Dec 27, 2004

Bit slippery on the way to work. And of course, there's the hot-shots with them big ol' plows on the front jes wantin' ya to git outta the way coz they's got some bucks to make fer they git to the taproom tonite. Um, excuse me? That dark patch up there. That's ice. It don't care that you got you a big ol' plow on the front. Spin you like a top anyway. So I'm taking my time to get to my destination, mkay? Because I allowed travel time for the weather conditions. And I don't feel like testing out my airbag, thankuverymuch.

I'd also like to get back home in one piece.

So git offa my ass!

Dec 21, 2004

Ah, the Fates are screwing with me again. A water pipe broke in this cold snap. but fortunately I was home when in happened, that short break between clients. I can't imagine what a nightmare I would have come home to if it had happened while I was gone. So thank you, Fates, for that at least. And it's a pipe that's in the garage, so I won't need it until the Spring thaw.

Now I just have to figure out who, how, and what I need to do to fix the damn thing. Home maintenance is not my forte, and brings with it one of the few times I wish there was a man around the house not of the feline kind.

Dec 11, 2004

Gave an advance on allowance to buy some presents for me, grandparents, teachers and friends with a "stern admonishment" to budget it and get me a decent present. So what does she do? Out of $50.00, she spends about $32.00 on herself.

Where did I go wrong?

Dec 1, 2004

Oh please. Why would they put the damn thing in the middle of his back? Wouldn't the waist hide it better. Cripes.

Besides, you'd undoubtedly keep hearing him go "What? Is this thing on?"

Nov 28, 2004

What is it with parents?

Don't want your kid to do drugs? Don't do drugs. Don't want them to smoke? Don't smoke. Worried about sex? Don't be parading your latest "friend" who you've known for less than a week in and out of your bedroom. Don't want your kid shot-gunning the booze every weekend? Don't spend your Friday nights getting wasted yourself.

"Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work. Kids spot the hypocracy. You didn't raise them to be stupid, did you?

You want to continue your carefree, party-centered life? Don't have kids. Keep it zipped. Act responsibly.

You're the adult, remember? You came first. You will always set the example. For better or worse.

Nov 27, 2004

Waiting the long wait for the pip to get her room cleaned. It's already past the hour the banks close, so there will be no cash for the hoagie she wants to eat today, unless she's got the cash to buy it. 6.5 hours and counting since she got up and started the job. What the hell's she got in there?

Nov 25, 2004

Happy Thanksgiving. I'm down with the first of the season's colds. But that means a quiet day with no overstuffing, so there is a silver lining.

Nov 20, 2004

I so admire those that can blog every day and still make their life seem so interesting.

It's a rainy day, the kind of day that I love to spend in a bookstore. But we were at a benefit last night and my usual "pass out around 9 wake up at 11" routine was interrupted. So today has been a dragging my feet day, a do a chore, nap, do a chore, nap, kind of day. Did manage to perk up enough to run out for pizza and movies, so I'm off to watch Stepford Wives, Raising Helen and another one word movie with Ashley Judd I can't remember the name off. Oh yeah, Twisted.

Nov 13, 2004

Another sunny but windy and cold Saturday. Housework to do, but I'm sick of the damn broken vacuum cleaner. Maybe I'll just go buy one, but it's nice to have some money in the bank for a change, and there are other things that need to be paid. Deciding what and when is a constant juggling act, and I never was all that coordinated.

Nov 8, 2004

"Kerry won. Here's the facts."

Now, why am I not surprised? It would be nice, with all the damn phone calls I got about getting out to vote, if those votes would actually be counted. I don't care who it's for - if you vote, your vote should count.

Nov 7, 2004

How to give the cat a pill

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks. As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.

13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for SPCA to collect cat and ring local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.


How to give the dog a pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.

