BaxterBlogs

Want to cut the US Budget? Cut This....

2011-04-13T17:41:00.003-05:00

Salary of the US President...$400,000. Salary of retired US Presidents...$180,000. Salary of House/Senate...$174,000. Salary of Speaker of House...$223,500 Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders...$193,400 Average US Salary...$33,000 to $77,000. I think we found where the cuts should be made! If you agree reblog. SSA Top US Government Salaries

Lost Hope.

2011-03-10T17:49:00.001-06:00

‎First they came for the communists and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Rev. Martin Niemoller

Wow! I'm behind.

2011-02-23T09:54:00.005-06:00

I think that FaceBook and Twitter are making me less blogworthy. I seem to spill my guts there, which relieves the pressure and seems to render me mute.....yeah, right. Not mute, just too lazy to post more here.

OK...I need to work on that.

These are funny...and I need some funny.

2011-01-18T15:14:00.007-06:00

This was an email I just received....

Way to keep a healthy level
of insanity in the workplace

1. Page yourself over the intercom. (Don't disguise your voice.)
2. Find out where your boss shops and buy exactly the same outfits. Always wear them one day after your boss does. (This is especially effective if your boss is a different gender than you are.)
3. While sitting at your desk, soak your fingers in "Palmolive."
4. Put up mosquito netting around your cubicle.
5. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask them if they want fries with that.
6. Put your garbage can on your desk. Label it "IN."
7. Determine how many cups of coffee are "too many."
8. Put decaf in the coffeemaker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
9. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors."
10. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
11. When driving colleagues around insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep 'em tuned up."
12. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think?"
13. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a Parakeet.
14. Sit in the parking lot at lunchtime pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
15. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles".

For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep and too much pressure from my job, but now I found out the real reason: I'm tired because I'm overworked. The population of this country is 237 million. 104 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work. There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work. Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government, leaving 19 million to do the work. 2.8 million are in the Armed Forces, which leaves 16.2 million to do the work. Take from the total the 14,800,000 people who work for State and City Governments and that leaves 1.4 million to do the work. At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work. Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons. That leaves just two people to do the work. You and me. And you're sitting at your computer reading jokes.

1/11/11 at 11:11am

2011-01-11T11:11:00.002-06:00

Well...that is something. Guess we'll have it again on 11/11/11 at 11:11 am and 11:11 pm. Not sure what it is supposed to mean. Not sure I care.

One thing is for sure; it is only 1/11/11 and already too much has happened. I'm still asking for a restart button for this year.

Week 1-2) January 3 in the ER with a kidney stone, still waiting for that passing,

Week 1-2) My sweet dog is pretty sick vomiting, UTI, apparently has spinal bridging issues and bowel issues. Still working on getting her better,

Week 1-2) My sweet friend in CA is fighting for her life after her 5 year battle with breast cancer. She currently can only move her hands with one of the many tumors lodged in her spinal cord,

Week 2) Shootings in AZ last weekend really made me very sad. The deaths, the senseless injuries and poor Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) lying in the hospital fighting for her life,

Week 2) A good friend just lost his dad this morning.

Seriously, I think we need a collective restart/easy button. It is only 1/11/11 and already this year has been shitty. So phooey on 1/11/11. I hope by 11/11/11 at 11:11 am things will be better.

In the Doctor's office

2011-01-06T13:45:00.001-06:00

I rang in the first working day of 2011 in the ER partaking of the "Kidney Stone Cocktail". It is now Thursday and I don't think they have passed yet.

As a bonus, the CT scan found a mass on my ovary or my uterus...they aren't sure. Extra bonus, I have stones in my left kidney as well as the right that put me in the ER. But medical personnel don't seem too concerned about the mass or the left kidney stones. Not sure why. So January will be a tour of Doctor's offices. GP, OB/GYN, Urologist....yeah, I know how to party.

The pain is as bad as they say. A mixture of a stabbing pain that radiates and my heavy duty menstrual cramps that laugh at Advil.

I felt the need to record this so when the left stones decide to migrate, i'll remember what this pain is.

From the, "This would only happen to me" file....

2010-12-22T21:09:00.003-06:00

Mr. I and I went to visit our Financial Guy for our annual check-up. It was one of those meetings where you leave with a few printed reports telling you how broke you are. Anyway, after the meeting I needed to go to the Lady's Room. So, I headed down the hall, stack of papers in tow.

I entered the bathroom and realized I had no place to put the papers. So, I put them on the back of the toilet. Now...don't get ahead of me here...

I sat, did my business (strictly liquid, if you must know) and then stood. As I stood I felt and heard a rustle of papers. I turned quickly to find one of the reports (the full report mind you) there, in the toilet, marinating in "my business". Of course, I had to grab the papers. Now what? I retrieved them from the toilet and stuck them in the garbage. I realized that my entire personal report, all 4 pages of it, was the information that took the plunge. The other two sets I was holding were fine.

Now, after retrieving the soggy report, I had to go tell my Financial Guy's daughters (they work there as well) about my dilemma. Of course, I had to apologize for what they were to find in the trash can. And, of course, I needed them to print another report. Luckily, I know these people pretty well.

A normal person would have been mortified, or at the very least, embarrassed. I really wasn't embarrassed. I found it more amusing than anything. My first thought, after, "Oh No! I have to put my hands....in there!" was, "Wow! This will make a great blog post or FaceBook status."

I ask you....WTF is wrong with me? I've been overtaken by the narcissistic reality show bug? Just have to put my business on the street? Well, maybe. But you have to admit, it was pretty damn funny.

I hope beyond hope that the fall wasn't a sign of my financial status for 2011. Because if it is, that's really gonna piss me off.

Christmas + Chanukah = Chanumas. Cheers!

2010-12-21T17:24:00.005-06:00

Constant Celebrations. Copious Cocktails. Congenial Calls. Capra Cinema. Countless Calories. Coughing Cash. Christmas? Chanukah? Converging Customs: Chanumas! Courtesy Compliments Conviviality Completely.

Couples Combine Cultural Commemorations. Communing, Crafting, Collective Comfort. Captivating Cheerful Children; Callow Conjoin Creaky - Commingling Companions. Complaints Cease. Calm Composure Collects. Chipper Clan.

Conversations Carry Consideration, Cooperation. Comedy Cleanses Complications. Characters Clowning Can Cajole Cantankerous Crowds. Cold Concoctions Cure Cynics, Cancelling Crappy Comments.

Credit Cards Cooking. Call Costco Catering. Contact Central Casting. Crash Cabin Cleaning. Civilized Clothed Chassis. Company's Coming! Commence Countdown.

Concocting Cheerful Commotion. Commission Charming Chores. Cameras Clicking, Capturing Costumed Characters. Circulating Copies (Computer Contraband) Chronicling Ceremony. Cyberspace - Cascading Chums Cavalcading, Causing Commotion. Complimentary Calls.....Cute! Clever! Cameras Click, Click, Click.....Chagrined Chaperones Can't Cancel Crimson Cheeks. Crazy.

Celebrate Cautiously. Cheers!

Jon Stewart's Last Show For 2010 Dedicated to 9/11 First Responders Getting the Shaft from DC--Must See TV

2010-12-18T15:41:00.006-06:00

Jon Stewart is the most trusted name in news for a reason. He devoted the last show of 2010 to the 9/11 First Responders and the GOP representatives who chose to block the Zadroga bill in the Senate. Jon brings the shameful acts of several GOP Senators to light. No one else did before this. NO ONE on any major network bothered to even mention this bill. SHAMEFUL.

Well, you know what? Any Democrat or Republican who did not vote to pass the Zadroga Bill in the House or Senate (Yes, I know it passed the House....doesn't matter) should have their Tax Payer paid Health Insurance revoked. Police and Fire Fighters should boycott the protection of each of their many homes and personal beings and they should picket their homes....daily. Additionally, they should retire from the Senate and House and forfeit their Tax Payer paid lifetime pensions.

So there is a little Bipartisanship for you. Across the board, if those so called "leaders" don't think enough of 9/11 First Responders and their families to help them with thier health and financial issues, then they shouldn't hold office nor should they receive any money from the Tax Payer. Period. The End.

Oh Boy! The majority who got off their lazy asses and voted in November, are bringing more of those pieces of wasted flesh to DC. Oh Joy.

I repeat: We're screwed. The end.

Thank you again to Jon Stewart. Here's what you need to see:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Worst Responders

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

Wow. I'm actually proud of Fox News for this....

2010-12-18T15:28:00.002-06:00

Fox News Chris Wallace and Shephard Smith tell it like it is here. I'm proud of them for actually shaming their base. WOW. Now, as we all know, I'll get over it, but when I just saw this, I had to share:

Beware: Bankers Burgle Bucks

2010-12-17T15:43:00.012-06:00

Banking Business: Balance Blame Beside Backbiting.

Bankers Boldly Bargain Bureaucratic Bailouts By Besieging Broke Buyers.

Bewildered Buyers Bemoan Banking Blunders. Brokers Bellow, "BLASPHEMY! BOLOGNA! BULLSHIT! Banish Borrowing Beggars!" Beastly Bourgeoisie Beseech Beefy Bluecoats Brandishing Billy Batons. Boisterous Bevy Briefly Bound. Bitterness Befell. Backbones Bent But Bear Brunt.

Beleaguered Borrowers Beneath Boulders. But Bankers Boast Billions, Bolstered by Bureaucracy. Bandit Banknote Bunch Bothered? Beguiled Burglars Beaming By Boneyards, Barnyards, Bankrupt Babies, Barren Burroughs. Blatant Bullies. Bears? Bulls? Bit By Bit Banks Burgle BIG, But Bungalow Budgets Bleed.

Benevolent Benefactors? Balderdash. Bottomless Bread Bucket Boys/Bimbos Binging. Brokers Bribing Bureaucrats Benefits Both.....Big Business.

Bankroller's Bulging Bellies Brimming. Blemished Bottomlines Bloom. Bloggers Broadcasting Belligerence Bothersome? Best Build Better Bylaws Before Brash Borrowers Blast Banks By Bedlam.....Bury Bucks Behind Backyards.

Bad Breaks Befall Big Bunch....Brethren. Betting Bankers Bilk, Bamboozle. Belching Bureaucrats Butter Broker's Biscuits. Brotherhood Braves Burden Beneath Bedrock.

Butt Boils Befitting Boneheads. Bygones Be Bygones? Bogus.

Cover your butt in honey and sit on some money. And Minty too!

2010-12-17T09:45:00.010-06:00

This cracked me up....

And can't forget Minty:

Lyrics to Minty's special song:

OH! When the holidays come around,
You can hear the sound of Minty the candy cane
Who briefly fell on the ground.

Minty fell on the ground,
Now Minty's covered in poo.
Cause Minty fell on the ground for just a moment or two.

It's becoming evident that he landed in excrement,
But never fear cause Minty's here to make Christmas excellent!
Minty fell on the ground,
Now Minty's covered in poo.
Cause Minty fell on the ground for just a moment or two.

Apprehension Abounds After Actions Announced

2010-12-15T16:52:00.005-06:00

Agitators Approve Action Allowing Armed Aegis As Aboveboard Assistants. Although Appreciative, Apprehension Abounds.

Amusement Aside, Assumptions Are Agile Affectations. Arguably, Authenticating Accuracy And Apodictic Awareness Absolves Artificial Acts. Actually, Asking And Advising Abrogates Apartheid.

Alternatives Are Already Amalgamated And Armed. Acceptance Allows Advancement. Achievements Always Allay Alarm And Anxiety.

Although Alterations Anger, Adjustments Are Acutely Axial. Associations Assimilate After Agreement Appears. Adults Abandon Annoyances Abaft Assimilation.

Acclimation Acquaints Adaptable Answers. Accordants Administer Ahead As Antisocials Acquiesce. Adam And Andy, Alecia And Alice; Approach America's Acceptance As Anyone's All Around Appreciation.

Aspirational Appraisals Alright.....Already Analyzing Assumptions. Audacious Abstract Analogies Awaiting Answers.

Allow Alternatives Autonomy. Attitudes Are Accepting. Animosity And Abhorrence Alleviated. Amen.

Jon Stewart - Lame as F@#K Congress

2010-12-15T10:37:00.002-06:00

Yeah....Democrats may be spineless, lilly livered idiots, but the Republicans are self serving, mean, exploiters. But what does it matter. Their base is up Fox News' ass and will never watch this anyway. They question nothing, because the Red Ones are their leaders.... what they say is gospel....literally.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Lame-as-F@#k Congress

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

Jon Stewart- Obama Leaves Clinton in White Press Room

2010-12-15T10:33:00.002-06:00

Obama....you are seriously testing my patience and I believe you have landed upon my very last nerve.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Obama Leaves Bill Clinton in White House Briefing Room

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

Yahoo is down? Julian can you hear me?

2010-12-14T10:20:00.001-06:00

Yahoo is down. Julian...is that you? Can you hear me now? Seriously, I get it. You are a nerd we shouldn't screw with. You made friends with hackers who we shouldn't screw with. I bow to the power of the hacker. Some of my best friends are IT nerds. But really, did you do Yahoo? They are hardly worth it, don't you think?

But I have to say, I do like the style of hitting Master Card and Visa. Kill the credit card companies first. They are worthless Mafia POS that can burn in hell for all I care. I have to pay their ransom everyday as a merchant. They are all 100% worthless. OK...I got that fit over with.....carry on.

Progress? Perpetual Politics Poses Problems.

2010-12-13T18:26:00.003-06:00

Politics Perturbs Presently. Politicos Pontificate. Pundits Perplex. Promise Pales. Paranoia Persists. Positively Pathetic.

Political Profiteering Progresses. Public Policies Perish. People's Penniless Prayers Proliferate.

Pretending Party Politics Proposes Protection, Proves Preposterously Presented Premises.

Promiscuous Power Promotes Personal Prosperity Plus Public Poverty.

Pompous Politicians Placate, Perjure, Provoke. Perhaps Popularity Provides Persuasive Protection Privately. Predictably, Populace Pleasantries Produce Poorly Prepared Proletariat.

Plutocracies Preserve Poverty....Period.

Peace.

Thought this was funny....

2010-12-13T16:06:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Cheeks

2010-12-10T00:15:00.006-06:00

It's December 10 again. It keeps coming every year, no matter what. So does February 28, March 7 and March 15. Four dates that our family remembers. We remember exactly where we were in 2008 when time stood still.

Sweet Cheeks would have been 18 today. She would have been filled with piss and vinegar, sugar and spice. And hopefully we would have understood one another better long before today's date.

The last time we saw each other in 2007 it ended in a fight. The last time I heard her voice, it was over the phone. When she heard me say her name, she hung up on me. She was 15.

These are things I have to live with. Time marches on. Life moves on. And the living, in our family at least, have memories of her and 4 days during the year where tears will be shed. Tears are shed at other times, of course, but on those days, it's a given.

February 28, 2008 she stepped inside the cab of that pick-up truck for a quick ride home. An immature driver acting like a fool and using bad judgement prevented her from arriving at her destination.

March 7, 2008 Sweet Cheeks fought hard, but didn't make it.

March 15, 2008 her funeral was on my 46th birthday.

December 10, 2008 would have been her 16th birthday.

As each year passes, those dates are always flashing at me like neon signs on the side of a long and winding road.

I have to say something to her on every one of those days. If I don't say them out loud, I keep them in my thoughts. Usually, I write them to her in this blog.

Although she rarely believed it, I loved her very much. She and her sister were the closest I ever came to having children. I tried to do what was best for them even though they lived 700 miles away. They were in my thoughts every day. They still are.

I know she's in Heaven, celebrating her Birthday and hopefully "chillaxing" with her GG-D. As I said back in 2008, I hope GG-D's in a good mood.

Happy Birthday Koo Bear. I love you.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

2010-12-09T10:09:00.007-06:00

A friend on FaceBook found this little ditty that I thought I would share. Made me laugh, and squirm...just a little. A very good reminder of how we got where we are today.

The embedded file is wonky. If it won't play, here's the link

Movie made by thumpingthetub aka. Michael the TubThumper

Courtesy of Archive.org

On the 8th night of Chanukah the gift is.....

2010-12-08T09:29:00.001-06:00

Erran Baron Cohen - Dreidel

A friend on FaceBook shared this one with me. I love this!! He also found the 7th night's gift. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

The artist won't let the video be embedded, so please click the link:

Erran Baron Cohen - Dreidel

On the 7th night of Chanukah the gift is....

2010-12-07T11:13:00.002-06:00

Kenny Ellis and his Swingin' Dreidel...I loved this. A friend shared it on FaceBook.

The 6th Night of Chanukah the gift is.....

2010-12-06T11:09:00.000-06:00

The new updated Festivus Pole and Harry Hanukah.

Behold, the power of the pole...and, oh...wanna buy some socks?

For the 4th and 5th nights of Chanukah, the gift is...

2010-12-05T12:35:00.000-06:00

A lesson: Don't every put a bottle of Charonnay in the freezer and proceed to fry latkes on the 4th Night. You will forget the bottle of wine and have this as a new project for the 5th Night of Chanukah. A mess was had by all.

On the 3rd night of Chanukah, the gift was.....Christmas Time for the Jews!

