Margaret, I know it has been a few years since we last made the trip across the pond, but I was wondering if anyone is still alive in Europe? I watched a little bit of Fox News this weekend and I’m afraid everyone in Europe might have died from lack of access to healthcare. What a shame. They had such delicious food and beautiful art.
I am not sure when it happened but the base of the Republican party either got lazy or stupid or both… or maybe they always were. It took me only a few minutes of research on the internet to learn that America spends more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation and yet we don’t live longer or have better health outcomes. So unless we just enjoy making health insurance companies rich, all those tea party morons need to use the internet for something other than ordering their penis enhancement pills.
Exactly how expensive does healthcare have to get before we decide to have an honest, meaningful conversation about this? Rush is out there talking about how this will keep you from getting your next raise. I’ve got news for you Rush. Maybe not for you, but for the rest of the world it already has. Sixty-two percent of all bankruptcies filed in 2007 were linked to medical expenses and almost all of those individuals had health insurance. About 1.5 million families lose their homes to foreclosure every year due to unaffordable medical costs. Over the last few years, health insurance costs for small businesses have increased by over 100%.
But let’s not get lost in the numbers. What we are talking about here is access to healthcare. We are talking about mothers and fathers losing their homes and their life savings trying to save their children. We are talking about families helping a loved one to fight cancer. We are talking about people suffering with diabetes, asthma and AIDS. We are not talking about death panels and for God’s sakes we are not talking about Nazi Germany. We are talking about tending to the sick and the poor… does that sound familiar to anyone? You Value Voters out there claim to read the Bible. Maybe you should crack the cover on that one again. You are so damn worried about who is marrying who and what immigrant is getting the best shift at the Taco Bell, but God forbid someone’s suffering doesn’t come with a price tag…
Honestly, if I could , I would put the entire Republic party over my knee and give them a good spanking. What does it say about our country if the biggest debate of the decade is no longer about the two wars we are fighting but rather about preventing children and families from having access to affordable healthcare? I’ll tell you what it says to me. It says the Christian Right never really was and Value Voters aren’t very valuable.
Let me spell it out for you:
Sarah Palin is worried about death squads. I think she should spend a little more time worrying about getting at least one child into college.
Rush Limbaugh is worried about Socialism. That’s a big word for a college drop out, but isn’t it nice when such a wealthy person shows so much concern for poor little us. I wonder if he’ll spend a little of his $400 million contract and write you ditto heads a check when you can’t afford your hospital bills.
Dick Cheney has had four heat attacks. He underwent four-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting in 1988, coronary artery stenting in November 1994, and urgent coronary balloon angioplasty in December 1994. He has been treated for popliteal artery aneurysms, deep-vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, and most recently back problems. I wonder what his out-of-pocket expenses were. I wonder if he even cares?
Universal Healthcare in the wealthiest country on earth should have been a no brainer. And speaking of a no brainer…
Michele Bachman thinks healthcare reform is unconstitutional. I think Michelle Bachmann is as nutty as a fruit cake. Or as we say down here in Texas – Michele is one taco short of a combo plate. She is a few fries short of a happy meal. Her elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top floor. Her cord is too short to reach the outlet. The wheel might be spinning but the hamster is dead.
That woman just isn’t right in the head. I mean it. Really.
Margaret and Helen 
Excellent blog! Do you have any hints for
aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but
I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting
with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
Any ideas? Thank you!
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at 10:43 PM
Where has everyone gone?
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By: Dianne on September 20, 2010
at 7:25 PM
Ok, this is getting weird now, I am young and is this what I have to look forward to?
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By: andrea on September 20, 2010
at 5:53 AM
Yes, me too, i recently spent many hours at a hospital with total overcrowding till I went home thinking it was easier to die in peace
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By: jeff on September 20, 2010
at 5:46 AM
Whilst I am here can I have my grumble too. I had chest pains one morning and eventually in the afternoon went to the local hospital. I sat waiting for
8 hrs to see a doctor till it was so cold I had to go home, They never even brought me a blanket. I am still alive , so am not a stastic.
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By: jo on September 20, 2010
at 5:27 AM
Have to concur with Kellie here, our health system in Queensland is in crisis, besides people dying in waiting for medical care, hospital staff payments are in crisis, staff are not been paid.
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By: Bazil on September 20, 2010
at 5:11 AM
Have to concur with Kellie here, our health system in Queensland is in crisis, besides people dying in waiting for medical care, hospital staff payments are in crisis, staff are not been paid.
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By: Mark on September 20, 2010
at 4:53 AM
Hi from Australia. I dont think you guys are on your own. Our health system is in overload and needless deaths are an everyday occurrence. The Pollies say have it under control ??????
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By: kellie on September 20, 2010
at 4:23 AM
Ha ha, good comeback
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By: greg on September 20, 2010
at 4:15 AM
Is it possible that after surviving 6 heart attacks some credit must be due to our health care system?
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By: baz on September 20, 2010
at 4:09 AM
Is it possible that after surviving 6 heart attacks some credit must be due yo our health care system?
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By: baz on September 20, 2010
at 4:08 AM
Yes there is something seriously wrong with our health care system; Dick Cheney has now had six heart attacks – and he’s not dead yet.
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By: Betsy Salkind on September 6, 2010
at 5:36 PM
If your in support of the Pro-life movement, then come join the pact at http://www.prolifepact.com/jointhepact.htm We are looking to gain millions worldwide to join this pact for outlawing abortion!
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By: Tom Chrenshaw on July 21, 2010
at 7:11 AM
I know it’s late to be commenting. I’m Canadian, and SO glad Americans are getting health care.
Our health care system is funded province by province. In British Columbia, we each pay a small monthly premium. AND it’s partially funded by the sales of Lotto tickets. I think this is brilliant. It’s a lottery everyone wins.
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By: Reisa on July 4, 2010
at 1:48 AM
электрошокер
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By: tariely on March 15, 2010
at 7:23 AM
You rock!
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By: Jane on November 6, 2009
at 12:26 PM
My fellow M&H peps here is a link which will allow you to become apart of the process… Please take a peek and participate in the survey… 😉 It’s kinda fun AND important… Tha ks in advance…
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hrvcvideos/
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By: lori on October 30, 2009
at 12:02 PM
Pamela, please email me at ccmalloy@yahoo.com.
I don’t know how to contact you otherwise, thought I could click on your name and connect to your email, but it doesn’t work that way.
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By: clayo on October 30, 2009
at 10:07 AM
Anonymous on October 29, 2009
at 7:39 PM
Are you always this impolite? Or is it the anonymity that causes you to behave so poorly?
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By: lori on October 30, 2009
at 5:01 AM
Hi gang, jsri, Imaginista and Sistah Sally,
jsri, please don’t throw in the towel on this blog. You have made some valuable contributions with your wisdom and insights. I hope you will continue. I’ll never forget Orally Titz!
Imaginista, on the advice of Poolman, I went to your site. I don’t very often go to links or sites, partly because of time constraints and also I have difficulty getting back onto where I was in the comments. Anybody else have that problem? I chalk it up to over a month’s comments since the last post from Helen.
The point is, Imaginista, your images are BEAUTIFUL!!!!! You have a real talent and flair for choosing just the right subject matter. Naturally I was drawn to your Kauai works. You captured them quite accurately.
Sistah Sally, welcome back! You were missed. Are we rich yet?
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 30, 2009
at 1:16 AM
“Launching in 2010, online magazine Whisper n Thunder will share the stories of the indigenous people of America. Through history, family stories, profiles of courage and current events that we must address, we will share truth.
History has neither been kind nor accurate. We intend to change that.”
http://www.whispernthunder.org/
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By: Poolman on October 29, 2009
at 9:56 PM
JJ and Tine, I think that’s anti-james.
ImaginistaΔ, SIL is my son-in-law, and he is familiar with the Coronado Cafe. He has some friends that live in the area. He is unfamiliar with the Burning Bush Drum Circle, although now is intriged. He does art and also is a tattoo artist. His name is Carlos Villegas. My avatar is his youngest son and looks like just like him.
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By: Poolman on October 29, 2009
at 9:19 PM
IMO only rude, cowardly “anonymous” people are jackasses.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 29, 2009
at 8:52 PM
Anon: You certainly could use that recipe!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 29, 2009
at 8:41 PM
Maybe Pamela has a natural remedy for being a total jackass.
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By: Anonymous on October 29, 2009
at 7:39 PM
KitKat: I heard it on NPR last week near Seattle, WA.
I think the fellow wrote a book about the historical perspective of seafood. I just looked on NPR but did not see anything that looked close to it.
It was quite interesting though. We do need to consider what we put into our bodies.
I like seafood so if there is a reason for eating it is OK with me.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 29, 2009
at 7:32 PM
JuneauJoe, I’d be interested to know who was talking, his sources, and what kind of time period he is talking about for the decrease in brain size. Most of the info I read tells that once we started to domesticate plants and animals, roughly 10,000 years ago depending on the area, humans started to become more gracile and smaller overall. The brain would follow suit. I haven’t read anything about the body getting larger. One really good example of decreasing body size is the fact that we get impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding, and malocclusion of the teeth. This is because there isn’t enough room for the teeth. Prior to domestication, there was no problem with all the teeth fitting in the mouth just fine.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 29, 2009
at 7:12 PM
Where’s Helen? Where’s Margaret? Matthew, please let us know that it is just computer problems and send us a note that everything is alright!
Haven’t had time to read through the over 1,000 comments, just the last few.
Natural medicine – my favorite!
For the real herbal remedies, go to HerbDoc.com. It is the website for Dr. Richard Schulze’s American Botanical Company. GOOD stuff from real herbs – I highly recommend the anti infection formula for cuts (stings like crazy but never gets infected), lobelia (queen of herbs), and intestinal formulas.
Hope everyone is well. I am neck deep in Rich Dad stuff – getting my financial education and off my butt!
Sally
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By: Honolulu Sally on October 29, 2009
at 7:06 PM
I heard this fellow talking about seafood and the brain. It was quite interesting.
Historcally, Native peoples followed the water to move to new locations: Over the land bridge and such thousands and even millions of years ago. They were by water and ate fish and shellfish from the water. The fellows point was that seafood and shellfish is brain food and we do not eat enough of it.
He said another scary thing is that the brain is getting smaller in mass but the bodies are getting larger. the brain size to body ratio is something which should be a concern in his mind.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 29, 2009
at 6:19 PM
It is a big enough subject to draw its own following don’t you think Raji? I do, just from what I’ve seen on this blog, and of course if someone interested in the subject were to Google alternative health options or some such thing, voila, they would be directed right to that blog.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 29, 2009
at 6:12 PM
M & H : Please come back. The rats are eating each other.
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By: Morgan on October 29, 2009
at 5:38 PM
no one’s puppet, I see your point but what is the difference between discussing alternative treatments or trading recipes during this lag in M&H’s blog. I think we are filling in space as we wait.
jsri, as I told Pamela, please don’t over react (I actually said don’t get your panties in a wad). No one is attacking you for your opinions.
I will make a reference to the overuse of zinc. Those of us who are members of the “gummy club” which refers to dentures and have to use dental adhesives are getting an overdose of zinc.
My dentist just recommended another product as I told him I had lost my sense of taste. Hopefully it will come back.
Hopefully Helen will come back soon also.
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By: Raji on October 29, 2009
at 5:29 PM
Claire, send me an email…. I’d love it!
jsri, you mislead folks and it seems you could at least be honest about it, but then your rebuttal is a bit dishonest too. Your lie had nothing to do with the “increase by ten fold in iatrogenic deaths if we closed all the hospitals and fired all the MDs”, as you suggested.