Nov 6, 2004

Fear Trumps Reason: "This generation of young people must bear the brunt of whatever comes now, whether it be the draft which seems to be inevitable, the financial burden of a ballooning deficit, or the struggle for survival in a degraded environment. "

And next time, instead of just registering to vote, they might actually go out and do it.

Don't Mourn, Organize: "Think about how you can lend a hand to the amazing myriad efforts that will promptly break out to help the country recover from what it has done to itself. Now is the time. Don't mourn, organize."

Oct 2, 2004

Well, Zoot, I don't know about that site you've linked either. Yes it raises money, but it really doesn't do much to illustrate the impact of breast cancer.

Where are the pictures of those not fortunate enought to still have what they were born with? What shows the physical impact of a mastectomy? Where do they celebrate the battle scars? They may be raising money, but this site is a terrible blow to those who no longer have what it so vividly displays.

Excellent fundraiser? I'd have to vote "no". And a big "yes" to incredibly insensitive.

Sep 28, 2004

Oh, I just love it when the average joe,... uh, jane... uh, Patti wins. (Who is anything but average...)

You go, girl!

Sep 26, 2004

The Enigma has just cleaned her room. And I mean cleaned. There's actually a rug in there. That one can see.

And she did her laundry. And she put her dishes in the dishwasher. And she picked up after herself.

I suspect this new school has made this improvement.

Either that, or they sent home the clone by mistake.

Sep 18, 2004

"Bradford was given a gift, and he threw it back. If a company gets an advantage, Trump seemed to be saying, that company is smart enough to run with it. No big executive takes a gift given to his company and says 'Yeah, that's great, but I'm such hot stuff I don't need it.' You take every advantage you can and are grateful for them. You may not get another."

And this is why I love The Apprentice. Where else can you get such an education in business for free?

You killed my son."

"Sapir Niederer was charged with defiant trespassing, even though she had a ticket to the rally."

This is free speech? A lone woman with an incriminating t-shirt and a voice. How much do you think you can hide, G? Are you so used to the life of privilege that daddy provided for you that you think you're entitled to it everywhere you go? That all the unpleasantness can be swept under the rug?

People want answers. "Wazz'n me" ain't it.

Sep 16, 2004

From that Crazy Neighbor Lady, via the Linkmeister , who wants to know if anyone else remembers numbers from their past.

2-12-30 the combo to my high school locker (late 60's) I was terrified of not being able to open my locker, being late for class, getting into trouble. Still haunts me.

EL-7-7100 My mother's number at work. I was a latchkey kid, way back on the days when few women worked outside of the home. She did get the summer's off, though, when I was out of school, to keep me out of trouble. Yeah, right.

As for everything else - total blanks. Even the current stuff. Thank the Goddess for pda's.

Sep 12, 2004

Cider Press Hill has broken out the crockpot now that there's a bit of a chill in the air.

One of my favorite cold weather dishes is Cincinatti Chili. Easy to make, with the sweet/spicy/Christmasy tang of cinnamon and cloves and a cocoa surprise. Served over thin spaghetti, it's filling and good for the blood. I recently found a crockpot recipe for it and am eager to give it a try.

Cincinnatti Chili
2 lbs. ground beef
2 c. water
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
2 T. chili powder
2 lg. cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 red pepper, cracked
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
5 whole allspice *
5 whole cloves *
1 bay leaf * (Put * items in a cheesecloth bag)
Kidney beans (drained and heated slightly)
Chopped onions
Grated Cheddar cheese

Brown the ground beef, then put in crock pot with water, tomato paste, chopped onion, chili powder, garlic, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper, cocoa, Worchestershire sauce, and the cheesecloth bag of spices. Cook 8 hours on low. Add beans and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve over thin spaghetti and layer with chopped onions and cheese. 6 cups.

Can also be used for chili dogs. Yum!

