Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Things are going good and I hope the same on your end. I have been very busy and have not gotten back to some of you just know I have not forgotten about you and I will write, call, or see you soon :)I've been very busy with life and its little adventures. Lately I've been shopping a lot and enjoying buying new things to decorate the place with. Tis the season. I want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays. I would like to thank everyone who has kept me in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate my friends and family for all the support and I love all of you. Everything has been falling into place with school and all. I find myself pretty busy lately with life and all of its blessings. A lot of amazing things have occurred this year and will continue to occur you just have to have faith.
The family is good and everyone is growing around me. The best part of this season is shopping for the little ones. It's been a blast I've purchased dragons, knights, dolls, and a lot of other fun stuff for the kids. I didn't forget the Big kids those purchases were a little pricier but well worth it. I also did a little indulging myself. I set up a savings account the first part of the year for my holiday shopping and I must say it worked out perfectly. I had the perfect amount of money saved to purchase all my gifts and more.
If you enjoy shopping as much as I do I'd recommend you do the same next year. If you just set aside a certain amount of money each month to save for the holidays then there is no need to worry about having money for Christmas. May everyone be blessed through the end of the year and into the next. The year appears to be ending on a good note.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Very Smart Faucet
This smart faucet is equipped with face recognition technology, able to memorize your face, and then turn on to your preferred temperature and flow when you approach it. Amazingly, this faucet even has a touchscreen display located on top which can be used to check your email, calendar. It should be equipped with WiFi connectivity that can be hooked up to your home WiFi router for fetching emails and calendar updates.The faucet shall be a good one for those overly busy geeks. So when you’re worried that you don’t even have a minute to shave, you can then shave in front of this faucet as it also lets you check through your inbox, to make sure the precious minutes not wasted while you’re shaving. The faucet is also integrated with LEDs which illuminate to show the temperature, transition from blue to red for higher temperatures. I love this: smart-faucet.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Who Knew?
Carbonation is the product of carbon dioxide being placed into an aqueous solution such as water or soda.Little do people know that carbonation breaks down calcium in your bones causing tooth decay or osteoporosis. It also increases the amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream, which is why we often mix our favorite with a fizzy drink.
Carbonation does have the benefit of helping ward off pesky bacteria. So if traveling to a foreign country, opt for the carbonated water instead.
Chronic burping often caused by too much ingestion of carbonated beverages can lead to inflammation of stomach lining, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroparesis.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Bailout
What did you get out of the Bailout? Most likely you are saying nothing! One of the things that was slipped into the $700billion bailout that most people aren't aware of is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) President Bush signed the Act On October 3rd, 2008 and it went into effect on October 3rd, 2009. The House of Representatives passed it 263-171 This Act will affect you or someone you know whether you'd like to admit it or not.
For calendar year insurance plans, the effective date is January 1, 2010. It applies to insurance plans with coverage for 50 or more employees. So small business owners are exempt, which is similar to FLMA protection. Just in case you were wondering why your insurance premiums are going up January 2010 this would be one of the reasons.
The Act generally requires equity in treatment of mental health and substance abuse treatments under a plan. They have to be treated as a regular medical condition.
-Plans cannot generally impose more restrictive lifetime or annual limits on mental health or substance use disorder benefits that those imposed on medical or surgical benefits.
-Plans cannot generally impose more restrictive financial requirements, such as co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance or out-of-pocket expenses, on treatment for mental health or substance use disorder benefits than apply to medical or surgical benefits.
-Plans cannot generally impose more restrictive limitations on the frequency or total use of mental health or substance use disorder benefits that medical or surgical benefits.
-The Plan must provide similar in-network and out-of-network benefits for all coverages.
-The Plan must clarify and make available to participants the criteria used for determining medical necessity of mental health and substance use benefits.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Put another way, insurers will no longer be able to limit the number of visits or charge higher deductibles and co-payments for mental health and substance abuse services.
“If you have insurance, then your mental health care must be equal to the benefits you get for any other disease,” said Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), quoted in a Reuters article. His daughter has schizophrenia.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Heart
I have peace in my heart
I have peace in my soul
Do you have peace in your heart?
Can you go to sleep at night with a clear mind?
Peace is what everyone needs
Without peace you are a lost soul
Take the time to pray and open your heart
To those who aren't very smart
They need your heart for theirs is dark
You could save a broken heart
Monday, October 5, 2009
The African Saints
This is Part 1 of 4 it's a great video. If you want to see more before I post the other 3 parts of the videos then just go to YouTube for the other videos. I will post them at another time :)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wow!
The stalker has struck again! The obsession by Hugh about you know who has gone overboard again. It is apparent that he has no life and would stoop to the lowest of the low and do things for attention! If it make you feel better about yourself to stalk someone then you are sick. It must be hard being a lonely desperate sick person . This is a male who states on his own blog that he does not believe in statutory rape and that if he gives his 14yr to a 45yr then that should be his right and his business. Reality check buddy! Children do have RIGHTS!! It's not just your business it's all of our business. When you give a person permission to rape your daughter that makes you a rapist just like the person who rapes your daughter. For someone to even think that is OK is a PEDOPHILE!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
There is HOPE
A good outcome for Jaycee Dugard family, but just the beginning for Jaycee. Jaycee can now start to recover from the abuse she has suffered for the last 18yrs. Because a PEDOPHILE was let out of prison we have three other victims and no telling how many more. I'm happy for Jaycee family , but sad for her as I know this will be a long and hard journey for her. Now Phillip Garrido and his wife Nancy Garrido can face the charges against them and hopefully be put away for the rest of their lives locked in a cell.What she will go through will be similar to what the FLDS women and girls go through when they have successfully escaped. They are abused mentally, sexually, and physically. There are also fed information daily about the world that is not true they isolate them, they threaten them, they keep them from getting an education, and prevent them from going to a doctor. All of this is part of the brain washing process. The mental abuse is very damaging to them. They question their own decisions and ultimately aren't sure who to trust. During Jaycee healing process It's highly possible that Jaycee will think that she wants to go back to her abusers and or miss them. This is exactly what the FLDS girls go who have left they struggle with going back to their abusers or to remain safe. This is what happens when a child's mind has been raped.
It's sick when adults manipulate children to satisfy their own needs. These pedophiles consider themselves religious and/or use religion in some form or another as an excuse or to hide behind. We all know the truth and in the end JUSTICE will be done. THERE IS HOPE!!! Good luck Jaycee on your new life free from bondage.!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Self-righteousness and force
In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, Glenn Garvin, of the Miami Herald, says the concept of the "peace loving" hippies from the 1960's is a myth.
In his column, "Whats not being celebrated," he says
"Sometime in the future, when their grip on the levers of the media has loosened, somebody will write a real history of the 1960s and the political awakening of Baby Boomers that will acknowledge it was marked by arrogance, self-indulgence, irreponsibility and totalitarian impulses. "
Garvin makes a good case. And, in light of the current healthcare debate, a timely one.
Self-righteousness, in any form, results in an atmosphere of superiority by the self-righteous. This superiority results in the belief that the unenlightened need to be told how to live
Neither the right nor the left has a monopoly on self-righteousness.
We should strive for the humility to realize that none of us are enlightened enough to tell anyone else, no matter how backward we might think they are, how they must live.
We can and should cajole. Persuade. Argue. Discuss. But when we use force, we lose all moral authority. Indeed, we become immoral.
And it is impossible to be righteous and immoral at the same time.
People throughout history have failed to recognize that simple contradiction. Many of us still do.
In his column, "Whats not being celebrated," he says
"Sometime in the future, when their grip on the levers of the media has loosened, somebody will write a real history of the 1960s and the political awakening of Baby Boomers that will acknowledge it was marked by arrogance, self-indulgence, irreponsibility and totalitarian impulses. "
Garvin makes a good case. And, in light of the current healthcare debate, a timely one.
Self-righteousness, in any form, results in an atmosphere of superiority by the self-righteous. This superiority results in the belief that the unenlightened need to be told how to live
Neither the right nor the left has a monopoly on self-righteousness.