You mislead (or lied to) folks when you told them Zicam was a contaminated and dangerous product when Zicam is not a product but a brand and there are seventeen products by Zicam that have nothing to do with any negative claims…. but you know what, I’m done with this too. I thought you’d cop to what you did but I can see you ain’t gonna no matter what.
Anonymous, whatever….
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By: Pamela Δ on October 29, 2009
at 5:17 PM
There appears to be a genuine need for a blog where people can ask questions and explore alternative treatments. More than a few regular contributors have a litany of aches, pains, and illnesses, I know I am going to get in trouble here folks, but I question rather M&H blog is the appropriate site? Maybe this down time would be a good time to discuss setting up a blog specifically for health and wellness issues.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 29, 2009
at 4:16 PM
Delurker–you know she’ll file for reconsideration or something like that. I’m home from work after some minor surgery and watching breathlessly for her reaction.
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By: Donna on October 29, 2009
at 2:27 PM
FWIW, Jsri and Pamela, your lively exchange has had no effect whatsoever on my opinion of either of you. Still think you’re both groovy. I’m not seeing any pariahs around here except those few pains-in-the-arses whose repugnance we can *all* agree on.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 29, 2009
at 2:24 PM
Donna, you beat me to the Orly smackdown scoop! I’ll get you next time!
I’m not sure what to say about demonic Halloween candy:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/halloween_danger_daniels.aspx
Being against Halloween is one thing, but it seems a stretch to say “most of the candy sold during this season has been dedicated and prayed over by witches” and the article gets more interesting from there.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 29, 2009
at 2:06 PM
Make that
I NOW am wondering…
silly typos.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 29, 2009
at 1:56 PM
Thank you, Poolman! Right now the only place we have our work is at the Coronado Cafe (7th St and Monte Vista), it is an exhibition of black and whites in Paris.
I love First Fridays – after gallery hopping we always end up at the Burning Bush Drum Circle (drums provided for everyone!) where, besides the drumming, there are fire spinners, belly dancers, digeridoo players. It’s a spectacle and so much fun.
I am glad it is cooler, but I am most happy when it is about 90/60. It was COLD this morning!
Who is your sister, I know am wondering! Maybe I am familiar!
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 29, 2009
at 1:53 PM
Are Turmeric and Curcamin the same? I take a Turmeric supplement for inflammation.
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By: Claire on October 29, 2009
at 1:47 PM
Maybe Pamela has a remedy for her thin skin.
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By: Anonymous on October 29, 2009
at 1:46 PM
ImaginistaΔ,
I went to your site and enjoyed the beautiful photographic images, etc. Do you have anything in any local studios? Just curious. My SIL is a local artist and knows many local artists and gets involved in some of the downtown art things. How are you liking this nice cool weather? About time, eh? 😀
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By: Poolman on October 29, 2009
at 1:35 PM
Pamela, I was interested to read your recommendation for Curcamin. We will definitely try that out for joint pain. My partner has polymyalgia and rejected using the steroid therapy the rheumatologist wanted her to use.
We have found great prices for supplements through Swanson Vitamins. They have a website.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 29, 2009
at 1:30 PM
Time out folks!
Been away attending to family business for a few days and upon return find I have been accused of every nefarious scheme short of axe murder. I hope I will be allowed to set the record straight.
It all started when I saw the word Zicam in a recommendation about cold remedies here on the H&M website. All I knew about Zicam at the time was that it was a product I had seen advertised on TV and I also knew that a few years ago, there seemed to be an association between the product and loss of smell for some people. Then, last September, there was an FDA recall of the product. FDA Recall Letter: http://salaswildthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/06/zicam-recall-fda-warns-zicam-side.html The recall letter set off a firestorm of complaints from Zicam users as well as additional charges from individuals who began to associate their own loss of smell with their use of Zicam. Of course, lawyers jumped into this like a toddler into the mud.
Several fiery blogs appeared with comments and counter comments between Zicam users and Zicam accusers. Two things became quickly apparent, 1.) Zicam userss have an almost cult like attachment to the product, and 2.) Zicam users were either hostile or indifferent to those who were negatively affected by its use. It was against that background that I expressed a need for caution on the H&M site by anyone thinking about using the product. Almost immediately, I became a pariah and it has been all downhill from there.
Some of the charges are interesting though way off the mark. When I made a comment that I had no vested financial interest in whether a product wins or loses, I regret that I didn’t make it clearer that I meant all products because that comment was used to accuse me of being in the pocket of Big Pharma. Nothing could be more divorced from the truth. I have great disdain for Big Pharma and consider it a singular example of the institutional greed that I face every month when we buy our meds. And the accusation that I deliberately lied by giving a false figure regarding the possible increase in the number of deaths that would occur if all MD’s and Hospitals were to disappear is laughable. Sadly, someone failed to recognize it as a wild and exaggerated guesstimate and took it for a “fact”. In truth, iatrogenic death reports vary all over the lot. Some are much higher than the figure in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iatrogenesis some are lower. It is one of the most difficult figures to get a real handle on and varies from country to country, from survey to survey and from lawyer to lawyer.
Finally, neither I nor any members of my family have had anything that equates to a success in the use of natural products. Unfortunately that is our history and whether or not some people disapprove of it is too bad. That’s our reality and is just the way life fall sometimes.
I’m not about to address all the distortions leveled on me. It is just a waste of time. But unless or until H&M come up with a new topic, I’m out of here for the final time.
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By: jsri on October 29, 2009
at 1:22 PM
Pamela, would love to get in touch w. you if you are in the ATL area.
Orly Taitz=yet another embarassment for GA!
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By: Claire on October 29, 2009
at 12:24 PM
Tony is 6. No worries — I think he has a pretty face too, and as I said, being called “pretty” wouldn’t bother him a bit. He has no silly notions about gender roles. Even if it *did* bother him, he would just show off one of his board-breaking Tae Kwon Do kicks to assert himself. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 29, 2009
at 12:19 PM
Delurker? You out there? The latest Orly Taitz suit just got dismissed–another smackdown on her integrity and competence.
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By: Donna on October 29, 2009
at 12:17 PM
Tine, My, is my face red. My apologies to Tony. I have no problem calling him “handsome” though. How old is he? For some reason, I thought you had 2 little girls. Have a great day!!!
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By: sunshine on October 29, 2009
at 11:45 AM
OK, I need some help folks. If any of you computer geeks have benefited from any of the things I’ve put out there, would you consider giving me the benefit of your brillant and oh so very enviable minds? I am CLUELESS when it comes to technology and I’m afraid I’m going to need a new computer rather quickly here and don’t know where to begin.
I currently have an apple ibook g4 OS X 10.4.11 with 1.2 GHz Processor and 512 MB memory and it’s getting slower and more disgruntled as we speak (well, its really me that’s getting disgruntled but… ). It determines for itself when I can watch hulu.com and I’m beginning to feel like an abused child with all its pevish ploys to piss me off.
I think I’d like to get something unMac and then maybe get this one refurbished as I do love it still soooo…. and so I want something, inexpensive please, that lets me watch hulu without a bunch of irritating sound to visual delays, that would let me do power point presentations and that will last me more than 3 years…. is that too much to ask?
Oh, and I’m computer illiterate…. did I mention that already? Is it possible to get one from Overstock.com? Cause it truly annoys me when I find I’ve paid twice as much for something than I had to and well, I’m just asking here????
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By: Pamela Δ on October 29, 2009
at 10:12 AM
Helen!
Where are you? It’s been more than a month and we miss you.
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By: Lucy on October 29, 2009
at 10:07 AM
MiKat,
I’m not a fan of GNC, as they mostly carry just their ‘stuff’ and they appear to have profit margin rather than highest quality as their primary motivating force.
I’ve muscle tested my patients on GNC products they bring in and nine times out of ten, they go weak with them. Kinesiology is my method of letting the patients body tell us both what works for them.
Find a natural foods store and tell them what you’re looking for. The things I’ve told folks about here are readily available in health food stores, and they are very basic and very safe.
But understand that they are not what I go to when I’m needing something for myself or for my patients, as I carry professional medical grade products that are not available in health food stores or drug stores.
I make specific formulas for patients using five times concentrated herbal powders from my herbal pharmacy of more than 1,200 herbal powders, and do formulas for everything you can imagine that treat the whole person at once.
This is a common way of practicing in Chinese medicine, though some doctors of acupuncture and herbology use the raw herbs (which you have to cook into a tea every third day and they do stink up a whole house!!) or use alcohol extract tinctures, which I find bitter. There are many of us out there who are highly trained in this medicine and I wish you a most positive and healing journey. It will change your life if you let it.
Enough, I gotta run!
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By: Pamela Δ on October 29, 2009
at 9:28 AM
Pamela,
Where might I find these wonderful natural medicines you have all been talking about? There are plenty of GMC and “Natural” drug stores around. I was just wondering if I can find them there or do I have to have a prescription from an Herbalist or an ND?
I am making quite a list of things I would like to pick up. I suffer from arthritic hands and as I make my living working at the computer it is a daily issue. My mother has terrible arthritic hips, but refuses to take anything. She might be far more interested in a natural pain medicine.
I have learned so much from all of you wonderful people. I am so happy to be a member of the “family” here on Helen’s porch!
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By: MiKat on October 29, 2009
at 8:49 AM
Speaking of Faith
with Krista Tippett:
The Power of Eckhart Tolle’s ‘Now’
The interview is actually
a repeat from 8/14/08.
PEACE ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 29, 2009
at 8:49 AM
Sunshine, now I have the case of the giggles.
I see you noticed my fleeting avatar change. I briefly had my son Tony’s pic up, then changed it back to myself.
Tony is quite secure in his masculinity and would be delighted that you called him “pretty.” 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 29, 2009
at 8:06 AM
Tine, your older little girl? She is very pretty too.
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By: sunshine on October 29, 2009
at 7:22 AM
LOL, Tine: I can see how jealousy and envy could create a streak of rage, not in the least dampened by her oh so tolerant deliberations…. no mean feat if you still have your radio to listen to. Maybe that’s what had Tolle giggling… yep, he definitely was.
MiKat, my apologies, I think I addressed you as kitkat several times.
Our pres was up and out early this morning, respecting our fallen soldiers. I don’t know the best way to extract ourselves from this fray but I read this week that, with international forces, we outnumber Al Queda in Afghanistan by 20 to 1, so its hard to imagine that sending more troops is going to help and when you consider how our very presence there fuels the hatred of us infidels and increases the numbers joining Al Queda, how can we turn this into something positive?
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By: Pamela Δ on October 29, 2009
at 7:17 AM
Margaret and Helen,
I sure hope one of you is having a passionate affair, and while you might be discussing it, you prefer to keep it quiet and avoid a scandal. Love you both, even if you posted everyday it wouldn’t be too much for me.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 29, 2009
at 6:44 AM
Pamela: I heard that Eckhart Tolle interview too. It was an interesting program. And was it just me, or did Tolle seem to have a case of the giggles?
I have a one-sided love/hate relationship with Krista Tippett. On the one hand, I think her show is great. So intelligent and enlightening, and always bringing people together rather than pushing them apart.
But that super-sweet, oh-so-deliberate voice she uses drives me nuts! Oh, and did I mention that I covet her job? Between the voice and the jealousy, sometimes I want to punch the radio. 😉
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 29, 2009
at 5:55 AM
Poolman, I know where you are coming from. In my world I found the more I charged for a riding lesson, people thought I was good.. If I tried to give away my expertise they weren’t interested. I always tried to give kids a break but the parents would look for the high dollar person. I am excellent at what I do and would love to volunteer more of my time and knowledge now that I am retired.
