Greetings from Florida

St Petersburg Pride 2011

2011-06-25T18:14:00.001-04:00

What a joy to finally meet Don!!!

‎"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

2011-06-02T23:12:00.008-04:00

ADOPT... FOSTER... RESCUE...SAVE...DONATE... LOVE!!!
Miss Monkey and Gracie thank you.

United Animal Nations
ASPCA

From a dear friend... worth sharing!

2010-10-07T10:39:00.001-04:00

1. God (or the Universe) never closes a door but that he (or it) opens another or its variant"....or he (or it) opens a window…

What on earth does that mean? That the Higher Power keeps flapping things open and shut in everyone's lives like some crazy game of pinball? Slam door. Open window. Slam window. Open door. God and/or the Universe has better things to do than all this snapping and slamming.

The reality is that sometimes a door just closes, and God may have nothing to do with it. Sometimes an opportunity passes. We have free will. Sometimes we say no to something that might have been a good thing in our lives.

Sometimes someone else denies us access to something. Sometimes health, or fate, or world politics prevent us from having something or being something. End of story. Closing of door.

Sometimes that is a good thing, and sometimes it is very sad, tragic even. But this aphorism asks us to ignore the closing and to go running about looking for an opening, and to not feel bad when something closes.

Actually, I think it makes sense to grieve what is lost, to howl if we need to, to even complain to God or the Universe at large that this was a bit much.

It's OK to not be happy all the time, to not be looking around for the next step before you have figured out what happened with the last one. It's even OK to be pissed off for a while. Or to cry your eyes out until you are done.

And, unless this phrase can be told with honesty to a child in Darfur, then it isn't universally true. Doors close there all the time. And the windows are not opening all that fast, when they open at all.

2. "God (or the Universe) never gives us anything we cannot handle.

Right. Check today's suicide rates and say that again. We get tons of things we cannot handle every day.

That is why we have friends, therapists, communities, families, doctors, loved ones, churches, clubs, temples, bulletin boards, social media, governments, neighbors, advice columns. We cannot get through this life alone.

And who says it was God or the Universe deciding I or anyone else needed this hardship? I cannot believe that God goes around plunking people with horribleness just to watch them manage their way through it. I have come to believe that hardship, illness, tragedy, is random. We are, however, obligated and empowered by God to step up for each other.

And we are loved by God when we are in pain, but there we go with free will again.
Let's revisit that child in Darfur. I know she has way more than she can handle, way more than she should be expected to handle.

3. "If you just (say this prayer, burn this candle, give your soul to God, observe this tradition, meditate this way) everything will be all right."

No. It won't. There is no magic bullet, no instant Karma pill. Life has no spiritual insurance policies, no guarantees.

Life will hurt, and will wound us, and will be unfair. It will provide joy and laughter unequally.
It is our task, our responsibility as human beings to be the joy, be the opportunity, be the hope…for those without joy…without opportunity….without hope.

It is our job to help that kid in Darfur have realistic dreams of enough food, shelter, clothing and happiness.

No matter what you believe, no matter what candles you burn or what language you shape you prayers from, life is messy. It is more fluid than solid. It drips and oozes and leaves a film.

It is unpredictable. It will bring great joy and great sorrow, but to whom and when cannot be made sensible. That doesn't mean that faith cannot comfort. It surely can. It can also drive us to be helpful to each other.

Instead of the aphorisms, it is so much better to just be with people, to stand by and with them when they are in pain. To let them feel the tough stuff with us, with our quiet comfort. It is good for people to be not told they have to stop hurting right away after a big loss. Sometimes, instead of saying things, any things, the best thing to do is just to listen. Listen with love.

NO GOOD DEED...

2010-07-09T13:16:00.002-04:00

For 27 years, Bobby has been the go to guy for everyone in this neighborhood. Car trouble, plumbing, flooring, add a wall, take out a wall... the all around Mr. Fix it. Day or night. Holiday or hurricane. Always there, always dependable. He's the one they call. He's a good neighbor. Sometimes we get a dinner offer but he never takes a dime... it's the neighborly thing to do.
Everyone loves Bobby.

As his health has deteriorated there has been a lot of concern. But still, the requests roll in.
They just need him to "show me." That always turns into him doing it. The man just doesn't say no.

So now it's time to pay back a little... sometimes he needs help... no one just offers, when he asks he gets a "sorry, unavailable."

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT???

He must learn that "NO!" is a complete sentence!!!

So much for do unto others.

Teach Your Children Well

2010-06-20T22:17:00.004-04:00

When to start?
Is it ever too soon?
Are they ever too young?
Everything they see is what they know.
Everything they see YOU do is a lesson.

At the mall playground, observing children, made me wonder of parents... when are you going to start teaching your children right from wrong.?
Playground entrance sign says... "Must Remove Shoes." (Clearly posted above the shoe storage.) And yet, some parents don't have their kids remove their shoes.
Posted: "Children must be supervised by an adult." However, children... usually older ones... are playing unattended.
"Please leave strollers in the stroller parking area." But, a woman pushes an empty double stroller into the play area and parks it partially blocking the exit.

Have parents become so lazy they can't be bothered to teach simple rules. Since when are so many exempt?

Disney World is an amazing place to people watch. Bad parenting is quite evident there. Over-tired children being scolded for being over-tired. Arriving for the parade as it starts and shoving a small child to the curb so as to wiggle in front of those who have patiently waited. Running over a stranger's ankles with your stroller without so much as a "so sorry."

To these parents... Maybe you think these things are too small and picky to be taught to your children. Maybe you don't want to spoil their play time by teaching a lesson. Every day interaction with the human race is what YOU are expected to teach the children YOU brought into this world. Be sure they are learning the difference of right and wrong, not just by bad example.

Now stepping off my soap box.

Homosexuality is NOT a choice, but homophobia is.

2010-06-06T21:49:00.003-04:00

BP Sucks

2010-06-04T23:52:00.001-04:00

FIESTA!

2010-05-05T14:41:00.000-04:00

CELEBRATE...
Cinco de Mayo !

2010-04-18T16:36:00.005-04:00

I am loosing my mind. No doubt. Sixty is the age my brain is officially scrambled.

For 42 years, yes FORTY TWO, my high school year books and "stuff" have been in the same cardboard box. It's been moved from Ohio to Illinois. Chicago to Kansas City, Independence, Jefferson City and Trenton, Missouri. Finally to Florida. Always in the same box. At Christmas time while looking for something in my closet, I pulled down the box. For some reason, in my infinite wisdom, I took out my Junior & Senior year books thinking I'd browse through them.