2010-12-03T11:37:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to "circumcise the squirrels in the city park"....this just cracks me up.

Day 2's gift: Sandler

2010-12-02T10:56:00.000-06:00

Adam Sandler original Chanukah (Hanukkah) Song

Day 1's gift: Chanumas Card for 2010

2010-12-01T11:04:00.000-06:00

These Kids Are Amazing Dancers

2010-11-30T09:06:00.006-06:00

Now THIS is funny

2010-11-17T13:54:00.003-06:00

Democrats are about to roll over and take it like a....Democrat

2010-11-11T16:22:00.004-06:00

White House Gives In On Bush Tax Cuts

Dear Mr. Obama and they guys who supposedly look out for your best interest:

Dude, grow a pair and use your Lame Duck Congress like any red blooded Republican would. Seriously, I'm over the spineless bullshit dealt by the Democrats. At least the Republicans ruin the country with forthright, self-important resolve. They don't F@#$ around singing Kumbaya while holding a hemp bag full of candles for the next vigil. For the love of all that is worthy.....suck it up buttercup and get the F!@# on with it.

Carry on.

TEAM COCO 10pm Central TONIGHT TBS! BE THERE!

2010-11-08T15:47:00.003-06:00

The Pale Whale

FREE KEITH!

2010-11-06T11:48:00.009-05:00

As of yesterday, Mr. Keith Olbermann was suspended until further notice. For what you might ask? For making 3 donations to Democratic candidates. The donations were fine. But he didn't ask permission first.
Give me a freaking break.

Twitter is all a buzz.

Since my normal avatar is this:

I decided to make a new one to FREE KEITH!

Here is Rachel Maddow's great reply to the whole Keith "Suspensiongate" issue:

Where is my HOPE?

2010-11-04T11:03:00.004-05:00

I have lost steam. I feel like nothing more than an aggressive, word vomiting, sore loser who is more scared than the Teapublicans were when "that black boy" took their country away from them. God help me. I've jumped off the bridge of the high road and landed smack dab in the middle of nasty land.

In just two days, I'm watching my POTUS "back away from cap-and-trade" according to WaPo. If my damn President is rolling over to these fear mongers, what hope is left? Mitch McConnell has only one mission in the Senate, to make sure POTUS is a one term president. Well, if Obama doesn't come out swinging, he will get his damn wish. And then I saw Jon Stewart kissing Fox "News" Chris Wallace's ass? My God...have I entered some sort of Bizarro World? Jon had a lot more ass kissing than zingers for Fox. Witness:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Chris Wallace Extended Interview

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Rally to Restore Sanity

I woke up this morning with this awful feeling of...what if the fringe and fear really do win in 2012? What if the entire Senate and House and Presidency is GOP? I mean not one Democrat left amongst 'em. How could this ever happen? Easy. The majority of the people in America don't vote. All those people who fought and died for the right to vote are rolling over in their graves. Why did they bother fighting so hard? So the youth can sit on their hands and not bother? So much of the public in general won't bother? So that many people will let a little rain keep them away from the polls? So that the public can make excuses about why they don't vote? MLK and Medgar Evers gave their lives for a cause so dear to them. Why? So that our African American friends can not even bother to register to vote?

My God...I think I have lost hope.

Election Results 2010

2010-11-04T10:18:00.004-05:00

With all of my effort trying to take the high road Tuesday night and Wednesday, I have completely run out of steam...and it is only Thursday.

Here's the thing, my friends. The GOP didn't win Tuesday night, the Democrats lost. When the GOP gets mad, they vote. When the Dems get mad, they stay home. The GOP are much better politicians. They can't govern for shit, but they are political geniuses. They know how to manipulate their base. They know them like the back of their hand. The Dems have to herd cats, and they don't do that well.

I have talked about the fact that the Democrats lost the message a long time ago. The media has been covering the Tea Party since HCR town hall meetings last summer. The Dems had large majorities in the House and Senate and they managed to lose the damn message and give into the party who did not have the numbers but still held all the power. They gave the control of the message to the Tea Party and GOP. I'm sorry to say, as much as I love Obama, he compromised too much with the GOP. He took a knife to a gun fight. He couldn't control his party through all the Health Care Reform stuff. When you lose your party, you lose elections. As much as I hoped, prayed and worked for HCR, I can honestly tell you, although I'm very happy we have a starting point (for the time being), I knew they fucked it up the minute they gave in to the insurance companies. The minute they made all the noticeable change happen in 2014 and not BEFORE that damn election. The minute the Insurance companies started skyrocketing rates after it passed. All they had to do was Medicare for all, keep to that simple message, and get it passed. But they didn't. They chose to reinvent the wheel. Like I said, I'm glad for the bill. I really am. But even I have a hard time explaining to people how it will help them, when I watched my premiums go up another 30% and I knew Ken and I were going to have to drop our coverage after this quarter.

Sorry to sound like a Monday morning quarterback, but I'm trying to make sense of it all. We will survive. Maybe the GOP will realize they actually need to work to earn their government provided health insurance and lifetime retirement pensions, instead of sitting on their asses, with no ideas, saying no. I hope for the country's sake they heard that.

What really pisses me off is, the numbers are in and a lot of the electorate stayed home. That, to me, is the biggest sin in the world. When I think of the women who worked tirelessly to get the right to vote. MLK and Medgar Evers and others who gave their lives for the vote. And people think it is OK for them to sit home and do nothing? Thanks for the efforts and bloodshed from our ancestors, it is the one freedom in our country that is truly free. All you have to do is be 18, apply for a card, and get off your asses and go. But somehow it is too much of a bother for people. I just don't get it.

President Obama spoke humbly and with humility yesterday. The mark of a good person is how they accept defeat. Thanks to POTUS for setting a good example. However, today, I have jumped off a bridge on the high road and landed smack dab in the middle of nasty land. What can I say, he's a much better person that I am. I'm OK with that.

Vote - It's good for the soul

2010-11-02T09:37:00.004-05:00

I was up early this morning to hop in the car and go visit my voting place. I don't normally get up excited about much lately, but I wanted to be sure to vote first thing this morning. And I've always enjoyed voting. It makes me feel good. It makes me proud that I am participating in the very thing that makes us Americans.

My niece voted for the first time today. She had to work today as well, so I woke up to start the phone calls at 7:30 a.m. to wake the sleeping beauty. Her grandmother also received a cheery phone call to make sure everyone was ready to do their civic duty.

I was so excited for her. I'm sure I was much more enthusiastic than she was. 19 and voting for the first time. It brought me back to my first voting experience. I was 18 and it was Reagan/Carter. Yes, I just dated myself in a big way. But I remember being really excited to apply and receive my voter registration card. I remember vividly, standing in line and being sure to sign my name exactly as it was on the poll list. I was afraid that if I didn't cross every "T" and dot every "I" they wouldn't count my vote. I remember the whole smell of the place. That sweet smell of a mixture of baked goods, crayons, floor wax and anticipation. I've usually voted in schools for some reason. My polling place seemed to usually be in schools in most of the places I've lived. I was glad for that. Impartial. I always had a problem with voting in churches. To this day, I find that wrong in many ways....but I digress. There is such a feeling of community in the polling places. Volunteers are usually cheerful and helpful. Neighbors are usually in a good mood. And everyone usually knows to keep their mouth shut about their opinions when they reach the 100 ft barrier of silence. The last political sign you see should be the last opinion shared before you go in to cast your vote. It helps keep the place neutral. I like that.

Today, I was greeted with 2 kids hawking baked goods. I was impressed by their persuasive sales techniques. My current polling place always has a bake sale to capture a few dollars from voters who smell the goodies. My husband and I try to at least make a small donation, even if we don't grab a goody. I figure if a Mom or Dad are willing to stand there to help the kids, the least I can do is help with a few dollars.

I'm sure many people have had trouble at their polling place. I've driven people to the polls before, and I know not all the experiences are positive. But my experiences have been very positive. I always leave in a good mood and glad to participate in democracy. Sure, I'll be disappointed if my chosen representatives lose. I will feel elation if my representatives win. But really, that isn't the point. If we all did our little part to get out of our homes and go vote, that is all anyone can ask. If you don't vote, you can't bitch if things aren't going your way. If everyone who is registered, would go vote, we would live in a better America. I know that they should allow online voting, and hopefully some day they will, but for now, they still make it pretty damn easy for all of us to participate. I've never understood why so many do not. It is really sinful if you think about it. Win or lose it is all about the effort participation.

I feel good today. My niece voted, my mom voted, many of my friends voted, my husband voted and I voted. Like I said, voting is good for the soul.

Great WaPo Recap from Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

2010-10-31T13:00:00.001-05:00

Washington Post Recap of Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Look Who Is Voting---Go Vote!

2010-10-31T12:55:00.000-05:00

Restore Sanity Rally (and/or Keep Fear Alive)

2010-10-30T10:43:00.003-05:00

Almost time. Let's get this party started up in here y'all.

Twitter up....check. #rally4sanity hashtag....check. FaceBook up.....check. DVR up....check.

I wish I was there....in such a big way.

But I'll be online with as many peeps as I can.

Follow the Twitter stream.

Stay tuned......

Happy Fall Y'all

2010-10-25T09:45:00.003-05:00

Journalists: Show me the quote & let the reader connect the dots

2010-10-24T14:58:00.004-05:00

I blogged about this in my previous post, but the deception keeps growing.

Here's the deal. I truly believe that the Free Press has a big role to play in our Democracy. They are an important part of the checks and balances. They show us when people are wrong, right or indifferent. However, I'm really getting afraid that we are moving further and further away from presenting the 5 "W"s and the "H" (who, what, when, why, where and how). I realize both sides of the aisle have been complaining of this for years. However, if we, as concerned citizens, don't keep standing up and giving the press examples of what we see as being wrong, then the press will stay on the trail of fears, tears and too many mistake filled years. The rules of facts should apply when talking about a Republican or a Democrat. Facts are Facts.

Is it too much to ask for the press to quote someone correctly? George W. Bush, came out of hiding and made a speech. The press covered said speech. They printed many of the quotes from W in a factual manner....at least I hope they did. But bloggers and "journalists" are printing that George W. Bush said, "My biggest failure was not privatizing Social Security". Here are a few links to just a few articles:

Chicago Tribune

Huffington Post

Think Progress

My point is, I can't find him saying the exact words: "Sorry I didn't Privatize Social Security". He has said, "Sorry I didn't reform Social Security", but most of the writers I am seeing are then putting the connection of privatization because that was the Republican party platform at the time before the meltdown. Yes, it still is for some in the GOP. But, just because W feels he should have reformed Social Security, doesn't mean he still feels he should have privatized it.

I don't like him anymore than the next guy, but I don't think it is fair for all these "journalists" to start making leaps like that. I don't debate that he probably feels that way. But "probably" and "feels" are not facts. I noticed when I read the first article that Oliver Willis, a great and noble blogger, ran with it as did many other bloggers. I really like Oliver, don't get me wrong, but I can't find anyone who has actually procured a verifiable quote that he said exactly that in this speech.

It is about fairness above all. I hate it when the GOP does it to the Dems, so I have to stay firm when the tables are reversed.

Again, as I said in my previous post, if you have an actual quote from this speech, please lead me to it.

Huffington Post Fail?

2010-10-22T12:57:00.005-05:00

George W. Bush Reveals His Biggest Failure Was Not Privatizing Social Security

GOP friends will appreciate this:
I'm sorry, am I missing something? Where does he actually say the words, "My Biggest Failure Was Not Privatizing Social Security", in this post? Him admitting his failure of not reforming SSI and this writer making the leap of him making that statement, even though that was his party's platform prior to the meltdown (yes, some still hold that position), seems less than truthful.

If I've missed the actual statement somewhere in this post, please let me know.

Mom Raps About Foreclosure & JFWilliam's Videos

2010-10-22T09:49:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Southern Beale for this lead on a great video. If you don't read SB's blog, you really should. Here's a very informative post

After seeing the Foreclosure Mom video, YouTube advertised JFWilliam. Here are some creative, educational videos that are fun.

The Mortgage Mafia Screwed the American People & Didn't Buy Us Dinner

2010-10-18T21:00:00.007-05:00

As you can tell from reading my previous post, I have another view of the so called Mortgage Crisis and Foreclosure Melt Down than a lot of other people. And I'm not blaming this one entirely on Bush. No, this started with Reagan, moved through the first Bush, on to Clinton, then W and now Obama is stuck with it. The country is mad because Obama hasn't fixed over 20 years of destruction in 20 months. But I digress.

So Angelo Mozilo, Kingpin of the Mortgage Mafia, was able to buy his way out of going to jail. Yeah, he was able to pay off the SEC for his fraud (a crime usually punished by jail time PLUS fines) using....get this.....BANK OF AMERICA'S MONEY. Now when I say, Bank of America's money you know I mean TAXPAYER MONEY!!! That's right Mr. and Ms. America, you bailed out Bank of America who then BAILED OUT ANGELO MOZILO!!! If that doesn't make you jump up and down, I don't know what will.

One thing is for sure, the Government learned nothing from the S&L Crisis. At least some of those crooks actually spent a little time using community showers. Look back to see who was involved in all those S&L hearings and the debacle as a whole. Then look at the people in several of the past administrations. You will see some similar names and faces...not to mention Mr. John McCain himself. The Keating 5 were a majority of Democrats. Fraud and the screwing of the American People is a past-time that comes from both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, it continues today with Gheitner and many other Wall Street types being involved in the Government now even though they were part of the Wall Street debacle from the beginning. These are all the players who should have learned from their own history, but they did not. Or maybe they learned how to screw the American people even better. Either way, I'm saying it is an across the board fraud.

I will repeat, fraud is not limited to the GOP. Both sides of the aisle share in this disaster. Just like they did in the S&L crisis. Years of deregulation have taken their toll. Clinton wanted to put more people in houses. Times were good. Reagan wanted to get the interest rates lower so money would "trickle down". The Bushes wanted to, well...who the hell knows what the Bushes wanted to do other than invade countries. But those who worked on domestic economic policies, never really counted on the power of greed. There were many greedy little Loan Officers who loved making all that money while asking their Loan Processors to "Just doctor that credit report" or "here is a W-2 and a bottle of liquid paper". Then the greedy little Wall Street goons, with help from the Mortgage Mafia, packaged all those mortgages and told investors, "Buy these bundles...they are Suuuuwwwweeet!" Next thing you know, VOILA! You got yourself a Crisis of Epic Proportions.

While many on the far right blame the "people who got in over their heads and should have known better", they are not looking at the loan officers who helped them along or the Mortgage Mafia system as a whole. Hopeful Homeowners can not get into trouble by themselves. They can't walk into a lender with a gun and tell the Loan Officer, "Put me in debt way over my head so that there is no way for me to feed my family or I'll blow your stinking head off." No, that isn't the way it works.

Here is the way it works:

Hopeful Homeowner finds a home usually with the help of a Realtor®.
Realtor® usually tries to find out if Hopeful Homeowner is close to qualifying for the house. He/She does that usually with the help of his/her trusted Loan Officer (Mortgage Mafia Minion). If the Realtor® is really qualified, they know how to do the qualification calculations up front to prevent wasting both the Realtor's® time and the Hopeful Homeowner's time.
If the Realtor® thinks Hopeful Homeowner is "kind of" qualified, or knows that "there is no way in hell" Hopeful Homeowner is qualified, they still introduce them to their handy dandy "trusted" Loan Officer. Because if there is a way to make it work, Loan Officer (Mortgage Mafia Minion-the first line of offense) will make it work. Now, so far in this scenario you see that the Realtor's® income and the Loan Officer's income is tied to Hopeful Homeowner being approved for a mortgage loan. The pressure mounts.
Loan Officers during the height of the Real Estate Boom had many options at their disposal. Many non-qualifying loans (those loans where you didn't have to prove what you made or how much money you had in the bank) were what were considered "A paper". To simplify this description, "A paper" are loans to people who have a good credit score and usually a little money in the bank. But say the Hopeful Homeowner didn't have the best credit score. Well, there was "B", "C" and even "D paper" loans. The interest rate and closing costs increase the further you go down the alphabet. When you reach "D", this is where you get into the "Sub-prime" Mortgage Mafia loans. These are the Mafia loans that, instead of the Mafia breaking your arms when you don't pay, they charge you such a high interest rate, you would prefer to break your own arms as to keep digging your huge financial hole. But you don't know that until you are too far gone.
Loan Officer takes whatever information is needed for whichever loan program they think the Hopeful Homeowner will qualify for. There is FHA (too much information needed for that one because the Government is involved, plus there is a cap on the loan amount and the property has to be approved), VA (too, too much information needed because the Government is involved, there is a cap, AND the borrower had to be a Veteran), FNMA (Fannie Mae has a few non-qualifying loans that would work), FHLMC (Freddie Mac has a few non-qualifying loans too) and who is this INDYMAC (Won't confuse you anymore than you already are...so just skip that one). So which one does the Mortgage Mafia Minion choose? The one that makes him/her the most money and is the easiest and quickest to close. Speed makes the Realtor® happy and the Mortgage Mafia happy.
Even if the Loan Officer decides to put the Hopeful Homeowner in a loan that requires documentation (few did this with the No-Doc loans available) there are still ways to make the loan work. Say Hopeful Homeowner's W-2 just wasn't quite enough. Or, Hopeful Homeowner doesn't have much cash. Or, Hopeful Homeowner doesn't quite have a high enough credit score. No problem. Mortgage Mafia Minions have their ways of making the loan happen. In the Boom Time, the Hopeful Homeowner didn't need cash and needed minimum income documentation to qualify. But if they did, well....let's just say fraud was rampant everywhere in the Mortgage Mafia business. I could write a book and call it, "Oh, the Fraud I've Seen".