As you said ” you can lead a horse to water”
Pamela, no problem 😉 I do not take Tylenol and have been on some form or another of tumeric/curry for a long time. Lately I have been getting good results from Resveratrol along with a product called Mega Flex by Designing Health. I think each person has to find out what works for them. I apparently cannot tolerate a lot of the natural supplements or chemicals that others can so it becomes trial by error.
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By: Raji on October 29, 2009
at 4:47 AM
Ok gang, I’m pissed to a fare-thee-well. There’s big trouble in Paradise! Here’s a Hawaiian rant but it’s probably not too uncommon throughout the country.
We all know we are living with a struggling economy. Hawaii is no exception. Our entire economic life-blood is tourism. It is expensive to even get here by plane or ship so visitors are not coming for vacations or conventions in the numbers we are used to. Naturally, tax revenues are way down and the state is having a tough time with the budget.
We have a Republican governor, Linda Lingle. She is relatively innocuous, certainly not as obnoxious as Sarah Palin or a Michele Bachman but she does toe the Republican ideological party line.
We have a primarily Democratic Legislature. Of course, they don’t see eye-to-eye with the governor very well. Hawaii is a small state so the jobs of the legislators are only part-time. They did manage to vote themselves a 37% salary increase in June though.
I don’t fully understand all the details, which would be way too lengthy to go into here anyway. The upshot is that it was decided to ‘furlough’ state and county employees on Fridays without pay to save ‘the taxpayers’ money’. This applied to public school teachers as well. Which means the kids will not be in school on Fridays for SEVENTEEN WEEKS this school year. That reduces the number of school days from 180 to 163, now the lowest number in the country. The achievement test scores of Hawaiian public school are already in the bottom tier of the nation as it is.
You can just imagine the justified outrage going on out here. This is not counting the working parents who have to scramble to find someone to look after their kids on Fridays now. There is talk of calling a special session of the legislature to address the problem, possibly raiding the hurricane fund or the rainy-day fund or raise taxes to come up with the money for the schools. The governor is the only one with the authority to call a special session unless a certain number of the senators sign on to override the governor’s decision NOT to call a special session. So you can see, it’s a huge mess.
Here’s the kicker. You won’t believe it but I saw and heard her on TV with my own eyes and ears. Governor Lingle said the solution is a State Constitutional Amendment to give the governor the power to hire and fire the School Superintendent.
That’ll fix it and get the kids and teachers back in the classrooms by next Friday.
The dumbing down of America continues.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 29, 2009
at 1:15 AM
Good to see you Poolman and yes, you and I do have that and more in common. I’m fine, now. Have you read “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle (? sp)? Krista Tippett of Speaking of Faith was interviewing him 2 Sundays ago and so I have been rereading this book, which has some powerful points for letting go of whatever we find ourselves stuck in. Good to have techniques when the muck gets thick.
I give away a lot too, as I know how folks are struggling in this economy. I make a living and I’m happy doing what I do and I never turn anyone away. Maybe one day I’ll retire and just travel the country volunteering what I do…. a have hands will travel van!!! That’s a life I could live with.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 7:31 PM
Pamela Δ, don’t stress over it. I am continually trying to share my areas of expertise and knowledge with others. Some of us are that way – here to help others and share. No monetary motivation for it, just a desire to help. Some can’t understand that.
As the old saying goes: “you can lead a horse to water…”
Some will appreciate the advice, some will ignore it, others will assume you have an angle. I often end up giving away more than I should, but that is just me.
There is an interesting observation that I have noted over the years. The people that I charge the most for my services actually are the most satisfied. When I give it away, I get the most grief. Just an interesting observation, no real point.
I sure hope Helen and Margaret and Matthew were not visited by those rumored black helicopters. They may be on Cheney’s sh*t list.
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By: Poolman on October 28, 2009
at 7:09 PM
Raji, I evidently can’t help myself…. I apologize as I did say that I wasn’t going to offer up any more remedies unless someone requested them and you did not. Please forgive me and understand that it is partly being raised a Southern girl and then its something a bit more but I can’t seem to not offer up things I believe will help. It’s a bad habit and I will try to get some control over it.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 6:50 PM
Got it, Raji…. Arnica is great and also hypericum for the nerve damage! So many wonders in homeopathic medicine. I do hear what you’re saying, its just that when people purposely mislead, it burns me…….. Have you tried Curcamin for the hip pain? Works way better than Tylenol and is so much better than safe, its’ actually good for the liver, and the rest of the body.
I work closely with doctors as well and truly appreciate what they bring to the table as they appreciate what I bring.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 6:43 PM
Pamela, don’t take this wrong but please do not get your “panties in a wad” when others attack alternative medicine. You are apparently well educated and are expressing the importance of researching practitioners of alternative medicine.
We should all also research the main stream practitioners of western medicine. Too many doctors today do nothing but test and do not look at the person as a whole. When did you last have a doctor who actually touched you except for your Ob-gyn?
It is nothing but test, test or do more testing! No wonder we are all looking for alternatives.
I have been involved in the medical world for more years than I wish to count. However, as I aged I did not want to end up like my geriatric friends who spend their life going from Doctor to Doctor swallowing numerous amounts of medicine so I reached out to complementary/alternative and yes there is a place for them in your health.
I have surrounded myself with what I consider my health care providers and it includes both and they refer to each other. For example, recently my dentist pulled numerous teeth and told me to take arnica on the hour. Two hours later, no pain and no bleeding with only .2 cc. of lidocaine (Not 2 cc’s but .2)
I am now dealing with advance arthritis in my hip and back. I am seeing a therapist who practices zero balancing, trigger point therapy, etc. but who also works with a medical professional. We are making progress without surgery or steroids. Yes, pain medication or steroids might have made this process a little more pleasant but I didn’t want the chemicals in my body.
Every one has to make their own decision about their health.
If I fall off the horse and break my hip, am I going to take a dose of arnica? Heck no! I’m going to pray 911 gets there soon. My goal is to keep the path ways open in my body so Mother Nature can heal as the body was intended to do.
There is no one right way and it is up to each of us to be in charge of our health.
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By: Raji on October 28, 2009
at 6:26 PM
kitkat: you may email me at acudocpam@gmail.com. I know what you mean about learning at the feet of the Masters. I have learned much from the folks here and regardless of this bit of annoyance with jsri, I am most appreciative of his and other folks perspectives at least in the political arena.
I choose to not listen to tv news and sometimes get busy in the rest of my life and when i need a place to catch up on the important happenings in our world, I’ve gotten the jump start here at this sight, not to mention finding the inspiring and powerful voices of sanity much needed in these sometimes insane times.
Wishing you and your sister lasting health.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 6:13 PM
Pamela,
I understand. I would like to email you. Can I have your website?
Know though, that most of us here on this site love the helpful suggestions and understand they are meant as a possible avenue to alternative care. I certainly believe that most of us are smart enough to consult with our doctors if we have health questions. Particularly if we are already on other medications.
Again, Thank you
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By: MiKat on October 28, 2009
at 4:24 PM
Δ¥ Tine, Claire and Anon,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,
I will definitely be giving Ms. Sutton a call.
I am so in love with Helen, Margaret and all of you “regulars” with your chitchat, helpful advice and suggestions. I am always here with you, just quietly eating my pie and learning at the feet of the Masters.
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By: MiKat on October 28, 2009
at 3:36 PM
Tine, I love you!!! Thank you for stepping up and offering kitkat what sounds like a wonderful practitioner. and kitkat, Bastyr is one of four (that I know of) excellent schools in the US for studying both naturopathy and acupuncture. So, I think you can trust her education and skill level and well, anyone who is friends with Tine has to be pretty ‘tuff stuff’…
And, I gotta be honest folks, after the attacks on my character more than a month ago at the beginning of this blog by no ones puppet and now here again at what we all hope is the end of this particular thread, I’m more than a bit reluctant to make suggestions for or to anyone.
Though kitkat your sister is more than welcome to email me with questions and I will do my best to help her and no jsri, I’m not looking to make money here. See, what I mean about how snitty people can be?
jsri, you have really pissed me off with your slander and lies…… yes, that is indeed what you are doing, lying about Zicam and what products they have available. You are one piece of work and a liar to boot. Pee off and get some honesty about you.
OK, I suppose I’m done venting! Forgive me please and know that it just annoys the heck out of me when people mislead people in this arena cause I swear on my life that everything I have mentioned to you folks, and lately and from now on, only when asked, is truly safe and tested and effective.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 3:25 PM
Helen & Margaret, you must have something to say about this, please?
Lieberman: Take Public Option Off The Table, Come Back To It In Four Years
http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/liebs-take-public-option-off-the-table-come-back-to-it-in-four-years.php?ref=fpa
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 28, 2009
at 2:46 PM
Thanks Anonymous.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 28, 2009
at 1:56 PM
Oscilloccinum
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/970217/archive_006221.htm
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By: Anonymous on October 28, 2009
at 1:14 PM
Tine,
I totally agree with you. I firmly believe that the woman hacking and coughing behind me on the train 2 1/2 weeks ago is the one that gave me H1N1. I wonder how many other people on their way to work that day also got sick. Makes me soooo mad, as I kept thinking I should move away from her, but didn’t want to stand all the way in to town. Silly me. I was lucky — I had understanding employers and was able to stay home the last two weeks and just ran in one day last week to get homework/tests to grade. Doctor told me I was contagious for at LEAST a week (fever lasted about 8 days, and needed 24 hours after the fever to stop being contagious).
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By: kitkatΔ on October 28, 2009
at 12:55 PM
Just put Oscilloccinum on tomorrow’s shopping list. According to their website, the drug is regulated by FDA and it is available at numerous stores in my area.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 28, 2009
at 12:50 PM
I would feel just terrible if I gave the H1N1 flu to a vulerable person, like a child or a pregnant woman.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 28, 2009
at 12:39 PM
MiKat: You weren’t asking me, but I can’t help myself. Hope you will forgive my intrusion….
I happen to know of a wonderful ND/acupuncturist in Seattle. She is my oldest friend…we’ve known each other since I was 3 and she was 2. 🙂
Her name is Julie Sutton, and she practices at Belltown Spine & Wellness. http://www.belltownchiro.com/custom_content/8129_julie_sutton_nd_lac.html
Julie is a well-trained professional: 2 BSs from the University of Minnesota (psychology & biology) and a 4-year ND (naturopathic doctor) degree from Bastyr University.
In addition, I happen to know from 38 yrs. of experience that she’s a top-notch human being. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 28, 2009
at 8:57 AM
Oscillococcinum?? I give up! LOL
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By: Claire on October 28, 2009
at 8:52 AM
LOL, I STILL mispelled it!
Oscillocccinum!
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By: Claire on October 28, 2009
at 8:51 AM
Oscillicoccinum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat flu symptoms. Works best when you use it at the first sign of flu, it comes in small vials of sweet “sprinkles” that you dissolve in your mouth every 4-6 hours I believe. You can find out more at oscillo.com. It is now sold in regular drugstores.
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By: Claire on October 28, 2009
at 8:50 AM
Tine, I remember back in the 80’s when I was working in a hair salon and a woman came in to get her hair done. She was too sick to go to work, but thought getting her hair done would make her feel better. She almost fainted when she was under the dryer. She gave the WHOLE salon the flu! She singlehandedly wiped out the whole staff. Talk about thoughtless…
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By: Claire on October 28, 2009
at 8:43 AM
Pamela,
I am VERY insterested in finding information on natural medicines, an ND and a good acupuncturist. Can you please recommend some web sites. I am in Seattle. I would love to see your website, but your name is not highlighted, can you give your site address? What is Oscillicccinum? (sp). I have chronic IBS and I have a sister who has IBS, Fibromalgia as well as a multitude of other health issues. She will ONLY receive medical care in Thailand. Unfortunately, she can only afford to go see her Doctors in Thailand once a year. She has had several operations, but never seems to get better. She will not disclose to any of us just what IS wrong according to her doctors, but she is on some SERIOUS pain medication that would put a full grown bull out like a light (I am not kidding, I have seen the dose and amount she takes) I am so worried about her and would love to find an ND here that she might visit. Any help you could offer would be much appreciated.