A reunion is being planned and I heard from someone I can not place after these 42 years. I've looked everywhere, including the original box. CAN I FIND THOSE #*&$@!G yearbooks?

ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

"We proved that this government — a government of the people and by the people — still works for the people."

2010-03-22T13:14:00.006-04:00

"...The 10-year, $938 billion bill would extend coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans, reduce deficits and ban insurance company practices such as charging more to women and denying coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions."...

"Appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America," McCain, who was Obama's GOP rival in the 2008 presidential campaign, said that "outside the Beltway, the American people are very angry. They don't like it, and we're going to repeal this."...

Hey John, I live outside the Beltway and I'm not angry!

Prick of the week...

2009-12-16T20:02:00.003-05:00

Toby Keith Targeted for 'Racist' Gesture

An Asian American group says Toby Keith "embarrassed himself and his country" this week at a Nobel Peace Prize party in Norway when he stretched his eyes back while Will Smith rapped the word "yellow."

Besides embarrassing all sorts of people, a rep for the Asian American Justice Center tells TMZ that Keith "denigrated the Nobel Peace Prize and offended Asians and Asian Americans by using a crude, racist hand gesture."

This dude was all over the Dixie Chicks when Natalie said something about W in a foreign country. What's the difference?
He can dish it out but can't take it!

Prick of the Week

2009-11-23T11:01:00.002-05:00

Jermaine Jackson.

I have seen his face more since Michael died than when he was with the Jackson Five! "His" acceptance speeches on the AMA's sounded like he thought those awards were for him personally instead of his brother. I am not sure who's worse, Jermaine or Joe.

Vultures take on many faces.

Prick of the week...

2009-10-05T21:23:00.002-04:00

Well worth a look see...

2009-09-22T19:30:00.002-04:00

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Jimmy Carter Rocks

2009-09-16T21:15:00.004-04:00

Race row erupts over Jimmy Carter claim

The author of this article, David Usborne, has one of the best quotes I have read in a while...

"Right or wrong, Mr Carter had drawn attention again to the elephant that has been trampling around the room since Mr Obama announced his run for the presidency."

He remains in my mind and the words of the late Manny Stepanek, a peace maker.

2009-09-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

2009-09-09T23:09:00.003-04:00

I "borrowed" this from Nick Anderson's blog... He calls it, "Hope Floats"

2009-08-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

My heart is saddened.
It is the end of an era.

35 minutes and counting...

2009-08-20T21:25:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah.

Way to go Bill!

2009-08-05T13:45:00.002-04:00

Euna Lee, left, and Laura Ling, second from right, two American journalists who were arrested in March after allegedly crossing into North Korea from China, are greeted by Michael Saldate, the husband of Euna Lee, center, Ian Clayton, the husband of Laura Ling, right, and Lee's daughter, Hana, after the two arrived at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Revelation...

2009-07-15T09:04:00.004-04:00

... your kids turning out great,
doesn't mean you were a great parent.

Amazing how...

2009-07-07T16:24:00.000-04:00

... a certain two Reverends always manage to find the spotlight.

On 40th Anniversary of Stonewall Raid, Anger Over Arrests at Fort Worth's Rainbow Lounge By Robert Wilonsky in News You Can Actually Use, Actually Sun

2009-06-29T16:47:00.003-04:00

Forty years to the day after the raid on the Stonewall Inn, the unofficial birthplace of the gay-rights movement, the Dallas Voice's Instant Tea blog has been full of updates Sunday concerning last night's Fort Worth police raid on the Rainbow Lounge on 615 S. Jennings Ave. There are myriad first-hand accounts, including one from former Star-Telegram critic Todd Camp, who happened to be celebrating his birthday at the recently opened gay bar; wrote Camp in the comments, "This looked like random harassment, plain and simple. It's sad that in this day and age, on the anniversary of one of the most important days in gay rights history that the Fort Worth and State police would choose to attack gays in such an aggressive and unjustified manner." There are also pictures from last night's arrest.

Unfair Park's had no luck getting in touch with FWPD's spokesman, Sgt. Pedro Criado. But Carolyn Beck, spokesperson for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, did tell Unfair Park moments ago that, yes, "there were TABC agents there, but other than that I don't know anything." She said that the captain in charge "is pulling together more information, and he'll call you tomorrow with more." This morning, Michael Piazza, dean of Dallas's Cathedral of Hope, released a statement condemning the event, which has led to two protests planned for tonight -- one at 5 p.m. in front of the bar, and another at 7 p.m. in front of the Tarrant County Courthouse. Said Piazza, "After more than a generation of progress, this action shows that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Americans enjoy 'equal protection under the law.' It is tragic that lesbian and gay taxpayers are still abused by the very people who are paid by our taxes." As Daily Kos has pointed out, there's now a Facebook page about the incident: Rainbow Lounge Raid, created by Camp.

Patrick Michels was at the Million Gay March Texas in Oak Lawn this afternoon, where the raid was, of course, the hot topic. He'll have more from the march later; till then, Blake Wilkinson, founder of Queer LiberAction, told Unfair Park about last night's raid, "It's disgusting."

Update Monday at 8:30 a.m.: The Star-Telegram confirms that one of the men arrested Saturday night is in a Fort Worth hospital with a fractured skull. Police dispute eyewitnesses' accounts of excessive force, and a council member has called for a full investigation.

Update Monday at 2:49 p.m.: Carolyn Beck at the TABC called back moments ago and says the agency still has no official statement concerning the raid on the Rainbow Lounge. "We are still pulling together facts so we can answer questions or release a statement," she told Unfair Park. In other words, "we don't have anything to say yet." But she promises to forward along an official response as soon as one becomes available.

Alice in Wonderland

2009-06-24T12:08:00.001-04:00

Johnny Depp + Tim Burton + Disney + 3D
Should be awesome!

Betty Bowers Explains Traditional Marriage to Everyone Else

2009-06-07T21:58:00.001-04:00

So did Susan!

2009-06-02T16:58:00.002-04:00

Adam got screwed!

2009-05-20T22:29:00.001-04:00

2009-05-12T21:18:00.001-04:00

FSU floats the idea of closing the Ringling Museum

2009-04-23T23:39:00.002-04:00

St. Petersburg Times article

This would be sinful!

2009-04-22T19:12:00.002-04:00

Dumb Blond

2009-04-20T22:47:00.006-04:00

2009-04-05T00:14:00.000-04:00

Unanimous ruling

2009-04-03T12:35:00.001-04:00

"The Iowa Supreme Court this morning upheld a Polk County judge’s 2007 ruling that marriage should not be limited to one man and one woman.