Here's a little chart on the Chain of Command for the Mortgage Mafia. Keep in mind this is simplified and is only the Production side (that is the selling of the loan to Hopeful Homeowner, not the servicing of the loan, the shipping to the investor or the chain of command for the closing of the loan (IE: attorneys who sign off on the paperwork)).

So how is it that the Mortgage Mafia Minion (MMM=Loan Officer) gets paid?Loan Officers (MMMs) are paid a commission based on the dollar amount of a mortgage. The larger the mortgage, the more the MMMs get paid. Bundle a mortgage, like offering Hopeful Homeowner what is called an 80-20 (80% first mortgage PLUS 20% second mortgage...yes, that equals an 100% mortgage or NO CASH DOWN) then the MMMs get a BONUS. Yes, MMMs received many bonuses by selling hopeful homeowners on the idea of putting NO MONEY DOWN. They get paid on 2 mortgages instead of one. Plus they get a bonus for the combination. But wait, there is more! When the MMMs accumulate enough of these mortgage bundles (80-20s, 85-15s, 80-15% (5% cash down) etc or even the 80-25 (yes...no money down AND money back)) in any given month, there is ANOTHER BONUS. MMMs get paid higher commissions based on total dollar volume PLUS the number of mortgage bundles they sold in any given month. Are you still with me?

Loan Officer MMMs have helpers. Lower paid MMMs in the form of Loan Processors, Underwriters and Loan Closers. All of these people are paid a salary. However, many companies pay them bonuses based on the overall dollar volume. Many times the Loan Officer also slips the Loan Processor a little money on the side to help out.

The job of the Loan Processors is to help the Loan Officer get the loan into shape so that the Underwriter can approve or deny it. Technically, the Underwriter is supposed to be the person with the most authority and the most knowledge. Now, back in the time when I was in the business, the Underwriter knew how to catch fraud. They knew how to make a judgement call as to the qualifications of the potential borrower. They knew the guidelines for any given loan program and they had to make sure that the borrower, the Loan Officer, and Loan Processor are presenting (aka..shoving down their throat) a loan that met all the guidelines of the program they sold to the Hopeful Homeowner.

I say "back in the day" because from the year 2000, when I escaped, to the meltdown of 2008, something happened in the Mortgage Mafia Industry. I escaped when the 80-20 loans were just becoming popular. They were just starting to pay bonuses on "loan bundles" (first and second combination). I didn't handle many of them. They were making non-qualifying loans, but they required cash down and an excellent credit score. However, sometime after 2000, the industry went crazy. More companies were hiring sales people who knew nothing about the ins and outs of making safe loans. The industry stopped teaching loan processors and loan officers that it is illegal to commit fraud. If you sign it, and it is fraud, your ass is on the line and you are going to jail. I was taught these basic rules "back in the day". Loan officers now are not. Loan Processors during the thick of it were not. And none will be punished. They will be protected, because if the Loan Officers and Processors fall in large numbers, so goes the lenders. All that looking the other way and laughing all the way to the bank screwed all of us. But somehow not the people who should have taken the hit to begin with. You have to remember also the incredible amount of pressure that Loan Officers (MMMs) put on Loan Processors, Loan Underwriters and Loan Closers. The office becomes quite a pressure cooker. Especially when a Loan Processor or Loan Underwriter dare reject the loan or would not look the other way. Many of these people broke under pressure. Of course there are the ones, like me, who left at lunch and didn't come back to work. I had a personal policy, ask me to commit fraud, I "go to lunch". Pressure me to the point of tears, I "go to lunch". Speak to me at the top of your voice calling me every name in the book, I "go to lunch". I had a very low tolerance for the Mortgage Mafia business. I lasted 14 years, but not at the same company.

Now, you will take particular notice of the time frame I mentioned. As I said in the beginning of this post, I'll not lay all the blame at the feet of W. However, there was something that happened during the time of his reign. I know it is more deregulation. But there is something else I can't quite put my finger on. I noticed during this time that more Realtors®, builders, lawyers and the like were opening up Mortgage Mafia Companies. It used to be a breach of ethics for a Realtor® to also own a Mortgage Company. Back in the days before 2000, you couldn't be a Realtor® and a Mortgage Loan Officer at the same time. They were two separate entities for a reason. But during the time frame of 2000-2008, the two became one. The lines were being crossed and the checks and balance system put in place for years, was somehow missing. For instance, many Mortgage Mafia Companies (I'll not call them by name) made it "mandatory" (Of course they never used that word. Let's say it was HIGHLY advised.) for borrowers to use the in house Mortgage Mafia controlled system of Real Estate Appraisers, Loan Document Closers, approved Lawyers and the like. They would give them all another name to look like they were a separate company, but they were owned by the Mortgage Mafia Company. They shoved their borrowers down a path of the Mortgage Mafia's choosing from the time Hopeful Homeowner walked in the door, until they closed on their loan and took the keys to their house. That is just one example of how in 8 years the Mortgage Mafia Industry managed to consume and dispose of any checks and balances that were in place. But you see, there is only one way to play under a different set of rules when finance is involved. That would be if the rules (laws) were changed for them.

My point with all of this is, the meat and bones of this, is what is going on now: Lenders are benefiting from way too much. We bailed them out with taxpayer dollars only to have them keep the money, earn interest on it and not lend it back to the consumer or business owner. They advise homeowners to get further behind so that the can pretend to help them modify their loans. Taxpayers bought Fannie and Freddie and they aren't helping the homeowner in need either. But guess who benefits from the money homeowners paid to the lender over the years? The same lender and investor who made the loan in the first place. Or the lender who purchased either the loan or the servicing of the loan. Now they have that money paid in the past, and the real estate (which is depreciated now, but will recover eventually). That is what isn't being discussed: Lenders advising homeowners to get more behind so that they can't catch up. Then said lenders legally increasing their RE portfolio. We should all be jumping up and down, but the press isn't going for that angle and I don't why.

It is a systemic failure all the way around. Follow the trail of money. There you will find the answers.

UPDATE:
I noticed in the last few days, there have been more writers trying to get at the heart of the issue. Here are a few:

Foreclosure speed equals money

Rather than investigating Foreclosure Fraud; House Republicans vow to investigate loans to poor people

Mortgage Companies are Committing Legalized Larceny

2010-10-16T11:09:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for awhile. I've done plenty of bitching about it on FaceBook and Twitter, but I haven't made a formal blog post. So, here goes.

Yes, the Mortgage Industry is committing Legalized Larceny. Yes, I know those are strong words. However, I believe the statement to be true.

I was doing my usual perusing of the Huffington Post this morning and came across the story of "One Man's HAMP Hell" . In case you aren't familiar with the acronym HAMP, it stands for Home Affordable Modification Program. It is the program that the Obama administration thought might help homeowners who are in trouble. It was a program that the private lenders ran, but was "backed" by the government. Unfortunately, it failed. Of course, Obama was blamed for it, but I always knew it was more than another failed government program. After all, there is a reason things fail, right? But lately, I'm finding the press less than enthusiastic at getting to the heart of why the program failed. The failure itself sells better than any explanation ever would.

You need to read the story (link provided above). Yes, it is long, but you need to know what one man went through trying to get help with his mortgage. He did what he was told to do. He played by the rules set out for him. We all need to know the truth of what the banks and lenders did to the program to make it fail. Troy Taliancich's story is unfortunately the norm and not the exception.

Full disclosure, I was in the mortgage business for 14 years until I finally escaped. I held many positions including, Loan Processor, Loan Officer, RTC Auditor, Customer Service Representative and Underwriter just to name a few. I've seen the best, but mostly the worst of what the industry has to offer.

Recently, I was chatting with a few friends who are still in the business. These friends were telling me their own experiences with the current HAMP process and how their lender(s) have dealt with it. I'll not mention the lender they work for currently nor who they were employed by previously. Suffice it to say, these are big lenders, large players in the industry. I wanted to find out if my hunch was correct that all the news reports I have heard are not getting to the meat and bones of the whole sordid foreclosure mess. So I asked, "Do you think the mortgage companies are truly advising the troubled homeowners to not make their payments?" I followed that question with the next, "Am I far off base to suggest that the mortgage industry is manipulating both the government program to their benefit and then manipulating the troubled homeowner as well?" Of course, I worded that differently. Knowing me I think I said, "Do you think the mortgage industry is basically stealing people's homes?" But for writing sake, I wanted to be clearer as to the intent of my question.

The answers and stories that followed confirmed my hunch. These two friends work on the front end. They have had troubled homeowners come straight into their offices and ask for help. They have picked up the phone and tried to help them. They called their respective HAMP department(s) and even though they worked for the same company as the people in the HAMP department(s), the story was the same. Lost paperwork, lost original documents, no record of conversations....typical lender negligence and haphazard business practices.

As for the question of the dubious advice to troubled homeowners, that was very interesting. One of the friends had many conversations on many occasions with the HAMP representatives for the company. Said friend had done this many times for customers who stood in front their desk in need of help. One exchange a friend had went a little like this,

Friend: "This customer is telling me that you told him not to make his payments."

HAMP Rep: "That is impossible. We NEVER tell customers to NOT make their payments."

Friend: "Well, if you didn't, someone there did. He isn't the first customer I have had come through my door telling me the same story. Put your supervisor on the phone."

HAMP Supervisor: "No. Telling a customer not to make their payments is strictly prohibited and goes against our policy."

Friend: "Then why is it all these customers have the same story? What exactly do you tell them?"

HAMP Supervisor: "We tell them that we can't help them until they are 90 days behind."

So you see, it is all semantics. Fun with language. Big lender can rest easy knowing that in no way did they ever tell that troubled homeowner NOT to make their payments. They came to their own stupid conclusion after the HAMP department told them they couldn't help them until they were 90 days behind. So how is it one desperate homeowner gets to the place of help (90 days behind) while still making their payments? Magic.

I also received a little bit of information that I wanted to share. Anytime a lender "modifies" a loan they get to add that to their numbers that they publicize to show how many homeowners they "helped" and total dollar volume of that "help". For instance, say a lender helps you out by reducing your mortgage payment by $200 a month for only 3 months. They aren't forgiving any accrued interest. They are simply tacking on the interest payments you still owe along with the missing amount of your payment to either the back of the loan (when you pay it off) or giving you a "balloon" type payment at the end of the 3 month (agreed term) period. From what I understand, they can then count the entire amount of the mortgage in the final numbers they tell the government and call that a modification. So they aren't reporting the amount of help ($600 in this example) in their final numbers. No, they are saying, "Look at us. We just helped a homeowner by modifying his $200,000 loan". They can count any small amount of "help" as a completed loan modification. And as you see in this example, the lender doesn't lose ANYTHING. Homeowner is just further in debt and interest was still accumulating. Of course, this modification is IF they qualify. Yes, troubled homeowner, you lost your job, you are sick, the economy took your home values down to below 1/2 of their previous value and guess what....YOU DON'T QUALIFY! Yet another great tool to take a person's home.

Now, as far as my leap of Legalized Larceny, that claim is all on me. My opinion, of course. My friends wouldn't go there. They need their jobs and I wouldn't want them to lose them. But here is how I see it. The longer the mortgage lenders can "lose" the paperwork, the quicker they can "own your property". The primary lender doesn't own all of it, but Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA....all can own the other part of the mortgage which means they get their money eventually. The more people they can advise in their legalese that homeowners "need to be 90 days behind to receive help", the quicker the lender can own the property. The more troubled homeowners who "don't qualify" the quicker they can own the property. There is something very shady going on and the press isn't getting to the heart of the matter. Glad for this account of Troy Taliancich's hell is being brought to light, but let's get to the meat and bones. To do this, we need help from the press. Because we all know the lenders won't tell the truth.

UPDATE 10/16/10:today I read about how Speed was the key in getting through the logjam of foreclosures. Can it bee that the press is finally starting to scratch the surface? Take a gander at this article: Speed Equaled Money as Banks Raced To Seize Foreclosed Homes

Mozilo pays off the SEC to avoid jail

2010-10-15T16:24:00.008-05:00

Someone tell me why Countrywide's leather faced, evil dictator was allowed to buy his way out of jail? This is what I was talking about in my earlier post. The government has our retirements tied to the ass of Wall Street, and now it is official, the SEC is on the take. How will we feel that the rules are followed if we now know the SEC lets the worst among us BUY their "Get out of Jail Card"? Give me a freaking break. I have to keep my retirement money in Wall Street? Seriously? I get penalized if I take it out of Wall Street? And these Jackwagons don't have to pay for their crimes against humanity? And what's better.....BANK OF AMERICA IS PICKING UP THE TAB.

Give me a freaking break!

Angelo Mozilo buys off the SEC

Why is Wall Street holding our future hostage and the Government is helping them? Better yet, why are we letting them do it?

2010-10-15T12:38:00.011-05:00

UPDATE 10/16/10: After reading the article about Bank of America paying for Angelo Mozilo's "get out of jail for $67 million card" to the SEC, I ask the question again...why are we forced to be in Wall Street?
***********
If you didn't take a chance to read this article by Les Leopold, please do. It is a great read:

How to Earn $900,000 an Hour While Unemployment Soars

I've been thinking about this for quite awhile, long before I read this article. I want to know why I can't remove the money I have in my retirement accounts from Wall Street with no penalty. Why is there no IRA cash vehicle? Is there an IRA cash vehicle that I have overlooked somewhere? Why does the government have us strapped to the ass of Wall Street while they use our money, make horrible investments and then earn more money than God while they laugh at us all the way to the bank?

I talked to my accountant about this recently. She explained that the government does not reward savings. They want the money out there in the market "working" and not hoarded in cash accounts. So they penalize us if we withdraw it. They tax us at the highest rates once the money is withdrawn. Then they tack on an additional 10% penalty.

Why isn't there an IRA equity transfer from a Wall Street account to a cash account? The money is still there. We aren't spending the cash. We are still saving it for retirement. But it isn't tied to Wall Street. It isn't supporting the greedy goons who are going to wipe it all out. Have you noticed even with the economy teetering, they (Wall Street and Government) won't help the average American? Are enough people not asking these questions? Why should our retirement money be tied to a system with no safety net? Why are we required for this money to stay in the market, no matter how fast it falls? REQUIRED!? WHY?!

I'm serious here when I ask, does anyone out there know of a cash IRA account? No, I don't want a mutual fund. No, I don't want it in savings bonds. No, I don't want it in a low yield, low risk Wall Street account of any kind. I want it in a type of IRA CD account. The retirement money sits there earning, if I'm lucky, 2%. Because you know what? 2% of something is better than 10% of nothing.

Why is Wall Street holding our future hostage and the Government is helping them? Better yet, why are we letting them do it?

Conservative Christianity and their Love of the GOP

2010-10-08T15:06:00.008-05:00

Let me start this post with full disclosure. I am not a religious person. I believe there is a God, but just how you "get to him" is, to me, a dance with the middle man. Jesus, Buddha, Allah, Moses....all middle men. Choose your partner, move in rhythm with him, but in the end, these men are simply teachers representing interpretations of God.

Full disclosure out of the way, I have been thinking a lot lately about the connection between Conservative Christianity with the GOP and now the Tea Party. This thought stems from the many online conversations I've had with conservative friends about politics. I don't bother talking religion with these people, because the non-religious are not welcome in discussions of religion with religious people. There is hell to pay for that choice, so I choose to avoid it. I've noticed the behaviors of these religious people who are also conservative politically seem to be similar in pattern.

For instance, I had a FaceBook "posting scrimmage" with an old friend from High School. This wasn't our first scrimmage and it won't be our last. I posted the article about Fox and Friends falling for the story that LAPD bought a bunch of Jet Packs. To which said friend posted, "Thank God for Fox News". With a lead in like that, you know I'm not going to let it go.
I'll not bore you with the back and forth, but the most important question of this scrimmage was this:

"Do you honestly believe that the Liberals have caused EVERY problem we are experiencing today? The GOP had nothing to do with it? George Bush didn't start the war? The economy collapse in September 2008 was under Obama? The GOP did nothing to contribute to this mess?"

"Yes. Facts are Facts", was the reply.

Now, this person is a fine human. But I was astonished at the absolute acceptance of his opinions as facts in his mind. There was no persuading otherwise. I know what you are thinking and yes, I gave him the line from Daniel Patrick Moynihan, "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts". That profundity is lost on this person.

Now, this wasn't the only person or the only conversation that I've had that led me to these questions: Is it an accident that the GOP has staked a claim to truly religious people, most of whom are of the Christian faith? Why is it that a great number of people who classify themselves as "Christian" many times classify themselves as "Conservative" and "Republican"? I know it is late in the game to be questioning what we have all known to be true for years, but I've really been pondering this. What characteristics do both share? Now...finally, the meat of the matter.... that is where I'm really going with this.