We should strive for the humility to realize that none of us are enlightened enough to tell anyone else, no matter how backward we might think they are, how they must live.
We can and should cajole. Persuade. Argue. Discuss. But when we use force, we lose all moral authority. Indeed, we become immoral.
And it is impossible to be righteous and immoral at the same time.
People throughout history have failed to recognize that simple contradiction. Many of us still do.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Arrested again
Emperatriz Meza-Reyna, a 21-year-old Utah woman has been arrested a second time for abusing the same child who is now fighting for her life in a Utah hospital. While doctors were attempting to examine the girl 7yrs old, she went into cardiac arrest and was then flown to Primary Children's Medical Center where she underwent brain surgery. Her skull was opened to relieve pressure on the brain, however she now remains in a coma as a result of her injuries.Investigators say detectives interviewed Meza-Reyna, who told them the child was injured while falling down stairs, however doctors say the child's injuries are not consistent with a fall. Instead, doctors believe the injuries to be consistent with one or several blows to the head.Doctors also told investigators that the child had bruising and bite marks on her legs, buttocks and feet that were typical of an abuse situation.
In January of 2008, Meza-Reyna was arrested by Salt Lake Sheriff's deputies after her boyfriend called 911 to report he witnessed her abusing her daughter, according to Lt. Don Hutson of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.During the boyfriend's 911 call, Meza-Reyna reportedly attacked him - kicking and grabbing him as he struggled to speak with emergency dispatchers.
When deputies arrested her, she told them she had hit her daughter in the past with her hands, a belt and a knotted up electrical cord, according to Lt. Hutson. She also reportedly strangled the child and injured her by writing on her face with black permanent marker.In that case, Meza-Reyna pleaded guilty to two felony counts of child abuse and neglect, however she served just 17 days in jail. The child was removed by Utah DCF for a short time but was then returned to Meza-Reyna after the department decided she was "doing well" with their program.
SO WHY DO WE SEND CHILDREN BACK TO THEIR PARENTS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN ABUSED
This is a pattern in the United States we send children back to their abusers and then we wonder why they turn out the way they do. These children either end up dead, continue to be abused well into adulthood or that become perpetrator's
This is a pattern in the United States we send children back to their abusers and then we wonder why they turn out the way they do. These children either end up dead, continue to be abused well into adulthood or that become perpetrator's
BECAUSE THE SYSTEM FAILED THEM
Based on the Mothers age she was 13 when she got pregnant with her daughter I'd make a bet she was also a victim of abuse. This still does not excuse her for her actions regardless if thats all she knew.
Monday, July 27, 2009
It Takes Courage
It takes strength to be firm,
It takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to conquer,
It takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to be certain,
It takes courage to have doubt.
It takes strength to fit in,
It takes courage to stand out.
It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,
It takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to endure abuse,
It takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone,
It takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love,
It takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive,
It takes courage to live.
-Unknown
It takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to conquer,
It takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to be certain,
It takes courage to have doubt.
It takes strength to fit in,
It takes courage to stand out.
It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,
It takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to endure abuse,
It takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone,
It takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love,
It takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive,
It takes courage to live.
-Unknown
Friday, July 24, 2009
Beautiful clouds.....
These are Beautiful Mammatus Clouds. What a site! If you have ever had the opportunity to see them they truly are breath taking. They showed up in New York on June 29th almost a month ago.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Does love bite?
Now it's no secret that most of us have sex. Even the ones who don't admit it are probably doing it. Sex is wonderful. It's hot and erotic and can cause a girl to dehydrate if done properly. What's not wonderful are these:
The original tramp stamp. Hickeys. Love bites. Passion marks. Hispanics often refer to them as monkey bites. (That should give you a clue as to what kind of people give them!)
What is a hickey? Basically, in plain English, it the rupturing of tiny blood vessels under the skin. Much like a bruise.
Who gives hickeys? Now, this is just one chics opinion, but if you're a dude who has awakened to a muffler burn on your neck, rest assured, a bitch put it there. Yep. I said it. Bitch. As in female dog. As in a species who feels the need to mark it's territory. She may as well have pissed on your tire.
If you're a chic who has awakened to the leech mark, chances are the dog you layed down with last night wants to come back for seconds. Thus he has to stamp you up to let the other dogs know he's not yet done.
Other than being disgustingly ugly, there are many reasons to NOT give or receive hickeys!
1. Because I said so.
2. Chics with hickeys look like tramps.
3. Chics who give hickeys look desperate.
4. It's stupid to purposely hurt one another.
5. Sucking your mate would feel better for them if you did it below the belt.
6. They are a SURE sign of white, brown, and yellow trash. (How many Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans have you ever seen with hickeys?)
7. You set a foul example for your children.
8. And if none of these is a good enough reason revert back to #1.
FURTHERMORE, If it's a bruise you're lookin for, I'll be happy to punch you in the mouth. jk lol...
What is a hickey? Basically, in plain English, it the rupturing of tiny blood vessels under the skin. Much like a bruise.
Who gives hickeys? Now, this is just one chics opinion, but if you're a dude who has awakened to a muffler burn on your neck, rest assured, a bitch put it there. Yep. I said it. Bitch. As in female dog. As in a species who feels the need to mark it's territory. She may as well have pissed on your tire.
If you're a chic who has awakened to the leech mark, chances are the dog you layed down with last night wants to come back for seconds. Thus he has to stamp you up to let the other dogs know he's not yet done.
Other than being disgustingly ugly, there are many reasons to NOT give or receive hickeys!
1. Because I said so.
2. Chics with hickeys look like tramps.
3. Chics who give hickeys look desperate.
4. It's stupid to purposely hurt one another.
5. Sucking your mate would feel better for them if you did it below the belt.
6. They are a SURE sign of white, brown, and yellow trash. (How many Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans have you ever seen with hickeys?)
7. You set a foul example for your children.
8. And if none of these is a good enough reason revert back to #1.
FURTHERMORE, If it's a bruise you're lookin for, I'll be happy to punch you in the mouth. jk lol...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
HFD
Happy Fathers Day Dad! You have been an inspiration to me from the moment I laid eyes on you. Although, I don’t remember it lol :) We have had some good times. What stands out the most are the laughs we have had watching Gallagher and I love exchanging jokes with you I can always count on you to make me laugh. I know at times you struggle with your own issues and we may not talk, please know that I know you still care and love me. The person I am today I contribute in part to you being apart of my life especially the political side if me : ) lol lol I hope you had a good day! Love ya!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday a dashful day
Gosh. I'm so tired, but there's so much I want to say...so many things! I spent 8 hours and 450 miles on the road today from 11am to 1am. I sooo earned my road warrior girl scout badge today! A few blogs ago, I blogged about making the most of the dash. I did it for today's dash. Woke up at my friend's house up north in the trees in Carrieville, while driving the 4 hours home caught up with all my friends on the drive home, unloaded the pots of plants I had worked on planting for 2 days, cleaned up my back deck, found hope and solace in my soon to be re-claimed backyard, and then jumped back in the car, picking up my sister and friend to drive to the Santa Cruz Mountains for a concert with India Arie. As I sat, in a thin shawl and dress on a freezing summer night, in the punchbowl arena in the Saratoga hills at the Mountain Winery, I was completely impressed with her. She is the kind of artist I would want to be...when I grow up. I love being around people who enjoy your company as much as you enjoy theirs.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Rooooooaaaaaaadtrip!!!
Need I say more? Serenity here I come! Just as I'm typing this I hear the mailman dropping new music my mailbox out front. Ooohhh, music gods you've shone down on me with new roadtrip tunes. Piling up on my kitchen table are all my hobbies packed neatly in their own cases and they're all going with me. Camera and all my lenses, makeup by the lb, scrapbooking supplies en masse, and the 60 lbs of riding gear out in the garage that could use a dusting off. Lord, oh, Lord, it pays to have friends in wooded, secluded, retreatful places.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Hope Ya Know, I Had a Hard Time
This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. At times when we may feel to say, Hope you know, I had a hard time.
I bear my testimony today that I know the church is true I am grateful for my friends and family and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Carbo what?