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By: MiKat on October 28, 2009
at 8:42 AM
Oops, error up there. That should read ” — and making the whole office sick — “
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 28, 2009
at 8:26 AM
People who go to work when they’re obviously ill *really* irritate me. I know some people do it because they have draconian policies at work or other difficult issues…but there is rarely (if ever) a circumstance in which working while ill — and giving the whole office is a constructive idea. It’s DEstructive. Don’t do it, I beg you!
I work from home now, but when I was managing an editorial department, I made it abundantly clear that I didn’t want any barfing, hacking, sneezing, rashy, or otherwise contagious/ill employees around. If someone came in ill, I sent them home and insisted that the HR folks cut them some slack if they didn’t have any sick days left. If they were well enough to work from home, I encouraged that.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 28, 2009
at 8:23 AM
Okay, enough already!
I agree with NOP about preparing for the flu season, unfortunately, here in ATL, there are NO seasonal flu shots to be found! So I guess I will stock up on Oscillicccinum (SP??) before that’s all gone, too. I do have the hand soap, hand sanitizer, lots of soup, tissues and anti-bacterial wipes at the ready. And NOP made another very good point, don’t be a martyr and go to work if you have the flu!! My boss did that one year, gave it to me TWICE!
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By: Claire on October 28, 2009
at 7:56 AM
good morning, all!
Auntie Jean, yes I do work with other health professionals quite frequently and have great respect for what they bring to the table. Two of my herbal formulas (one for asthma and one for insomnia) have been involved in medical studiies, both most successfully. I have medical doctors refer to me, come see me as patients and respect the work I do as I do them. My original intention was to become an ND, MD (Naturopathic MD) but when I experienced the complete recovery from my ulcerative colitis after I can’t tell you the kind of pain and disability I had been operating with for two years straight, I decided to go to acupuncture school.
Quick note here folks, please make sure your ND provider has indeed gone to a reputable medical school because in many states, including Georgia, anyone age 18 and above can call themselves an ND, as there are no laws governing them in Ga. There are several excellent NDs that are truly medical professionals but there are also at least a hundred others in the state that have no licensing and no one governing what they’re doing and I see much need for the laws to change in this regard.
I had already done my BS in a premed program and so then did four more years in Chinese medicine, both acupuncture and Chinese herbology (which goes far beyond Western herbology in its ability to effectively treat various syndromes). My school was founded by an amazing man, a 37th generation acupuncturist and his two sons, 38th generation acupuncturists and I bless them every day for what they’ve brought to my life.
I have great respect for traditional medicine but I have no respect for people who don’t tell the truth and who distrust herbs and natural remedies just because they are natural. Believe me when I tell you that the pharmaceutical industry has great respect for natural medicine and they just want to figure out how to patent it so they can control it and make it profitable for them.
jsri isn’t being honest when he discounts zicam and claims, as he did on Oct 26, 3:45 pm that
“I am a scientist by training, a skeptic by inclination and operate with a refined moral sensibility. So when I see a product or device that has been determined to be dangerous or ineffective and see it being promoted or recommended on the Internet or elsewhere, I feel that I have a moral responsibility to point that out.”
How is he being dishonest? Zicam does currently have 17 products, including cold and flu products that have been deemed safe and effective and they are available to the public, though he infers they have all been pulled. He is either purposely lying or he has lost the ability to do any meaningful fact checking.
He has been attacking from the beginning of this particular thread and I have bent over backwards to accomodate his prejudice and fear mongering and you know what? Enough.
People do need to know that they have alternatives to drugs, especially for these most common of ailments. And I do have respect for drugs in their proper place. And yes, there’s a lot of bogus and even dangerous ‘natural’ products out there and you do want to use your best judgement and call on a trained health professional when in doubt, but dammit, some of its just common sense.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 28, 2009
at 6:55 AM
Actually, I think he’s missing his rudder.
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By: judith on October 28, 2009
at 6:21 AM
Joe Lieberman is a showboat missing the paddle wheel.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 28, 2009
at 5:47 AM
Hi gang,
I know we are all concerned about Margaret and Helen. We do have to remember though that they are both, ahem, “mature” with, ahem, “mature” spouses and extended families.
Being in somewhat the same boat, it is easy for me to understand that there can be a new minor crisis on the hour, every hour demanding their attention. Let’s just hope that’s all it is and they will return as soon as they possibly can.
In the meantime, I think we owe it to them and have a responsibility to keep the Republicans/Conservatives feet to the fire so President Obama can do his job. Can you believe Lieberman and his stance on the Health Care issue? What an ego! It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that the state he represents has the highest concentration of insurance companies in the country, would it?
Way back in 1950, the great historian Will Durant wrote something so profound that I committed it to memory. This is the quote:
“The legacy [of history] included evil as well as good. We have not fully recovered from the Dark Ages; the insecurity that excites greed, the fear that fosters cruelty, the poverty that breeds filth and ignorance, the filth that generates disease, the ignorance that begets credulity, superstition, occultism – these still survive amongst us; and the dogmatism that festers into intolerance and Inquisitions only awaits opportunity of permission to oppress, kill, ravage and destroy.”
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 28, 2009
at 12:15 AM
I’m beginning to think Margaret and Helen are a fraud. I really hope they are who they say they are. I doubt this is being perpetrated by college kids because whoever is doing the writing knows her/his facts far beyond newspapers and on-line sources. I’ve lived through what this writer is talking about.
If things are not okay, her “nephew” would have told us by now.
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By: VA in CA on October 27, 2009
at 11:53 PM
Dear Helen,
We sure hope you’re okay, we miss reading your blogs, so full of good common sense and wit. Here’s wishing you and Margaret a very Happy Halloween!
Take care,
Clyde and Linda
Poteet, Texas
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By: Clyde and Linda on October 27, 2009
at 8:28 PM
Everyone here who is sick has my sympathy, a speedy recovery to all of you, but it appears the flu season this year is going to be very lengthy. At the moment H1N1 is making a round, next the seasonal flu is going to make its rounds, then a second and maybe a third go-round of H1N1. Why make ourselves sick arguing alternative medicine vs. conventional treatment? Although it is an excellent idea to clear any over the counter product with your pharmacist to prevent possible adverse drug interactions. If natural health remedies are your thing lay in a supply now, as for me, I have already received a seasonal flu shot, and I plan to take a H1N1 vaccination as soon as it is available for people born prior to 1950. Meanwhile, I am washing my hands a lot, sanitizing gym equipment before and after my workout, I have my doctor’s phone number on speed dial (just in case I need a prescription for Tamiflu), and I have stocked the cupboards with soups, tissues, cough syrup, etc. If I get sick this year, I plan to remain homebound for the duration I certainly don’t want to expose anyone else.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 27, 2009
at 7:46 PM
There is a consensus here. I do not believe there has ever been this length of time between posts since I have been reading this blog. The last time that happened, Mathew did inform us about Helen being under the weather. Although I am worried, I am just hoping that no news is good news and maybe, Helen might be on vacation soaking up the sun in Hawaii, maybe?
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By: Easier on October 27, 2009
at 6:44 PM
Hi everyone! Has anyone heard from Matthew or Helen & Margaret? It’s been quite some time with no news and I’m getting concerned, as I’m sure the other “regular” guests are.
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By: Cindi on October 27, 2009
at 6:05 PM
jsri: I am going to assume that you are truly well intentioned here and just passionate about something that pushes your buttons and not being a jerk just to be a jerk.
Let’s be clear about some things up front. One, I was asked for advise and i gave it willingly and freely without trying direct anyone back to me for my financial gain, though you imply that is what I am doing in my message to kitkat.
You also try to insult me for my referring her to zicam for prevention of colds and flus, when there are several zicam products curently available for flu and cold relief that have nothing to do with the two “voluntarily pulled” zicam products.
You completely dishonestly imply that all zicam products are dangerous and off the market though zicam has seventeen of their products still available to the public in drug stores and all studies, available through zicam.com ‘s site indicate they’ve more than done their due diligence to prove product safety.
You provide your information more in the style of Faux pundits, with little bits of possible truths muddied by fear tactics and slander directed both at me and at zicam’s mother company, Matrix.
I have sited several studies that do show that long term loss of smell as well as short term loss of smell are most common with colds, flus, sinus infections and even zinc deficiency, and I have pulled this information from main stream medicine sites.
This is another interesting little tidbit coming from a medical report done by independent medical analysts:
“The three most common causes of anosmia (loss of smell) are the common cold, sinusitis, and head trauma. Aging is a major factor as well. Furthermore, incidence rate of anosmia for Zicam users is lower than the incidence rate in the general population”
and if you were truly interested in discovery instead of using slanted and biased information, I would be much more interested in what you have to say.
cmac: I completely understand and support your seeking medical and/or natural treatments, as you deem appropriate. My responses are being taken out of context as I was originally asked for advise, by kitkat, for only natural remedies to help her recover from the flu.
jsri slammed me and “alternative” remedies and is making me out to be some sort of profit motivated charlatan while he ignores the facts that there are several zicam products that have been deemed more than safe for use against colds and flu.
These other two products that Matrix voluntarily pulled likely have little to do with peoples loss of smell when you consider the facts and statistics, but that’s a mute point here.
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By: Pamela on October 27, 2009
at 4:40 PM
Pamela, I mentioned the temporary nature of the loss of smell due to colds because the list you posted implied that the permanent loss of smell due to colds was less common, yet in your comment you seemed to conflate the two.
Zicam has, in fact, been cited by the FDA as the cause of anosmia in the 130 cases observed – all of which were referred to the FDA by physicians.
I have no problem with herbal treatments, but I’m not going to rule out medical treatments. It seems to me that neither system works all the time, and that it’s best to keep an open mind and to stay informed.
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By: cmac on October 27, 2009
at 1:57 PM
By: Pamela on October 26, 2009 at 9:28 PM
You noted: – “You are being quite biased and prejudiced in your view, not to mention attacking. “ (Correct! Based on personal experience.). “One would think you were a pharmaceutical rep or have your retirement wrapped up in big pharma stocks.” (Wrong and wrong! Not even in the ballpark.).
How about education? University level. Specialty: Undergraduate (PreMed) and health care students. Perhaps even some who later became herbalists. Also experienced in University and College administration.
Retired 18 years. Have several current volunteer activities – a way of giving back to the community as a partial repayment for a life saving medical procedure ten years ago.
When one retires, medical issues tend to control one’s way of life. If you haven’t had the experience, you will. But back on the mid-90’s when the Internet went mainstream, new vistas were opened for the transfer of information from person to person and medical info was a prime example. Long before blogging became a way of life, people with special interests would set up websites where others with similar interests could exchange information. This was especially true concerning medical issues and many of the early sites were global. To help matters, search engines (pre-Google) could now be used to search medical data bases for info. But it was not too long before these special interest websites and the search engines became cluttered with glowing reports of non-convential treatments, out of the medical mainstream. These reports were always linked to further sites where one would find more glowing reports plus price schedules and order blanks. Needless to say, I found this to be annoying and basically unhelpful because many of the products being promoted had never been scientifically tested for effectiveness, for content, or for strength of supposed active ingredients. It was a free-for-all then and remains a free-for-all today.
So when I see something similar happening on H&E’s website, which is ostensibly for the exchange of political pot shots, I get testy.