Now bear with me here. I don't mean to offend, I'm simply trying to figure this out for myself. I know a lot of Christians, Jews and people of other faiths who keep their rational mind while interpreting their religions. I know that there are many religious people who are members of the Democratic party or are Independents. I'm exploring the voting sector referred to as the "Religious Right". Those who seem to be classified as Christian, usually white, and tend to vote with the right. I'm speaking of the "truly religious" as those folks who believe they belong to the only religion that claims the pathway to God. Most would call them zealots. I don't want to use that strong language in this post. That's why I call them "truly religious".

So, what characteristics do both truly religious Christians and Republicans share? In my mind, the first and foremost trait that they both share is FAITH. In order to truly have unquestioning faith in someone or something, you have to give your entire trust to it. A whole, "Check your brain at the door" kind of faith, as a Southern Baptist friend once called it (while trying to show he didn't have this trait). Not that the entirety of the GOP is religious. I understand that. However, this manipulation of a sector of what they consider their largest voting base is, for lack of a better term, nauseating. Because the GOP (and now Tea Party) has plenty of FAITH that they can manipulate the FAITHFUL. They know exactly how to do it. And it works every time. And the FAITHFUL follow their lead in big numbers.

Can it be that the truly religious like the group accountability system full of imposed restrictions to keep them in line and the GOP made a nice confining cocoon for them to nest? Because it seems to me that these truly religious voters only believe the words coming from the GOP. It isn't dissimilar to believing that yours is the only religion that will get you into heaven. They seem to try hard to walk the line laid down before them by their clergy, their families, their politicians. If they dare step off the line, they won't get into heaven or "get their country back" from the hands of the devil himself.....a Liberal Democratic Black Christian (although they all really believe he is a foreign Muslim) President and his like minded sinners and partners in crime.

The first rule in GOP Sunday School is you don't question the GOP. This is exactly like you don't question the teachings of the Bible. To do so would be blasphemy. To study different angles and the ulterior motives of their leaders, would be unseemly. To disagree with a clergyman would be a crime that would result in not seeing the pearly gates. Take what you are told, comply and don't look elsewhere for your truth. This is your truth. This is the truth you must spread to the converted so that they might recruit new members.

Now, if only they had a TV cable network that could feed all they ever need to know to them, 24 hours a day, they could get their information from one source and never have to read the words from the evil ones again. They can stay on the straight and narrow and sing la, la, la, la all the way to the polls while drowning out all the falsehoods that could make them misstep and fall into that unknown abyss.

In conclusion, I don't know that I've answered my questions, but I truly believe there is basic primal connection between the two groups. I'm sure others have studied it, but many are afraid to go there. Because to truly talk or write about it is not welcome. And the faithful won't do it, they are "it". And the less than faithful won't do it, because they will be accused of being evil non-believers who have no right to challenge that which they don't know or understand. Here we sit, feeling the connection, seeing the connection, but few are willing to explore it very deeply. Obviously, I just scratched the surface and am just voicing personal theories. I just want people from both sides of the aisle to open their eyes and can we please just all start debating theories and opinions and stop arguing over facts. The sky is blue (on many days), we live on the earth, water is wet....bet if I posted this on FaceBook, my right wing friends would debate each and every statement.

John Lennon's 70th Birthday Google Doodle

2010-10-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

This may be my all time favorite Google doodle.

JUST SAY NO To Master Media Manipulation Day!

2010-09-11T12:40:00.008-05:00

To commemorate this day, I am abstaining from all news. No TV News. No Radio News. No Cable "News". No political shows. No Huffington Post. I am sick and tired of Media Manipulation. It has been a week of heavy traffic on the manipulation highway and I am exiting at the first rest stop.

The week leading up to 9-11 was fraught with landmines. It's as though we, the American people (hell, dare I say the entire world this time) were the Media's human sacrifices in some sick and twisted ceremony. You know how the retail industry turned Christmas into nothing more than a secular spending spree? Well, the "News" Media has given September 11 a similar fate. Pretty soon, mark my words, you're going to see signs saying, "SEPTEMBER 11 MATTRESS SALE!! GET 'EM QUICK!" Is it so far from reality for every major and cable "news" station converting the week leading to 9-11 into "Sweeps Week" and digging up every freak, cretin, spurge & jackwagon from their resident pile of manure and parading them in front of us so we can get a good look at them? Is that really that far fetched? Seems to me that is exactly what happened to us all this last week.

My last straw was that idiot "preacher" in Florida who turned the entire world upside down thanks to the "News" Media's need to entertain us. It was a freaking fiasco. All that hatred. All that worry. All that COVERAGE....and for what? Giving an idiot his 15 minutes of fame. And now they are flying his hateful ass to NYC to talk to someone? An Imam? Unless they are checking his ass into Bellevue Sanitarium, there was no reason to fly his ass anywhere. RIDICULOUS!!!! The POTUS even said something about it? What the FUCK is going on in this world? We are all, including myself, eating this crap up with a spoon. We are falling for it every damn day. It is so damn out of control, I don't think it will ever stop. Freaking MADNESS!!!

So here we are on September 11, 2010. This day at the end of 9-11 week ends with "Master Media Manipulation Day". This year I'm not going to buy into it. In the immortal words of Popeye, "I've had all I can stand and I can't stands no more." I don't need some "Bubble Headed Bleach Blond" to tell me what to feel today. I think about 9-11 every day. It was horrible. It was life changing. It was terrifying. How the hell could ANYONE ever forget that day? The answer: No one who was alive and not in a coma on that day will ever forget the images we saw on TV......NO ONE!! So Media, STFU!

Can you imagine if WWII happened in this day? Can you imagine how many times every living citizen would have had to relive the bombing of Pearl Harbor? I understand commemorations. I understand not forgetting the victims, I really do. But we are doing a big disservice to treat this day as a Circus performance. Glenn Back and Sarah Palin are even charging admission in Alaska. People are going to pay them money on 9-11 to watch those two Media Monkeys dance. God help us all.

That is my bitch for today.

P.S. Happy Birthday Mom! Sorry you have to deal with all this crap every damn birthday for the rest of your life.

One more thing.... For the love of Pete, let those poor children who were born on that awful day, have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

L'Shanah Tova Y'all!

2010-09-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

The Stieglitz Collection at Fisk University

2010-09-07T17:50:00.005-05:00

Georgia O'Keeffe Radiator Building

I read Georgia O'Keeffe: A Life a biography by Roxana Robinson many years ago. I just recently picked it up again to refresh my memory of the Fisk donation. It is very interesting reading indeed. When O'Keeffe gave the collection to Fisk, Fisk... remodeled a gymnasium to hold the collection. O'Keeffe wasn't happy with the way it turned out and actually came down to Tennessee to oversee the installation. She was disappointed when she arrived. In addition to the bad lighting, she writes in letters that Fisk did not have the funds for proper maintenance of the premises nor did they have enough to properly insure the collection. She felt that the collection was in danger of deterioration and actually reclaimed the collection for restoration. The book doesn't say why the collection was returned to Fisk. It just says that it was returned to Fisk.

Fisk University has had money problems for decades. Apparently even as the donation was being made. The Stieglitz collection will not save them....nor was it ever intended to. If Ms. O'Keeffe wanted it to "save" them financially, wouldn't she have permitted it during her lifetime? The book explains that O'Keeffe was behind the donation and had sympathy for black artists and writers. Stieglitz was not one to give museums anything for any reason. O'Keeffe ruled over all donations and was extremely particular on display, care etc. If Georgia O'Keeffe intended for the collection to be broken up, sold or not stored properly, seems to me she would have just sold it then, donated money to Fisk and moved on when she found out how in need they were when she arrived. And why would she had been so specific about the care and display of the donation if she wanted it to be sold? The courts say otherwise, but I'm afraid we will be here again 5 years after the sale and Fisk will have the same problems. It is a shame really. I want Fisk to survive, but I don't know that this is the way to do it.

AAA & Hertz is helping the flood victims

2010-05-06T11:28:00.005-05:00

Good news! AAA and Hertz are offering to help people with flooded cars. A great rate to rent cars to get you by until yours can be fixed. Check out the following links since I know it is hard to read.

Hertz is offering a special, low rental rate to AAA members in the Nashville and surrounding areas whose vehicle has been flooded in the recent storms. The rate is available until May 16, 2010 for affected members who do not have rental reimbursement on their auto insurance.

To take advantage of this special rate, follow these steps:

Call Hertz Insurance Replacement Desk at 1-800-582-7499
Give operator this code: CDP# 1486199
Pick up vehicle at any Hertz Local Edition in the Nashville or surrounding areas. In some cases Hertz can provide pick-up service.

For more information contact your local AAA office

Click here for the latest from Tennessee Department of Transportation

Click here for the latest weather information

Nashville Flood May 1, 2010 thru......

2010-05-04T19:27:00.004-05:00

Can't quite collect all my thoughts regarding the Nashville Flood. I capitalize it because it just is that big. This is the best video I've seen so far. This really gives the outside world a good idea of just how bad this is.

Credit goes to Elizabeth Ann Seldomridge Stone

YouTube isn't playing nice tonight, so if you want to see the better version, here is the link.

Conan O'Brien's 60 Minutes interview

2010-05-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

This is why I will not watch Leno. It is easy to see the character of a man. There is Leno and there is Conan.....no contest.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Oil Spill, Moil Shpill....Rush Limbaugh = Douche Bag

2010-05-01T14:35:00.010-05:00

Yes, we all know this. But the latest just tops the urinal cake in the world of a Douche Bag!

From Mother Jones Magazine
"....what better way to head off more oil drilling, nuclear plants, than by blowing up a rig? I'm just noting the timing here" - Rush Limbaugh

Seriously, this guy will never stop. He is a disgusting waste of flesh, and he will NEVER freaking stop. Now he is going to imply that Liberals had something to do with this? It is a freaking Liberal Conspiracy? Really?

But why should he stop. The CEO of BP is out saying that BP isn't responsible for this disaster. Nope, not them! Yeah...so what that our logo is on that platform...what of it? British jack ass!

And speaking of what may be the single worst ecological disaster in the history of this country, have you noticed how quiet the GOP has been? Well, there is the usual Palin and Limbaugh bellying up to the microphones with their usual conspiratorial bull-shit, but the silence from the everyday conservative is deafening. Apparently they are OK with the Gulf Coast being covered with toxic oil. Not a problem...all in the name of "progress". I hear that they are working hard to frame this as "Obama's Katrina". That's right folks.

Meanwhile, Jindal is acting like such the big boy out there telling his state what he is asking the Federal Government to provide. Jindal, is this before or after you pose with some more stimulus checks that you railed against? Amazing how evil government is until you need them.

Hey Jindal, I've got a shrimp cocktail with a side of kiss Obama's ass right here for ya.

So, all you Gulf Coast States....I'm truly sorry for your upcoming losses. I truly am.

However, if any of the following applies to you:

If you really think our Government is truly evil and you believe every word that your favorite Political Messiahs: Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly say,
Or if you've been shouting for your state to secede from the Union,
Or if you shouted "Drill Baby Drill" and really meant it,
Or you really want more drilling in your Gulf....

Might I suggest a special little fishing hole with your name on it, just waiting for you. I hear the aroma is delicious.

Enjoy your catch.

Oh Rachel Maddow, How I Love Thee

2010-04-29T21:34:00.003-05:00

Rachel Maddow is the best political interviewer on Television today. No question. End of story. She is NEVER afraid of "going there". Did she go there with Dan Stein of FAIR (Federation of American Immigration Reform)? Oh yes she did.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keith Olbermann actually replied to my tweet?

2010-04-29T21:20:00.003-05:00

Wow, it was a nice night on Twitter. Lots of fun tonight and as a big bonus, Keith Olbermann actually responded to a Tweet. It stayed at the top of his update stream for 25 minutes. God, I am SO that person. Geek....party of 1!

Now if I could get one from Maddow. Or if Keith would follow me. Or if Maddow would follow me.....oh, the things of which dreams are made.

"Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black" - Tim Wise

2010-04-27T10:55:00.009-05:00

A friend posted a link to this essay on FaceBook recently. What a find! This excellent post, written by Tim Wise, was taken from a blog post on April 22, 2010 by Sara and Brian Brandsmeier on their blog called Ephphatha Poetry . I wanted to link back to the place where I first read it so that you could see just part of its viral journey. Take the time to read this....it is one of the most powerful, thought provoking essays I've read in a good while. The link to buy Tim's book is below.

__________________________________________________

Let’s play a game, shall we? The name of the game is called “Imagine.” The way it’s played is simple: we’ll envision recent happenings in the news, but then change them up a bit. Instead of envisioning white people as the main actors in the scenes we’ll conjure - the ones who are driving the action - we’ll envision black folks or other people of color instead. The object of the game is to imagine the public reaction to the events or incidents, if the main actors were of color, rather than white. Whoever gains the most insight into the workings of race in America, at the end of the game, wins.

So let’s begin.

Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn't like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.

Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington.

Imagine that a rap artist were to say, in reference to a white president: “He’s a piece of shit and I told him to suck on my machine gun.” Because that’s what rocker Ted Nugent said recently about President Obama.

Imagine that a prominent mainstream black political commentator had long employed an overt bigot as Executive Director of his organization, and that this bigot regularly participated in black separatist conferences, and once assaulted a white person while calling them by a racial slur. When that prominent black commentator and his sister — who also works for the organization — defended the bigot as a good guy who was misunderstood and “going through a tough time in his life” would anyone accept their excuse-making? Would that commentator still have a place on a mainstream network? Because that’s what happened in the real world, when Pat Buchanan employed as Executive Director of his group, America’s Cause, a blatant racist who did all these things, or at least their white equivalents: attending white separatist conferences and attacking a black woman while calling her the n-word.

Imagine that a black radio host were to suggest that the only way to get promoted in the administration of a white president is by “hating black people,” or that a prominent white person had only endorsed a white presidential candidate as an act of racial bonding, or blamed a white president for a fight on a school bus in which a black kid was jumped by two white kids, or said that he wouldn’t want to kill all conservatives, but rather, would like to leave just enough—“living fossils” as he called them—“so we will never forget what these people stood for.” After all, these are things that Rush Limbaugh has said, about Barack Obama’s administration, Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, a fight on a school bus in Belleville, Illinois in which two black kids beat up a white kid, and about liberals, generally.

Imagine that a black pastor, formerly a member of the U.S. military, were to declare, as part of his opposition to a white president’s policies, that he was ready to “suit up, get my gun, go to Washington, and do what they trained me to do.” This is, after all, what Pastor Stan Craig said recently at a Tea Party rally in Greenville, South Carolina.

Imagine a black radio talk show host gleefully predicting a revolution by people of color if the government continues to be dominated by the rich white men who have been “destroying” the country, or if said radio personality were to call Christians or Jews non-humans, or say that when it came to conservatives, the best solution would be to “hang ‘em high.” And what would happen to any congressional representative who praised that commentator for “speaking common sense” and likened his hate talk to “American values?” After all, those are among the things said by radio host and best-selling author Michael Savage, predicting white revolution in the face of multiculturalism, or said by Savage about Muslims and liberals, respectively. And it was Congressman Culbertson, from Texas, who praised Savage in that way, despite his hateful rhetoric.

Imagine a black political commentator suggesting that the only thing the guy who flew his plane into the Austin, Texas IRS building did wrong was not blowing up Fox News instead. This is, after all, what Anne Coulter said about Tim McVeigh, when she noted that his only mistake was not blowing up the New York Times.

Imagine that a popular black liberal website posted comments about the daughter of a white president, calling her “typical redneck trash,” or a “whore” whose mother entertains her by “making monkey sounds.” After all that’s comparable to what conservatives posted about Malia Obama on freerepublic.com last year, when they referred to her as “ghetto trash.”

Imagine that black protesters at a large political rally were walking around with signs calling for the lynching of their congressional enemies. Because that’s what white conservatives did last year, in reference to Democratic party leaders in Congress.

In other words, imagine that even one-third of the anger and vitriol currently being hurled at President Obama, by folks who are almost exclusively white, were being aimed, instead, at a white president, by people of color. How many whites viewing the anger, the hatred, the contempt for that white president would then wax eloquent about free speech, and the glories of democracy? And how many would be calling for further crackdowns on thuggish behavior, and investigations into the radical agendas of those same people of color?

To ask any of these questions is to answer them. Protest is only seen as fundamentally American when those who have long had the luxury of seeing themselves as prototypically American engage in it. When the dangerous and dark “other” does so, however, it isn’t viewed as normal or natural, let alone patriotic. Which is why Rush Limbaugh could say, this past week, that the Tea Parties are the first time since the Civil War that ordinary, common Americans stood up for their rights: a statement that erases the normalcy and “American-ness” of blacks in the civil rights struggle, not to mention women in the fight for suffrage and equality, working people in the fight for better working conditions, and LGBT folks as they struggle to be treated as full and equal human beings.