Sep 11, 2004

"IF — IF these end up being forgeries, one of the interesting subplots will be the timing and method by which they were exposed. We always favor looking at the content and substance over WHO is offering up the information, but in the war that will ensue about WHO gave CBS the potentially phony documents, it is interesting to Note that the right (Drudge, Fox, right-leaning blogs, others) led the way in pointing out the questions we have all been asking — and they were onto the questions, with remarkable detail, relatively soon after the documents were made public. "

Sep 10, 2004

"This nation's future is not about capturing or not-capturing any one mad-dog terrorist. It's not even entirely about any one Texan in the White House. Instead, it's about what is really in our hearts. Are we a nation ready to cede our power completely, with neither check nor balance, to misleading zealots?"

Read the issues. Discuss the issues. Debate the issues. Damn the issues, even. Just Vote.

I am indebted to several bloggers for the reminder that Gen. Tommy Franks, according to Bob Woodward, once called Doug Feith "the dumbest f—-ing guy on the planet."

"The fact that the Republicans chose not only to render the increasing pain of increasing millions invisible but to use it as a punchline tells you all you need to know about the current mindset of the Grand Old Party. And, even more importantly, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for the Kerry campaign to stop defending itself against the flip-flopping caricature of Kerry that Rove has created and start defining who George Bush really is -- a callous leader whose regressive policies have made America a crueler and more dangerous place. "

Some applaud, others cringe as schools get tough on unruly pupils : "The charges were ultimately dismissed, but 'to push a child of that age into the criminal justice system seemed ludicrous,' Levick said. 'Nobody wants their kids to go to a school with dangerous students ... But we don't seem to have figured out yet how to do the sorting of which kids are dangerous, and which aren't.'"

Then work on that, not just on booting them out the door.

It's far too easy for the schools to turn their backs on kids who don't fit the "stay in your seat, fold your hands, stare straight ahead" form of education. Most parents are unaware of their child's right to an individualized educational placement - which means if the school doesn't have a class that fits your child's needs, they have to find it or create it. Few parents realize the options they have. It isn't just Door Number 1 or Door Number 2. It's that if your child needs it, they better be giving you Door Numer 3.

I'm so tired of school programs that focus on building the physical so they can create a sports hero while neglecting the mental that could find a cure for cancer, or AIDS, or world hunger, or corrupt government - something that extends beyond the rah-rah glory of the field and then we could care less what happens to you, you're not our golden boy any more.

Kids are "unruly" for a reason. There may be no supervision at home, too little to eat, no affection or attention. Ridicule in the hallways, or from teachers themselves. Don't just push these kids out to a virtual wasteland. Work on fixing the problem, not building a better band-aid.

Expel them and they won't be disrupting your class any more.

They'll be in the parking lot stealing your car.

Sep 6, 2004

Monday Madness

1. Please tell us a little bit about your job (or your classes).

Helping Luddites integrate technology into their offices.

2. Do you enjoy your job?

Sometimes. Sometimes I wonder "what was I thinking?"

3. What would make your job more satisfying for you?

Steady work at a decent compensation with a lot of flexibility.

4. Name one thing you don't like about your job.

When the people that hire me aren't ready to take a realistic look at what they need and what they must do to get there.

5. Do you feel you are compensated adequately for what you do?

Are you kidding?

6. Any thoughts on social security and health benefits?

Both are joke. One big joke. They must benefit somebody, but it ain't me.

7. What are your thoughts on the current minimum wage?

The biggest joke of all. Who can live on that?

8. What kind of advice do you (or would you) give your children regarding their future and their career choices?

Never stop educating yourself, do something you love, and always be the boss.

9. What is your 'dream job?'

I just can't put my finger on it. It involves teaching, it involves writing, it involves streamlining small/home business processes at little cost.

10. At what age will you be (or were you) able to retire?

Dead.

Caution.

Never leave an open laptop and an unattended rabbit in the same room.


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"... crime itself should be taken as evidence of brain abnormality, even if no abnormality can be found, and criminals treated as incapable of having acted otherwise."

Is free will an illsion? Is all we need do is claim "I didn't do it, it's my brain's fault?" How do you determine those truly clueless about their behaviour and those who are cunningly aware?