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By: jsri on October 27, 2009
at 12:36 PM
I love everything about you two, especially your opinions and your writing! Where are you? I am worried. We haven’t heard from you in a few weeks and I am getting concerned. Aren’t you going to weigh in on whether Fox is a news outlet or not? I am hoping you are just taking a breather. My life would be lacking something terrific without you. Diane Tucker
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By: hillsteadnatureblog on October 27, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Folks on the porch – could youplease lend your voices to this cause to stop the mountaintop removal in West Virginia? For more information, please go here
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/10/27/9135/4939
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By: Greytdog on October 27, 2009
at 8:16 AM
jsri: I obviously have nothing to gain financially from promoting zicam or any other product I’ve told people about here and I would bet that you nor any other scientist, doctor or health provider know every drug or over the counter that has been pulled for whatever reasons they are pulled. You are being quite biased and prejudiced in your view, not to mention attacking. One would think you were a pharmaceutical rep or have your retirement wrapped up in big pharma stocks.
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By: Pamela on October 26, 2009
at 9:28 PM
First Nanna Jo…Then Granny…..Now Margaret and Helen.
Loving an old person only leads to sorrow and pain.
Never again!!
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By: Tammy Faye on October 26, 2009
at 9:05 PM
Margaret & Helen, I have only just found you and I am concerned that you haven’t posted for so long. Are you okay? We’d like to hear from you soon.
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By: Cheryle on October 26, 2009
at 8:57 PM
JRSI and Pamela, I have faith that you both mean well and that you have more in common than you do differences.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 26, 2009
at 8:46 PM
Matthew, the silence from Margaret & Helen is worrisome. Very worrisome.
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By: Greytdog on October 26, 2009
at 8:38 PM
Pamela:
I am a scientist by training, a skeptic by inclination and operate with a refined moral sensibility. So when I see a product or device that has been determined to be dangerous or ineffective and see it being promoted or recommended on the Internet or elsewhere, I feel that I have a moral responsibility to point that out. I’m not sure why you seem to have a problem with that. And I’m surprised to learn that you were promoting a product that you did not even know was under suspicion.
I have no financial incentive either to support a product or eliminate one. I can only relate my personal experiences and those of people that I trust and so far, you and I are poles apart and I don’t see much common ground for agreement or even discussion so I’m outta here. I’ve been down this road too many times before.
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By: jsri on October 26, 2009
at 3:47 PM
Pamela:
I am a scientist by training, a skeptic by inclination and operate with a refined moral sensibility. So when I see a product or device that has been determined to be dangerous or ineffective and see it being promoted or recommended on the Internet or elsewhere, I feel that I have a moral responsibility to point that out. I’m not sure why people have a problem with that. Also, I’m surprised to learn that you were promoting a product that you did not even know was under suspicion.
I have no financial incentive either to support a product or eliminate one. I can only relate my personal experiences and those of people that I trust and so far, you and I are poles apart and I don’t see much common ground for agreement or even discussion so I’m outta here. I’ve been down this road too many times before.
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By: jsri on October 26, 2009
at 3:45 PM
SAw something by BillO’Reilly on the OPOEd page of the local paper. Only read th e Heading and a couple of sentences when my digestion threatened me with the bathroom!
In it he sai that Ooooobama shoulllllllld fire Rahm Emmanuel an ddd get a new advisor. Guess wh o?? wouldn’t you know he suggested himsellf!! That is when my digestion started doing flipflops and I read n o more.
So our current troll is vacatoning in Hawaii.That is not far enough or remote enough.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 26, 2009
at 3:39 PM
We miss you, Margaret & Helen.
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By: Penny on October 26, 2009
at 11:41 AM
cmac: First off, I do hope you fully recover your olfactory rights. I am aware that a cold or flu usually is accompanied by temporary loss of smell but am also aware that, due to damage to the sinus membranes while sick with a cold or flu a person can have long lasting and even permanent loss of smell. Here’s a very interesting statement from the mayoclinic.com covering some of the causes of loss of smell and also stating that lack of zinc can cause the loss of smell on a temporary or a permanent basis.
Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Loss of smell due to problems with the inner lining of your nose:
Anosmia can be caused by temporary or permanent irritation, or destruction of the mucus membranes lining the inside of your nose. This can be caused by:
Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
Hay fever
Common cold
Influenza (flu)
Nonallergic rhinitis
and they go on to say:
Your olfactory system, which provides your sense of smell, consists of receptors in the mucus lining of your nose that send information through nerves into your brain. You can lose your sense of smell if any of these are damaged or destroyed. This can happen from:
Age
Alzheimer’s disease
Brain aneurysm
Brain surgery
Brain tumor
Chemical exposures to certain insecticides or solvents
Diabetes
Hormonal disturbance
Huntington’s disease
Klinefelter syndrome (a condition where males have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells)
Kallmann’s syndrome (inability of testicles to produce sperm)
Korsakoff’s psychosis (a brain disorder caused by the lack of thiamine)
Malnutrition
Medications (nifedipine, terbinafine, others)
Multiple sclerosis
Paget’s disease of bone (a disease that results in enlarged and misshapen bones)
Parkinson’s disease
Pick’s disease (a form of dementia)
Radiation therapy
Schizophrenia
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) (a neurological disorder characterized by an excessive drop in blood pressure when standing up)
Sjogren’s syndrome (an inflammatory disease that generally causes dry mouth and eyes)
Traumatic brain injury
Zinc deficiency
Did you see that last one???? Zinc deficiency
can cause loss of smell that is temporary or permanent.
My point is that it has not been proven that zicam’s nasal swab or their spray was the causative factor and even if they were, its not cause to bash the use of zinc with colds or other natural products, particularly since zinc deficiency can cause this very condition.
Yes, I have worked with sjorgen’s syndrome in a handful of folks, mostly women and acupuncture and herbals are very helpful with it. Remember that question I originally asked kitkat about whether she needed to boost the immune response or calm it down. When the auto immune system is turning on the body, acupuncture is powerful in calming it down and restoring it to balance. It’s like when your sympathetic nervous system gets amped up and you go to bed and sleep a couple of hours and then wake with a start and can’t get back to sleep…. go see an acupuncturist and have them nourish the parasympathetic system and you’re sleeping like a cat again (was gonna say baby, but I’ve heard a few of them crying in the night and that’s not what we’re wanting here!). This balancing of the body is powerful and it works.
And I know we’re conditioned to say there are no cures but guess what, there are… I’ve seen thousands of cures with patients over the years and I want Moms with kids suffering from asthma or folks looking at taking hypertension meds or cholesterol meds for the rest of their lives to know they can be healed.
OK, enough…. Blessings to all of you.
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By: Pamela on October 26, 2009
at 11:18 AM
Hi y’all. I forgot to mention that my family always uses Oscillicoccinum when we think we are coming down w. the flu. It’s a small dose of homeopathic “sprinkles” which you let melt under your tongue, usually every 4-6 hours the first day of symptoms. Works wonders! My mom even takes a half dose when she travels.
Hope everyone is doing well.
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By: Claire on October 26, 2009
at 11:01 AM
Another Right Wing smear of Michelle Obama!
It has been exposed by THE MUDFLATS. Just the usual right wing lies and distortions – Faux style.
It was great of her to go through the facts so I do not have to waste my time.
http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/26/the-anatomy-and-dissection-of-right-wing-propagana-the-michelle-obama-edition/
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 26, 2009
at 10:50 AM
Pamela, the loss of smell from using zinc products in the nose is permanent – or at least very long-lasting. I have recovered some of mine, but not all, and I haven’t used Zicam in at least two years.
The fact that people can’t smell when they have a cold is pretty much par for the course. It’s the duration of the symptom that changes with zinc usage.
Just sayin’.
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By: cmac on October 26, 2009
at 9:23 AM
The democrats won the election and the best our troll can do is yell into the wind. Trolls and the republican party are losing their people because they have nothing positive to say. The party of NO says it all.
The more the trolls and republicans talk stupid, the fewer people who listen to them and take them seriously.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 26, 2009
at 9:18 AM
Donna, you’re right. I fed the troll for which I’m sorry and it won’t happen again.
Don’t feed the troll, don’t feed the troll, don’t feed the troll…
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By: helenandmargaretFan on October 26, 2009
at 8:17 AM
okay…..Matthew…please tell us something….if I don’t hear something soon…or get a new post from Helen, I’m going to lose it….I either need to celebrate a new post….or I need closure.
Please….an update, at least?
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By: Mary T. on October 26, 2009
at 5:41 AM
Indeed. It’s lovely because even the troll’s insults lack any modicum of originality. “Psych 101 is down the hall…” oooohhh.
I once had a nasty old inlaw who would say crap and, when people disapproved of his racism, sexism, what have you, would say “you got no sense humor.” I am grateful for the majority of people on this site who are truly humorous and who don’t find grade school insults amusing.
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By: Donna on October 26, 2009
at 5:29 AM
Good-hearted….
or
Mean-spirited…..
You are one OR the other. You can not be both.
Follow your heart.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 26, 2009
at 2:05 AM
Hello All. Hope everyone had a good weekend. I was so hoping for a new post from Helen and Margaret. But no, not yet. I pray they are well. I hope that the morning will bring a new one. Until then….
Honolulu Sally, be on the lookout for a slightly past middle age haole with a beer belly and pie stains on a new Hawaiian shirt. He will be the one with the farmer’s tan and a bell around his neck. Note also a clumbsy style with a West Texas twang. There could be cursing and gnashing of teeth in his wake. Consider yourself forewarned.
Donna, yes intent. It is all about intent. What’s in the heart? That is the determiner. Thankfully, my God sees and judges the heart. Motive and agenda. Some people should actually come with warning labels.
Speaking of warning labels… I think the Dolly LLama has the right idea regarding Rush.
Stand up to lying bullies
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By: Poolman on October 25, 2009
at 11:37 PM
Jean:
Human genetics was not my special field but I can probably handle some basic genetics. However even for a rudimentary background it could get complicated and I’m not sure H&M’s website would be the proper venue to do this. Also right now I’m sort of strung out by a new volunteer activity so It may be a while before I get back to you.
If your question is related to your question to Pamela re Sjorgen’s Syndrome, here are websites with some basic info. The first is introductory, the second has more detail
http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens-syndrome
http://www.medicinenet.com/sjogrens_syndrome/article.htm
In that SS seems run in families and affects women about ten times more often than men, it would seem to me on first glance that the it is a genetic condition but that control of its expression may be affected by sex hormones.
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By: jsri on October 25, 2009
at 10:19 PM
Aloha……..
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By: CraigΔ on October 25, 2009
at 9:59 PM
Hi gang and Pamela,
Pamela, are you acquainted with ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, a factor in loss of smell and taste with even more serious possible consequences.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 25, 2009
at 8:51 PM
Donna,
Psych class 101 and is down the hall if you can find it.
Trust your inner self Donna ..Don’t go to the light.
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By: CraigΔ on October 25, 2009
at 8:50 PM
Hey you kids enjoy yourselves..I’m off to Oahu for a few days of R&R.
Give it a rest people..you all are way too serious.
M&H will be back..just give it a rest and trust in yourselves for the moment.
High 5’s
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By: CraigΔ on October 25, 2009
at 8:45 PM
For the love of God, people, the troll went away when it wasn’t getting any attention.
Don’t try to explain why his Kwanzaa comment was racist–it doesn’t matter to it. It is simply here to try to cause offense and provoke a response, not because it genuinely gives a rip about why it is such an extraordinary pathetic jackass.