For all of you reading who are not completely 'up' on all of your Star Wars trivia, this is Han Solo frozen in Carbonite. What is Carbonite exactly? In Star Wars, it is a FICTIONAL ionic compound that is used to freeze and suspend the life of prisoners.However, in REALITY, carbonite was one of the earliest coal-mining explosive made of nitroglycerin, wood meal, and other materials invented by Bichel.
Interesting tid-bit, but it would be way cooler if it could actually suspend life... (^_O)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
To anyone who cares about children
To attack pedophilia, law enforcement, health & social services must learn to work with victims with DID
My Stomach hurts..
The video is only 1min 34sec. Please turn up volume. I'm still laughing ha ha!! Why do we laugh at things that we should not be laughing at. I'm guilty of this myself especially on this occasion. Apparently the Host was fired after this and he should have been but it's still funny!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pedophile of the week Exposed
The videos speak for itself.
The Pedophile in this video is Geoffrey Leonard.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Light a Candle!
"We don't need your money, we just need your support."
Light your candle at http://www.lightamillioncandles.com/
Put a stop to child pornography.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Trekkie...
I just can't get enough of it! I saw it on opening day and I can't stop going back. I can't wait for it to come out on blu-ray disk. Check it out you will love it !
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Keith Olbermann gets it right, Ms. California "WTF"
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
He says it all!Friday, May 15, 2009
Interview...
If you want to interview someone. Don't shot yourself in the foot by talking about them before an interview, write or publish things about them that is not true or have been proven. No one will get an interview who has done this. Why would anyone in their right mind be interviewed by someone who appears bias right off the bat? I believe in interviews face to face none of the over the phone bullshit.
If you are truly interested in interviewing someone don't try and blow smoke up their ass for an interview. Just freaking ask, how hard is that? Then when you are asked a question by the "potential interviewee" answer it and don't dance around the question. If you want an interview expect questions to be ask of you before hand. What people/media fail to realize is that not everyone you want to interview is a complete idiot. Maybe if you give them some credit they would consider speaking with you.
We have no problem setting up interviews as long as it is with a respectable person/network/reporter who is not bias one way or another. We thank those of you who have requested and welcome others. If you have done any of the above mentioned items, then don't bother waisting your time even asking.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Why, Exactly, is Polygamy Illegal?
Another great prospective on the topic this is an Awesome write up by Professor William (Beau) Weston he wrote it December 12th, 2005
Polygamy has always been against American custom and culture. Polygamy is against the law in the United States, though, due to the long struggle in the nineteenth century over Mormonism. As a result of this struggle, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints condemned polygamy, and, in the early years of the twentieth century, actually abolished it. Today the Mormons are so monogamous that the church’s Relief Society manual tried to portray Brigham Young with one wife – neglecting to mention the other 50+. Renegade Mormon sects do still practice polygamy, but without the blessing of either church or state. Utah could be admitted to the Union only after it condemned polygamy. Monogamy is settled law in the United States, from top to bottom.
There was another important effect of the struggle against Mormon polygamy: the Supreme Court based its rejection of polygamy on the claim that the United States is a Christian nation. In the nineteenth century, it was a legal commonplace to claim that Christianity was part of the common law of the United States. It was only in the past fifty years or so that this claim has been seriously challenged. Today, no court would declare that America is a Christian nation.
So, why, exactly, is polygamy illegal in the United States?
Something like the original Utah law would be rejected because it allowed men to have multiple wives, but not the reverse. Equal protection would take care of that statute. But suppose a neutral law were written, allowing both polygyny (multiple wives) and polyandry (multiple husbands)? William Galston, in Public Matters, notes that the Defense of Marriage Act, which was written to prohibit a federal recognition of same-sex marriages, specifies that legal marriage joins one man and one woman. If the law is challenged successfully, both the man and woman part, and the one and one part, could be rejected.
This is not a hypothetical case. There are already renegade Mormons practicing polygamy underground in the West. African immigrants bringing traditional tribal religions could argue for accommodation. Most importantly, the growing Muslim community in the USA could argue that their long-established recognition of limited polygamy, which is practiced by millions of Muslims worldwide, should be accepted under the “free exercise” clause of the first amendment. No such case has been filed yet, but it is only a matter of time.
I think polygamy is a bad idea for society. With a couple of exceptions, polygamy is really polygyny – one man, multiple women. What happens in polygynous societies is that low status men don’t get to marry at all. This, it seems to me, is just unfair and un-American. Moreover, in every case I have read about of polygyny, even in societies in which it was well established, the wives are never really ok with the fact that their husband has other wives and other children. Polygyny is one widely used way of settling the conflict between male and female strategies in mate selection and childrearing. It is not crazy, nor do I think it is barbarous. But I do think that it is unwise anywhere, and deeply unsuited to our culture and history.
It is not likely that American legislatures would ever legalize polygamy, no matter how many marriages and mistresses individual legislators have. But it is hard to see exactly how a court would now justify forbidding religions that do accept, even encourage, polygamy, from doing so here.
When we look at the numbers, there are many more polygamists in the world than there are people who want to have a same-sex marriage. It is not way out to imagine a polygamy crisis in America in, say, the 2030s, as there was in the 1830s. Polygamy, more than same-sex marriage, is, I think, more likely to result in a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
Check out his blog for other Interesting readings: http://gruntledcenter.blogspot.com/
Polygamy has always been against American custom and culture. Polygamy is against the law in the United States, though, due to the long struggle in the nineteenth century over Mormonism. As a result of this struggle, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints condemned polygamy, and, in the early years of the twentieth century, actually abolished it. Today the Mormons are so monogamous that the church’s Relief Society manual tried to portray Brigham Young with one wife – neglecting to mention the other 50+. Renegade Mormon sects do still practice polygamy, but without the blessing of either church or state. Utah could be admitted to the Union only after it condemned polygamy. Monogamy is settled law in the United States, from top to bottom.
There was another important effect of the struggle against Mormon polygamy: the Supreme Court based its rejection of polygamy on the claim that the United States is a Christian nation. In the nineteenth century, it was a legal commonplace to claim that Christianity was part of the common law of the United States. It was only in the past fifty years or so that this claim has been seriously challenged. Today, no court would declare that America is a Christian nation.
So, why, exactly, is polygamy illegal in the United States?
Something like the original Utah law would be rejected because it allowed men to have multiple wives, but not the reverse. Equal protection would take care of that statute. But suppose a neutral law were written, allowing both polygyny (multiple wives) and polyandry (multiple husbands)? William Galston, in Public Matters, notes that the Defense of Marriage Act, which was written to prohibit a federal recognition of same-sex marriages, specifies that legal marriage joins one man and one woman. If the law is challenged successfully, both the man and woman part, and the one and one part, could be rejected.
This is not a hypothetical case. There are already renegade Mormons practicing polygamy underground in the West. African immigrants bringing traditional tribal religions could argue for accommodation. Most importantly, the growing Muslim community in the USA could argue that their long-established recognition of limited polygamy, which is practiced by millions of Muslims worldwide, should be accepted under the “free exercise” clause of the first amendment. No such case has been filed yet, but it is only a matter of time.
I think polygamy is a bad idea for society. With a couple of exceptions, polygamy is really polygyny – one man, multiple women. What happens in polygynous societies is that low status men don’t get to marry at all. This, it seems to me, is just unfair and un-American. Moreover, in every case I have read about of polygyny, even in societies in which it was well established, the wives are never really ok with the fact that their husband has other wives and other children. Polygyny is one widely used way of settling the conflict between male and female strategies in mate selection and childrearing. It is not crazy, nor do I think it is barbarous. But I do think that it is unwise anywhere, and deeply unsuited to our culture and history.
It is not likely that American legislatures would ever legalize polygamy, no matter how many marriages and mistresses individual legislators have. But it is hard to see exactly how a court would now justify forbidding religions that do accept, even encourage, polygamy, from doing so here.