Sep 4, 2004

Weekend Wonderings

1. If given a choice, which century would you live in?

This one. Although there are fascinating things about previous centuries, there have never been so many opportunites that affect the world as in this one. The internet and the simple act of blogging has done so much to make the world a smaller place, to show us our "differences" aren't often all that different.

2. If you could make time stand still for everyone else in the world except you, what would you do?

Stop every crime against humanity in process. And tie Georgy-boy's shoelaces together.

3. If you were given magical powers for one hour how would you change the world?

Give everyone a good meal and a safe place to sleep.

Sep 3, 2004

Watched Big Brother last night and there was a portion of the episode I found disturbing. Marvin embarked on a campaign to break up the kissy-kissy alliance between Drew and Diane. A smart move on his part, and Marvin's all about the game. His method is to create jealousy. A simple kiss, in full view of Cowboy, was the weapon of choice. Cowboy, of course, took the bait (little suck-up that he is) and went running to Drew, embellishing all the way. All predictable, with predictable results.

Almost.

Drew confronts Diane. He choses to fully believe Cowboy, who cloaks his insinuations with a good ol boy shrug, instead of the person for whom he professes to care .

And I saw, in that confrontation between Diane and Drew, a sign that too many women ignore. The mark of an abuser.

Drew, with total seriousness, told Diane he wanted to end it. She was incredulous. As her eyes start to tear he just sits there, his face a mask of finality, staring at her misery. And then, when he feels the power of the upper hand, he adds the final blow. As he pushes her down on the bed, he tells her.

He's only kidding. But if it happens again, he'll do it.

Diane, honey, that man has issues. It's only a matter of time before he's thumpin' more than his bible.

So when the final vote is cast and you leave that house, tell him he's an ass.

Then run.

"Four years ago a couple of thousand votes in a single state would have made all the difference."

This statement had a powerful effect on me. If people in this country don't understand anything else about politics, they need to understand this. What we do (or chose not to do) can matter. Not just to us. To the entire world. It's not an ego-boost. It's a responsibility.

Sep 1, 2004

Ah, the month of September. Schools supplies and backpacks. Bus schedules and lunch money. More time for Mom to be someone other than Mom.

But I have always maintained my identity as someone other than just a birthing caregiver. Probably because I grew up in an environment where women worked, sometimes alongside their men, sometimes on their own. Strong women. Educated women. Opinionated women. I was at more of a disadvantage during Women's Lib because I didn't at first understand what all the fuss was about. Liberation from what? My mom worked, drove her own car, had her own money, made decisions. That June Cleever/Donna Reed person was completely foreign to me.

As I got older and knew more of the world, I realized my mother was not quite as independent as I thought. She still had more than a lot of other moms I encountered, but my father definitely ruled the roost. He had to have things his way. Not because women were second-class citizens, just because, well, he had to have things his way. Period.

Still does.

He's hard of hearing now. So he's having a difficult time maintaining control, especially over his granddaughter who is walking the line between being respectful and not taking shit from anybody. Irks him.

Amuses the sh*t outta me.

As unkymoods shows, I'm feeling very happy right now. Some comments from newly-admired blogs (like I don't have enough to read?) and as a bonus something nice is on its way from another favorite blogger.

So when I start bitchin' that I can't get anything done, somebody slap me.

"Shortly after the attack Monday, Gov. Bill Richardson released a statement saying he would propose legislation next year aimed at holding owners of dangerous dogs accountable for their pets."


Hardly necessary. I think when this gets out pit bulls won't be quite so popular anymore...

I mean, um, how much more accountable can you be?

Wow. This is amazing. Ingenuity at its best. Again, wow.

Aug 31, 2004

Out and about for errands so we stopped at Wendy's for dinner. There must have been some kind of district manager there or something - as we pulled up to the drive-in, I heard him stress "2 seconds per customer" to the servers at the window. 2 seconds! WTF?