The ruling, viewed nationally and at home as a victory for the gay rights movement and a setback for social conservatives, means gay couples can legally marry in Iowa beginning March 24."

entire Des Moines Register article

Way to go Iowa!!!

2009-03-04T17:48:00.003-05:00

On the way to my favorite lunch spot today, I saw a man standing next to his rather large homemade sign. The sign read:

"Jesus is coming and he's going to kill anyone who's not a born again christian."

So, for any believers who were buying into that "love one another, thou shall not kill business" can just forget it.

Courage Campaign

2009-02-19T15:31:00.001-05:00

Fidelity: Don't Divorce Us....

2009-02-13T16:25:00.002-05:00

2009-02-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

Ranch dressing please

2009-02-11T17:25:00.005-05:00

During lunch time I drive a few blocks to Clearwater Harbor where I park by the water to eat. Today I had a store bought "club salad"... tiny bits of turkey, ham and Swiss with a small container of dressing with lots of iceberg lettuce.

I opened all the components & dumped them onto the lettuce. As I reached for the "some assembly required plastic fork" the bowl took a nose dive to the floorboard of my Honda. Many potty words were uttered as I scooped the dressing covered mess up and threw it out my window.

To my complete surprise I was immediately swarmed by seagulls. Who know birds love salad with ranch dressing?

An Open Letter...

2009-02-03T09:15:00.004-05:00

... to the mother of the octuplets who already had 6 kids.

Dear Mother of 14 children,

What the hell???

I saw your "spokesperson"/agent on Good Morning America today. Fourteen children? All through artificial means! ON PURPOSE!!! Just how on earth are you going to take care of all these kids and properly bond with each one?

You are not married, the babies have no daddy, you live in a three bedroom house with your mother who filed bankruptcy in 2008. Are you insane? If you had that many puppies the authorities would be after you!

Your mother says you're "obsessed" with having children. Are you also "obsessed" with raising healthy, emotionally stable children? Your agent said, "She's smart, she's bright, she's articulate, she's well-educated and she has a wonderful sense of humor." Well educated doesn't make you smart OR capable of raising all these children properly.

Another comment was you are "looking forward to telling her story." I've heard that means a money deal with Oprah, Diane Sawyer or even via your own TV show. Is this your way of being noticed? Are you also looking forward to taking care of and nurturing 14 children?

My heart breaks for the kids. Especially if you are using them for your own celebrity. Shame on you.

I usually try not to pass judgement without more facts and I'm not saying you aren't a good mother but, damn woman, you and your agents aren't doing much to tone down the gossip & rumors.

BTW, my next letter is to your fertility doctor!

2009-01-29T14:19:00.001-05:00

NOW IS THE TIME!!!

2009-01-26T22:46:00.007-05:00

YES WE CAN!!!

History

2009-01-20T14:30:00.002-05:00

I am so ready for this!!!

Paris

2009-01-17T17:01:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

2009-01-11T21:52:00.006-05:00

It's been almost a month. A very busy month!

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit my daughter, Mrs. H, in London. She is in the process of a divorce she doesn't want and it seemed a good time for my first trip abroad. The visit was something we both needed, it's been a year since we've seen each other. Though I am not privy to all the divorces gory details, just spending time together was enough. (Thank you rqm for helping me realize that.)

We spent all our time just being together and doing as we pleased... which was traveling, sightseeing,eating and shopping!

I would like to point out a few things about Europe you may not know...

It's old - sure, you know that but with old comes uneven pavement and lots of stairs. If you go, take your joint medication.

It is grey & dark - ok, so you know that too, but do you realize that sunrise is about 8AM and sunset is like 4PM? Mostly you do NOT see the sun and it does NOT warm up during the day.

The Queen will NOT invite you over for tea. She's not at Buckingham much. The good news is you will see queens if you go to the "circus" areas.

Their cemetery's are indoors! Yes, everyone is buried INSIDE a place called Westminster Abby and other such Minsters. Graves dating back to 1210...

Harrods is one of the largest department stores I have ever seen. Incredibly ostentatious and extremely tacky. The Diana/Dodi memorial is just creepy with everyone taking pictures behind it and all. Going the day after Boxing Day was NOT a good idea. In fact, it was sort of like New Years Eve, 11:58PM at Times Square only indoors.

Since I've been home my computer has crapped out so photos have not all been downloaded. I'll have some to post soon. Meanwhile, life goes on. My job was there when I returned, that's a good thing as there is a company freeze on my position.

Hope the New Year is going well for all.

I LOVE this story!

2008-12-16T11:54:00.001-05:00

Gay penguins given own eggs to care for

Penguins caught stealing eggs from straight couples in an attempt to become fathers have been given their own to look after following protests.

Zoo keepers moved the male birds away from the rest of the penguins to avoid problems as hatching season approaches.

But angry visitors to Polar Land in China complained it was not fair for the males to stop becoming surrogate fathers.

Following the protests, zookeepers gave the pair two eggs laid by an inexperienced first-time mother.

"They've turned out to be the best parents in the whole zoo," on zoo keeper said.

"We will try to arrange for them to become real parents themselves with artificial insemination."

Despite being gay, it is understood the three-year-old male birds are still driven by an urge to be fathers.

(stolen from perez)

2008-12-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Jeb Bush Considers Run for US Senate ...

2008-12-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

...NOOOOOOOO

2008-11-26T12:11:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Seems like it was just ... oh, never mind.

Dinner is at our house which is a mess. Dust has become a permanent part of my decor. Stuff piled on the dining room table. Mail stacked in the kitchen. Working has put a cramp in my housekeeping. Hubby helps a lot but he doesn't see everything that I do so he doesn't realize that the floor behind the toilet gets dirty too. But, I am thankful he helps out. A lot of husbands don't.

It will work out, it always does. RQM and his girl dogs are joining us, as is my mother and a snowbird couple from her condo. Smallest Thanksgiving dinner I've ever hosted. I think.

In light of the current state of things, I find myself more grateful than usual. I have a job... with benefits. That's a very big deal in our lives. I'm grateful that RQM recomended me for this job. My kids are healthy and doing well.
The youngest is getting a divorce but she'll survive. My mom's still able to enjoy her life. My sister is the best! My house is paid for and we have enough to pay the taxes and insurance. AND, Obama is the president elect.

For now, we're able to hold our own. For all that, I am thankful.

To all my buddies in blog land, Happy Thanksgiving.
Be safe if you travel.
peace

PS: Don't forget to watch Rosie tonight!

Secretary of State?

2008-11-16T14:03:00.002-05:00

I would love it!!!