When we look at the numbers, there are many more polygamists in the world than there are people who want to have a same-sex marriage. It is not way out to imagine a polygamy crisis in America in, say, the 2030s, as there was in the 1830s. Polygamy, more than same-sex marriage, is, I think, more likely to result in a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
Check out his blog for other Interesting readings: http://gruntledcenter.blogspot.com/
Why is Polygamy/Bigamy Illegal?
The LEGAL reason is because it is against the law.
There are reasons which go beyond simple moral reasons. The laws of our society (laws of property ownership, inheritance, parental rights, marital property, etc.) are structured on the assumption that only two people are involved in a marriage. The legal side is just too complicated to allow bigamy. Allowing plural marriage creates situations which the law CANNOT handle.
If the man dies and still has bills and debts, who is responsible then? You would have to think of life insurance as well. When he dies does the insurance company give each wife the amount of the policy or do they divide it among them. That would probably cause a big lawsuit. I think if someone needs more than one person in their life, (sexually, spiritually.etc) they should just not get married.
Whether you want to believe it or not, America is a Representative Democracy. So if a VAST Majority of people do not like polygamy (for whatever reason--moral, religious or otherwise)--the representatives will be obligated to make and ensure it is illegal.
Also, there were too many cases during the time the law was made of young and of age girls alike, being forced by their families, citing beliefs, into polygamy, using the abuse of polygamy as a reason to have several wives, neglecting and abusing them emotionally and physically. Ideally there is nothing bad about polygamy, but this is not an ideal world. There were many times the law couldn't get the abusers of polygamy because of the control they have over their wives and the citation of religious beliefs. Therefore, the law has no choice but to ban polygamy in general because laws can't have exceptions.
Now we're in the 21st century and the abuse is still an issue. So why would the laws change now when nothing has changed? Plural marriage occurs when the women are very young, and it might reasonably be determined that exploitation and coercion are involved more often than free choice. Great Example: The recent FLDS indictments against 12 men for sexually assaulting minor girls (In the name of religion.)
There are reasons which go beyond simple moral reasons. The laws of our society (laws of property ownership, inheritance, parental rights, marital property, etc.) are structured on the assumption that only two people are involved in a marriage. The legal side is just too complicated to allow bigamy. Allowing plural marriage creates situations which the law CANNOT handle.
If the man dies and still has bills and debts, who is responsible then? You would have to think of life insurance as well. When he dies does the insurance company give each wife the amount of the policy or do they divide it among them. That would probably cause a big lawsuit. I think if someone needs more than one person in their life, (sexually, spiritually.etc) they should just not get married.
Whether you want to believe it or not, America is a Representative Democracy. So if a VAST Majority of people do not like polygamy (for whatever reason--moral, religious or otherwise)--the representatives will be obligated to make and ensure it is illegal.
Also, there were too many cases during the time the law was made of young and of age girls alike, being forced by their families, citing beliefs, into polygamy, using the abuse of polygamy as a reason to have several wives, neglecting and abusing them emotionally and physically. Ideally there is nothing bad about polygamy, but this is not an ideal world. There were many times the law couldn't get the abusers of polygamy because of the control they have over their wives and the citation of religious beliefs. Therefore, the law has no choice but to ban polygamy in general because laws can't have exceptions.
Now we're in the 21st century and the abuse is still an issue. So why would the laws change now when nothing has changed? Plural marriage occurs when the women are very young, and it might reasonably be determined that exploitation and coercion are involved more often than free choice. Great Example: The recent FLDS indictments against 12 men for sexually assaulting minor girls (In the name of religion.)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
HMD...
In life's ocean, vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Same-sex unions in the U.S.A
This is a very personal and touchie subject for a lot of people if you can't handle the facts click on the big X in the right hand corner at the top :)Iowa state Supreme Court ruled unanimously on April 3 that it is illegal to discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them the right to marry. The first gay marriages in the state took place April 27.
The Human Rights Campaign, a gay and lesbian rights organization, praised Maine's new law.
"This law is simply about making sure that loving, committed couples, and their families, receive equal rights and responsibilities. This is a step that will strengthen Maine families," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a written statement.
A slim majority of Americans are against legal recognition for same-sex marriage, CNN polling found last month. Fifty-four percent of adults questioned in an April 23-26 nationwide CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll said marriages between gay or lesbian couples should not be recognized as valid, while 44 percent said they should be considered legal.
But there was a huge gap between the opinions of younger and older people, with younger people far more likely to approve of gay marriage.
Nearly 6 in 10 people ages 18 to 34 said same-sex marriages should be legal. Just over 4 in 10 people ages 35 to 49 agreed. Numbers were similar for 50- to 64-year olds, while only 24 percent of people 65 and older agreed.
If you would like to read more goto: same.sex.marriage
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Two Friends
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT BUT, WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND: TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
THEY KEPT ON WALKING,UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,YOU WROTE ON A STONE, WHY?"
THE OTHER FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BLESSINGS IN STONE. THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT BUT, WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND: TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
THEY KEPT ON WALKING,UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,YOU WROTE ON A STONE, WHY?"
THE OTHER FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BLESSINGS IN STONE. THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Scratching my head......
Veteran Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party on Tuesday, saying he has found himself increasingly "at odds with the Republican philosophy.""This is a painful decision. I know I'm disappointing many of my colleagues," he said at a news conference announcing the move. "The disappointment runs in both directions. "I'm putting principle at the top of the list," he added. The switch puts Senate Democrats one vote shy of a filibuster-proof majority of 60 seats. They can reach the 60-seat mark if Al Franken holds his current lead in the disputed Minnesota Senate race. "As the Republican Party has moved farther and farther to the right, I have found myself increasingly at odds with the Republican philosophy and more in line with the philosophy of the Democratic Party," Specter said. "In the course of the last several months ... I have traveled the state and surveyed the sentiments of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania and public opinion polls, observed other public opinion polls and have found that the prospects for winning a Republican primary are bleak." Specter, a five-term Senate veteran, was facing what most political observers believed would have been a tough fight for the Pennsylvania GOP Senate nomination in 2010.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Pushover....
So here is the deal. I care for people especially the ones close to me. I hate it when someone I'm close to is a pushover. I have several of them in my life and it drives me crazy when they are being taken advantage of. I wish they had the balls to stand up for themselves. What causes one to be like that? I admit there was a point in my life where I was kind of a pushover, but it was based on the circumstances and not a constant thing and it did not define who I was.Someone close to me is a Super Woman pushover and I mean the biggest pushover I believe exist. I love this person to death and would die for her, but it's not my life although it does affect me directly and indirectly.
If I was a rude and disrespectful woman I would tell the fuckers taking advantage of her and others in my life where to stick it. I hate people who take advantage of others kindness. I hate greedy people who think they deserve it all. I hate people who try to intimidate others to get what they want. I hate bullies. I hate people who abuse there power in a position. I hate people who judge you when they don't know you. I hate people who try and sabotage your success. I hate people who will go out of there way to lie on you to get you fired. I hate people who lie to try to get ahead and oh yeah let's not forget the ass kissers you work or have worked with. I have worked with a lot of those in my short careers and boy are there lips big.
If you are a pushover reading this get some balls please not only does it affect you, but it also affects others around you who care and love you.
To those big headed bullies, assholes, ass kissers, greedy and arrogent pigs, blood sucking jerks, and incompetent people who have no life except when their gossiping. I know deep down you are miserable and knowing that makes me smile :) You are the ones who have to live with yourself and go to sleep at night knowing how you treat people each day. P.S. You suck!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Krystal.........
I must say that this is one thing that I cannot live without. Recently I have been craving them a lot I grew up dining at Krystal. If you have never had one boy are you missing out. Who cares about counting calories? The famous Krystal is my favorite. When I was younger we would go to the skating rink on Friday or Saturday evenings and immediately afterwards we would all meet at Krystal :) I got my BFF hooked on them and she is from the west coast. She loves me for that! Curious about Krystal check out their site hummmmmm......................O.K I’m going to take a nap now.......later, enjoy your Thursday.......krystal
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
4/20/09--UPDATED
In honor of 4.20...
-- Marijuana is known by almost 200 other names including pot, grass, weed, or mary jane.