I told the poor guy and girl that after watching them race like that, I felt too stressed to eat the damn stuff.

Sitting in a long line can be annoying. But sitting in a long line and then finding out, too late, that they didn't get your damn order right because they were trying to set the land speed record would send me off the planet. How about the value of a genuine smile or a hello? How about feeling that the person took at least enough time to be sure you got what you ordered? Oh, and how about an "efficiency expert" without the huge gut that makes you think he's been eating too much fast food and maybe you should rethink this.

Well, Mr. Wendy Man, your service may be fast, but I don't think I'll be too quick to go back. Maybe you should channel Dave and ask him where the old-fashioned friendly atmosphere went. And while you're at it, work on those damn fries. They are dry as hell.

Aug 30, 2004

Discovered some more new blogs, and more guilt. Ellie has two sites: http://pinkadelic.typepad.com/pink/ and http://pinkadelic.typepad.com/body/ and is a writer. Ronnie http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/ has led an exciting life in radio/tv land.

Both women are so inspiring I'm almost hoping they aren't real.

And then there's the links. I could spend all nite following, like some kind of yellow brick road. No wonder I don't get a damn thing done anymore.

Aug 29, 2004

My Unconscious Mutterings:

GAME BOY - mush. This is what your brain turns to when you can't pull yourself away.

Biopsy - fight. Had one. It was not good. It so just did not fit into my life at that point. So I did the only thing I could. But every now and then I feel like I'm here on a green card.

Attack - of the 50 ft woman. I don't know why this one popped into my head. I can visualize the old movie poster. I can also see the intro to that sitcom that Brooke Shields was in many years ago, the one where she was stepping over those buildings? Oh, yeah, ok. You were watching that highbrow stuff. Right.

Convention - Legionnaires. My other choice was smarmy. I guess you can see I haven't been to many I particularly enjoyed.

Jewels - fake. Or flashy. Jewelry is nice. Jewels are tacky. I just imagine a rotund matron waving a diamond encrusted gloved hand and acting like a pompous ass. Hmmmm.

Genetics - testing. And that's all I say on that subject. At least for now.

Impostor - This one just drews a complete blank. Really. I don't know why. I just visualize someone in a trenchcoat. Ok, that's it. Trenchcoat.

Doug - Cosby. I'm think of that actor that played Griffin - Doug E. Doug? Was that it? I wanted him to rent a room in my house. He was hilarious.

Arbitrary - capricious. These words just seem to always be seen together.

Oscillate - fan. I have an old, old fan like this. From my grandmother. They work well, but man, those things can cut your fingers off if you're not careful.

Aug 28, 2004

Weekend Wonderings

1. How much do you value your privacy?

Immensely. I am here, yeah, but it's not all hangin out for everybody to see. There are things that aren't and never will be.

2. Do you respect the privacy of others?

Absolutely.

3. Have you ever looked through something of someone elses knowing that they'd not want you to?

Of course. I'm a Mom. It's part of the job!

Aug 24, 2004

"Bailey's defense was that he was acting as a minister, not a counselor, when he advised the Faulkners. Ministers cannot be sued for negligence or malpractice under Alabama law, unless they take on the role of a counselor."

So... you're saying that if he wasn't actually counseling, the committing adultery thing would have been ok?

My, my, those pesky little details.

I'm sorry, but this woman is an idiot. I just don't know what else to say. I don't want to weigh in on whether or not he's guilty - I haven't studied this case. But I can only shake my head and wonder if she grew up in a vegetable patch. Did she not realize that Prince Charming was a fairy tale? Has she never heard the "If something seems too good to be true, it probably is" mantra? Did she think she was just so special that this wonderful man had been waiting all his life for her and her alone? What is it? Please. Tell me.

I need to get the antidote for my daughter before it spreads.