Especially for STB

2008-11-10T22:17:00.003-05:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

2008-11-04T23:03:00.000-05:00

Michigan McCain-Palin supporter says no treats for Obama kids on Halloween

2008-11-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

The Wicked Witch didn't melt after all...

Important message -5 More Friends

2008-10-31T11:52:00.002-04:00

Hate and Ugliness

2008-10-29T22:49:00.004-04:00

They look like ordinary people. Mostly older, retired, and well off. We met through a friend and started joining them for dinner every Wednesday evening several years ago. Though we usually meet at a restaurant, tonight they came to our house for dinner.

My day off, we spent it shopping, cleaning and cooking. By the time everyone arrived I was already tired.

They sat in my living room enjoying their cocktails and hors'dourves while we started plating the salad. Then it happened, Ms. W mentioned, with disgust and concern in her voice, she never thought she would live to see the day when a black man could be going to the White House.

And so it began. The discussion went on to include a disagreement with those in the living room whether he is socialist, Marxist, communist or Muslim. Every nasty lie you've heard in the ads was quoted. You should have heard them! It was sickening.... In MY living room, drinking MY booze, eating MY food. I was furious and it was all my husband could do to keep me from marching into the room, telling them off and throwing them out! He was quite distressed that I might "offend" our guests!

Fine, I told him, in a voice loud enough for those in the living room to hear, they had some nerve and were being very rude let alone offensive to me. My tone and anger was making him mighty nervous. As he called everyone to the table he asked that we not discussed politics... then my mother added, "it upsets her."

The subject changed for about 5 minutes then the comments slowly crept back in. That's when the headache escalated to a 9 out of 10. Vodka helped a little.

I am totally disgusted. Disgusted with them for their ugly hate and disgusted with myself for not speaking up. I feel like a fraud. There was really nothing to say beyond calling them liars and racist bigots. You can't really reason with people that unreasonable. To have tried to set the record straight would have gone nowhere. Especially since "Joe" thinks he's an expert on all things and has the "facts" he thinks will prove it.

But I make excuses... I should have said something.

Ms. W commented as she left that the whites won't be able to use public bathrooms if "you know who" is elected.

This is the most exhausting birthday I have ever had!

Opie and Andy for Obama!!!

2008-10-23T21:32:00.002-04:00

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Voting made easy!

2008-10-21T10:44:00.003-04:00

For the first time ever, I submitted an absentee ballot to the clerk of courts. On Nov. 4 I am scheduled to work 12 hours and was afraid time management might prevent me from getting to the polls on time.There were many choices to make ... the most important was a no brainer. I took my ballot to work and when there was a lull researched candidates and their records, judges and who had appointed them, and those pesky confusingly worded amendments. One very important in Florida is #2 which would like to ban gay marriage.

No rush, no one waiting to use the booth, easy-peasy. I just may do it this way from now on. So... I proudly state I have voted!

Early voting has begun here too. Whatever it takes, mark that ballot and drop it in the box. It is always important, but this year especially so

Investing

2008-10-18T16:22:00.002-04:00

If you purchased $1,000.00 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago you would have $49.00 left.

If you purchased $1,000.00 with Enron, you would have had $16.00 left.

If you purchased $1,000.00 with WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank
all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling
REFUND, you would have $214.00 cash.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to
drink heavily and recycle.

It's called the 401-Keg.
Safe and Happy weekend to all!

Know what happened to McCain's first wife???

2008-10-07T21:15:00.006-04:00

She got dumped when he returned from Viet Nam only to discover she had been disfigured and made handicapped in a car accident while he was a POW. He proceeded to run around on her and finally settled on Cindy. Young, pretty, wealthy. He divorced Carol and married Cindy within weeks. Cindy's daddy gave John a job and pushed him all the way to Washington.

Perhaps you knew, I didn't but I'm glad I do now. I've always thought of McCain as a dishonest jerk... Just confirms my gut feeling.

Read about it... google, "McCain's first wife,"

...callously left behind

An excerpt:
"In 1979 – while still married to Carol – he met Cindy at a cocktail party in Hawaii. Over the next six months he pursued her, flying around the country to see her. Then he began to push to end his marriage."

McCain's broken marriage...

FINALLY!!!

2008-10-04T14:12:00.001-04:00

Guilty as charged!

Barbra on Huffington ~ I like her words!

2008-10-02T11:26:00.003-04:00

The Politics of Distraction, Hypocrisy and Blame
October 1, 2008

The Republicans fight dirty... they take every opportunity to shift the political conversation from substance to frivolity. They don't want the public to see the huge differences between the two parties. Less than two weeks ago, John McCain mocked Senator Obama's appearance at a Hollywood fundraiser.

And where do you think John McCain was supposed to be tonight? On Monday it was announced that he himself was coming to Hollywood for a fundraiser charging up to $40,800 a plate. The hypocrisy...

McCain accuses Senator Obama of being a "celebrity" (as if he himself is not one). It's a bad word only if you're a Democrat, of course. If you're a Republican it helps you become... President Reagan, Governor Schwarzenegger, Senator Thompson.

He also calls Senator Obama an "elitist." How silly is that? Senator Obama is a self-made man from a working class family, while McCain came from a highly respected military family. Barack Obama owns one house and one car while John McCain owns seven houses and thirteen cars. Perhaps the elitism tag comes from the notion that Barack Obama is smart, eloquent and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School, while John McCain graduated 894 out of 899 in his class at the US Naval Academy. Isn't it about time America had a leader that started out as an ordinary man and became an extraordinary one?

The Bush/McCain doctrine of deregulation has brought the nation to its knees. And now John McCain has failed to deliver the Republican votes needed to assist the Democrats' efforts to keep the economy from crumbling. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Senator McCain's Economic advisor (now that Phil Graham has to phone in his advice from the back room) has taken on the role of McCain's alibi-maker for his failure of leadership. The bill failed to pass in Congress because only 65 Republicans voted for it versus 140 Democrats. McCain was dining with Joe Lieberman when he should have been swinging GOP votes in a desperate last chance to save America from a financial disaster brought on by McCain's, Graham's and George Bush's deregulatory orgy. But what does McCain do... he blames Obama.

Nancy Pelosi told the painful truth about the Bush administration's failures. President Bush inherited a surplus from the Clinton administration and squandered every penny of it... and more. Do people really want four more years of the same? I hope Americans don't fall prey to the politics of distraction, hypocrisy and blame.

Sad News

2008-09-27T22:24:00.007-04:00

A high school junior in 1967 I went on a movie date. The film, Hombre. That's the night I fell in love with the most talented actor and beautiful man I had ever seen. Yes he was the same age as my mother but that didn't matter to me. I set out to purchase every poster with his image I could find. He and Robert Kennedy graced my walls until I carefully took them down and rolled them up to take with me to art school.