-- It is "by far" the world's most commonly used illicit drug.
-- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main mind-altering ingredient.
-- The strength of the drug depends on the amount of THC in the marijuana which is affected by
factors such as plant type, weather, soil, and time of harvest.
-- Marijuana is usually smoked in a pipe or water but most often in loosely rolled cigarettes which can be laced with other substances including cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP).
-- Marijuana can also be brewed into tea or mixed into baked products (often cookies or brownies)
-- Chronic marijuana smokers are prey to chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma.
-- Regular use can delay the onset of puberty in young men and reduce sperm production or disrupt normal mothly cycles and inhibit ovulation for young women.
-- Although patients claim that smoking marijuana has helped them deal with pain or relieved the symptoms of glaucoma, or nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy, US law still classifies marijuana as a controlled substance, meaning it has no "acceptable" medical use.
This DRUG has not been legalized. IMO the reason is that the Government has not quite figured out how to tax it yet :)
Update:
Since everyone is so interested in my 4/20 Blog check this out:
In 2005, Denver became the first major city in the U.S. to make the private use of less than an ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older. The city voted 53.49%-46.51% in favor of the marijuana legalization measure. It should be noted that this initiative does not usurp state law, which currently treats marijuana possession in much the same way as a speeding ticket, with fines of up to $100 and no jail time [2].
In 2007, Denver once again voted in favor of marijuana policy reform, overwhelmingly approving a measure that designates private adult marijuana possession the city's "lowest law enforcement priority." Voters approved the measure 57-43, creating a new city ordinance and a city panel to ensure the ordinance is being implemented "to the greatest extent possible." Mayor John Hickenlooper is charged with creating the 11-member "Marijuana Policy Review Panel," and it began meeting quarterly in 2008.
-- Marijuana is known by almost 200 other names including pot, grass, weed, or mary jane.-- It is "by far" the world's most commonly used illicit drug.
-- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main mind-altering ingredient.
-- The strength of the drug depends on the amount of THC in the marijuana which is affected by
factors such as plant type, weather, soil, and time of harvest.
-- Marijuana is usually smoked in a pipe or water but most often in loosely rolled cigarettes which can be laced with other substances including cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP).
-- Marijuana can also be brewed into tea or mixed into baked products (often cookies or brownies)
-- Chronic marijuana smokers are prey to chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma.
-- Regular use can delay the onset of puberty in young men and reduce sperm production or disrupt normal mothly cycles and inhibit ovulation for young women.
-- Although patients claim that smoking marijuana has helped them deal with pain or relieved the symptoms of glaucoma, or nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy, US law still classifies marijuana as a controlled substance, meaning it has no "acceptable" medical use.
This DRUG has not been legalized. IMO the reason is that the Government has not quite figured out how to tax it yet :)
Update:
Since everyone is so interested in my 4/20 Blog check this out:
In 2005, Denver became the first major city in the U.S. to make the private use of less than an ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older. The city voted 53.49%-46.51% in favor of the marijuana legalization measure. It should be noted that this initiative does not usurp state law, which currently treats marijuana possession in much the same way as a speeding ticket, with fines of up to $100 and no jail time [2].
In 2007, Denver once again voted in favor of marijuana policy reform, overwhelmingly approving a measure that designates private adult marijuana possession the city's "lowest law enforcement priority." Voters approved the measure 57-43, creating a new city ordinance and a city panel to ensure the ordinance is being implemented "to the greatest extent possible." Mayor John Hickenlooper is charged with creating the 11-member "Marijuana Policy Review Panel," and it began meeting quarterly in 2008.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sad day in America!
I use to celebrate this day every year as it was marked on my calendar. Today is a couple of my cousins birthday and one of them is a pretty special person and I do wish them a happy birthday. I love both of you!The evil doers of the world have chosen this day for some odd reason to commit violent crimes. The one that stands out in my head is April 19, 1995 the day of the Oklahoma city bombing occurred. The deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history. This anniversary seemed to have faded into the background since all of the other events occurred on or around this day. I was affected more by the Oklahoma City bombing than the September 11th bombing.
If you surveyed people and give them dates such as Oct 2nd, April 19th, Sept 11th, April 16th and Sept 27th and ask what occurred on those dates. Unless someone knew someone involved in the event most people would only know what occurred on Sept 11th. Why is this? Why is it that we care more about an event that was "caused by someone from another Country?" I think the event cause by one of our own (American) is more significant. We talk about people being proud of our Country when the reality is that we only care about our Country if someone from another Country attacks us or try to enter our Country. What about when Americans attack us and our children this occurs daily.
This day is also the anniversary of Ruby Ridge 1992, Waco 1993 and could have easily been the day of the Columbine School shooting that occurred April 20th 1999. I know people personally effected by one or more of these events. My thoughts an prayers are with them during this time. A special prayer goes out to Amy.
my flow can part a sea
I am simply tired.
I am tired of living like this.
I am tired of getting my gut ripped out from under me.
I feel all alone in this house.
I am on the edge of just falling.
Falling into something I'm not ready for.
I am not ready to go.
I am not ready to go.
But sometimes you just have to think
that something has to be on the otherside.
Freedom, a chance to breathe
because surrounded in these dry wall walls are cutting off my air supply.
and i feel something fatal coming on.
I drift, drift, drift, drift, drift...
--Pea
Friday, April 17, 2009
Wacky Fact Friday!!!
Today is Wacky Facts of the Body...
1. During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.
Saliva plays an important part in beginning the digestive process and keeping the mouth lubricated, and your mouth produces quite a bit of it on a daily basis.
2. The surface area of a human lung is equal to a tennis court!!
In order to more efficiently oxygenate the blood, the lungs are filled with thousands of branching bronchi and tiny, grape-like alveoli. These are filled with microscopic capillaries which oxygen and carbon dioxide. The large amount of surface area makes it easier for this exchange to take place, and makes sure you stay properly oxygenated at all times.
3. The human body is estimated to have 60,000 miles of blood vessels.
To put that in perspective, the distance around the earth is about 25,000 miles, making the distance your blood vessels could travel if laid end to end more than two times around the earth.
4. Babies are, pound for pound, stronger than an ox.
While a baby certainly couldn’t pull a covered wagon at its present size, if the child were the size of an oxen it just might very well be able to. Babies have especially strong and powerful legs for such tiny creatures, so watch out for those kicks.
5. The ashes of a cremated person average about 9 pounds.
A big part of what gives the human body weight is the water trapped in our cells. Once cremated, that water and a majority of our tissues are destroyed, leaving little behind.
6. Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
If you’ve seen the Matrix you are aware of the energy potentially generated by the human body. Our bodies expend a large amount of calories keeping us at a steady 98.6 degrees, enough to boil water or even cook pasta.
7. Your body has enough iron in it to make a nail 3 inches long
Anyone who has ever tasted blood knows that it has a slightly metallic taste. This is due to the high levels of iron in the blood. If you were to take all of this iron out of the body, you’d have enough to make a small nail and very severe anemia.
8. We are about1cm taller in the morning than in the evening.
The cartilage between our bones gets compressed by standing, sitting and other daily activities as the day goes on, making us just a little shorter at the end of the day than at the beginning.
9. Everyone has a unique smell, except for identical twins.
Newborns are able to recognize the smell of thier mothers and many of us can pinpoint the smell of our significant others and those we are close to. Part of that smell is determined by genetics, but it's also largely due to environment, diet and personal hygiene products that create a unique chemistry for each person.
10. You could remove a large part of your internal organs and survive.
The human body may appear fragile but it’s possible to survive even with the removal of the stomach, the spleen, 75 percent of the liver, 80 percent of the intestines, one kidney, one lung, and virtually every organ from the pelvic and groin area. You might not feel too great, but the missing organs wouldn’t kill you.
Interested?? Find these facts in the list of 100 Very Cool Facts About The Human Body
1. During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.
Saliva plays an important part in beginning the digestive process and keeping the mouth lubricated, and your mouth produces quite a bit of it on a daily basis.