And this, my friends, is what white privilege is all about. The ability to threaten others, to engage in violent and incendiary rhetoric without consequence, to be viewed as patriotic and normal no matter what you do, and never to be feared and despised as people of color would be, if they tried to get away with half the shit we do, on a daily basis.

Game Over.

_______________________________________________

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S. Wise has spoken in 48 states, on over 400 college campuses, and to community groups around the nation. Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. His latest book is called Between Barack and a Hard Place.

Distraction

2010-04-27T10:34:00.005-05:00

So distracted today. So much on my mind. So little time. So little brainpower. I've got it! Write something.....

The brick path I built in the backyard had a mishap in the storm. Niece #1 is coming in town....or so she says. God, those weeds I pulled are not showing their faces AGAIN are they? Arizona did what? The GOP voted against Financial Reform? There is a FaceBook page of "Christians" praying for the death of our POTUS? I don't have to buy Niece #1 a car now....after all the work I put into it? I really want to create an "art piece" for the backyard. What the hell am I making for dinner? How many times has that load STILL in the washer been washed now? My office is still a mess after the repair to the ceiling. Comcast 1 Net Neutrality 0. I weigh how much now?.....yada, yada, yada.

Focus, where are you today? One thing at a time.

There you have it. Don't ever say I don't tell you what is on my mind.

Conan O'Brien - TBS now called: The Best Station

2010-04-12T18:59:00.004-05:00

So glad Conan found a home. Hell, I would have watched him on the Home Shopping Network. But Conan on cable will be an excellent choice. He'll get to be him. I can't wait.

Tina Fey's Sarah Palin Network

2010-04-12T18:58:00.001-05:00

This was an instant classic:

Now THIS is Funny

2010-04-09T09:11:00.006-05:00

Rachel Maddow really MUST see this. A friend of mine sent me the link to these little items. At first I didn't really get it. Why in the world would anyone glue all that crap on fake fingernails? But then, as instructed, I clicked "View in a room" link and it all became clear. Thanks ditdit!

Now this is a look that Tom Coburn would just LOVE Rachel to sport. Since he thinks she is a hysterical little girl, what better than to get your Girly on by wearing all this....shtuff.

Speaking of Tom Coburn...did you catch the Rachel episode last night putting that jackass in his place? She did it VERY methodically and sharply. Moral of this story, don't piss off Rachel. She is smart enough to never let you forget it. Feel free to watch:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Again, It's Hard Out There For a Pimp....who lies.

2010-04-07T16:46:00.003-05:00

As I stated on FaceBook: I hope this guy finds a "Nice" BIG friend in prison. What a waste of flesh.

The GOP and these two douche bags can rest easy that the damage has already been done....facts be damned. May they, ClusterFox and the GOP representatives who voted to honor them, find that oh so special place in Hell reserved for Douchebaggery such as they are.

Hmmm....am I angry much?

Context, lies and videotapes: The real Acorn story

McCain: Too Big To Fail?

2010-04-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

This gave me a good laugh:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Say Anything

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Reform

Net Neutrality just lost a battle

2010-04-06T13:13:00.002-05:00

If you don't understand what Net Neutrality is, here is a good video that was done in 2007. It is a quick an dirty about why Net Neutrality is important to all of us.

A ruling today by a federal appeals court is really bad news for Net Neutrality. It seems that Mr. Comcast now can slow down customer's access to sites they deem "not good for business". The FCC lost a big one today.

You think corporations have too much power now? Just wait. Mix this win with the SCOTUS ruling to allow corporations to give unlimited amounts of money to politicians and what you have is disaster for the little guy.

If you read nothing else today, read this NYT article. It is VERY important.

Loveless Cafe's Carol Fay Ellison dies

2010-04-05T19:10:00.005-05:00

I'm so sorry to hear this. Carol Fay Ellison died of an undisclosed illness today. She was quite the national celebrity and a great ambassador of both Nashville and The Loveless Cafe.

Here is a good article about Carol Fay, her biscuits and The Loveless Cafe.

Carol Fay will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Cherry Blossoms

2010-04-05T17:29:00.002-05:00

Spring has sprung. My favorite Cherry Blossoms.

Happy April Fool's Day, Y'all!

2010-04-01T09:45:00.004-05:00

Went online this morning and this is what greeted me. Of course, I was a little thrown until later I found a nice little article on the April Fool's pranks going on around the country. The jokes have begun. This particular joke was a nod to Topeka, Kansas. Topeka decided to start calling the city "Google" in hopes of winning Google's affection and locating a facility there. So, Google returned the favor.

Here is just a sampling of some of the entertaining jokes going on there on the internet machine.

March...where the hell did the year go?

2010-03-30T16:18:00.004-05:00

So much has happened in the month of March. Not sure why I haven't had a need to write much of it down. Well, that isn't entirely true. I have a reason...I started bitching on FaceBook. Between FaceBook and Twitter, I have been all "talked" out.

I decided one day in March that I no longer cared who I offended on FaceBook. Not that I really cared before, but I truly don't care now. So, I started expressing my opinion, respectfully, on FaceBook. I just became weary of not telling it like it is. I noticed all the RWNJ's didn't have a problem offending me, so I let 'er rip. And guess what?! No one died and no one dropped me. The Earth is still revolving.

March came in like a Lion and left just as strong. Health Care Reform is now law of the land. Reconciliation didn't take nearly as long as predicted and today President Obama signed some changes to the Health Care Reform Act and even added a new reform for Educational Financing. President Obama removed the Bankers as the middle men for Student Loans. Now the Government will loan straight to the student.

Republicans are still moaning, however, the whining is quieting down now. As I predicted some of the GOP have started taking credit for parts they "helped write". I predicted also that by 2012, Republicans will run on a platform that takes full credit for Health Care Reform for which Obama put his political future on the line. That is the way it works in D.C.

Militia members in Michigan have now all been rounded up and arrested. Well, that's a start. Wish they would use the same net to include Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity.

How about that Michael Steele? Now he used GOP funds for Bondage Bars? The guy knows how to party...on the GOP's dime. Classy.

No need to forget Massa and his tickle fights, snorkeling and general groping of male staffers. Several new ways to say, Ick. Don't get me wrong, I don't care if the guy is gay, straight or a little of both. But that guy is one icky twerp....and of course, he just HAD to be a Democrat.

And it seems that ACK (Adam Kleinheider) is leaving Nashville's Post Politics. Fine with me. It was interesting to see my more politically connected friends bemoan this fact. But I have to say, the way he treated a few pals of mine, I'm not sorry to see him go. I'm sure he was a wealth of information for other Political Bloggers. That is all well and good. However, his racist tendencies and misuse of journalism as a whole lead me to say.....buh, bye. Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you. Feel free to enjoy the view from the other side of the door. Any other expressions I can think of?

On a personal note, Niece's boyfriend got a job. Niece and boyfriend moved out of Sister's house. Niece is still in school, which I'm very happy about. I have to say that living with her much older boyfriend is much preferable to her living in her mother's house. This is progress to me. Now we need to find her a car.

So, there is my March recap. I need to be more diligent about writing. I just have my moments of waining interest in the sound of my voice and the words from my fingers.

History.

2010-03-23T12:14:00.001-05:00

History.

Foxy - It's hard out there for a pimp.

2010-03-05T10:23:00.001-06:00

Stephen Colbert. Oh how I love thee.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Tip/Wag - James O'Keefe & Sean Hannity

http://www.colbertnation.com/

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Skate Expectations

Foxy Anchor Managment

2010-03-04T16:30:00.000-06:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Anchor Management

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Reform

Blame it on the Little Guy

2010-03-01T17:39:00.011-06:00

Has anyone noticed that many of the "Conservatives" do a lot of blaming the little guy? They hate Acorn, but are just fine with Blackwater. They hate Health Care Reform, but are just fine with Health Insurance Companies making big profits. They claim to own and love Jesus but seem to forget most of what he stood for. What exactly is happening in this country?

I was talking to a friend of mine recently. She brought up some excellent points about True Believers and the status of the uneducated Working Man. Both theories seem to have a hearty grip on current political theater and life in America.

She explained that the True Believers are the people whose beliefs are so ingrained that even the introduction of logic can not sway them. One could argue about how any given piece of legislation introduced in Congress would benefit them, and if someone from the other side is supporting it, they assume it is evil. There are no true debates with True Believers. They are the most susceptible to what their preacher says. They don't always think for themselves. I had a Baptist boyfriend once who said of his religion: "God doesn't want us to enter church and check our brains at the door". Unfortunately, so many parishioners do just that.

The second theory my friend and I were discussing was the Working Man and his place in society. For years the Blue Collar worker was a Democrat. Much of the South was held by the Democrats. The Democrats were the party that helped the Working Man and Woman and the country knew it. I've wondered for years why exactly the South was lost to the Republican Party. How did a major shift come to help the GOP win the Nascar Vote? My belief is that it happened after Lyndon Baines Johnson enacted Civil Rights Act of 1964. Wikipedia put it best: Legend has it that, as he put down his pen, Johnson told an aide, "We have lost the South for a generation", anticipating a coming backlash from Southern whites against Johnson's Democratic Party. Who knew how right President Johnson would be? Apparently the GOP. Never underestimate the power of the deep seated, generational racism that still inhabits this country. It can change the tide of political behavior.

When we discussed the Working Man, it was in the aftermath of the First Annual Tea Party Convention that took place at Opryland Hotel, right here in Nashville, Tennessee. The comparison of the Tea Party Movement and the misguided social and political nature of the New Working Man was not a huge leap. The Movement, in its current state, is quite "homogenized". Not much racial diversity going on with the Tea Party Nation. I'm not saying that the entire make-up of the Tea Party Movement is that of uneducated bigoted Caucasians. I'm saying that the Tea Party has created a comfortable nest for the anti-government, angry, uneducated, bigoted Caucasians in our country to "spread their wings". What is that old saying about birds of a feather and flocking together carrying misspelled signs and toting guns? Wait...I digress.

All you need to create a hateful political movement is a few loud mouthed bigots with a microphone who pedal fear for ratings profits. Notice the meteoric rise of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Shawn Hannity and the like. (For this theory, I shall call them the true Axis of Evil.) They prey on the most susceptible by latching on and scratching that fundamental itch that resides in many: the base fear, hate and distrust of a President of the United States who is black and the fear, hate and distrust of the government. You add to the mix many True Believers who check their brains at the door, and you have a recipe of success. After all, the members of the Axis of Evil are speaking their language. They are making them feel better about themselves. It is now safe to say publicly all those nasty little racist thoughts that before they had to keep in their tiny little brains or say only to the closest people they knew. The true members of the Axis of Evil are reassuring them and patting them on the backs for being so smart to see how they were right all along. The mean Black Man is going to take away their guns & take away their country. Better get organized, because it is true; the end of days is here!

The mind of a racist is a terrible thing. Think about it - the most uneducated, bigoted Caucasian males of our population still could feed their egos with the belief that they could still feel superior to a few groups: minorities, women and gays. LBJ comes along and enacts the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But they can still organize, wear a hood and a sheet and teach those people not to get too "uppity". Then comes the Equal Rights Amendment that passed out of Congress in 1972. Yeah well, those women can still be dominated in one way or another. Next thing they know, Blacks and Women are taking their jobs. But they still have the gays to dominate. What? Now they are talking about letting them serve openly in the military? Some states let them marry? WHAT??? Are you freaking kidding me? And now there is a Black Guy in the White House? Now who will they feel superior to? Well, there is still dog fighting and cock fighting.....but again, I digress.

What I can't quite put my finger on, is this need for these people to blame the little guy. Especially since THEY ARE THE LITTLE GUY! I don't see a whole lot of people up in arms about the Health Insurance Industry financially raping their fellow citizens. No, these people think that the little guy needs to get his own insurance. The government shouldn't baby the little guy. After all, that little guy is nothing more than a welfare loving free loader anyway. These people don't blame the Mortgage Industry or Banks for predatory lending. No, they blame the little guy who was such a free loader that he couldn't make his house payment and bought more house than he could afford. I don't see too many of these people really blaming Wall Street. No, they are blaming the fools who bought stocks or have 401K's. They deserved what is coming to them. And to save the best for last; I don't see any of these people blaming the GOP for protecting the Health Insurance Companies, Wall Street, Mortgage Industry& Bankers. Instead I see them HATING the Democrats for trying to fix Health Care, put regulations on Wall Street and the Banking Industry and work to fix the Mortgage/Real Estate Crisis.

The current state of the Little Guy hating the other Little Guys is beyond confusing. My best guess is that it has to do with manipulation. The GOP is very good at finding the gullible and manipulating them. The GOP succeeds in the game of manipulation by joining forces and repeating the same talking points and distorted facts over and over, almost like reciting a Bible verse over and over. But the one thing that has made it easy for them: the election of Barack Obama. They started setting Obama up as the personification of all that is wrong with the world during the campaign. The GOP knows their base very well. All they had to do was start demonizing Obama early on and carry it through to this day. You see, if there is one thing that True Believers and the uneducated have in common is the ability to recognize and fear the Devil. The GOP knew that and used it to their advantage. See, if you make Obama out to be the Devil, then their base won't believe anything he says, even if what Obama says would be in their (the base) best interest. The base is but putty in the hands of the GOP.

So I guess I answered my own question. Hell hath no fury like the fear of the True Believer and sidekick the Uneducated Working Man. I just hope this too shall pass.

Health Care Summit

2010-02-25T16:46:00.004-06:00

I watched all but 30 minutes of the historic and long meeting. I tweeted. I FaceBooked my summary.

Here is my summary of the Health Care Summit:

Democrats tried to show areas of agreement and similarity. Republicans showed areas of disagreement and difference. Never the two shall meet. I'm not sure why our collective health is a political issue, but there you go.

Oh...and the GOP COUNTED the minutes they got to talk. Boehner is still the color of tangerines in winter. McCain is still pissed that he isn't President.

Then the last thing I heard was at the Republican mini press conference after the meeting: John Kyl said, "The President used more time to speak than either the Democrats or Republicans put together".

You see, the petty crap just continues and each day more people lose their Health Care Coverage. POTUS, in his final comments, pretty much made it clear that in 6 weeks time they will move forward with or without the Republicans.

Good. Dems, come together, grow at least one pair "betwixt ye" and get on with it. Mama needs her some Health Care Reform.

Tiger Woods Full Apology Video

2010-02-19T11:20:00.001-06:00

Tiger Woods Full Apology Video

Watch CBS News Videos Online

County Health Rankings

2010-02-17T17:58:00.003-06:00

Here is some interesting information for State Health Rankings by County. Check out your state!

Funniest Dog Video I've seen in Years

2010-02-16T17:34:00.002-06:00

Mr. I and I laughed so hard we cried!

I'm an aunt again today

2010-02-16T09:53:00.002-06:00

Brother and sister-in-law just had another girl. I have another Niece. Sorry, no pictures or names. But she is beautiful and looks like her sister when she was born.

Funny story, sister-in-law's sister is having a baby today too. 2 babies born in the same family on the same day. Birthdays will be a mad house.

Now why is it that Marijuana is Illegal?

2010-02-14T16:53:00.003-06:00

My niece sent this to me.
Here is the information on the speaker:
"Grow More Pot" by Jello Biafra From "I Blow Minds for a Living", recorded at Slim's, San Francisco, Nov. 21, 1990 Animated with CrazyTallk

The Apparent Trap - Jon Stewart

2010-02-12T10:28:00.002-06:00

In case you missed it, here is another great clip from Jon Stewart:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

The Apparent Trap

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Right Fighters

2010-02-11T11:32:00.008-06:00

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts -

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Chris Matthews used this quote on Hardball this week. If memory serves, he used it when talking about Sarah Palin for the Elevendy Billionth time. The point was made.

What I took from that was it seems in this country right now, we are doing a lot of arguing over basic facts. That is because we have one party determined to have NO part in the success of this President, even at the detriment of the Country as a whole. The members are more interested in continuing the GOP tradition of scaring our citizens and keeping their political jobs than actually helping fix our Country's problems.

As clever as the members of the Republican Party think they are, I want to believe that there are more people in the United States who are wise to their plan than there are people in the complete and utter dark, believing everything they say. I really want to believe that. However, the GOP as a whole, by sticking together to defeat this President, have made obstructionists the new saviors to those who aren't paying attention. I'm not the first person to realize that the Republicans are chameleons. I think they are quicker to react, en mass, to the change in the direction of their base than the Democrats. They can change colors, change their rhetoric, become whoever they need to become to get their base to believe them. Notice how the current Tea Party movement made even the most centrist Republican a pandering Tea Party star. However, the rational Republican is quickly learning, better join the "Lie-apalooza" swiftly, or find themselves out of a job. Hence the new GOP "Purity Tests".

So the fear strategy began as soon as the nice black man with the funny name began making headway during the campaign season. Seems to me the Republicans banded together very quickly and have been consistently repeating the same rhetoric. They read the "public pulse" of their base quickly and fed in to their basic instinct. Wasn't it Adolf Hitler (no comparison meant....much) who said, "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it". I see a lot of this going on right now. No new ideas from the GOP, just more lies and fear. But their base seems to be loving every minute of it. They aren't noticing that there are no ideas? Come on! Where are those smart Republicans out there? I know they are there! Why are they silent? Their silence is truly deafening.