Went to a wonderful talk by a pastor the other day. She was saying that it’s not the words, it’s the intent. This came up in the context of people who, during the election, would use the President’s middle name and then, after the election feigned confusion as to why it was “ok” for him to use his name but not when they did it. It’s because they were doing it to convey disdain or disrespect for his ethnicity. And, with people like that, no matter how many times you would try to explain that it’s not the words, it’s the intention, you’d get the same crap “oh, but WHY was it wrong when I did it?”
There’s no possibility of educating someone like this. As the saying goes, you can’t fix stupid.
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By: Donna on October 25, 2009
at 8:16 PM
Hi gang, Judith, Pamela and jsri,
I’m with you on lifestyle and humor, Judith. Half the stuff I put up here at M&H is said with tongue and cheek. If we can’t laugh at ourselves and life once in a while, we are in big trouble.
I applaud you, Pamela, for your enthusiasm in your chosen profession and willingness to help. As we all know, people have the option to either accept advice of any kind or ignore it. I do hope that you routinely work in conjunction with other health care providers. We have been pleased with our internist in that he does not profess to know everything, shares records and test results with our chiropractor and vice versa. He does not hesitate a minute to call in professionals from other disciplines and specialties. I’m sure you can appreciate the years of intense study beyond a MA or MS for a doctor as he/she goes into internships and residencies, to say nothing of experience.
Most health care professionals are careful not to use the word ‘cure’ but rather talk about ‘diagnoses’ and ‘treatments’ on the basis of examination and available judicious testing. The well-informed patient is then free to either accept of reject any and all recommendations.
It has been said that Americans have the most expensive urine in the world. We are constantly bombarded with ads for vitamins, minerals and all kinds of supplements to say nothing of prescription drugs and alternative medicines. It can be a confusing world out there!
There is much to be said about the ‘Placebo Effect’ and ‘Spontaneous Remissions’ that have yet to be explained. For sure, the body is amazing in its attempts to maintain itself and/or heal itself (homeostasis) in spite of assaults from many directions.
A little personal testimonial. From 1968-74 I went back to college because I had become interested in a narrow field of Physiological Psychology. I was in a routine lab class where we were typing our blood and learning how to make slides for the microscope, etc. (I already knew my blood type is ‘A Positive’ from when my kids were born. As it turned out in my later studies, ‘A Positive’ is indicative of genetic origin.)
One of the things we were required to do was test and record our lung capacity using a canister that we blew into. Almost 40 years later, I’m sure there are much more sophisticated measuring instruments today. Anyway at the time, I was in my late 30’s by then, a smoker and we happened to be living in the smog-filled Los Angeles Basin. I thought, “Oh Gawd! I’m gonna flunk this one!”
The lab was very quiet as all we students were busy, busy with our various projects. I blew into that canister as hard as I could and the lid flew off, clattering noisily to the floor. I was quite embarrassed. The professor laughed and said, “Where were you born? In the Andes?”
Not quite, but close. I was born and lived at 9,000 feet elevation for the first three years of my life and the next fifteen at well over a mile high in pristine, unpolluted mountain air. Apparently, that background has given me a set of lungs that won’t quit!
Whenever I have given my family and genealogical medical history, a doctor starts scratching his head. It’s that far off the Bell Curve! There were three separate cases of rather rare cancers in my immediate family, two of them invariably fatal. At age 80, I have always been cancer free, having participated in a National long-term cancer study for a number of years. Also, as of four months ago, my blood chemistry is that of a 16-year-old for cholesterol, tri-glycerides, blood sugar, etc. Go figure.
My dad was obviously ‘heterozygous’; my mother, ‘homozygous’ with some interesting implications and other environmental factors thrown in the mix to muddy the waters.
Here’s where you come in, jsri. I wish you would jump in and explain those terms better than I can. Also, while you are at it, how about ‘Genetic Profiling’ that could be on the horizon to impact future employment discrimination and another excuse for insurance companies to deny coverage on the basis of ‘pre-existing conditions’ – before birth!!!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 25, 2009
at 8:14 PM
Pamela, count me as another who enjoys reading your posts about alternative therapies. I’m not anti-Western medicine at all, but my first choice is always to try a natural remedy first. I have friends who turn to pills for any and every little thing and guess what? They GET any and every thing that comes along. It’s like their immune system has decided to just sit back and let chemicals do all the work.
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By: Imaginista on October 25, 2009
at 8:14 PM
I really thought Kwanzaa..was a real celebration of Africans?
Their Christmas so to speak..Why should we judge what or who celebrates whatever?
Come in Helen..Come In Helen
Over….
I think she just overflew Howland Island..
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By: CraigΔ on October 25, 2009
at 7:44 PM
I haven’t been here in a while so just catching up. interesting posts, i must say. but Craig, simple, deluded Craig, did you really say Kwanzaa? did you really inject something so stupid, so racist, so inapporpriate into this blog which engenders reasonable and thought-provoking discourse? Surely, there’s a Hee-Haw episode on cable somewhere that would better occupy your mental capacity. (there. how does it feel?)
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By: helenandmargaretFan on October 25, 2009
at 6:46 PM
You know what’s really funny in this whole Zicam scare? You ready for this? It seems that anosmia, the loss of smell blamed on Zicam use by 800 folks in the ten years (and over a million doses sold) Zicam has been on the market, is most often caused by the common cold and nasal congestion, the very thing these people were using Zicam to treat. This is a quote from the medicaldictionary.com …..
“Anosmia is the most common type of smelling disorder. Loss of the olfactory sense is generally caused by nasal congestion or obstruction. Temporary partial anosmia often occurs when a person has a cold, the flu, or some types of rhinitis, especially hay fever (allergic rhinitis). During these conditions, nasal mucus membranes become inflamed. Other causes for anosmia are:
Nasal polyps and other disorders that prevent air from getting to the area in the nose where the smell receptors are found. Hay fever or an allergy may cause one or more polyps to show up.
Viral upper respiratory infection.
Atrophic rhinitis. This condition causes mucus membrane to waste away. The person may experience some level of permanenOne symptom of this condition is that a person expels a foul-smelling discharge.
Hypertrophic rht anosmia. initis. Mucous membrane thickens, covering the olfactory nerve endings. If not treated, hypertrophic rhinitis can lead to permanent anosmia. This discharge could overpower other odors.
Cigarettes. Smoking aggravates the nose’s membrane and intensifys nasal polyp symptoms.
A crooked nose or a deviated septum.
When the olfactory bulbs, tracts, or central connections are destroyed. This can occur in situations such as head trauma, infections or nasal or sinus surgery.
Head injury. If both olfactory nerves are torn during a head injury, permanent anosmia results.
Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, especially prolonged use of decongestants.”
I wonder how many of these cases were due to the cold or flu instead of the Zicam!!!!!
kitkat, lori, poolman and judith, juneaujoe and pat…. thanks for sticking up for me…. darn, I was starting to feel like every little bit of good intention was getting slapped silly.
kitkat, yes, a good assortment of friendly bacteria in the gut is essential to strong digestion and robust immune system. Many folks don’t need to supplement but if you’ve done rounds of antibiotics or even too much echinacea or colloidal silver or other strong anti bacterials or had parasites or yeast overgrowth, taking a supplemental probiotic is helpful. You can also eat more sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchee or cultured veggies, and yogurt to help rebuild your army of essential bacteria in the gut. I make a keifered coconut juice and toss it in my delicious orange ‘cream cicle’ protein shake most every morning. Even kids love it and have no idea its good for them too. Some things its better not to tell kids about and healthy for them falls into that category.
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By: Pamela on October 25, 2009
at 4:35 PM
Alternative and Preventative Health are great topics. Lots of material there. I don’t necessarily subscribe to every theory and tend to go with a ‘moderation in all things’ approach, but more information is always better than less, as long as the information is confirmed through reliable sources.
My family medical history is almost nothing but lifestyle diseases, so I’ve got lots of examples of what not to do. Don’t always abide by them….(God, I hate to exercise. But I do know better). We seem to be a long-lived bunch in the face of massive bodily abuse, so as long as I live right and ride Beag the motorcycle carefully, I should be immortal.
My personal bugaboo is (are?) nutritionists. I’ve never met one with a sense of humor. Since humor is large in my personal set of coping mechanisms, I always get into major trouble. Especially since they seem to keep saying things like “But that’s artificial oxygen”. Really heard that once. Ok, it’s an atom. It is what it is.
DH has type 2 diabetes. Shortly after diagnosis, we were still doing the tests and meetings to determine which type, how bad and what to do about it. One of his problems is his liver. Grossly oversimplified – your liver, among many other functions, can produce glucose when it determines that your blood sugar has dropped way too low. Good function, helps prevent seizures until you can get to some food. But if the set point is too high, it cranks out glucose when you don’t need it. His appears to be set at around 200. This is a problem.
We were in a group meeting with other patients, 2 doctors and one nutritionist. At one point, I turned to him and said “So, what we need to do is wipe out some of your liver. What do you think, honey – surgery or Jack Daniels?” The doctors took this in the spirit it was intended. The nutritionist leapt to her feet and commenced to shouting at me that I had Got It All Wrong. Took a while to calm down, too, and never did quite forgive me. Sheesh.
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By: judith on October 25, 2009
at 3:06 PM
Pamela, I also appreciate your help (esp. since I requested it 🙂 ). Interestingly enough, several of the items you recommended were discussed in my most recent Prevention magazine. They appear to be found in things like oranges and cranberries. One thing you didn’t mention was probiotics. Much of my research is stating that taking probiotics also boosts the immune system.
Also, all the talk the other day about roasted root veggies led me to pick up several types at the store and roast them for dinner last night. Delish!
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By: kitkatΔ on October 25, 2009
at 9:42 AM
Pamela,
Alternative Health is a good topic.
Since the 60s chemicals have taken over our world. Asthma, allergies, autism and behavior issues have increased dramatically.
I have seen how diet and alternate means have improved the life style of people. Keep up the posts.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 25, 2009
at 9:17 AM
Pamela, I agree with Lori. I appreciate all your posts.
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By: Pat Δ on October 25, 2009
at 8:58 AM
Pamela, count me as one of the ones who enjoys reading about alternative healing/medicines. As with everything in life a person should seek as much information about the subject before making up their mind, especially when it comes to their health. However learning and listening about “new” things never harms us does it? Knowledge is a good thing… Thanks for sharing yours with us.
Go Steelers! namaste all.. 😉
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By: lori on October 25, 2009
at 6:14 AM
Not all zicam products have been recalled. The oral products are still available. The ones in question are the nasal gels/sprays containing zinc. The theory is that in some people, the spray came in contact with the olfactory nerve and caused damage. I used zicam for years with no adverse effects, but I made sure not to inhale it farther up in my nose. The package directions clearly stated that one should not inhale the product deeply, and the one time I did, it landed on my very raw, sore throat and burned like mad. I learned my lesson.
http://www.zicam.com/products
I miss Margaret and Helen.
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By: TBNTJudy on October 25, 2009
at 6:03 AM
Pamela, some of us appreciate your information and knowledge. I know natural remedies are not always the best fit, but they are much easier on our systems. I would prefer to give the natural remedy a chance first before I opted for the synthetic. And you are correct to say that big pharma mimics nature when it seeks effective cures. But it cannot patent nature, so it doesn’t have the control over the product and cannot profit as greatly. Therefore the synthetic.
Truly though, there is a lot of misinformation and some real quacks out there. The FDA doesn’t help and a lot of “modern” science has ignored traditional and cultural knowledge.
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By: Poolman on October 24, 2009
at 11:48 PM
jsri: You seem to be getting a bit testy there. I wasn’t giving you any advise, presumptious or otherwise, I was asked for some natural, safe substances by kitkat to assist her in her recovery from the flu…. and gave her several suggestions all of which you seemed to bash when you told her she really shouldn’t seek out medical advise over the internet, especially if using “alternative” substances as if they are inherently unsafe. Yes, the Zicam was not appropriate, as I wasn’t aware the company pulled it from the stores, however that shouldn’t detract from the other suggestions given.