Other movie dates... Cool Hand Luke, The Secret War of Harry Frigg, Winning, then Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The Sting, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Towering Inferno, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Drowning Pool, Harper, Torn Curtain, The Hustler, The Long Hot Summer, Hud, Sweet Bird of Youth. Absence Malice, The Verdict, Harry and Son, Slap Shot, The Color of Money, Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, Blaze, The Hudsucker Proxy. Classics all made fabulous by his talent, that face, that smile and those eyes.

I could go on and on about my favorite parts of each movie and why. His acting talent was only one facet of this mans greatness. His charities are legendary. He and Joanne have donated literally tens of millions of dollars to tremendously worthy causes. I read somewhere $120 million so far. Hole in the Wall is my favorite.

Newman's Own will live on to remind us of his generosity and desire to give. His movies will remain to remind us of his talent and beauty. Like those who swooned over Elvis and mourned his passing, I will likewise miss him.

Strangely, last night I had a dream. The only thing I remembered about it this morning was that Paul Newman was in it.... before I knew if his passing. My love and condolence to his family.

In my email today. Genius!!! I vote YES!

2008-09-25T14:14:00.001-04:00

Forwarded from some genius on the internet:

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..
So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college - it'll be there Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs.
Invest in the market - capital drives growth. Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves. Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else. Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG - liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.
Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."
But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion

We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .
And remember, This plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

2008-09-23T23:12:00.003-04:00

I am sooooooooooo pissed! I have lived in Clearwater, Florida for over 26 years and have been a REGULAR at O'Keefes restaurant for all that time. One of my best friends has worked there since '82 as well. O'Keefes is MAYBE a mile from where I work.

Today Obama had lunch at O'Keefes! Mingling with the other customers, talking, shaking hands, taking pictures. Where was I? One mile away! Where did I eat lunch? IN MY FRICKIN CAR watching a crane on a barge move concrete crap. Why didn't I know? Why didn't go?

I am sooooooooo pissed!

From the St. Petersburg Times -
Obama at O'Keefe's, Belleview Biltmore

Sen. Barack Obama, with some of the O'Keefe's staff, had a burger with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and spicy mustard. [JOSEPH GARNETT JR. | Times]

From the airport at midday, Barack Obama headed to O'Keefe's, one of Clearwater's oldest, most popular restaurants, to press the flesh and drum up some easy coverage. Buzz is he's staying at the Belleview Biltmore, the historic resort built in Belleair. He's just about to start a news conference there.

His traveling press corps will be ensconced at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach.

Obama is here to prepare for Friday's presidential debate in Oxford, Miss. Why do debate prep in the Tampa Bay area? "Look at the weather, man. It's great," Obama said.

-- Adam C. Smith

Headlines

2008-09-22T23:25:00.003-04:00

Fears emerge over $700bn rescue…

Candidates likely to skip bailout vote…

Europeans on left and right ridicule U.S. money meltdown…

Oil price jumps $25 in a day…

By 2-1 Americans Blame GOP For Financial Crisis... Dow Down 370 Points... Oil Shoots Up... Dollar Takes Biggest Hit In Seven Years From Treasury Plan... Dem Leaders Negotiate Over Conditions For Bailout Plan...

Outrage Over $2.5 Billion Bonus For Lehman Brothers NY Staff…

"Decisions By The Secretary...Are Non-Reviewable...And May Not Be Reviewed By Any Court Of Law Or Any Administrative Agency"

What's your credit score?

Credit Crisis_Crushes Family…

FBI Investigates Spears' Scandal_
Intimate Pics Stolen From Wal-Mart
~
~
~
My head hurts and I think I may throw up.

Butler! You OK???

2008-09-13T13:26:00.006-04:00

Some of my favorites of the week

2008-09-12T12:12:00.005-04:00

Safe weekend all... especially friends in Ike's path!

I have an idea...

2008-09-08T22:54:00.003-04:00

... thought of it today. I took the day off to have lunch with friends. One of the gal's husband left last week. He's a Marine. First stop, NC for his shots etc. then somewhere for protocol training, then off to Afghanistan. FOR A YEAR.

After I got home, it occurred to me. What if "they" just reversed his orders and those of everyone else who's been scheduled to go? Don't publicize it, just don't send them. Then, start sending home the kids who have been there the longest one plane full at a time. Pretty soon they would all be home. No muss, no fuss, no fanfare. Those who CHOOSE to volunteer can stay if the want (with full combat pay) to protect that stupid "green" zone or whatever it is.... but only on a voluntary basis.

I hear on the news W will announce tomorrow his own "pull out plan".... (I'll wait while you giggle at your own joke here.) Why now? Because of the election and the fact he knows if McCain is elected we'll be there another 100 years anyway?

Whatever his idea is, I like mine better.

peace

2008-09-03T22:56:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I was transferred from a beach store to a downtown store. The differences are astonishing.

The beach store is quite close to an area plush with high dollar water front homes and condos. The parking lot is daily littered with Lexus, Hummers and Mercedes. The Hummer belongs to the store manager! The customers are mostly wealthy retirees. Many wear nice clothes, carry designer handbags and belong to fashionable golf and yacht clubs. It's a store where the big crisis is being out of the advertised baked beans.

Downtown the customers are more ethnic. Elderly widows barely getting by on social security living in nearby subsidised housing. Hispanic families, the homeless, young folks starting out, all struggling to get by. Some have medicare or medicaid but often the medication prescribed for them is not covered. Others simply don't have insurance, I can relate. I took this job for the benefits and it fell into my lap thanks to rqm. Before that, we could no longer afford the insurance payments which had climbed to $1800 a month!

Daily I see people who truly need medication unable to pay for it. They work with the pharmacist to calculate the cost of each pill... figure out how many pills they can afford on that day.... purchase only a few and vow to obtain the required funds to come back for the rest. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

Today an elderly lady came to pick up her medication. The total was $2.50... she didn't have it. Later she returned with the money and also needed something from over the counter. But that she couldn't afford. Another lady takes a medication that costs $3000 a month! So far, insurance covers it. If the day comes that it is not covered, she will die. I overheard another gentleman say he would be better off dead. He could no longer afford to be alive.

The scenarios are endless. This is real. This is happening every day, everywhere, right now.

Politicians should sit in my seat for a day or better yet in that of the pharmacy customers.

Bravo!

2008-08-28T23:19:00.003-04:00

... And history is made!

Nicely Done!