Remember all that painting of Barack Hussein Obama as a Muslim who dances with Terrorists during the campaign? That was just the beginning. It is now a little past the one year anniversary of Obama's presidency and let's do a little experiment. Go to Google and copy and paste the following in the search field: Barack Hussein Obama . That's all you have to do. Now, when I did this today, I had 10 things pop up BEFORE I ever hit "Google Search". You know those auto-fill terms that pop up to help you along with your search?

Here are 4 of the 10 "Helpful Hints" I just received:

Barack Hussein Obama birth certificate
Barack Hussein Obama 666
Barack Hussein Obama muslim
Barack Hussein Obama antichrist

Isn't that heart warming?! But that should be a quick, shining example of what is still going on in the country. The GOP keep feeding the beast of fear and the media is there to be sure the message gets to the most susceptible citizens.

Democrats have done themselves and the country a big disservice. We all see what the Republicans are doing. But they, thanks to their Blue Dog Coalition, have managed to miss the point entirely: There is safety in numbers. If you have a majority in Congress and the Senate (bigger than that of George W. Bush), there is a responsibility that goes with that majority. We elected those Democrats, to be Democrats. We did not elect them to become Republicans. Hell, they don't even do that very well. They can't come together and fight. They can't come together and push along what they were elected to do. They can't come together to do each other's hair much less get any substantive work done.

I believe President Obama is on the right track now. He is going out and meeting them head on. He is boxing the GOP in. He's pointing a little light on what is really happening in Washington. It is just 1 year too late. I do hope he can make up for lost time. But he needs to remind his own party that if we keep spinning our wheels arguing about basic facts, we won't have any energy left to argue theory.

Mr. President, Democratic members of the Senate and Congress: The Republicans are not your friends. The Republicans want you to fail, as a whole, so that we can go backward down a road of destruction. So please, get your shit together and GET IT DONE! Stop wasting our times and wasting our lives.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem-African Proverb (also made popular by Eldridge Cleaver)

I love me some Colbert!

2010-02-09T11:30:00.003-06:00

Thanks Mr. Colbert for making me feel MUCH better today. Here's a little clip that will touch your heart and make you laugh AT all that is Sarah Palin.

Bite it Bitch.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Sarah Palin Uses a Hand-O-Prompter

http://www.colbertnation.com/

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

Stephen Colbert calling Sarah Palin a "FUCKING RETARD". Hypocricy is "Hopey-Changey" Priceless.

Rahm Emanuel's SNL Apology-Andy Samberg Style

2010-02-07T15:29:00.002-06:00

After all the Hate Spewing from the Tea Party people. After all the Sarah Palin speaking in Nashville and writing notes on her hand. After all the Sarah Palin saying it was OK for Rush to say "Retard"But Not Rahm.
It was so nice to see this bit.

Nashville is having a Tea Party. What time is the last train out of NashVegas?

2010-02-05T15:26:00.004-06:00

If you guys are on "The Twitter" be sure to check out my friend @lmltn 's groovy new tag: #nashtea . There's a nice little entertaining stream on this hashtag that amuses. We've got friends who are at the Tea Party Convention at Opryland Hotel and they have lots of funny things to say. Stay with the stream. They are unable to tweet all the time while they are there. But they will be catching us all up when they get a private moment.

In the meantime, look what my friend at @leftwingcracker found:

FaceBook & A Bible Verse worth quoting

2010-02-04T10:10:00.006-06:00

Found this on FaceBook from a group I follow "Revocation of tax-exempt status from churches engaging in political action." A member, Brandon L. Thomas, posted it.

I post this here because I'm too chicken shit to post it on my FaceBook status. Sometimes it seems that I have many more ultra-conservative (who call themselves Independents: I guess to fool themselves) people than progressive or even apolitically inclined folks on my FaceBook friends list. So why keep them? Well, I grew up in Garland, Texas. Most of the people on my FB list are people I went to High School with or even family members. 'Nuff said.

I have also reconnected with some folks who are like minded and I met some new Progressive friends who have come to my aid on the few occasions when I speak out against the ugliness that is RWNJ politics. I do join political groups with like minded people but other than that I try my best to steer clear of politics on FB because these people are so angry it makes me angry. They post statements of hate and fury with utter disregard of offending anyone else. Then a fight ensues...and it gets ugly. I have cleaned house on more than one occasion. I don't tolerate racism of any kind, constant political crap or religious diatribes, but if the person is generally positive, I don't have a problem with it. I try to let them have their opinions even if I don't share their point of view. Well...usually. I don't know why, but lately my silence and their need to use FaceBook as their only platform for expressions of hate has been bothering me lately. I'm trying really hard to "be the bigger person", but I think it may be time to clean house again.

But why? I really don't socialize with any of those people. I probably won't see any of them much if at all. I went to a mini-reunion last year and decided that was enough for me. It is fun to reconnect with the good ones. Those are the ones I will try to see when I go back. But why do I feel the need to keep any of the others? Am I a FB "friend" hoarder? Well, I only have 141 total, so I guess hoarder would be a bit strong. But, none of these people will come to my funeral. Most of them won't be invited to any of my parties. So why do I feel the need to watch what I say as not to offend them? They could give a rat's ass about offending me.

I think, for me, FaceBook has become more than a way to connect with other people. I think I may have become a FaceBook voyeur. Oh God! I'm a FB "Peeping Tom"! I look at their pictures, read about their lives and sometimes join in on their conversations. I can keep these people at longer than arms length to have a look at how others live. Don't get me wrong, many of the people on FaceBook I truly enjoy and they are a real part of my life. But I truly don't think that 141 people will ever show up to anything I might "sponsor".

Some days I'm very happy to make connections with people who are different from myself. Some days it annoys the crap out of me to have this many RWNJ's in one place who know me and interact with me....but think I'm less of a person because I don't believe the way they believe. It is true: FaceBook is just like High School.

So I sit here with this great picture and decided to turn it into a blog post and Twitter Tweet instead of stirring the pot on FaceBook. With the upcoming Tea Party Convention in Nashville, I should be making more of a protest. But Hell, what is the point. Most of these RWNJ's aren't listening to anyone but Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, the garbage men of politics.

Tea Party Nation:

"Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it,and eventually they will believe it” - Adolph Hitler

What would the GOP do if not for Fear Mongering?

2010-02-02T16:59:00.004-06:00

I've been pondering this question: Just how would the GOP function if not for playing to the fears and anxieties of the American people? Would they shrivel up and die without the lifeblood of the Republican Party? Doubtful.

Has the Republican Party always used fear as a strategy? My first election was the Carter/Reagan election so my voting experience only goes back that far. Maybe I was too young to realize what was happening, but I don't remember Reagan being a major fear monger. I don't remember Bush Sr. being a big fear monger. I suppose the first Gulf War could fall in that category, but I don't remember the fear volume being as loud as it is now.

I believe the intense fear mongering started with W. He had Karl Rove and Dick Cheney help him with turning at least half the country into Chicken Littles. I understand that 9/11 really amped up the volume. That attack scared the bejezus out of all of us. But I think that is when Karl Rove, Cheney and W pounced on the opportunity to keep the fear going, and going and going. Instead of reassuring the country, they took that vulnerable time, twisted it and used it as an excuse to attack a country that had nothing to do with 9/11.

8 years of running for cover, watching the color of the "terror alert" and our burgeoning love affair with plastic and duct tape for our windows so that we would feel "safe". Yeah, right. Like plastic drop cloths and duct tape could help keep us safe from an attack. It was as if the GOP took us back to the Cold War era of "Duck and Cover". Maybe the years of my childhood during the Vietnam War and all those "Safety" Drills could be considered fear mongering. I don't really know. I do remember being scared of those Cold War Russians that were coming to get us at any minute. I guess that was some fear mongering 70's style.

Now fast forward to the 2008 election of Barack Obama. The GOP spent their time reminding their brethren to be distrustful of the "black man running for office". I would say that they weren't actually saying that out loud, but no, thanks to Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh its as if having an African American in the White House has given permission to some people to express all those racist thoughts that they truthfully feel, but never dared to actually voice in public...well, not as comfortably anyway.

Now we are left with this section of the population that has become so distrustful of any government and especially the Obama administration. They think Glenn Beck is the Messiah and believe everything that comes out of his mouth. They don't see him as an entertainer or even a pundit. They believe Beck is the ONLY "Truth Teller". They are such followers that they "check their brains at the door" and are no longer capable of independent thought. It is a major mob mentality that has distorted even the most basic fact. When we have to argue about basic facts, it totally distracts from debating thoughts, opinions or theories.

Case in point: Daily Kos poll of Research 2000 Poll of Self-Identified Republicans. The results of this poll are disturbing, but not surprising. I've lived in the South most of my life. I know all about being a "Blue Girl" living in a "Red State". I spend a lot of my time just shaking my head. Mr. I and I saw a bumper sticker on a pick-up truck (of course) that read:
"It's not about Right or Left. It's about Right and Wrong."
Now I ask you, how can we work together....ever?

Here is Ed Schultz and Markos Moulitsas discussing the poll:

There is a great blog post over at Think Progress by Lee Fang today that explores the topic of GOP fear mongering in detail. It is a must read.

I don't know the answers to any of these questions. I'm just glad that Mr. President is out there, showing the people that the GOP are truly the "Party of No". Thank God for Friday, January 29, 2010. His little trip to the GOP "caucus" was the shot heard round the country. And of course Fox cut it off. But I digress.

People who pedal in fear and loathing for political gain or commercial profit know that peace and harmony will not look good on their resumes.

What a GREAT day! Remember where you were on January 29, 2010. Obama vs.GOP

2010-01-29T22:05:00.000-06:00

Well I'm not sure how I missed the first airing of this event, but I did. Luckily I caught it later in the day. President Obama vs 140 Republicans , on their turf. Guess who won?

Thank you Mr. President for coming out and showing us who you are. We were starting to forget. We needed this push back in the direction of HOPE.

Show them who is boss. And show them he did.

Here is a great MSNBC special edition on the event:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Judgement and Boundaries - These Are Not Bad Things

2010-01-29T11:48:00.008-06:00

I've had the opportunity many times in the not so distant past to hear a lot about Judgement and Boundaries. Not simply as words in the dictionary, but more concepts of every day living. Judgement and Boundaries: Two concepts that I feel the need to explore. I have my reasons.

I've heard a family member, who shall remain nameless for this post, spend the better part of the last 4 years barking about people judging. The more stupid decisions made, the more barking about people passing judgement was heard. I don't know about you, but it has been my experience in life, people who are most worried about people judging them are the people who are doing things for which judgement should be passed. Call me Mrs. Judgy McJudgerson, but sorry, 9 times out of 10 it is true. I'm not talking about The Church Lady passing judgement on all those who don't attend every Sunday Service. I'm not talking about people for whom nothing is quite good enough. I'm talking about living with basic principles and moral codes to help all of us live a safe and well adjusted life. I realize for everyone these principles are different. And as adults the lines get a little fuzzy. But one thing is for certain: If children are involved, their well-being and safety should always come first and foremost. Children should be taught Good Judgement and Boundaries and those parents who think those are two nasty words, should step back and look around their lives to see if they are truly preparing their children for safe productive lives.

Every time I heard "Don't You Judge Me!" after finding out that said relative supplied their children with drugs, alcohol and sex partners, I remembered that I had heard this before. Does anyone remember the episode of "My Name Is Earl" back in 2005 (episode 10) called "White Lie Christmas"? Brett Butler was in the episode and played Joy's (Jaime Pressly) mother Connie. If you don't have time to explore the link and watch the show, here is a synopsis from TVGuide.com:

Episode Synopsis: At Christmas, Joy implores a reluctant Earl to pretend to still be her husband for the sake of her visiting parents, who she assumes wouldn't approve of Darnell. Meanwhile, Randy helps Earl cross No. 74 off his list by trying to win Joy a new car to make up for all of the disappointing presents Earl had given her on past holidays. Original Air Date: Dec 6, 2005

Brett Butler (Connie) walked around saying, "Don't you judge me!" after every stupid mistake. I bring up this episode because every time I heard my relative say this I heard Brett Butler's voice. At least that episode made me laugh at the truth instead of cringing when I heard it in real life.

My point here is this: there is absolutely nothing wrong with living with Judgement and Boundaries as part of your every day life. Yes, there is a fine line and it is really easy to take the concepts to a destructive level. However, we all need BOTH. Being able to walk through life safely takes good judgement. Good judgement of character, people, places and experiences is needed in order to protect ourselves from people who want to harm us or take advantage of us. We need to " judge people by the content of their character..." as Dr. King said. We need boundaries both physical and mental to be safe. If you don't teach a child these things through out their lives, you are setting them up to be hurt over and over and over again. And for what? So that someone can be the "cool parent"? So that someone can teach their children to "be just like I am" so that they can justify their own careless and repulsive behavior? How does this help one's children make their way in the world?

One thing is very true, a parent can't teach what they do not know. If a parent doesn't really know the difference between right and wrong or can't judge good character from bad, how can they possibly teach that to a child? I'm sure some sociologists and psychiatrists have long studied the effects of parental poor decisions on their children. I'm sure some of it is socioeconomical. But if you think about it, most all of these lessons come from the parent. I don't recall any classes in school on this subject.

I've seen this problem first hand in my own family. I have my own example of differing values and moral codes (or lack thereof for some, depending on where you are standing) within my own family. Looking around I've found if the self indulgent parent, who has no boundaries and lacks the judgement skills necessary to pass to their offspring, tries to teach the child that they (the parent) are the only one who is right and all other family members who they deem too judgemental or crazy or senile, then what is the child to believe? When you grow up in Crazy-Town, it is hard to know which end is up. It is even harder to break out of Crazy-Town, especially when the Parent is the Supreme Leader and threatens to withhold love and attention if the child "goes to the other side".

I've been giving all of this more thought as of late. This problem applies to people from all walks of life. And I'm not sure why, but Lottery winners seem to be plagued by lack of judgement and boundaries. Is there some sort of test you have to flunk before you win a lottery? I just heard the story of the Florida State Lottery winner, Abraham Shakespeare, who has been missing since April of 2009. Authorities have uncovered (and identified as of about 1 hour ago) his body in newly poured concrete at a house owned by the boyfriend of the number one suspect, Dee Dee Moore. If you haven't read the background story on this, do so now. This sad tale is one more example of people who have no skill for boundaries or judgement of character. It sounds like the victim in this tale started out life using poor judgement and he left this life with the same malady.

So what does my family story, "My Name Is Earl" and Abraham Shakespeare's tale of woe have in common? Sure, there is the obvious "Don't You Judge Me!" connection. But more than that, with most of these stories comes missed opportunities. Sometimes people are given a hand up or a chance to change their lives, but many times they misuse the opportunity or turn their backs on it all together. It is like they will choose the wrong road just to spite the people who are trying and willing to help. I'm sure Mr. Shakespeare had at least one level headed friend in the bunch who tried to help him. I know my family member has had many opportunities to step away from "Crazy-Town" but they keep going back for more. What is it that the comedian Ron White says, "You Can't Fix Stupid". It is harsh, but God is it true.

I'll leave this post with 2 great quotes from Eric Hoffer (1902-1983)

People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them.

An empty head is not really empty; it is stuffed with rubbish. Hence the difficulty of forcing anything in to an empty head.

Health Care-Senators and Congressional Representatives: I WANT WHAT YOU HAVE!

2010-01-27T11:21:00.009-06:00

Whoopi Goldberg has publicly voiced what Mr. I and I have been thinking (and saying) for quite awhile. When it comes to Health Care Coverage and our elected officials and their staff, "I want what you have!"

And why the hell not? We taxpayers pay for it, the government subsidises it and the politicians, who won't give us ANY Health Care Relief or Reform, get to take advantage of it. Someone tell me how that is fair! If our elected representatives on both sides of the aisle refuse to pass Health Care Reform, then they better be dropping their Health Insurance coverage NOW!

Why can't we participate in that pool? Why can't the government open enrollment to all U.S. Citizens to participate in the Government Workers program? If we have to pay for it, we should be able to participate in it.

What is it that these elected officials get that you too may want?
Here's a little somethin', somethin' for you to peruse before you write another check to your Health Insurance Company or the IRS:
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

I just went to the map and clicked TENNESSEE to see what is offered and the cost to any one of the many elected officials, their families or even their staff. It is fascinating.
Below is just one example out of many, many, many different plans from which to choose. So nice to know these people have options that you and I don't have.

Example: Blue Cross Blue Shield 2010 Costs under this program

Standard Non-Postal Program Cost (Self plus Family):

Government share: $814.75 per month

"Your" (employee) share: $400.97 per month

Coverage:

Each option offers unique features.
When you have Standard Option, you can use both Preferred and Non-preferred providers. However, your out-of-pocket expenses are lower when you use Preferred providers and Preferred providers will submit claims to us on your behalf. Standard Option has a calendar year deductible for some services and a $20 co payment for office visits to primary care providers ($30 for specialists). Standard Option also features both a Preferred retail and a Preferred mail service prescription drug program.