As I have my Masters degree in complementary medicine and Chinese herbology, I do have some knowledge of safe, health enhancing treatments for many health issues. It is good to know that when I need a statistic to use (as you did in your statement ”because if we closed all the hospitals and clinics and fired all the MD’s and turned over our medical needs to purveyors of herbs and spices, these numbers (the accurate statistical number of more than 250,000 deaths per year in the US from prescription drugs) would increase ten fold.” I can pull that statistic right out of my hat. Really, ten fold… not twenty, not fifteen, but ten fold…. hmmmm…. where do you get your facts?
Fact is, Big Pharma looks to the herbal world to see what’s working so they can try to mimic its chemical structure and patent it and charge hundreds times more for it than necessary.
Fact is, herbal formulas are used in the hospitals in China alongside pharmaceuticals and we know every aspect of their chemical composition and which drugs they can and can not be used with as well as how to combine them in herbal formulas of fifteen or more herbs to synergistically balance them to treat the whole person.
Fact is, there are thousands of people with a little bit of knowledge of what they’re hawking giving out advise to folks and often doing little good and sometimes harm but that is not a reflection on the natural remedies just the ignorance of folks with what I call a dangerous/little amount of knowledge.
And since I listened to your history, let me tell you a bit of mine. Back in 1994 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a very painful and chronic ulcerative condition in the colon. My medical doctor recommended removing the several feet of intestines involved which I didn’t find appealing. I went to a doctor of Chinese medicine and started taking an herbal formula and receiving acupuncture treatments and within two weeks was pain free for the first time in 2 years and no longer had the copious amounts of blood and mucus in my stools. The insomnia I had suffered with since I was a little girl was gone, my headaches were gone and the tendonitis I had suffered with for several years hasn’t bothered me in the fifteen years since my acupuncture treatments. As I had been studying and using Western herbal medicine for many years with only partial and limited success, I decided Chinese medicine was something I wanted to study and it has completely changed my life and health as it has my patients.
Can Chinese medicine cure everything, no. But it can make amazing and what are perceived as miraculous changes in peoples health. It does cure asthma, allergies, digestive issues, ibs, acid reflux, chronic and debilitating pains, insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, migraines and etc, etc, etc.
It seems that you and everyone in your circle has had the misfortune of getting advise from those with the dangerous little bits of knowledge. That shouldn’t make you bash the medicine but rather seek out more knowledgeable people to work with.
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By: Pamela on October 24, 2009
at 11:10 PM
To be trashed by O’reilly is a compliment.
Grayson is very impressive!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 24, 2009
at 5:43 PM
I read that O’Reilly and Sally Quinn were trashing Rep. Alan Grayson on the Factor. Please, people, before you jump on that train, read the guy’s bio. Pretty impressive guy, plus he doesn’t seem to be phased by the faux machine.
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By: Hallie on October 24, 2009
at 2:44 PM
This is a musical which is amazing! Billionaires for wealthcare punked the Insurance Industry convention.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/billionaires-wealthcare-crash-ahip-ev
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 24, 2009
at 2:43 PM
Welcome to the porch, Pastor Dan. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 24, 2009
at 12:59 PM
What’s not to like?
The Obama Family Portrait
and a bonus:
First Lady Michelle Obama
10 @ 10 with Jay Leno
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 24, 2009
at 10:56 AM
oopssorry. Neglected to proof read previous post. Right hand improving but not very reliable at times. Besides right hand is the scroll past the troll hand and it gets tired!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 24, 2009
at 10:15 AM
JuneauJoe – glad to see your posts.
Matthew -please post something so we know Helen is okay. WE are worriied.
It’s pbvious the troll doesn’t know m any 80+year olllds. There are a looof us around. WE had good teachers, learned our lessons well and still use good grammar. Also we learned manners, politeness,something which seems to be miiiissing in your makeup.
Hope Helen comes back soon. My computer is having trouble loading all the posts!!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 24, 2009
at 10:11 AM
It looks like you have a great site here. I will be checking back often. Once again, Great website, and great writing.
God Bless, Pastor Dan
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By: Pastor Dan on October 24, 2009
at 9:59 AM
We are all battling the flu. which means every room has a Kleenex box, sometime two kleenex boxes. And yesterday after a hearty meal of venison meat, my greyhound celebrated by plucking every tissue out of the living room box and decorating the house with them. He was very pleased with himself.
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By: Greytdog on October 24, 2009
at 7:41 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 10/24/09
Working with
Small Business
to Drive Recovery
PEACE ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 24, 2009
at 7:38 AM
squirrels, part 3
can’t get this to stick,
I believe, and would like confirmation if others find this to be true, that rodents are on the ascendancy. I’ve always liked the idea of cats being the next dominant species when we finally succeed in making the earth totally uninhabitable by any other than cockroaches, starlings and rodents. I don’t believe dogs are independent enough to take over our place. I certainly hope it’s not the rodents who become supreme.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 24, 2009
at 6:20 AM
Poolman, thanks for the squirrels. My son and a friend actually DID fish for squirrels..he was 5 or 6, we had gone camping in the Adirondacks late June, it was cold and rainy, we had taken fishing gear for the kids. The place was overrun with baby animals, the mother duck and babies swam by each campsite on the lake to ask for handouts, and the baby squirrels were acting like kids, running around. My son invented the game (no hook, bread tied to the line) The squirrels hung on and were picked up. The kids might have gotten tired of the game before the squirrels.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 24, 2009
at 6:00 AM
testing because my computer is acting out.
Delurker Girl Δ, I was going to post that I use mayo but thought people would think it was too weird. Thank you for posting that idea. Actually, I don’t use it on salmon but love it on bluefish (oily Long Isand native fish) with toasted, ground fennel seed in the mayo.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 24, 2009
at 5:52 AM
Tine, I make my salmon the same way, but I use mayo instead of yogurt. I will try it your way!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 24, 2009
at 5:47 AM
Here is a new link from the Mudflats that you might enjoy:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=158980162004&ref=nf
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By: dancingfool on October 24, 2009
at 4:13 AM
Hi gang,
This is an e mail forward that just came in from a friend. We had not seen it before. I want to share it with my friends here at M&Hs.
“What would you do?….you make the choice. Don’t look for a punch line, there isn’t one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
‘When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?’
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. ‘I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled, comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.’
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, ‘Do you think they’ll let me play?’ I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, ‘We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.’
Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay’s life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher overthrew the ball, right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, ‘Shay, run to first! Run to first!’
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base..
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, ‘Run to second, run to second!’
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman’s head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, ‘Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay!’
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, ‘Run to third!
Shay, run to third!’
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, ‘Shay, run home! Run home!’
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
‘That day’, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, ‘the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world’.
Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!”
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 24, 2009
at 1:10 AM
There are a lot of ways to see squirrels.
BANZAI Squirrel Fishing
😀
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By: Poolman on October 23, 2009
at 9:58 PM
1/2 c. plain yogurt
1/4 c. any grated cheese (I like Parmesan)
2-3 tbsp. minced onion
generous dash of lemon pepper
generous dash of dried dill
1 lg. salmon filet
Preheat oven to 425F. Place salmon filet in pan. Mix first 5 ingredients and spread on top of salmon filet. Bake uncovered 10 min. per inch of filet’s thickness. Broil for 2 min.
Yum. Not only do hubby and I like it; our kids gobble it up. So it must be tasty, right?
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 23, 2009
at 9:15 PM
Thanks jsri
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 8:48 PM
part II
Chipmunks dig tunnels every where. I filled in the space under our stone path four times. We’re currently at a standoff, I fill, they dig out. I fill with water and more sand, they dig it out. They only eat cherry tomatoes from the garden and since I lost most of the tomatoes to late blight this year anyway, they were less of a problem in the garden.(thank you Walmart and those other big box stores for bringing it to our area… it’s what caused the “Great potato famine” in Ireland).
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 23, 2009
at 8:25 PM
Craig:
I know this may come as a shock to you but I don’t always read every line of your stuff all the time, especially your racist rants. They are too offensive and have no redeeming value. But you are correct in that I totally missed the attribution to Charlie Leck of the piece you offered and, as a consequence, I assumed that what I was reading was an original submitted by you. I suppose if I had more time I would have caught my mistake so in the future I will scrutinize your writings a little more closely to make sure that whatever I am reading is your own work and not something you have pirated from someone else.
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By: jsri on October 23, 2009
at 8:24 PM
I forgot myself today, Troll will take any kind of attention bad, as well as good. I’m with you Jean, scroll baby scroll.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 8:24 PM
part II
Chipmunks dig tunnels every where. I filled in the space under our stone path four times. We’re currently at a standoff, I fill, they dig out. I fill with water and more sand, they dig it out. They only eat cherry tomatoes from the garden and since I lost most of the tomatoes to late blight this year anyway, they were less of a problem in the garden.(thank you Walmart and those other big box stores for bringing it to our area… it’s what caused the “Great potato famine” in Ireland).
I believe, and would like confirmation if others find this to be true, that rodents are on the ascendancy. I’ve always liked the idea of cats being the next dominant species when we finally succeed in making the earth totally uninhabitable by any other than cockroaches, starlings and rodents. I don’t believe dogs are independent enough to take over our place. I certainly hope it’s not the rodents who become supreme.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 23, 2009
at 8:21 PM
5th try part II will follow as soon as wordpress allows it to follow
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 23, 2009
at 8:15 PM
5th try, part I
Last winter, I trapped and transported 5 flying squirrels from the space behind my upstairs bathtub. Luckily, I had made an access panel in the bottom of the linen closet to get at the pipes, so could put the traps in that way. Actually, I don’t know if it was 5 squirrels or just 4 and one repeat offender, since they’re addicted to peanut butter and would consider another go around just to get some.
This summer I trapped 5 woodchucks who had built a tunnel from my front deck, under the foundation to come out under the back screen porch. That gave them easy access to my vegetable garden where they single mindedly cleaned out my Tuscan kale and every radicchio they found. They hit the kale three times, every time it grew back. Also found woodchucks under 3 porches of landscape clients.
The voles are my biggest headache. They cleaned out a 2×8 row of Siberian irises. They severed the bottom of the entire row of pole beans, just killing the plants and getting almost nothing for the effort.
They’re also a problem with several garden clients.
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 23, 2009
at 7:59 PM
I’m proud to say that Anthony Weiner is from New York State. Actually, I had to look him up to see where exactly, turns out from Queens county. The shape of his district is pretty strange, but apparently, that is not unusual.
http://weiner.house.gov/district.aspx
A part of his district covers the Jamaica Bay Wildlife reserve. I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing for the reserve.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 23, 2009
at 7:40 PM
Hi gang,
This is ABSOLUTELY and POSITIVELY the very last time I will refer to our current troll-du-jour. Does anyone remember COLORFUL and What’s-his-name who graced us with their presence for a while?
I have my scroll finger poised and at the ready whenever I see the name again.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 23, 2009
at 7:25 PM
Hi gang and Poolman,
I’m with you about Anthony Weiner. He has turned up as a guest on a number of TV shows of late. He is articulate and makes a lot of sense to me. A rare politician who can think on his feet with CURRENT facts and figures on the tip of his tongue. Here’s a young man to keep our eyes on. A rising star!
