the internet. His middle name is Hussein, but his father was from Kenya and mother American. No wayward or crazy radical leanings. I still plan to get it for myself, Christmas gifet, and read it. I am still not getting on the band wagon and rushing him in to office. He might be a refreshing voice, but one with little experience. Although, at times, one wonders what the difference?

Got two big boxes wrapped last night. After 2 rolls of paper and almost an entire roll of tape. I told you I was bad!! Thick corners. I did add some ribbon and make it all frilly & nice. Had a nice red wine whilst in the act of wrapping. It was fun. next weekend I plan to do the rest. Listen to my friends holiday cd and get a bottle or two of my fave red wines. Go to town!! Even though it is 0 outside and all the snow is gone and it is raining i starting to get really excited for the holiday. They gave me the 24th off at the coffee mega giant and we are closed on the 25th. Nice.

My girlfriend heard from her son in Iraq. He is right there in the heart of it all and I am happy for her every time that he calls home. each time I hear of more Marines killed I just hope & pray that I do not get a call from her. He just turned 21. Another server at her restaurant has a daughter in 1st grade and they are sending him cards and letters for Christmas.

Have any of you heard about the 4 year old in kindergarten that got sent home for sexual harassment? A teachers aid filed the complaint and alleged that when she hugged him he put his face across her breasts. I am not sure, but doesn't that happen sometimes when you hug a kid and you happen to be a woman with larger breasts? They said it was the youngest person ever charged. Well, duh. I don't remember what state, maybe Texas, but if any of you have heard about it maybe you might weigh in. At 4 thay can not even comprehend that action taken by the school. Tha father, on a radio show, said that the school officials would not even discuss this with him and just suspended the kid. Personall I think 4 year olds are too young anyway to be in school. We waited until our son was 6 as boys do tend to be more immature anyway. He probably was just acting like a typical 4 year old getting a hug. Whatever!!

A Saturday Night Live DVD set just got released and it is the first 7 years. I am seriously thinking about getting it for us for Christmas. It is all the great stuff from the beginning. Excellent guest hosts and really good music. Richard Pryor is a host and he and John Beluhi do the Samuri Hotel and it is the first show where the samuri character is introduced. Classic stuff. It is 70 bucks though, so I will have to give that some thought, but it would be great to watch. I remember babysitting, when that show first came out, and wondering,"What the heck is this show?" I think I was about 12 or 13 at the time.

Well, coffee is about cold, dogs would like walked and I have to start with the flash cards.

An Angel

How evil are you?

Congratulations Truthiness!!

Congratulations go out to Steven Colbert, of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, for his coining on the "word of the year". Truthiness. He and Jon Stewart really have a corner on the news market, as far as I am concerned. If we are going to laugh at those who think that they are the "real" news people because they are ridiculous, then we might as well watch those who give us the news and don't take themselves, or their hair, too seriously!!

26 Years

It has been 26 years and I have never forgotten where I was when I heard that John Lennon had been shot. I was living in Fort Worth, Texas. I had moved there shortly after high school to live with friends. I had wanted to be an actress and there was plenty of dinner theatre and community theatre. I was taking classes part time at University of Texas in Arligton and working as a singing waitress at night.

I had been asleep and my roommate was awake watching television. I just happened to wake up as the news was coming on and they made the announcement. It woke me right up. I had always been a Beatles fan, but Lennon had always been my favorite. "Hard Days Night" was a movie that I would watch over and over because I had such a huge crush on John. I hated Yoko Ono, not because she broke them up, allegedly, but because she was married to him!

It hit me quite hard. Being younger, I guess I would compare it to the way kids reacted to Kurt Cobains death, I jsut stopped listening to the albums and could not play them for a very long time. I was just stunned and very sad.

The Beatles usually evoke strong emotions from people; either love them or hate them. I am not so gung ho that I think they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. I just happen to think that John did write some great lyrics and Paul wrote some great music and balads. In high school choir we always sang a few Beatles tunes. Never a big fan of the sappy love ballad, I always prefered the more political or thoughtful lyric. "Imagine" is one of my favorite albums to this day. I also love his Christmas song, "So This is Christmas...what have we done?"

I think I might ask Santa to leave the Imagine CD under the tree for me this year. Maybe the White Album too. I think that I have been very good this year.

Good v. Evil

If we believe, as Bill O'Reilly would have us believe, there are only two types of people in this world. The "Dark Side" and the "Good Side". As if it were as simple as the world of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. It might be in his action figure filled world, and it seems, his newest book as well.

His newest tome is one that states that there are only two divisions of people. "Secular progressives" and "Traditionalists". Mr. O'Reilly offends me often and in so many ways, but let me just enumerate a few. Especially as I am sipping a nice blend of red wines, Menage a Trois, a California Red Table Wine. A blend of Zin, Cab and Merlot. Since it is from California that probably puts me in the category of secular traditionalist right away!! I am also having some bbq chicken pizza with red onion. YUM!!

Anyway, back on track, I may consider myself a "progressive", but not radically so. I am liberal in many of my views, but I am also a christian person and therefore am offened by his notion that I am a secularist type. He asserts that to be progressive means that we have gloven hooves and horns!! For cryin' out loud. I am tired of being blamed for everything that is wrong with this country. Once againb, who made Mr. O'Reilly and his ilk the "moral gatekeepers" of society?

I agree that there is a culture war in this country, but not the way he sees it. College is becoming something only the elite can afford. The gap between the "haves" and " have nots" is getting widder and widder. Hasn't he read about the growing numbers of uninsured in this country? Not to mention the numbers that are losing their homes to sheriff sales? The middle classes can no longer even afford to own their own homes. That is a culture war. A "let them eat cake" society if you will.

He states, in his book, that "his side" believes that the United States was well founded by the founding fathers. I agree. I have no argument with the founding fathers or the way this country was founded. I love history and the history of this country. He makes it out to sound like there is a particular camp that would find fault with our very beginnings!! Granted, there are all kinds in this world, but I can not believe that he would find too many that would argue the merits of those who wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence.

He goes on to further discuss his degree and getting his masters. I am very happy that he was able to do so, but as I stated before college is becoming a thing that only those with the means can afford. When I graduated, in 1999, I was thrilled and now, 7 years later can not afford to even attempt to get my masters due to the high cost of college. To take one 3 hour course is about $1,000.00. I am STILL paying back my first education and I will probably only finish in time to TRY and send my son.

O'Reilly likes to talk as if he has his finger on the pulse of the people. In reality he likes to keep things stired up and stired up in a very negative way. It keeps his book selling and the ratings up on his show. Controversy is a seller!! People like to stop by and see what all the comotion is about. It is not something that he wrote for the betterment or improvement of humanity, but just something else to draw divisive lines and keep the societal groups seperated. He is a divider, not a uniter. He certainly belongs with the "decider".

The Debate Rages On.

It seems that before the Republicans pack up their belongings and clean out their desks they are going to schedule a vote on a fetal pain abortion bill. I am tired of this debate. Why do the Republicans feel that it is their job to legislate this issue and the gay marriage issue. Why are these two items the main stays of their platform? The fact that some of them will insist that under no circumstance should a woman be allowed to abort. Incest and rape included. They would actually insist that their own wife or daughter carry a child from a violent act? They would force her to endure 9 months of remembrances. To then do what with the child? Give it up for adoption? Do you think these guys would raise it in their upper class homes and neighborhoods? I think not.

There will always be scientists etc. that they will be able to find who can argue for both sides of this issue, so I do not even want to get into the science of it. I just want to be able to continue to have a choice.