Aug 23, 2004

Interesting post over at gr8fulted about religious texts and the attitude of absolute adherence. I've long been mystified about the shouting of biblical quotations as a way to prove one's point and one's holiness.

Does it escape notice that this bit of literature was not transcribed as God was sitting there dictating to his secretary? How have we made the disconnect from how the content and meanings of discussions change the more they are repeated? Throw into that mix translation to another language and, well, there you have it. As many twists and turns in meanings as there are snowflakes.

Would you honestly want to stake your life, health, reputation or anything else of value on being able to repeat, without error and shades of inflection a conversation you heard yesterday? I wouldn't stake much on a game of "Whisper Down The Lane", and we're talking a simple phrase. So where on earth do people get the idea that these words, handed down over generations, translated into dozens of languages, told and retold by millions, are the absolute and irrefutable word of God?

I can't even tell you word for word what someone said to me 5 minutes ago. If someone like me was in this gospel chain, the Ten Commandments would resemble Firesign Theatre.

Aug 21, 2004

"They took a bridge that was built in 1874 and that was an artifact of our past and destroyed it"

And all six of these idiots should be made to rebuild it. Using the same tools it took to build it in the first place.

Is money, rather than cultural tradition, the real hurdle keeping Italians from independence and making babies?

No, Mama Dearest, it's called enabling...

You cook for them, clean for them, wash for them, shop for them. They are not twelve. They are physically, mentally, and financially able to go out on their own. They are just not emotionally able to do it. And when you finally get the brains to kick them out on their ass, who's going to want them? You can complain all you want that they don't leave. But when you continue to cook for them, clean for them, wash for them, shop for them...

Duh.

They were proud of their son's unusual achievement.

Oh, please.

How hard is this? Here's a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Especially with caring and supportive parents like these. Sheesh.

Aug 20, 2004

"They were cheated out of overtime and worked off the clock" - so how are these new "rules" going to help? Are they going to change the behavior of employers who skirt the laws to get the maximum amount of work for the minimum pay? Are they going to help the person who reports this behavior, is legally able to keep their job, and then has to work in an environment still controlled by the very person or persons who had their hand slapped?

Sounds like a fairy tale. Works like a nightmare. When are they going to learn that all the regulation in the world doesn't change people's behavior? Education does. Compassion does. Awareness does. Not cranking out a law that doesn't even address the problem in the first place.

Aug 14, 2004

What do women really want?

via Crow Cottage

20 Questions to a Better Personality

Wackiness: 38/100Rationality: 44/100Constructiveness: 62/100Leadership: 56/100

You are an SECL--Sober Emotional Constructive Leader. This makes you a politician. You cut deals, you change minds, you make things happen. You would prefer to be liked than respected, but generally people react to you with both. You are very sensitive to criticism, since your entire business is making people happy.

At times your commitment to the happiness of other people can cut into the happiness of you and your loved ones. This is very demanding on those close to you, who may feel neglected. Slowly, you will learn to set your own agenda--including time to yourself.

You are gregarious, friendly, charming and charismatic. You like animals, sports, and beautiful cars. You wear understated gold jewelry and have secret bad habits, like chewing your fingers and fidgeting.

You are very difficult to dislike.

Well. There's quite a bit there that fits. The happiness bit? Yeah. Secret bad habits? Um, ok.
I do usually end up in some kind of leadership role in every organization I join, mostly (I think) because I'm willing to put in the time and extra effort. I like animals and beautiful cars. The sports? Take it or leave it. I don't like gold jewelery, I prefer handcrafted silver pieces, especially if I know the artist.

But a politician? N-e-v-e-r!

Aug 13, 2004

"They get food every day, they don't have to worry about being poached, poisoned and all the things that go on in the wild," said Fahrenbruck.

While I don't want to weigh in on the subject of this article (too damn controversial for concentration this hour of the morning) I do have to say that this statement is the height of the ridiculous. You're talking about putting them in cages so they are safe from the very thing that puts them in cages?

Following that reasoning, it would seem more logical if we were caged.