2. The surface area of a human lung is equal to a tennis court!!
In order to more efficiently oxygenate the blood, the lungs are filled with thousands of branching bronchi and tiny, grape-like alveoli. These are filled with microscopic capillaries which oxygen and carbon dioxide. The large amount of surface area makes it easier for this exchange to take place, and makes sure you stay properly oxygenated at all times.
3. The human body is estimated to have 60,000 miles of blood vessels.
To put that in perspective, the distance around the earth is about 25,000 miles, making the distance your blood vessels could travel if laid end to end more than two times around the earth.
4. Babies are, pound for pound, stronger than an ox.
While a baby certainly couldn’t pull a covered wagon at its present size, if the child were the size of an oxen it just might very well be able to. Babies have especially strong and powerful legs for such tiny creatures, so watch out for those kicks.
5. The ashes of a cremated person average about 9 pounds.
A big part of what gives the human body weight is the water trapped in our cells. Once cremated, that water and a majority of our tissues are destroyed, leaving little behind.
6. Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
If you’ve seen the Matrix you are aware of the energy potentially generated by the human body. Our bodies expend a large amount of calories keeping us at a steady 98.6 degrees, enough to boil water or even cook pasta.
7. Your body has enough iron in it to make a nail 3 inches long
Anyone who has ever tasted blood knows that it has a slightly metallic taste. This is due to the high levels of iron in the blood. If you were to take all of this iron out of the body, you’d have enough to make a small nail and very severe anemia.
8. We are about1cm taller in the morning than in the evening.
The cartilage between our bones gets compressed by standing, sitting and other daily activities as the day goes on, making us just a little shorter at the end of the day than at the beginning.
9. Everyone has a unique smell, except for identical twins.
Newborns are able to recognize the smell of thier mothers and many of us can pinpoint the smell of our significant others and those we are close to. Part of that smell is determined by genetics, but it's also largely due to environment, diet and personal hygiene products that create a unique chemistry for each person.
10. You could remove a large part of your internal organs and survive.
The human body may appear fragile but it’s possible to survive even with the removal of the stomach, the spleen, 75 percent of the liver, 80 percent of the intestines, one kidney, one lung, and virtually every organ from the pelvic and groin area. You might not feel too great, but the missing organs wouldn’t kill you.
Interested?? Find these facts in the list of 100 Very Cool Facts About The Human Body
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Anniversary!
Today is the 2nd Anniversary of the VT shooting! I remember thisday as if it was yesterday. The one thing I remember thinking as it
was taken place was "doesn't any of the students have a concealed
handgun permit" I said to myself if I was a student there I would
put a cap in his ass if he came anywhere near me because I would be carrying.
Now, people reading this don't go get your panties or boxers in a wad. I'm not advocating people shooting people, but I do believe in self defense and the 2nd amendment.
I completely support college campuses changing their rules on not carrying on campus. I believe everyone has a 2nd amendment right to protect themselves against others even if they are in college. If you are paying 50k to get an education you should have the right to carry and protect yourself from others who could care less about your education
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Apparently April is the month to let everyone aware of important issues. Alcohol use is not funny, but I could not resist the comic above.When many people think of alcohol abusers, they picture teenagers sneaking drinks before high school football games or at unsupervised parties. However, alcohol abuse is prevalent within many demographic groups in the United States. People who abuse alcohol can be:
College students who binge drink at local bars.
Pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome.
Professionals who drink after a long day of work.
Senior citizens who drink out of loneliness.
In 2007, more than one fifth (23.3 percent) of persons aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking at least once in the 30 days prior to taking SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This translates to about 57.8 million people. The rate in 2007 is similar to the rate in 2006 (23.0 percent).
To recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse, April is designated “Alcohol Awareness Month.”
If you suspect that you might have a drinking problem, or you know someone who abuses alcohol, please contact SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7.
Information taken from the site below.
For more details please visit: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Write Your Own Damn Blog!
A man is wearing a blue shirt. A group of catty women are standing nearby when another man comes along and asks what color the mans shirt is. The women each have a different answer: aqua, sky blue, sea green, baby blue, purple. <---Of course, purple came from the chic who only sees what she wants.
They all see the same shirt, but their perceptions of said shirt are all different. This is true in all matters in our lives. What I may see as hilarious, you may see as stupid.
With that being said...my thoughts, memories and views probably won't be the same as yours. Even if I'm talking about something that you were there for...I may remember it a different way than you.
You are certainly welcome to add your views and perceptions to the comment section, but you are not welcome to debate my memories with me. If you have a problem with what I've written, you can write your own damn blog!
This blog isn't intended to offend anyone. It's just a place for me to write and share things and a place for y'all to be entertained.
--Just a Chic
They all see the same shirt, but their perceptions of said shirt are all different. This is true in all matters in our lives. What I may see as hilarious, you may see as stupid.
With that being said...my thoughts, memories and views probably won't be the same as yours. Even if I'm talking about something that you were there for...I may remember it a different way than you.
You are certainly welcome to add your views and perceptions to the comment section, but you are not welcome to debate my memories with me. If you have a problem with what I've written, you can write your own damn blog!
This blog isn't intended to offend anyone. It's just a place for me to write and share things and a place for y'all to be entertained.
--Just a Chic
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I Stand all Amazed
The video speaks for itself. If you have time to watch the video it is worth it. No words from me needed.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Being Black in the Work Place
They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant ! if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate.
Yet, constantly I am faced with work place hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK". Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you ask?
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant ! if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate.
Yet, constantly I am faced with work place hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK". Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you ask?
I am that Strong Black Person...
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements, with anerect spine pointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respectwhich lets the work place in America know, that I not only possessthe ability to play by the rules, but I can make them as well!
Black History 365
~ Arthur Unknown ~
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements, with anerect spine pointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respectwhich lets the work place in America know, that I not only possessthe ability to play by the rules, but I can make them as well!
Black History 365
~ Arthur Unknown ~
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Only 17
LIFE WAS HARD
THEIR WERE UPS AND THEIR WERE DOWNS
WHAT CHANGED
DEATH
ONLY 17
HE WAS BORN
HE WAS SAVED MONTHS BEFORE
THE END
WHAT CHANGED
DEATH
ONLY 17
HE WAS GIVEN A CHOICE AT THE END
HE CHOSE THE BULLET
OVER GIVING UP HIS MONEY
WHAT CHANGED
DEATH
ONLY 17
HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF
HE WAS SAVED
WHAT CHANGED
LOVE
ONLY 17
----PRES 3/27/1994 Sunday 4:00PM
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A Strong Black Woman
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT A DISEASE?
WELL, IF IT IS,I SURE HOPE IT'S CATCHING
BECAUSE THEY NEED TO POUR IT INTO A BOTTLE,
LABEL IT, AND SPRINKLE IT
ALL OVER THE PEOPLE~ MEN AND WOMEN~WHO
EVER LOVED OR CRIED, WORKED OR DIED
FOR ANY ONE OF US.
SO...WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT A CRIME? ARREST ME! BECAUSE I'M STRONG, BUT I'M GENTLE.
I'M SMART,BUT I'M LEARNING, I'M LOVING, BUT I'M HATEFUL.
AND I LIKE TO WORK BECAUSE I LIKE TO EAT AND FEED AND CLOTHE
AND HOUSE ME, MINE, AND YOURS AND EVERYBODYS,
LIKE I'VE BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST
300 YEARS.
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT INSANE? COMMITT ME!
BECAUSE I WANT THE HAPPINESS,
NOT TEARS; TRUTHS, NOT
LIES; PLEASURE NOT PAIN;
SUNSHINE, NOT RAIN;
A MAN, NOT A CHILD!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT A SIN? PRAY FOR ME! AND PRAY FOR YOU TOO, IF YOU DON'T LIKE WOMEN OF COLOR BECAUSE WE ARE... MIDNIGHT BLACK, CHESTNUT BROWN, HONEY BRONZED, CHOCOLATE COVERED, COCOA DIPPED, BIGGED LIPPED, BIG HIPPED, BIG BREASTED, AND BEAUTIFUL ALL AT THE SAME TIME! SO...WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
DOES IT BOTHER YOU THAT MUCH BECAUSE
I WANT A MAN WHO WANTS ME...LOVES ME AND TRUSTS ME, AND RESPECTS ME
AND GIVES ME EVERYTHING BECAUSE I
GIVE HIM EVERYTHING BACK, PLUS!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
I'VE GOT RIGHTS, SAME AS YOU!