___________________________________

STANDARD PLAN COVERAGE

Below, an asterisk (*) means the item is subject to the $300 per person ($600 per family) calendar year deductible. If you use a Non-
PPO physician or other health care professional, you generally pay any difference between our allowance and the billed amount, in
addition to any share of our allowance shown below.

Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office
YOU PAY: PPO: 15%* of our allowance; $20 per office visit for primary
care physicians and other health care professionals; $30 per
office visit for specialists
Non-PPO: 35%* of our allowance

Inpatient
YOU PAY: PPO: $200 per admission
Non-PPO: $350 per admission

Outpatient
YOU PAY: PPO: 15%* of our allowance (no deductible for surgery)
Non-PPO: 35%* of our allowance (no deductible for surgery)

Emergency Services:
Accidental injury
YOU PAY: PPO: Nothing for outpatient hospital and physician services
within 72 hours; regular benefits thereafter
Non-PPO: $350 copay for Non-participating emergency room
professional care; for other care, any difference between our
payment and the billed amount within 72 hours; regular
benefits thereafter
Ambulance transport services: Nothing

Medical emergency
YOU PAY: Regular benefits for physician and hospital care*, except for
$350 copay for Non-participating emergency room
professional care (no deductible)
Ambulance transport services: $100 per day for ground
ambulance (no deductible); $150 per day for air or sea
ambulance (no deductible)

Prescription drugs
YOU PAY:
Retail Pharmacy Program:
PPO: 20% of our allowance generic/30% of our allowance
brand-name; up to a 90-day supply
Non-PPO: 45% of our allowance (AWP); up to a 90-day
supply
Mail Service Prescription Drug Program:
$10 generic/$65 brand-name per prescription; up to a 90-
day supply

Mental health and substance abuse treatment
YOU PAY: In-Network (PPO): Regular cost-sharing, such as $20 office
visit copay (prior approval required); $200 per inpatient
admission
Out-of-Network (Non-PPO): Regular cost-sharing, such as
35%* of our allowance for office visits (prior approval
required); $350 per inpatient admission

Dental care
YOU PAY: Scheduled allowances for diagnostic and preventive services,
fillings, and extractions; regular benefits for dental services
required due to accidental injury and covered oral and
maxillofacial surgery

Special features:
Flexible benefits option; Blue Health
Connection; Customer eServices; national provider directory;
care management programs; services for deaf and hearing
impaired; web accessibility for the visually impaired; travel
benefit/services overseas; Healthy Families and Healthy Kids
Programs; and WalkingWorks® Wellness Program

Protection against catastrophic costs (your
catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum)
Nothing after $5,000 (PPO) or $7,000 (PPO/Non-PPO) per
contract per year; some costs do not count toward this
protection

Now compare that to you current coverage. The $600 deductible alone is amazing. Do you know what mine is? $5800 per year for 2 people. And how about that maximum out of pocket! Mix that with no pre-existing condition clauses and they can't cancel your coverage if you get sick and wow...who knew those people were worth more healthy than you or I are.

In conclusion, if these idiots can't pass substantial reform WITH a public option, then we should be able to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. And if they won't let us participate, they should drop their coverage TODAY!

Now, how can we change the conversation to start pushing this agenda?

It's Hard Out There for a Pimp

2010-01-27T10:49:00.004-06:00

James O'Keefe, who adorned himself and his girlfriend in attire that a white boy thought a pimp and hooker would wear, and proceeded to entrap some unsuspecting ACORN workers, has now been arrested with 3 other accomplices for attempting to tap the phones of Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) offices. I think the official charges read something like "entering a Federal Building with the intent of committing a felony". Oh, I really hope that this story is deeper and broader than just the initial details. Please, Please, Please....Mama needs some good news and to watch some GOP stupidity.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I remember when this story broke last year. I thought at the time it was just too strange. Why would anyone in their right mind not smell a fraud on these two people while sitting across from them? How did those people fall for this stupid prank? I still say to this day that there was something very fishy about the whole thing. But the Democrats didn't back up ACORN. This time, the watched them fall.

And now Mr. O'Keefe is shouting "The truth will set me free". Yeah right buddy. The entire prison system is filled with criminals who just know "The truth will set me free". Meanwhile they are bending over and taking it like a man. Sorry, but it just couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

As I said many times before, there is a special place in HELL for James O'Keefe. But if there is a special place ON him in JAIL, that is OK too. Either way, I'm good.

Conan O'Brien - The Tonight Show's Big Boy

2010-01-25T18:53:00.006-06:00

Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien Art

With all the crap going on with Politics, I just can't think straight. So I thought I would post the one thing that was inspirational, albeit sad, Friday Night (01/22/10); CoCo's last show speech. Last week was a vast void of inspiration, so Conan's teary eyed goodbye speech was well worth repeating.

"Before we end this rodeo, a few things need to be said. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about what I legally can and can't say about NBC. To set the record straight, tonight I am allowed to say anything I want. And what I want to say is this: between my time at Saturday Night Live, The Late Night Show, and my brief run here on The Tonight Show, I have worked with NBC for over twenty years. Yes, we have our differences right now and yes, we're going to go our separate ways. But this company has been my home for most of my adult life. I am enormously proud of the work we have done together, and I want to thank NBC for making it all possible.
Walking away from The Tonight Show is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Making this choice has been enormously difficult. This is the best job in the world, I absolutely love doing it, and I have the best staff and crew in the history of the medium. But despite this sense of loss, I really feel this should be a happy moment. Every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show and, for seven months, I got to. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second. I've had more good fortune than anyone I know and if our next gig is doing a show in a 7-11 parking lot, we'll find a way to make it fun.

And finally, I have to say something to our fans. The massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people has been overwhelming. The rallies, the signs, all the goofy, outrageous creativity on the Internet, and the fact that people have traveled long distances and camped out all night in the pouring rain to be in our audience, made a sad situation joyous and inspirational.

To all the people watching, I can never thank you enough for your kindness to me and I'll think about it for the rest of my life. All I ask of you is one thing: please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere.

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." - Conan O'Brien

Conan's Last Tonight Show
Free Bird

Can't seem to find a video of the Free Bird performance that NBC Universal hasn't taken down.

Supreme Court Of The United States Ruled FOR The New Slavery-Corporate Style

2010-01-21T21:02:00.008-06:00

I've bitched, I've moaned, I've made it a part of me.

What more is there to say.

We're Screwed.

The End.

Are the Democrats better at FIGHTING the establishment than BEING the establishment?

2010-01-20T16:32:00.007-06:00

That is the question that I am pondering today. In light of the loss of Democrat Martha Coakley in Massachusetts to a truck driving Republican nudist who seems a little "too sexy fo' himself...too sexy.." I'm really trying to step back and look at this situation. As stated in my previous post, Coakley was a weak candidate. Brown is a weak candidate too, but he won. Now the Democrats are running for cover. One guy in One state wins a Senatorial election and the entire Obama White House is rolling over like a whipped puppy? What is wrong with this picture.

I knew the day after this Democratic defeat would be a GOP "Gloat Fest 2010" or "Gloatapalooza 2010", but seriously, the GOP gloating has been quiet as compared to the Democratic blame game. It seems the Democrats rested the fate of Health Care and the world as we know it squarely on the shoulders of an extremely weak Coakley. Great strategy!

President Obama is saying today:

"Don't "jam" Health Care Reform through"

Senator Harry Reid said today:

"We're going to wait until the new senator arrives before we do anything more on health care."

Evan Byah said on January 19, 2010:

"The far left has taken over the Democratic Party"

Did Massachusetts become more than a Commonwealth while I slept last night? Did they just elect a king among kings? What is going on in Washington? This isn't GOP spin...it is a fucking Democratic tornado.

I've said for the better part of a year now that Republicans are not our problem, Democrats are our problem. It seems that these people run on a ticket for change and the betterment of their fellow citizens, only to step into the city limits of D.C. and become Republicans wearing blue ties. It is my observation that the blue ties that they are sporting today are quite muted, faded and not in a good way. These Democrats don't even have the guts to wear a bright blue tie. No, as evidenced by Robert Gibbs in his press conference, muted, light baby blue will do today.

We lost one damn seat! Seriously, isn't 59 still a majority of 100? If they would get off their asses and play REAL politics instead of holding hands and having a candlelight vigil for the loss of all their Democratic Hopes and Dreams, we could get on with the people's business. All you people have to do is pass legislation to put the most important regulations on Health Insurance companies (preexisting conditions, refusing coverage etc) and then, get ready....REMOVE THE AGE LIMIT FOR MEDICARE! That is it! Health Care could be done in 1 week.

But the Democrats have managed to piss on their opportunity to make real change. Good sized majorities in the House and Senate and they still managed to screw it up.

If you don't have the skills it takes to herd cats, don't run for any political office as a Democrat.

I ask again: Are the Democrats better at FIGHTING the establishment than BEING the establishment?

My Day of Service for MLK Day--What was the point?

2010-01-19T11:08:00.005-06:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Mass Backwards

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Jon Stewart says it better than I ever could. He sums up my feelings better than I can...but that never stopped me from a good rant....

OK, I was going to save this little post until after the Massachusetts Senatorial election today. But, what the hell, not many people from MA read my little blog anyway. And if they do, I'm truly sorry, but I have to speak. I've tried to put up a brave face on Twitter, talking up Martha Coakley (D), talking down Scott Brown (R) (who is not a good candidate either. The mere fact that the Tea Partiers are FOR him is reason enough to vote against him) but deep inside, I knew we were in for trouble. I've only seen the woman speaking once or twice, and I knew when I heard her....we were screwed. The End. But I never let even my closest of MA tweeps know what I was truly feeling.....here that Bucky? I didn't even let on to my close friends here in Nashville who were born and raised in the great state of MA know how I really feel.

So last night, I volunteered a little time to make some calls for Coakley. I don't know the woman, don't care about the woman, and quite frankly if Health Care Reform were not on the line, I wouldn't even know her name. I was amazed that she is the Democrat running in a state OVERFLOWING with Democrats, but yet, she is now losing. Why is it that we are all in a panic now? Because she is now losing! Normally, this wouldn't matter. But Democrats have it in their little heads that we MUST have a 60 vote majority to PASS HEALTH CARE REFORM!!! Give me a Freaking Break! Let's get this straight: Democrats pick this woman who is NOT someone who could come close to carrying Ted Kennedy's coat, much less carry on his important legacy. Democrats, in their infinite wisdom, rested the entire cause of Health Care Reform on the shoulders of a woman who IS NOT A STRONG CANDIDATE. Is that the best Democrats could do? Seriously?

And why is it that all of Health Care Reform is in the balance? Because the Democrats seem to be playing some losing "strategic" game with their majority. How can a party have majorities in the House and Senate and still manage to water down Health Care Reform? If W would have chosen this as his agenda instead of annihilating the country of Iraq, believe me, we would have Medicare for All. That's right, I said it.

Back to my night of making calls. I was yelled at by the few MA residence who would pick up the phone. I can't blame them. I realized as I was sitting there using my own cell phone to make all these calls, that this was truly pointless. I don't know that much about campaigning. I don't know that much about phone calling for your candidate. I'm not sure what happened this time with Organizing for America, but somehow they managed to piss more people off than urge people to the polls. I've heard reports that the residents received not 1 call, not 2 calls, but 3 - 6 calls in the last 2 weeks alone. And you wonder why? Well, the strategy of the campaign for Coakley or Organizing for America was not only to leave a message if you didn't get someone on the phone, but they wanted you to sit down and call those people back and keep dialing until you get them on the phone in person. I got the feeling that the people would go vote for the other guy just to spite the candidate making the most calls. Again, maybe this truly works. Maybe calling people multiple times after they have already told you they know how to vote, where to vote and who they are voting for works for campaigns. But I called for Obama, and we didn't do that. I don't know if OFA used lists of every voting resident in MA or the people who supported Obama....but I found the whole 2 hour exercise more than likely pointless.

To tell the truth, at this point, I did my duty, but I don't care who wins anymore. If the Democrats had any balls they would remove the age 65 for Medicare, pass this bill with only 51 votes needed and get on with it. They have 10 more months of the majority....stop campaigning and fix the damn country.

WE VOTED FOR CHANGE PEOPLE!

NOT MORE OF THE SAME BULLSHIT!

God Save Us, Every One - America was NOT Founded as a Christian Nation

2010-01-15T11:45:00.009-06:00

Image from Spiteful Critic Blog

I'm trying harder this year to keep up with more local politics. I must admit, I haven't been as good at that as I should be. I've found some great people to help me do just that. Twitter has introduced me to some great people. Local Tennesseans who are smart, engaged and have an opinion. Bloggers, people who work in government, business leaders and the like who are nice enough to share what they learn on Twitter or even FaceBook are making it easier for me to accomplish my goal of expanding my political mind.

I've been reading opinions of people about Harold Ford and his new aspirations to be a Senator for the state of New York. I've noticed many of my Democratic friends are not happy with him at all. Back when he ran in TN against Bob Corker, I liked him. But I didn't pay much attention to every campaign stop he made. I do seem to remember that he was making quite a few concessions that made him appear more "conservative", but I thought it was just the game he had to play to get elected in the VERY Red state of Tennessee. At the time, I didn't care if he ran around flashing people, he was a Democrat running against Bob Corker. I knew Harold would be much better that Bob Corker. Hell, you could put just about any Democrat up there to run and he would be better than Bob Corker. The days of voting for the best man or woman for the job are over as far as I'm concerned. All hands on deck for more Democrats in any form of government be it Local, State or National. But now, as I learn more of what he has said and done, I understand their frustration and anger at this candidate. I don't have residence in New York, so I don't get a say as to Harold's future, but I can understand why so many Democrats are mad at him. If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything (Thanks John Mellencamp). But Harold's character bending and political contortionist performances aside, there are bigger problems here in Tennessee local politics.

The "All Democratic Hands On Deck" strategy is not shared by most of my fellow Tennesseans. That is apparent. The nice thing about living in this Red state USED to be that the Dems usually had the majority in the State House and Senate. So even if we had a corrupt RED Governor (Think- Don Sundquist) there was some balance. But now BLUE (actually more PURPLE really, if I'm really honest with myself) Governor Bredesen is on his way out, and I'm not sure there is a good Democrat in the running. So now, it is a distinct possibility that the Ruby Red State of Tennessee will have a GOP Governor and majority GOP House and Senate.

Now normally, if the GOP weren't busy kissing Rush Limbaugh's bald head, Glenn Beck's hand and Sarah Palin's ass while praising Tea Party tactics, this wouldn't be as frightening. But as we have seen in Tennessee, the GOP has made priorities of guns in bars, guns in parks and preaching certain forms of Christianity in prayers at the Capital......what? Did I just type that? PROSELYTIZING at Tennessee's Capital? Yes, my little fingers did just type that.

Read about it here:
Pith In The Wind

Beautiful Outrage and Excellent Suggestions:
Mary Mancini: Liberadio!

Aunt B: Tiny Cat Pants

Someone tell me, how the current Republican party who believes we are a "Christian Nation" can separate themselves from the same principle supported by "Islamic Nations". You know the main principle to which I am referring: "Our God Is The Only God". Or better yet, explain to these Republicans and Tea Partiers in this so called "Christian Nation" who are singing love arias about our Founding Fathers, that one of the Founding Principles was and still is The Separation of Church and State. What are they preaching in these churches now? And if it is what I think it is, tell me how they are any different from the Uber-Religious rulers of other countries? Was there anyone who stood up in that body of followers on Nashville's Hill to say, "Hello fellow Legislators. This is wrong. We can't use this body to preach your form of Christianity even if it is "disguised" in a prayer. This is illegal, immoral and goes against our Constitutional Freedoms set out for us by our Founding Fathers." Anyone have the balls to say that? No. Check your brain at the door folks, and load your gun, we're going to Church.....I mean, the Tennessee Legislature.

God Save Us, Every One.

Haiti

2010-01-13T12:44:00.002-06:00

One of the many videos coming out of Haiti. The stunned looks on people's faces are heartbreaking.

A quick and easy way to give to the relief effort in Haiti:

How You Can Help... Text 'HAITI' To 90999 To Donate $10 To American Red Cross #Haiti

They add it to your cell phone bill. Quick, easy and painless. There is an option to receive additional information. If you don't want any other texts, just text "Stop" and they won't text you anymore.

Please pass it on.

Another thought: Does anyone know heavy equipment owners/operators in Miami? It is my understanding Haiti doesn't have many bulldozers, forklifts, cranes etc. I believe there is an urgent need. I'm sure there will soon be barges and boats leaving Miami headed to Haiti. Or at lest I hope so.

My thoughts are with Haiti.

Conan O'Brien-Sorry you got screwed.

2010-01-12T16:30:00.005-06:00

Jay Leno's prime-time show sucked. It sucked so bad that the local affiliates lost viewership to their nightly newscasts. Now, that is some powerful sucking. So, NBC is going to cancel Leno's prime-time show. End of story? No, far from it. Apparently, if you are Leno, NBC rewards your piss poor performance in a piss poor show by giving you your old job back! Who the hell are these NBC executives? They really need to pull their heads out of their posteriors and take a look at what they just did. Disgusting!