2008-08-26T23:11:00.004-04:00

Great speech. Class act. As a Hillary supporter, I am proud.

2008-08-25T23:31:00.008-04:00

McCain unsure how many houses he owns

2008-08-21T22:43:00.004-04:00

By JONATHAN MARTIN & MIKE ALLEN | 8/21/08 5:13 PM EST Updated: 8/21/08 5:13 PM EST

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said in an interview Wednesday that he was uncertain how many houses he and his wife, Cindy, own.

"I think — I'll have my staff get to you," McCain told Politico in Las Cruces, N.M. "It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."

The correct answer is at least four, located in Arizona, California and Virginia, according to his staff. Newsweek estimated this summer that the couple owns at least seven properties.

And a Politico analysis later in the day found McCain's family owns at least eight properties, according to property and tax records, as well as interviews....

Excuse me, but how can a person running for the office of President of the United States NOT know how many houses he owns????? I personally know that I own one and it's not that hard to remember.

Happy Weekend.

Beijing Olympics 2008...

2008-08-10T23:12:00.003-04:00

also known as the Bush Family Reunion.

TURN IT OFF!!!

2008-08-07T16:52:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know it's only a walk in clinic in a drug store but still....
PLEASE, TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!!!

Right now, in the exam room, there is a woman with two elementary age children here for school physicals. They are unruly and she must fill out permission slips and history questions in order for us to examine them. She is frantically texting messages to someone telling them she's here and not to text her. HELLO!

We have a sign... "Please turn off your cell phone." Makes no difference. Yesterday the nurse practitioner literally put her hand over the phone to get a patient to cooperate.

As I type this, another customer is cruising the aisles talking on his speaker phone!!!

Don't get me started with the people in line at the grocery store or trying to drive and text at the same time.

NO ONE is that important.

The Spyglass

2008-07-30T23:25:00.005-04:00

When I moved to Clearwater in '82, my parents were living in a condo on Sand Key. They had some great friends in the building who I got to know as well.

One couple on the 5th floor was Mike and Sonya. She worked at Eckerd's corporate headquarters, he owned and operated the Spyglass Hotel on Clearwater Beach. Inherited from his dad it was one of the first with a kitchenette and right smack dab at the center of the beach. A perfect location.

When we got married one of our gifts from Mike was free rooms for anyone from out of town invited to our wedding. Over the years I decorated the lobby for Christmas, did the flowers for their daughter's wedding.... we were good friends...

At the age of 40 something, Mike died from a rare form of pneumonia... the same one that killed Jim Henson.

The years since haven't been especially kind to the Spyglass. It deteriorated, fell out of code, closed and rotted. All the while the mural Mike's dad had painted on the side a reminder of what once was.

Tonight it was imploded to make way for bigger and better. I guess. She went down in a cloud of glory on cable TV. Chris Angel used her like a circus freak. "Escaping" from the demo for all the world to see.

It's sad. The mayor of Clearwater called this landmark an eyesore. Another memory gone.

today...

2008-07-16T00:46:00.002-04:00

... we stood in line for two and a half hours to get one.

It was our anniversary gift to each other.

The hype is real.

They are awesome!

July 9, 1983

2008-07-08T23:34:00.004-04:00

I moved to Florida June 1, 1982 A single mother of two elementary school aged daughters... starting over. "Meet people your own age", my mother said. NOT interested but unable to avoid her nagging, I agreed to attend a Parent's Without Partners meeting.

The median age was 65+, I was 32. There was a special 20's and 30's group. I walked in with my nose in the air, only to please my mother, who was baby sitting. I sat there thinking of ways to tell her this wasn't happening again. Meeting over. ::Sigh!:: The 20's/30's group were going to socialize at a near by night club. Knowing it was too early to go home I drove around before finally deciding to "stop by for one drink" so I could truthfully say I'd participated.

The last to arrive, there was only one vacant seat... next to the cute guy who was there only to get lucky. (He didn't) It was a rule you had to dance if asked. He did. It was nice. Eventually asking for a date... dinner the next night. I went. Dinner and then dancing at the beach. Then PWP volleyball on Monday... he picked me up.

July 9, 1983... in my living room, we were married witnessed by 25 family and dear friends.

Tonight, 25 years later, friends from our Wednesday night dinner group are hosting a formal, intimate dinner party in our honor. Sometimes if seems like yesterday. Sometimes it seems like forever. There have been many trials and tribulations. For better or worse. Sickness and health. And so far... as long as we both shall live.

New Baby Girl Kitty

2008-06-23T00:16:00.002-04:00

She's 8 weeks old and all mine! Rescued from Second Chance Strays. All black, 6 toes on her front feet. (Related to THE Hemingway cats.)
She was in a litter that was scheduled to be destroyed... save one if you can.

Just a thought...

2008-06-15T10:57:00.003-04:00

The full moon is upon us, as anyone working with the public is well aware, and it occurs to me that it is time to propose something I have been contemplating for years. An additional amendment to our Constitution.

My amendment would read as follows.:

Between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age, every US Citizen MUST work, full time, a minimum of one complete fourth quarter plus the month of January in a retail setting. This can be any facility that said employee has daily contact with the public. Customer service duties are a requirement.

Additionally, anyone moving into the country who did not fulfill this obligation during the afore mentioned ages, will be required to meet this same criteria immediately upon arrival. No other licenses or permits will be issued until this requirement is met.

Upon completion of the work requirement a test will be administered. A passing grade will be required to obtain an official card. This card must be carried at all times and presented to any retail employee who asks to see it.

Should the card holder be rude, act mean or stupid, the employee is required by law to punch the card. Three punches and the card will be suspended and the holder must work another retail quarter immediately. IF the card holder does not comply they will be banned from any retail operation until such time the suspension has been lifted.

Punishment for anyone not abiding by this law will be sentenced to working as the sole employee in a Wal-Mart complaint department for as long as the courts deem necessary for complete rehabilitation.

Feel free to add suggestions.

Stranger than Fiction

2008-06-12T22:45:00.008-04:00

Last weekend my daughter, Mrs. McD, and I attended a wedding in LA. Naturally, we managed to work in some shopping and site seeing. One of the locations on the drive by list was the famous Scientology Celebrity Center.

It sits on it's own block and is indeed a lovely building. Nicely landscaped. Heavily guarded.

As we drove slowly by, I took photos. On three occasions we stopped the car so I could quickly jump out and snap away.

The one posted below was taken as we drove past. It is unedited in any way, I swear!

Do you see what I see???
Now, about those aliens ~

June 6, 1968...

2008-06-05T22:01:00.011-04:00

...was my high school graduation day. The whirlwind week was working up to the moment I would finally be free after 18 years!