I HAVE WORKED FOR THEM, DIED FOR THEM, LIED FOR THEM, PLAYED AND LAID
FOR THEM, ON EVERY PLANTATION FROM ALABAMA TO BOSTON AND BACK!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
I LOVE ME, AND I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME TOO, BUT I AM, AS I'VE ALWAYS
BEEN, NEAR YOU, CLOSE TO YOU, BESIDE YOU, STRONG, GIVING, LOVING,
FOR OVER 300 YEARS,
YOUR BLACK WOMAN... LOVE ME!
IS IT A DISEASE?
WELL, IF IT IS,I SURE HOPE IT'S CATCHING
BECAUSE THEY NEED TO POUR IT INTO A BOTTLE,
LABEL IT, AND SPRINKLE IT
ALL OVER THE PEOPLE~ MEN AND WOMEN~WHO
EVER LOVED OR CRIED, WORKED OR DIED
FOR ANY ONE OF US.
SO...WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT A CRIME? ARREST ME! BECAUSE I'M STRONG, BUT I'M GENTLE.
I'M SMART,BUT I'M LEARNING, I'M LOVING, BUT I'M HATEFUL.
AND I LIKE TO WORK BECAUSE I LIKE TO EAT AND FEED AND CLOTHE
AND HOUSE ME, MINE, AND YOURS AND EVERYBODYS,
LIKE I'VE BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST
300 YEARS.
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT INSANE? COMMITT ME!
BECAUSE I WANT THE HAPPINESS,
NOT TEARS; TRUTHS, NOT
LIES; PLEASURE NOT PAIN;
SUNSHINE, NOT RAIN;
A MAN, NOT A CHILD!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
IS IT A SIN? PRAY FOR ME! AND PRAY FOR YOU TOO, IF YOU DON'T LIKE WOMEN OF COLOR BECAUSE WE ARE... MIDNIGHT BLACK, CHESTNUT BROWN, HONEY BRONZED, CHOCOLATE COVERED, COCOA DIPPED, BIGGED LIPPED, BIG HIPPED, BIG BREASTED, AND BEAUTIFUL ALL AT THE SAME TIME! SO...WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
DOES IT BOTHER YOU THAT MUCH BECAUSE
I WANT A MAN WHO WANTS ME...LOVES ME AND TRUSTS ME, AND RESPECTS ME
AND GIVES ME EVERYTHING BECAUSE I
GIVE HIM EVERYTHING BACK, PLUS!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
I'VE GOT RIGHTS, SAME AS YOU!
I HAVE WORKED FOR THEM, DIED FOR THEM, LIED FOR THEM, PLAYED AND LAID
FOR THEM, ON EVERY PLANTATION FROM ALABAMA TO BOSTON AND BACK!
WHAT IF I AM A BLACK WOMAN?
I LOVE ME, AND I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME TOO, BUT I AM, AS I'VE ALWAYS
BEEN, NEAR YOU, CLOSE TO YOU, BESIDE YOU, STRONG, GIVING, LOVING,
FOR OVER 300 YEARS,
YOUR BLACK WOMAN... LOVE ME!
-Author Unknown
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
World Autism Awareness Day April 2nd
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.
Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital. At the same time, a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form of the disorder that is now known as Asperger Syndrome. These two disorders are listed in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as two of the five developmental disorders that fall under the autism spectrum disorders. The others are Rett Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. All of these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors.
Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will “catch up,” and may advise parents to “wait and see.” New research shows that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism.
For more information please visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
You will find a lot of information on Autism at the site above along with other links.
What to do about it? http://www.autismspeaks.org/whattodo/index.php
How to cope? http://www.autismspeaks.org/howtocope/index.php
How to grow with it? http://www.autismspeaks.org/howtogrow/index.php
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Goddess' Chant
I am all women, I am every woman.
Wherever women are suffering,
I am there.
Wherever woman are struggling,
I am there.
Wherever woman are fighting for their liberation,
I am there.
I am at the bedside of the woman giving birth,
screaming in labor;
I am with the women selling their bodies
in third world countries
so that her children may eat;
I am with the woman selling her
body in the streets of American cities
to feed the habit she acquired
from her boyfriend.
I am with the woman who never sees
the light outside her kitchen;
I am with the woman who never sees
the light outside her factory;
I am with the woman whose fingers
are still from endless typing and
whose legs ache from the high heels
she must wear to please her boss.
I am with the woman bleeding to death
on the kitchen table
of a quack abortionist;
I am with the woman answering
endless questions of
the inquisitive caseworkers;
and I am with the caseworkers,
whose dreams of making a new
social order have long been smothered
in the endless bureaucracy,
the endless forms, the racism of their superiors.
I am with the beauty queen
painting her face and spraying
her hair with poison;
I am with the black prostitute
straightening her hair
and lightening her skin;
I am with the young child
for whom an apron is the only thing
she has been taught to dream of;
I am at the hospital where a
beaten child is being treated for wounds
caused by a mother driven
by desperation past sanity,
past compassion;
I am with the fourty-five-year-old file clerk,
raped and strangled in her one-room walkup.
I am with all women; I am all women,
and our struggle grows
I am with the welfare mothers
who will not be turned away
by the indifferent legislators;
I am with the airline stewardesses
fighting to retain their jobs
after they reach thirty
and their market value has decreased;
I am with the sistah hexing Wall Street
and the bridal fairs and the beauty contests;
I am with women struggling everywhere.
And where there are women too beaten down to fight,
I will be there;
and we will take strength together.
Everywhere: for we will have a new world,
a just world, a world without
oppression and degradation.
The Goddess' Chant from Everywoman
Past, Present, and Future
In honor of April, National Poetry Month.
Excerpt from the play: THE LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMMAS, OR, THE LIBERATION OF WOMEN AS PERFORMED BY THE INMATES OF THE WORLD (1969) This play was performed at the founding convention of the Chicago Women's Liberation Union. A play performed by an entire audience, and by Marylee A., Ellen A., Amy C., Pat M. Sherry Jenkins, Amy Kesselman, Naomi Weisstein (1969)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Labels
Sooooooo check this out!
I think this will be my best blog yet.
I've been surfing the net a lot lately and have taken notice that I have a lot of fans and a lot of enemies out there. How could that be I'm a Princess. LOL
Here's the deal. I was checking out this one website that doesn't even deserve me to mention it, so I will refer to him as the unstable blogger on Blogger, that has a nice ring to it. As some of you have noticed he follows my blog I feel honored. Not only do I feel honored, but apparently he loves me because he has spoken of me on his blog more than himself. I would like to say thank you unstable blogger. As I checked out his labels because nothing else on his site was interesting I saw that I have been mentioned 85 times and that does not include other labels that have my name on it. That is more than anything he has ever blogged about. What was his life like before I entered the picture? He appears to be a very lonely man who needs lots of attention and confirmation. He has only blogged about himself (all about me) 34 times. Does this tell a story that goes deeper than we know?
I think this will be my best blog yet.
I've been surfing the net a lot lately and have taken notice that I have a lot of fans and a lot of enemies out there. How could that be I'm a Princess. LOL
Here's the deal. I was checking out this one website that doesn't even deserve me to mention it, so I will refer to him as the unstable blogger on Blogger, that has a nice ring to it. As some of you have noticed he follows my blog I feel honored. Not only do I feel honored, but apparently he loves me because he has spoken of me on his blog more than himself. I would like to say thank you unstable blogger. As I checked out his labels because nothing else on his site was interesting I saw that I have been mentioned 85 times and that does not include other labels that have my name on it. That is more than anything he has ever blogged about. What was his life like before I entered the picture? He appears to be a very lonely man who needs lots of attention and confirmation. He has only blogged about himself (all about me) 34 times. Does this tell a story that goes deeper than we know?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A friend in need is a friend in deed.