I used to like Jay. Now, with what he is doing, I won't watch his show no matter what time it is on. I can't be the only loyal fan who is turned off by this whole thing. Conan O'Brien deserved better. Jay has more money than God, but can't let go. Johnny Carson wouldn't pull something so unseemly. Jay could have retired on top. Jay came up with the idea of retiring in 5 years time back in 2004. 2009 came and he didn't want to go. I don't know what all the behind the scenes political trouble is. I want Conan to get a chance to get a loyal audience. 7 months is hardly enough time. And the way I see it, Jay is to blame for this. And Conan is getting screwed.

Read Conan's statement here

AVATAR-Now there is a movie! 3-D HIGHLY recommended

2010-01-11T14:12:00.008-06:00

SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE YET, DON'T READ THIS! COME BACK, READ AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOU SEE IT! YOU NEED TO ENTER THE MOVIE THEATER WITH AS LITTLE UPFRONT "AVATAR" KNOWLEDGE AS POSSIBLE.

Since I gave such a hard time to "Nine" I was losing hope that Hollywood could create anything that would truly entertain me. Well, "Avatar" did the trick. On the main "good movie" scale of making me forget that I should have peed during the previews, it ranks very high. I had no memory of even owning a bladder. I was lost in the forest on the planet of Pandora. Hell, I've decided that is now where I would prefer to live. Is that so wrong?

It's been quite awhile since Mr. I or I have been moved by a movie. This movie not only is visually beautiful, it has many messages that were not lost on this viewer. First I'll talk about the graphics....message thoughts to follow. The 3-D graphics were beyond incredible. They were spectacular yet subtle. And when it comes to 3-D graphics, less is more in my book. What I mean by that is that this movie was made to tell a good story, in a visually beautiful way. The 3-D experience enhances the movie just as it is supposed to. This movie wasn't made just to make objects pop out on the screen and scare the bejesus out of you. It was only used to enhance the story. The 3-D glasses were actual glasses, not the paper things with the red and blue film. Hence the higher price for this movie. At least $3.50 is going to the 3-D glasses that you recycle after the movie. Mr. I took the time to ask the attendant if we had to buy glasses if we came back to see it again. The answer is yes. They sell you new glasses every time you come. So it is probably best to recycle the glasses. Although when it comes out in DVD, I assume it will be a packaged deal with glasses. Time will tell.

The messages...oh, there were many. Cameron was not subtle in expressing his thoughts and views of the world as we now know it, and where we could be headed if we aren't careful. What amazes me is that he was able to throw in so many messages in one movie. If you please the mind's eye, you can get all kinds of people to listen. Now, they may not hear you, but they are listening. I noticed that other than a few people coming in late to the movie, I didn't witness anyone getting out of their seats to go do anything. They were glued to the screen.

Messages, some of the ones I got, but aren't limited to any of the below:

LOVE: He told a story about love; love of the earth; love of people who are different from us; love between a man and a woman of two different backgrounds and two different "races"; love, loyalty and responsibility to friends, no matter if we truly understand those friends completely.

GREED: Cameron's story of people (corporations and countries) consumed by getting what they want at all costs-no matter if it was theirs to take or not-wasn't subtle, but it was so true. Those of us in that theater who lean more to the left got it immediately. What amuses me is that there are a lot of people who lean more to the right (or FAR right) who I don't think saw the movie as anything other than what it was....a pretty and entertaining movie. If those people got the messages, I haven't seen anyone saying so anywhere. But then, many of those people are good at ignoring the signals. Foreshadowing is not their thing....unless it involves the world coming to an end.

WAR: War is sometimes necessary. I understand that. However, in my opinion, it has been a long time since war was necessary. I'll save you the whole post 9/11 mishandled ruckuses rehashing. And now I've heard that because the Military Industrial Complex was shown in a bad light, soldiers are threatening to boycott the movie. That is their right. However, this isn't a movie made to show how bad soldiers are. This is a movie that shows if we aren't careful, wars can be started over non-righteous theories. That isn't a soldier's fault, he is taking orders. Cameron shows that war is hell. War, like most everything, usually boils down to the haves and the have nots. In the future, I have no doubt if we continue down the road of mass consumption, we will be the have nots looking to another planet to get what they have. Do I need to remind anyone about our latest "finding water on the moon" NASA episode? The event of "blowing up the crater" to discover water made me wonder; just who decided that we owned the moon? Because we put a flag there, we now own the planet? Things that make you go hmmmm.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: This goes to the whole mass consumption theory. We are quickly using up Mother Earth's resources. We already have gone to other countries to wreak havoc over oil, it isn't that far fetched an idea to think we would go to another planet to wreak havoc. It shows a people who are truly connected to their planet. They care for it, respect it, protect it and learn from it. We Earthlings could learn that lesson.

RACE RELATIONS: When watching this movie, I couldn't help but remember the plight of the American Indian or even the Aborigines in Australia. People came, they conquered, and the rest is history. Ask an American Indian how he feels after he or she watched the movie. I'd be interested to know their reaction. There was a theme that tends to follow actions of conquering; think of the people as "savages", it is much easier to kill them and take what they have. That history keeps repeating itself.

I've gone on too long about this movie. You really must go see it. You don't have to think as deeply about the movie as a whole to enjoy it. It is entertaining on just about any level.

Resolutions: January-Find some shoes that don't kill my funky feet.

2010-01-08T18:02:00.013-06:00

UPDATE: 2/17/10 A nice person from Kuru, Nate, just commented on my shoe journey. That reminded me that I never completed the update. What a long strange trip it's been.

I finally settled on the Keen Emily style you see below. The great arch support, leather insoles and nice wide toe box makes me forget they are sized strangely. I went back to the 8.5 because the 9's were like boats on my feet. I ended up getting them in both the brown below and black. So far so good. There is a toe issue in that they touch ever so slightly on my middle toe, but I've gotten used to it. After the Zappos journey of the 30 some odd shoes, I just couldn't find absolute perfection. These were the closest I found. I also got a couple of pairs of Keen sandals. The Keen Venice in Black and Keen Venice H2 in Blue and Black. Both are washable and protect my toes.

I also purchased a couple of Dansko slide sandals for summer. I'll save room by not posting pictures and just give you links: Dansko Marion in Tan and Dansko Sunny in Black . Since it is winter, I haven't been able to wear the sandals yet but I think I'll be fine. I better be for the price! I tried some of the clogs from Dansko and Sanita and I found them very uncomfortable. I'm going to try Klogs USA because I've heard great things about them. But I have to financially recover from this adventure.

Now I still had to find some athletic shoes of some sort so I could actually go for a walk without bending over in pain. I went through every major brand of hiking shoe with no luck and finally I had to leave Zappos for this journey. I knew that New Balance ran wide and you could buy them in wide as well. Well, I just went to the New Balance Store in Green Hills Mall and let them help me. Best thing I ever did. Told the sweet guy all my ailments and he fixed me up. So far, no more shin splints and my bunions seem happy on a walk. Both are milestones for this chubby girl! The shoe I chose was PRICEY $136 to be exact. But I don't care....they work.

New Balance WR1012 Running shoe has "Motion Control" which in layman's terms means it has extra stabilizers (Stabilicore) on the inside sole that helps limit over pronation. Plus, I could get them in a wide. They come up higher on my ankle than my other running shoes never did. Gives me a little extra ankle support without being too cumbersome. They also have these great "wavy" shoe laces that eliminate the need to double tie your shoes. Whoever invented those was a genius!

So, I'm now broke, but my feet are covered. So far so good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because these suckers have to last me awhile to make up for the hefty price tag on all of them. It took me most of January and in to February to complete the task...but I'm done. Walk on my friends.

UPDATE: 01/13/10 Strike that 1/2 size thing on Keen. If you ever want to buy Keen shoes, go up one complete size. I found some that were even closer, but too short. This last trip to the UPS store will make about 12 pairs of shoes I've returned. But Zappos' free shipping both ways, makes it much easier. I am determined to find a shoe that fits. I just ordered 3 different colors of the Keen shoe in 1 size up because it was just about perfect. Impulsive, yes...but I figured if I find a style and size that works...I'm getting it in every color. I'll keep you posted on the "Emily" style when it comes in the right size. I can honestly say, I'm tired of shoe shopping. Just to be sure, I also ordered 5 pairs of shoes from 5 other manufacturers. I'm on a mission.

UPDATE: 01/12/10 Received my order from Zappos.com which contained the Naot and Keen shoes. Still waiting for the Kurus.

Keen shoes run 1/2 to a full size smaller than advertised. Keep that in mind if you ever order them. The shoes that came in, were to short, too narrow and very stiff. They would rub my feet in places I forgot I had. I mean that in a bad way. So back in the box they went.

Naot shoes...now those have promise. Unfortunately, this style, although it was SO close to working, didn't quite make it. The only complaint I had was that there was a seam in just the wrong place, right across the bunion of my right foot. This made it impossible for me to keep them. I knew they would not last long before I had to rip them off my feet and run to house slippers. No need to spend that kind of money if I can't wear them everyday. So back in the box they went.

I ordered some more from Zappos. Now I'm giving this a determination I should give a good workout. I WILL find some comfortable shoes if it "Harelips the Governor" as my grandmother used to say. Stay tuned....

_________

If I'm going to have any chance at all to possibly making 2010 a healthier year for myself, I decided one of the first things I have to do is find some footwear that won't cripple me. I have a closet full of shoes that either make my feet smell, are too tight, are too worn out, make my heels hurt, make my bunions ache even more and my Plantar fasciitis act up, yada, yada, yada. It is official, I have now become my mother....only with feet that even she's not sure which gene pool would claim them. That's right I now HAVE to have comfortable shoes. To hell with cute, fashionable or even, dare I say, inexpensive. Years of shoving these puppies into high heeled pumps and putting them through torture with my additional gravity pull (i.e. fat ass) have put my overall orthopedic health in jeopardy. Witness past entries of my falls, sprains and surgeries of the official 2008-2009 "Help, I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up" season. That is a REAL sports phenomenon and soon to be Olympic Event you know...really it is!

I realized that my very expensive Nike running/walking shoes that I've been wearing for several years (I've been through a few pairs now) just aren't cutting it anymore. I don't know why. I can't even seem to walk 1 mile without either my feet aching or having incredible shin splints. It really makes it hard for a chubby girl to get in shape when she can't even walk 1 mile without excruciating pain. I'm not exaggerating there. I have to stop and try to talk to my feet and legs to make them cooperate. Then, I just walk with the pain. I keep telling myself it will get better by mile 2. Nope, by the time I return from my sojourn, I'm worn out. Completely exhausted from just 2 miles! Ridiculous. There has to be a reason other than my additional weight. I know my age, 47, and my extra heft could account for some of the pain, but I don't think it is all the problem.

I started hitting the stores shortly after Christmas. No luck. So, what's a girl who owns an Internet based business to do in the face of a comfortable shoe shortage? Zappos.com. My Lawd...they have just about every shoe ever made on that site. What is wonderful, you can buy them with free shipping, no sales tax (in TN anyway) and FREE RETURN SHIPPING! What's not to love about that. I gave it a whirl. Ordered 3 pairs of Clark's shoes in the "UN-Structured" line trying to find a loafer that would work as an everyday shoe. They were lovely, well made and pricey, but not one of them worked. So I packed them up and took them to the UPS store today. Off they go. But I'm not giving up on Zappos.com. I'm going to give them another try. I never thought buying shoes on the Internet was a good idea, but I have to do something. And Zappos.com is doing well, so there must be a bunch of other people who did the same thing.

The last few days I've been reading reviews for all kinds of shoes. I love the Internet. All you ever wanted to know is at your fingertips everyday. What a beautiful thing. I've learned about brands of shoes that I never knew existed. This time I have ordered a pair of NAOT shoes, a pair of KEEN shoes and a pair of KURU hiking/walking shoes. The Naot and Keens I ordered from Zappos.com but the Kurus I had to order directly from them at KuruFootwear.com. I read most every review for every shoe trying to figure out if it was wide enough, what were the flaws, will they hold up and do people love Zappos? I find the reviews VERY helpful. So I participated and wrote reviews for the shoes I returned. I was nice, but honest. I think that is the point of reviews.

Here are some pictures:

NAOT

KEEN

KURU

With the exception of those bright orange/red Kurus, the shoes look "sensible". And even those are "sensible" albeit bright. Yes, if they work, I will fit in really well at the next Lilith Fair or Indigo Girls Concert. Fine with me. I'm a breeder who loves her some "Girls in Sensible Shoes".

I'll get back to you all when I get them. Zappos.com sends them out quickly and even though they advertise 5 days, you usually get them within a day or two. We'll see how quick the Kurus get here.

Best Laid Plans

2010-01-06T18:52:00.007-06:00

I was reminded of a story from my childhood today. When I was about 12 or so I was running around, driving my mother crazy, doing those annoying things that kids do out of boredom. If memory serves, this was about the time when "Little House On The Prairie" was debuting and becoming popular. I LOVED that show as a kid. I remember I announced to Mom in a flash of determination, "I think I will go build a covered wagon."

Seeing a chance to get some peace, Mom replied in a reassuring tone of voice, "Why Honey! I think that is an excellent idea! You go on out in the yard and start building that covered wagon."

Of course, we all know what she was really thinking. We know she wisely used some of that magical "Mom Logic".

With Mom's approval fresh in my mind, I boldly walked out in the front yard and took a look around. All of a sudden, in the heat of that Texas afternoon, that flash of determination morphed into the realization that I had no idea how to build a covered wagon. I didn't know where to start. And Boy, was it hot out here! Being the honest kid that I was, I walked back into the comfort of the cool house and announced, "I don't know how to build a covered wagon. I think I'll go play Barbies now".

That was the end of those best laid plans.

I tell this story because I can apply that little tale to much of what happens in life. We think of what seems like a grand idea, only to find that in the reality of the universe, our personal skills don't match up with that grand idea. In childhood we can afford to dream big. We still don't know what it takes to make an idea come to fruition. When we get into our teenage years, we still dream, but there is a little more sense of our limitations. By the time we become adults, with adult responsibilities, many ideas and dreams become welcome friends who don't visit often. Not that ideas cease to exist. Hopefully no one who happens to read my little blog will ever experience the lack of dreams or ideas. But when we grow up, most of us, if we are lucky and paid attention to our experiences, understand that in order to get to "Good Idea Land-Where the Ideas are Realities", we have to learn skills to accomplish the ultimate goal. There are necessary steps we have to follow to get from point A to point B and beyond. I am amazed that there are many people in this world who don't understand that.

For instance, I knew at a young age I wanted to have my own apartment. I wanted to be independent and live on my own. While some little girls were planning their wedding, I was planning my first apartment. As a child, I used to devour the Sears Catalog. That really was my book of big dreams. I would sit with the catalog and make a list of all the things I would need to set up my first apartment. I'll need a bed. Now how much does that cost? I'd look up the price and write it down. I'm going to need sheets for the bed. What color do I want for my bed? How much do those sheets cost? I would go to the linens section and look it up and write it on my list. I used to love doing this. Yes, I'm weird...dare I say a Geek? But I loved planning and decorating my little place, if only in the Sears Catalog. When life around me was too much to bear, I would go to a quiet place in the house (that was hard to find) and take hours planning and decorating my first apartment. Then I would total up the price tag to see how much money it would take for me to achieve this goal. I think I started doing this when I was around 10 or so. I don't really remember when I stopped. I guess at around 18 or 19. I got my first apartment when I was about 20.

I'm not saying that I was some gifted child who came equipped with necessary life skills out of the womb...far from it. But I knew that there were steps involved to get what I really wanted. I also knew there was a price to pay for everything. Mom taught me that I needed a decent job to achieve that goal. In order to get a decent job, I needed some skills. In order to get skills, I needed education...and so on. Mom would say, "Go put your application in", a phrase that she still uses today with my niece. She was always on the lookout for jobs she thought were good for me. As scared as I was about taking this step into the working world, I listened to her. I did go and "put my application in" to just about any place she suggested. Once I got the hang of it, I thought of some places on my own. When I was 13 or 14 I went to work at an ice cream shop, thanks to Mom. From the time I was 16 until 18 I worked at a Dry Cleaners. I went to work at a bank as a drive up teller at the age of 18. One job led to the other job and I worked my way through 2 years of College. As difficult as that time was, it also provided a good foundation from which I could learn to support myself and achieve that ultimate goal of my very own apartment.

Life skills are so important to teach a child. I'm afraid that so many parents now just assume that their child will just magically understand what skills are necessary to be a productive person. Don't get me wrong, I know there are good parents who know they are raising children to become good adults. I heard Michelle Obama telling Barbara Walters in an interview that life skills start early. You start at 10 or so. "You don't want the kid to be 18 and you just start to teach them what they need to know." Of course I'm paraphrasing. But that was the gist. But what about the kids who had parents who didn't possess any life skills? Parents can't teach kids what they don't know themselves. There is a whole bunch of confused teens out there who don't have a clue. There are also kids who don't want to learn and don't come by survival skills naturally. Those are the kids I'm worried about. Is there an entire generation of ne'er-do-wells headed down the pike? How do we reach those kids? How do we help them become productive, successful people? When they don't want help and think they know everything, how do we know their life lessons won't cause them irreparable harm?

How do we help them build their covered wagon?