Aug 12, 2004

"Calm down
Weak, transient effect: Tonight is not a good time to discuss any issues that are critical to you, because you will find it difficult to maintain your equilibrium and not fly off the handle."

Oh. Like I, um, just did?

Probably should have read
this in the morning...

The governor of New Jersey resigned today. I think he did it with grace and style.

It brings up an age old question - how much of a public figure's private life is our business?


Who on this earth can be shown to have done no wrong in their lifetime? Given that, what indiscretion, poor choices, lies, omissions, and other acts should be laid bare for the public to judge? Is the standard different for political figures than it is for performers? For religious leaders?

Who someone sleeps with may be of interest when talking about someone who is to represent a standard of behavior in everyday life, such as clergy. One should expect such a person to "practice what they preach". But when it comes to political figures, sports figures, actors and the like, is it our business? Since it can already be assumed that such people will have been untruthful at some point in their life - who has not? - is it the lie or the act that's offensive? And if they do not tell the truth to someone who has no right to the information, is it a lie? Or is it a polite way to say "none of your damn business, thank you."

If you run for public office and during your acceptance speech a reporter asks you what underwear you have on, are you obligated to tell them? If you don't tell them the truth, is that a moral offense? If they want to know how many times you slept with your spouse, is it their business? Are we going to make the leap from judging a public figure by the wholesomeness of their union to the number of their "unions"? At what point is it just none of our business?


When we make the leap from what a person does and who they are in the most intimate sense, I think we are setting them up for lies and omissions. We have no right to indulge our purient interests just because we have a captive subject. Does someone being gay make them unfit? No. And if we force them to lie about it, is it their moral fiber that should be in question? Or is it ours?

Aug 7, 2004

Stumbled on this blog. This post gave me more than a few laughs, but according to the comments posted, I think he's now lost his ticket on the Rapture Express. And labeled a Democrat, too!

Some people really know how to sling those insults, I'll tell ya...

Aug 6, 2004

It's a perfect day, weatherwise. Low humidity, low heat, breezy, sky full of clouds. A day made for enjoyment.

And here I sit, thinking - gotta weed the gardens before the morning glories conquer everything; gotta mow the lawn so I don't have to set the mower so high that I need to do it again two days later, gotta dump the rain barrels and water catch-alls before the mosquitos infest the place. All the joys of being a homeowner. If I won the lottery, first thing I'd do is hire maintenance...

Aug 5, 2004

August has started on a fortunate note and the coming school year will be one we can look forward to. Not to go into details (which still infuriate me), let's just say it involves not implementing an IEP (against the law), a ridiculous and unknown zero-tolerance policy (possibly against the law, in this case), and blatant disregard for the laws regarding the right to a proper education. Since I have more than once hinted to the district that it's possible I'll hold them accountable (i.e. sue the bastards), they've reluctantly agreed to a different placement. I say reluctantly, as this was basically to save face. They seem to think I will not pursue this. They're not sure if I've contacted an attorney (I have) but also think I don't have the funds (I do). But, we're out of that school and into private placement in an amazing school that's based on Buddhist principles where the students (after completing what's required by the state) can actually pick their own courses of study. If there's no instructor, they'll find one. Or they'll learn along with the students. What education should be about.

And no, these students don't choose things like "The Impact of Reality TV on Snacking." That's already been reserved for those high-priced college curriculums.

Aug 3, 2004

I swore I wouldn't. I really did. But, well....

Seems I've said an awful lot of them.

Aug 2, 2004

I have a mixed reaction to this. I mean, shouldn't your family already be pretty familiar with it? And if they're not, isn't it something you should be working on while you're still alive? Instead of paying some lawyer to, um, write it down for you?

I remember when my grandmother passed away - my father's mother. He's actually my step-father, but the only one I've really known, so making that distinction seems wrong, somehow. But his mother was different. There was always that underlying feeling of not being quite what she wanted that my mother and I both felt. So imagine our surprise when at the gathering after her funeral, we hear all the wonderful things she said about us.