Immmmm baaaack!
Yes and this time I'm talking about friends..... how many of us have them? friends.....ones we can depend on.
Just the other day I was thinking about my friends and having conversations with a few of my so called friends.
When I am in need of assistance from my friends, it's often difficult to ask and be exposed as "Human" and interdependent upon others. That is the hardest part. and it's also the part that makes me wonder how good of a friend am I.
So I considered for a while am I one of those so called friends who can only befriend someone in need? I can be that friend who can come to the rescue and save the day. I can cheer a pal who's down, I can lend a helping hand sometimes even to my own detriment. I'm a great friend in need. But am I a friend in deed?
Check this out. as I examine my inner most places, I discovered that I carry expectations. Expectations of reciprocation of intent and deed. When I'm in need, I look to my friends to be the friend that I am. I expect them to cheer me, to put themselves aside to assist me in my time of lack, to act in my stead as a champion of my best interest. no matter the personal cost to them excusing emanate detriment. Fair? NO absolutely not. When they do not come thru in the way that I would have them, I am upset, sad and sometimes angry at them simply for not being me and doing what I would have done. So why all the introspection? Why not. perhaps the world would be a better and more authentic place if it were such that more of us interdependent humans spent more time inside our selves than elsewhere. Could it be that "friendship" is a comfortable concept that has been accepted by the masses to qualify our innate interdependent nature, while preserving our fragile ego-ideals?
I think I'll be spending some time pondering this concept and get back to you all in a while. till then......keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.""
Yes and this time I'm talking about friends..... how many of us have them? friends.....ones we can depend on.
Just the other day I was thinking about my friends and having conversations with a few of my so called friends.
When I am in need of assistance from my friends, it's often difficult to ask and be exposed as "Human" and interdependent upon others. That is the hardest part. and it's also the part that makes me wonder how good of a friend am I.
So I considered for a while am I one of those so called friends who can only befriend someone in need? I can be that friend who can come to the rescue and save the day. I can cheer a pal who's down, I can lend a helping hand sometimes even to my own detriment. I'm a great friend in need. But am I a friend in deed?
Check this out. as I examine my inner most places, I discovered that I carry expectations. Expectations of reciprocation of intent and deed. When I'm in need, I look to my friends to be the friend that I am. I expect them to cheer me, to put themselves aside to assist me in my time of lack, to act in my stead as a champion of my best interest. no matter the personal cost to them excusing emanate detriment. Fair? NO absolutely not. When they do not come thru in the way that I would have them, I am upset, sad and sometimes angry at them simply for not being me and doing what I would have done. So why all the introspection? Why not. perhaps the world would be a better and more authentic place if it were such that more of us interdependent humans spent more time inside our selves than elsewhere. Could it be that "friendship" is a comfortable concept that has been accepted by the masses to qualify our innate interdependent nature, while preserving our fragile ego-ideals?
I think I'll be spending some time pondering this concept and get back to you all in a while. till then......keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.""
Thursday, March 19, 2009
a lil sumthin that needs to come out
At this point I have so many questions. What is the meaning of Love? What is the structure of an exciting love story in contemporary times? And once the story commences how do you keep it going? How can we trust what seems real, or for that matter, how can we trust anything these days? Nothing seems to be built to last: cars, clothes, dental crowns and especially relationships. With the high divorce and infidelity rates, marriage seems like a bad bet even for people with gambling addiction. The phrase serial monogamy sounds too much like a Curable STD. Should we not have a collections of loves and/or marriages: one for sex and one for kids, one for therapy, one for companionship and maybe a Las Vegas one for fun.
I know things have changed since the 1950's especially with gender roles shifting, blurring and smearing. Women juggle the stress of careerism with the gravity of biology with a sense of truncated liberation and Men heed to the duty to provide at the risk of emotional impairment and hesitating masculinity.
The way and how we communicate these days is so conducive to the impersonal and emotional fakery. Emails/texting is such a contraceptional prophylactic agency of deception and detachment, where the virtual is virtually everywhere, competing vociferously with the staleness of a pedestrian reality. And in the land of Internet Connections, ithis and ithat, where busy people meet, and check in about their day, find out how someone is coping with their self doubt and insecurities there is insidious vapor of self-centeredness and faux connections that impede the journey to the things that we all say we want: Love and Intimacy.
I know how to love children, nature, friends, objects, things, ideas and dreams. But to love a man is something different, I am learning. It is more art and not mathematics. It is spiritual and not political. It is magical not didactical. It is a gigantic leap of faith not a calculated formula that lands one in the lap of safety and comfort. I realized that the thirst for knowledge and truth at the expense of magic destroys the spirit, blemishes the art and spoils the palate. I know first hand the failure of theory over practice, talking over hugging, and dreaming over living. As I engage my partner in the journey for love , I must simply love more from the heart and less from the mind and realize that a whisper can be more powerful than a roar and that small steps can be more meaningful than gigantic ones. But am I willing to sacrifice and dwell in places of famine and scarcity for this love and keep waiting, remaining open and not give up and not relenting to the adversary who is impudence, impotent connection, desperation? The answer is most certainly, YES.
I know patience is essential and preparedness is foundational, however the wait is killing me! Images of a past life suggest that I was a healer and that I was much too busy...or made myself to appear that way, to love and be open...My love was exhibited in the service that I constantly found myself in to those who were in need of easing of pain and suffering from life's insidious diseases and ailments. Today I suffer the ailment of heartsickness, red eyes and swollen nasal passages are clinical presentations of the deeper ailment. My prescription, to stand fast. To experience what the Sufi call "weathering that which wears you down, a firing of the soul and spirit" I know this to be true....what I possess is real, what I am able to co-create is real, and love....be it the search for such or the abandonment of the same is timeless.
I hope to apply the examples of times' greatest lovers in my journey, and that others will find a way to do the same.
I know things have changed since the 1950's especially with gender roles shifting, blurring and smearing. Women juggle the stress of careerism with the gravity of biology with a sense of truncated liberation and Men heed to the duty to provide at the risk of emotional impairment and hesitating masculinity.
The way and how we communicate these days is so conducive to the impersonal and emotional fakery. Emails/texting is such a contraceptional prophylactic agency of deception and detachment, where the virtual is virtually everywhere, competing vociferously with the staleness of a pedestrian reality. And in the land of Internet Connections, ithis and ithat, where busy people meet, and check in about their day, find out how someone is coping with their self doubt and insecurities there is insidious vapor of self-centeredness and faux connections that impede the journey to the things that we all say we want: Love and Intimacy.
I know how to love children, nature, friends, objects, things, ideas and dreams. But to love a man is something different, I am learning. It is more art and not mathematics. It is spiritual and not political. It is magical not didactical. It is a gigantic leap of faith not a calculated formula that lands one in the lap of safety and comfort. I realized that the thirst for knowledge and truth at the expense of magic destroys the spirit, blemishes the art and spoils the palate. I know first hand the failure of theory over practice, talking over hugging, and dreaming over living. As I engage my partner in the journey for love , I must simply love more from the heart and less from the mind and realize that a whisper can be more powerful than a roar and that small steps can be more meaningful than gigantic ones. But am I willing to sacrifice and dwell in places of famine and scarcity for this love and keep waiting, remaining open and not give up and not relenting to the adversary who is impudence, impotent connection, desperation? The answer is most certainly, YES.
I know patience is essential and preparedness is foundational, however the wait is killing me! Images of a past life suggest that I was a healer and that I was much too busy...or made myself to appear that way, to love and be open...My love was exhibited in the service that I constantly found myself in to those who were in need of easing of pain and suffering from life's insidious diseases and ailments. Today I suffer the ailment of heartsickness, red eyes and swollen nasal passages are clinical presentations of the deeper ailment. My prescription, to stand fast. To experience what the Sufi call "weathering that which wears you down, a firing of the soul and spirit" I know this to be true....what I possess is real, what I am able to co-create is real, and love....be it the search for such or the abandonment of the same is timeless.
I hope to apply the examples of times' greatest lovers in my journey, and that others will find a way to do the same.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