The day before had been disturbing at best... another attempted assassination. I went to bed praying he'd be alright. Mother woke me with the devastating news. He was gone.

My first thought was of his family... all those children and another on the way. Then, the impact on the country... he was our hope, our salvation. No one else could stop the war and bring peace. At least, not in my mind.

His campaign posters covered my bedroom walls. Buttons, bumper stickers, pins, I had it all. Obsessed with his campaign and his election. Not being old enough to vote was frustrating but it didn't matter, he was not only going to be the candidate but the President! I was sure. I could feel it. With one shot my dreams were shattered. My world went cold. The dream now a nightmare. Nothing would ever be the same again. The light had been snuffed out. Reality.

The day of the funeral I wrote a note of sympathy to Ethel. A few weeks later a reply arrived in the mail.

Forty years have passed. Hard to believe. The event still saddens my heart. I miss his smile, his heart, his mind, his ideals.

Obama Tells GOP to 'Lay Off My Wife'

2008-05-19T15:32:00.007-04:00

Dear Mr. Obama,

Sorry Barack, but you can't have it both ways. Your wife is out there making public speeches on your behalf, that makes her statements fair game. Your kids are off limits for sure. But the little woman is another story.

Is Bill Clinton exempt from scrutiny? If he had said what your wife did do you really think that Hillary could go on GMA and demand "Lay Off My Husband" and that would be the end of it? After all, he's just a spouse in this arena. How about Mrs. McCain? Should she be ignored if she says something many Americans think is unacceptable?

I'm a voting registered Democrat but I think you're wrong on this one.

Connie in FL

Disturbing Devastation

2008-05-15T22:09:00.007-04:00

I can't even imagine...

My heart breaks for the victims and survivors.

cruelty

2008-05-04T08:16:00.007-04:00

What fun! The hats, the mint juleps, southern hospitality... wagering. Hoopla galore! All dressed up, waiting with anticipation for the song to be sung. The horses parade by, jockeys in their silks.

They're off!!! The herd bolts from their cages. Bright colors flash by. Whips fly.... The crowd goes crazy... RUUUUUUUNNNNN!!!

Winners cheer, losers pout... just that quick, it's over. The winners have celebrating to do... the roses are place, trophy presented, interviews to the media... recap, rerun, again and again. The excitement once more.

I don't get it. I watched it but didn't like it. The majesty of these creatures is breathtaking. They live in million dollar barns, are trained by well paid professionals, beautifully groomed. Then turned loose to fly like the wind for what,the money.

Do they really need to be struck? They aren't fast enough? They run their hearts out yet you hit them. Sometimes they win, sometimes they loose, sometimes they die.

Though an unpopular opinion, I think it's cruel. I'm sad for the animal. It hurts me to watch them. If I were king, it would stop. For the horses and the greyhounds. Watch Nascar instead, they have a choice.

File under: What's Up With That???

2008-04-17T10:15:00.008-04:00

On my drive to work today.

Gasoline $3.39 per gallon.

On my drive home, same station... $3.44!!

"THEY" say $4 soon...

I can't afford to drive to work!
STOP THE INSANITY!!!

UPDATE:
$3.50 at Sunoco
$3.55 at Shell YIKES!

Benefits!

2008-03-30T19:59:00.004-04:00

Due to circumstances beyond MY control and the eight year reign of GW, the time has come that I MUST obtain full time employment. We have been rolling the dice lately as we can no longer afford health insurance. So, my ever thoughtful dear cousin (rqm) came to my rescue and referred me to what looks like an excellent employment opportunity.

Via his connections I will be known in the trade as a Medical Concierge. Orientation is tomorrow but I believe that to be a fancy word for receptionist. The company I will be working for have health clinics located in Walgreen's drug stores. Operated by Nurse Practitioners. Not free but reasonable AND they take insurance. So if you can't get into your doctor or it's after office hours, you're on vacation or it's a holiday... see if you have one in your community. Enough with the commercial.

I have known for a couple of weeks that tomorrow is the beginning but denial is not just a river in Egypt. Sure, I passed my drug test without studying and that on line CPR class, but have waited until today to fill out all the necessary paper work and it's taken me the better part of the day to muddle through it all. Making copies as I type.

Now the clock seems to be running faster and faster, laughing at me as well! I buy lottery tickets every week... why not my numbers???

Good news... benefits start right away.
I will have benefits.
Keep saying it over and over...
Benefits Rock!

Bye Harry

2008-03-26T00:05:00.007-04:00

The young author appeared on Rosie's show. She'd written a children's book on a pad of paper in a coffee shop. Rosie gave her a Mac.

We were going on a road trip. Rosie had raved. Curious, I went to Sam's and bought the book and had it read in three states.

Fabulous story. Expertly written. Wanting more, I could think of little else as we traveled. Remarkable... just remarkable.

I offered my copy to the daughters of hubby's cousin. No thanks said the holy roller mama when I described the subject matter. But this is good vs evil... just like the Wizard of Oz... Star Wars... not the same she said. Witches and wizards. Your loss.

I have pre-ordered every subsequent volume and read each with the same excitement as the first. Devouring every word... even the ones I couldn't pronounce. I even checked out the audio books from the library so I could hear them read with a British accent.

Book seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, came out last July. I was in Salt Lake City and hit Barnes and Noble the day it went on sale. Started it several times but somehow never got into it. Maybe I didn't want the saga to end.

Last week I decided to read it before starting a new job. I finished it this morning and that somehow saddens me. The characters are my friends. I feel a fool for raving on so, but I'll miss their adventures. I was satisfied with the way it ended but would love her to write another series.

Thank you JK Rowling for your creative mind. Your imagination and gift for story telling. You have done wonders for children's literature. Amazing talent... truly amazing.

"SO?"

2008-03-19T14:20:00.007-04:00

Cheney on Iraq: "Major Success"

Follow the link... look and listen: Cheney sees progress in Iraq.

On this, the 5th anniversary of the USA's invasion of Iraq, may we remember the families of the thousands killed and wounded many of whom will require treatments and therapy for the rest of their lives. A high price to pay to boost the egos of a powerful few.

Peace

PS: Rosie's video today is awesome. I highly recommend you check it out. Very moving.

I VOTED ALREADY!!!

2008-03-11T12:48:00.003-04:00

Once again Florida has apparently screwed up.
Why can't we get elections right? I just don't get it.

"They" are talking about ANOTHER primary.
Count the vote I cast in February for cryin' out loud!

$10,000,000 ... TEN MILLION is the figure they're throwing around, which means it will be more.
Why?
I VOTED ALREADY!