All that time and emotion wasted. A connection never felt. Kind of like what you'd feel after reading this ethical will. For some it might be a warm and fuzzy feeling. But for me, the first reaction would be, well, WTF?

Aug 1, 2004

"At our age any work we can eliminate helps make life easier"

I hope I'm not supposed to wait until I'm in my 70's for this to be acceptable. When it comes to housework, I'll eliminate as much as I can. Much prefer the garden. My rule of thumb: If you can clean up for company enough that they don't think you're a complete slob and you can do it in less than 15 minutes, you're ok. Of course, you can always throw around a few dog-eared travel mags and leave a well-worn suitcase near the door so they'll think your life is so exciting you simply don't have time to wrestle the dust-bunnies...

Jul 5, 2004

There was an interesting question about cheating on nother site (I forget which one...)

I tend to be a black-or-white kind of person in many things, feeling that "grey areas" are often where the excuses and attempts to justify or assuage guilt are found. So I don't see where this kind of thing needs a lot of debate. The bottom line - will what you're contemplating hurt the relationship, or help it? Shaving that square peg "just a little bit" is still changing the shape and losing something in the process.

Cheating is, I suppose, whatever you and your partner determine it is. But the essence of cheating is in your own mind - intention is not always revealed by action. Are you honoring your partner and your relationship? Are those "intimate" conversations and "dancing around the edges" going to strengthen your relationship, or damage it? Do you feel the need to hide it from your partner? Would they be hurt if they knew? Are you being honest with yourself about your true intentions?

A simple dinner with an old friend could be only that, or it could be the first step in keeping someone else on the back burner "just in case". Some flirtatious behaviour can be harmless - but when the behaviour causes pain or discomfort to your partner, what is the purpose? You either honor your relationship, or you don't. Strengthen it, or damage it.

I recently encountered this issue with someone I worked with. She had made a commitment to a man who was currently overseas (military), so for the time being she had to be content with phone calls, emails and letters. Not easy, of course. But she ran into someone she dated a couple of years ago. And she was going out to a movie with him, just friends. Simple action. But was it? Would she tell this person about her commitment? Would she tell her commited other about the event? The fact that she hesitated on either answer revealed an intention she was not facing.

Be honest with yourself, or you're cheating both of you. You know when you are stepping on that line or you wouldn't be asking the question. You can whitewash your actions, but you know damn well what your intentions are, whether you want to face them or not.

Feb 21, 2004

Good lord, this thing has gotten f_ugly. In need of an overhaul, but so do so many other things...

Feb 6, 2004

His mother, Tamaqua borough Councilwoman Ann Simard, says Monte has nowhere else to practice.

Now, there seems to be an easy solution to this. I think the poor woman could alleviate the problem with her nerves by taking up a hobby. The tuba, maybe. Or pig calling. Do it early in the morning, before the stress sets in. Very early. Her neighbors will understand, won't they? Good for the goose, and all...

Coach Gary Barnett was concerned that not taking recruits to parties would put the school's football program at a competitive disadvantage.

Well, my goodness, we all know how important those keggers are to being able to play football.

Ok, if this was about recruiting and all that, who was doing the "recruiting"? Other players? Where the f'in h--- were the adults "hosting" this event? Selling tickets at the door?

Jan 6, 2004

Tug O' the heart

If that was a "mundane road traffic accident" then my daily commute must qualify as so damn boring it's near pathetic. I've seen, and been in, my share of accidents and not one of them involved a gaggle of photogs in hot pursuit. While the conspiracy seems a stretch, this accident was definitely not mundane.

Jan 3, 2004

A one-month old baby is barely aware of his own friggin' toes. He's not even aware that you exist separate and apart from himself. How the f--- could he be learning what to do about a crocodile?

Lord, I hope the kid has more brains than his father. And his mother, for that matter.