Insurance and property taxes in this state are insane. Health insurance is unaffordable. Jobs are hard to find if you're not in food service or the medical field. Education desperately needs more funding. There is so much more.

Yes, I know, the state isn't supposed to foot the bill but it doesn't matter.

I VOTED ALREADY!!!

One of the Funniest emails I have ever gotten!

2008-03-05T13:24:00.001-05:00

You don't really have to be a woman to understand this...you guys probably know what she's talking about, too, if you live with a woman!!

Always

This is an actual letter from an Austin, Texas woman sent to the American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-awardwinning letter.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak Guard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from the curse'?
I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior.
You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you ****ing kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull -- And that's a promise I will keep. Always.

Best,

Wendi Aarons Austin, TX

2008-03-04T15:53:00.001-05:00

Recycle

2008-02-22T12:26:00.008-05:00

Cleaning out space in a closet the other day, I ran across something I haven't seen or used in years. Did we all have our very own step exercise thingy? Sure you did but you probably got rid of yours long ago. What to do with mine? Ugh, it would be embarrassing to leave it at the curb with the trash. The Hospice Thrift Shop volunteers would ban future donations if I tried to unload it there.

Then the light went on in my brain... the perfect use....
too short to reach the sink?

STEP UP!

W Fashion Week

2008-02-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

Kyson Stowell survives... his mother did not

2008-02-07T23:32:00.000-05:00

Haunting images.

Headlines

2008-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Exxon Mobil posts $40.6 billion annual profit (AP reports)
Oil giant breaks record for largest annual profit by a U.S. company

Bush sees 'troubling signs' for economy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - President Bush pressed Congress to pass an economic rescue package, saying Friday's labor report marking the end of a 52-month streak of national job growth was another "troubling" sign that the economy is sputtering
....................................
What timing!

Thank goodness W is fortunate to have holdings in the oil industry and ties to the Saudi Royals to protect him when those sputtering economic times arrive. I'm guessing that will be sometime before he moves back to Crawford.

Love it!

2008-01-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

Wastin' Away...

2008-01-17T23:58:00.000-05:00

Highlights of a cruise...
First stop, Key West.

It's five o'clock somewhere!

salt Salt SALT...

I like mine with lettuce and tomato ...

ahhh!

Cozumel... outside deck... on the water... paradise! We chickened out of ordering the Nachos!

Back on the ship, Johnson made a mean margarita as well... he was a cutie too!

(click on photos to enlarge)

MOST Disturbing

2008-01-15T23:42:00.000-05:00

St. Petersburg Times

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - President Bush delivered a sophisticated weapons sale for Saudi Arabia on Monday, trying to bolster its defenses and muster support for a Mideast peace agreement.

On a surprisingly cold day with blustery winds, Bush received a warm embrace from King Abdullah, whose family wields almost absolute rule. Among ordinary Saudis and across much of the Mideast, Bush is unpopular, particularly because of the Iraq war and U.S. support for Israel. Bush and Abdullah were going to some lengths over two days to emphasize their strong personal ties.

Saudi Arabia holds the world's largest oil reserves, and surging fuel costs are putting a major strain on the U.S. economy. But White House officials said it was unclear whether Bush raised the subject with the king. The issue has come up in earlier stops on Bush's eight-day trip that ends Wednesday in Egypt, largely in the context of his quest for alternate fuels and sources of energy, the officials said.

White House counselor Ed Gillespie said Mideast leaders have "talked about the nature of the market and the vast demand that's on the world market today for oil." He said that was "a legitimate and accurate point."

In a show of hospitality, the king invited Bush to come today to his lavish horse farm. The visit, including an overnight by Bush, is a payback for the president hosting Abdullah at his ranch.

Coinciding with Bush's arrival, the administration officially notified Congress it will offer Saudi Arabia sophisticated Joint Direct Attack Munitions - or "smart bomb" - technology and related equipment. The deal envisions the transfer of 900 of the precision-guided bomb kits, worth $123-million, that would give Saudi forces highly accurate targeting abilities.

Some lawmakers fear the systems could be used against Israel, but Congress appears unlikely to block the deal because of Saudi Arabia's cooperation in the war on terror and in deterring aggression from Iran.

The White House already has notified Congress of five other packages to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, including Patriot missiles. The total amount of sales as part of the Gulf Security Dialogue is estimated at $20-billion, a figure subject to actual purchases.

The sales are a key element in Bush's strategy to shore up defenses against Iran, which the president has deemed the world's top state sponsor of terrorism.

On Mideast peace, Saudi Arabia handed Bush a coup by taking part in the U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference in Annapolis, Md., in November. Bush was expected to encourage Saudi Arabia during his visit to use some of its vast wealth to help struggling Palestinians build the foundations of a future state.
Fast facts:

Weapons sales

The Bush administration announced its intention on Monday to sell $123-million worth of sophisticated, precision-guided bomb technology to Saudi Arabia as part of a $20-billion arms package to the country and its Persian Gulf neighbors, including:

-A total of $9.8-billion to the United Arab Emirates for a Patriot missile system, "various munitions and weapon systems," and upgrades and refurbishment of E-2C early warning aircraft.

-A total of $1.7-billion to Kuwait for precision missiles, missile upgrades and upgrades to its Patriot missile ground support system.

-A total of $743-million to Saudi Arabia for Joint Direct Attack Munitions, AWACS aircraft upgrades, sniper target pods and associated equipment and services.

Associated Press

Wishing you...

2008-01-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

...Peace, Joy and Prosperity in 2008.

'Tis the Season

2007-12-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

It is a holiday full of mixed emotion for me.

The weekend was spent in Orlando. My sister, daughter - Mrs. H. and I met up with daughter - Mrs. McD and her hubby. Mr. and Mrs. McD belong to the Disney Vacation Club and visit a couple of times a year for r & r. Mrs. H - the teacher, is moving to London for what could be several years. She's spent the last week at our house getting her last minute details taken care of.

Yesterday we met Mr. & Mrs. McD in their condo at Animal Kingdom Lodge for hugs, gift exchange and talk while we watched giraffe and zebra roam the Savannah outside. They made all of us beautiful photo books of our family trip to Alaska. Before we knew it was time to head to the airport to see off Mrs. H. Doesn't matter how old they are, it's hard to drop off a child especially if you don't know when you'll see them again. There are complicated circumstances surrounding her move and I will naturally worry about her.

However, the best part is... My sister is visiting for several weeks, mother is taking us on a cruise in January, PLUS RQM & his girl dogs are coming for dinner tomorrow! Doesn't get any better than that! Hope all enjoy your holiday.