He reminds me of the first few times I saw and heard Obama.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 23, 2009
at 7:11 PM
I just made a past dish, variation on one I’ve used for awhile, cook whole wheat pasta. whatever shape you want but I like a sprouted wheat ribbon shape from Trader Joe’s. Saute a bunch of garlic (3-4 cloves slivered) cook a couple of Italian sausages (substitute tofu if you don’t eat meat) in some olive oil, a little hot pepper flake, LOTS of chopped escarole and/or radicchio (I grow it in the garden so have the outside leaves to use for stuff other that salad) and a hand full of shell beans or other cooked beans, cook until the green stuff is tender, dump it on the pasta, add grated cheese and tonight I added a bit of Feta cheese because that’s what was in the frig. A friend varies this using eggplant and tofu. Lots of different combinations would be good. We’ve learned to like it much better than the usual red sauce.
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 23, 2009
at 7:00 PM
Ooh, salmon. I’ve got a great one. Will post it after I get the varmints in bed. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 23, 2009
at 6:57 PM
Donna, I agree with everything you just wrote except one thing, rodents are smart LOL!! 😉
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 23, 2009
at 6:49 PM
It sounds good, tomorrow I’ll try it.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 6:46 PM
no one’s puppet
Had some great salmon, with onions, lemon
and leaks, potatoes and onions
It was so very good.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 23, 2009
at 6:16 PM
Craig:
– You are a perfect example on why Republicans lost the election last Nov.
-You are also a perfect example of why only 20% of people say they are Republican compared to 4 months ago when it was 25%
Keep chattering – You are sounding more pathetic with each post.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 23, 2009
at 6:15 PM
Anyone tried any good recipes lately?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 6:01 PM
And a rabies carrier.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 5:59 PM
beady little eyes…oversized teeth…chattering mindlessly away…yup.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 5:27 PM
Squirrel in the attic. Yup. I can get on board with that. Annoying, noisy, hyperactive rodent with terrible manners and a pea-size brain.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 23, 2009
at 5:20 PM
much better way of putting it. A troll is defined by its propensity of writing things on blogs solely to get a reaction. Craig has conceded that’s exactly what he tries to do. However, he’s almost numbingly clumsy and dull in his efforts.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 5:13 PM
Craig, you’re called a troll for your behavior, not for the crap you claim to believe.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 23, 2009
at 5:06 PM
yeah, I thought “Black man in black face” was a wee bit racist.
In fact, as I think about it, this particular troll fits perfectly with the descriptions of the Congresswoman from Minnesota…one taco short of a combo plate. Saying crap and apparently too dumb to realize it. Having such blunt social antennae that he thinks he’s amusing when his “humor” is at an 8 year old’s level. Desperate for attention and validation and so lacking in insight that he actually thinks his comments offer anything of value. What a complete zero.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 5:02 PM
The “Squirrel in the attic”
or the bats in the belfry fellow always slams back with a racist or homophobia comment. Sick as they come.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 4:52 PM
Craig–let me try it this way since you seem to be fairly slow at comprehending things. I don’t think you “grate” on anyone because you march to a different “tune.” You grate on people because you are boring and not very bright. You have no original thought and apparently no capacity for critical thinking. You parrot de-bunked canards. And, at bottom, you don’t understand the difference between a genuine debate of ideas and the “nyah, nyah” insults of a poorly raised and unappealing child.
You congratulate yourself on “stirring things up.” But you don’t do so by offering anything of merit or interest. You come on the site, you say things that are insulting, stupid, banal, or all three. And then you whine that people don’t want to hear differing points of view. No, they just don’t want to read your bullshit–and that is what it is.
“Squirrel in the attic” is an apt metaphor in the sense that you are, indeed, a rodent. But please do not fancy yourself as anything approaching an intelligent representative of opposing viewpoints. You’re unusual only in the extent of your dullness.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 4:31 PM
Delurker Girl Δ
Obama..Do away with Christmas…
Nope …they have to keep up the charade a little longer before they pull out the month long Kwanzaa celebrations.
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 4:23 PM
“The fictional Helen Philpot (they’ve changed names for security reasons, as I mention above) was born in 1926. She would have entered college in about 1926 or ’27 and gotten out in about 1932. Yet, she reminisces recently about Cliff Notes Books which didn’t appear on or around college campuses until 1958. I guess there’s no reason why she wouldn’t have seen them around the bookstores!”
Wait a minute…Helen or whoever she is was born in 1926 and went to college in 1926? Man, she’s a genius who was out of college by the time most of us just make first grade!
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By: talea on October 23, 2009
at 4:17 PM
“The fictional Helen Philpot (they’ve changed names for security reasons, as I mention above) was born in 1926. She would have entered college in about 1926 or ’27 and gotten out in about 1932. Yet, she reminisces recently about Cliff Notes Books which didn’t appear on or around college campuses until 1958. I guess there’s no reason why she wouldn’t have seen them around the bookstores!:
Wait a minute…Helen or whoever she is was born in 1926 and went to college in 1926? Man, she’s a genius who was out of college by the time most of us just make first grade!
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By: talea on October 23, 2009
at 4:17 PM
jsri on October 23, 2009
Read the first sentence of the posting again at 10:02
and I quote..some guy or person wrote about M&H..and his name was “CHARLIE LECK”
“Helen & Margaret are a couple of young girls at Smith!
by Charlie Leck”
and TINE
“3) Nobody here really cares whether M&H are real. We’ve been over this a hundred times. Its the writing in M&H’s posts that most of us love, as well as the discussion forum those posts have created.”
Well they are late with the mail then cause its been a month .. Like lookin at the heavens waiting for the great one to appear.
I had no idea someone had questioned the existence of M&H before I did…or even proposed.
Wow..someone must have taken a big can of WhoopAss for that one before I arrived.
Really
Have I at all Lambasted,called you names..said you were stupid for your beliefs?
The fact that you know when I post..I’m not hiding somehting..
I’ve had some good exchanges about things other than politics…
BUT SOME want this site to be about them and them alone.
Heck for two days I watched recipes being exchanged. Now there.
I feel better.
Why the TROLL monicker?
…..because I don’t like Pelosi or some other
liberal democrats.
I’m just not marchin to your tune..and it grates on a lot of you.
And JuneauJoe Δ where are the trillions of dollars of financial relief?
Right where you would expect them to be, in the hands of Lobbyist’s
Where is this main street relief?
My God could you just get your man in the Big House to make a decision with some balls and support our boys rather than letting them hang out there waiting for Rom Emanual to tell him what to do.
OK ..Just consider me the Squirrel in the attic that won’t go away…
That is unless you can convince Matthew to eradicate me. Or does Matthew even exist?
It really does not matter as someone said whether M&H really exist…
They have done what they intended.
hey Claire..ever seen the movie
Blazing Saddles?
The fart scene is the best
More beans Mr. Taggert?
That was to stir debate…NOT tell
someone to go away.
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 4:07 PM
For a very good reason Margaret and Helen remain private individuals, they are smart. Trolls are fanatics and no one, but no one wants an extremist nut job literally hanging out on their porch. Every time some well intended fan of Margaret and Helen suggest they seek publicity, appear on Oprah or another show, I just cringe, that a troll suggests “outing” them makes me even more apprehensive for their safety.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 3:10 PM
Oh dear. None of the trolls shared the news that Obama is doing away with Christmas at the White House! There will only be holiday trees, and religious themed ornaments are bannd! We’ve already lost ‘In God We Trust’ on coins. All this and Obamacare killing premature babies, too. What is this world coming to?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 23, 2009
at 2:43 PM
We live in a world with 2 wars (minimum),
40 million without health care and an attempt to help all get health care,
debt (I suggest we consider the wars when we look at debt and Bush Policies),
joblessness (and republicans blocking extending unemployment), Bush crew left the economy on the brink a year ago,
Rape in Iraq of a US woman but she cannot go to court.
I could add more but will stop here.
IDIOT TROLLS WANT TO TALK ABOUT WHETHER 2 PEOPLE WITH A BLOG ARE 80+ YEARS OLD! In the scheme of things – DOES IT REALLY MATTER? I like them 80 or 20…..
True Republican! Rush did not get in the NFL – THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END because of it! I need to see Beck – NOW! Rush – are they 80?
Craig – you are sad!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 23, 2009
at 1:40 PM
Here is your direct quote:
There are a number of things, however, that keep making me think they’re phony. The syntax and vocabulary slips from time to time and sounds much too young for a couple of old geezers.
By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM
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By: jsri on October 23, 2009
at 12:59 PM
“First off I resent the term old geezers just as you would be insulted by being referred to as a puerile snot nose. And as for their vocabulary and syntax, like H&M, we too have had children and grandchildren so our ability to slip in and out of a generation’s vernacular is no big deal.”
“puerile snot nose”..I do have a cold today.
In all my posts..I do not believe I used the term geezers.
I tried to do some research about M&H to see if she ,He , they are for “real”
Kinda like the saucers we talked about last week.
Remember?
The article I copied and pasted was given credit to the man who wrote about M&H.
Look at the posting again..Thanks
Helen & Margaret are a couple of young girls at Smith!
by Charlie Leck
Now Like those flying saucers..what we need are someone who officially knows them..to come forward and identify them as 83 year old hipsters
they propose to be.
Has there been any sightings?
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 12:53 PM
By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM
You noted : “The fictional Helen Philpot . . . . was born in 1926. She would have entered college in about 1926 or ’27 and gotten out in about 1932.”
WOW! Talk about a child prodigy! I’m impressed. A college grad at 5. No wonder she has such a following.
But about Cliff Notes? My wife and I were college students during the same era that M&H were in college (1940’s & 1950’s) and we both remember course notes, especially for Literature classes. They may not have been CliffsNotes but something comparable was available at that time. My wife used to buy them at the Harvard Coop Bookstore and thinks they might have been called Hi Lites. When Cliff Hillegass started his notes in 1958, he was so successful that Cliff Notes became a generic term for such course guides much the way Kleenex and Xerox are generic product terms.
Craig: You also noted: “There are a number of things, however, that keep making me think they’re phony. The syntax and vocabulary slips from time to time and sounds much too young for a couple of old geezers.”
First off I resent the term old geezers just as you would be insulted by being referred to as a puerile snot nose. And as for their vocabulary and syntax, like H&M, we too have had children and grandchildren so our ability to slip in and out of a generation’s vernacular is no big deal.
I think it’s about time for you to find another target for your obtuse commentary.
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By: jsri on October 23, 2009
at 12:39 PM
I vote we ignore the trolls! It’s hard because they are so impossibly dim but I’ll try to do better disregarding the nasty, boring little things.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 12:26 PM
If a troll farts in the forest do you smell it?
LMAO
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 11:30 AM
NO Bunn Bunn…
Just a black man in black face trying to be Santa Clause to all the liberals who got coal in their socks for the past 8 years.
If a troll falls in the forest do you hear it ?
No one has any personality or humor.
I think the Smith Girls AKA Helen and Margaret have taken a hike.
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 10:52 AM
I don’t think you can base anything on when Cliff Notes came into use. Maybe they went back to school late. Maybe they remember their children using them. Pretty weak if that is what you’re basing your “Margaret & Helen aren’t real” essay on.
Basically, who cares who they are? There is a long and revered tradition of writing under “pen names” in the US. Ben Franklin was an enthusiastic practitioner. Doesn’t it matter more what they say than who they really are?
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By: Lori on October 23, 2009
at 10:49 AM
M&H 101 for Dummies…
…I mean trolls…
…I mean Craig.
1) Liberals are, by definition, open-minded. They don’t take any source as gospel. They gather info from all over. They *think* about stuff and make up their *own* minds.
2) This is a conversation. A community. There are all kinds of topics afloat at any one time. People may respond to you, but they’re responding to others too. If you want to participate, pay attention and *think* about your responses. If you just want to throw stinkbombs and watch for a reaction, don’t pout when people plug their noses and turn the other way. Or yell at you for being so juvenile.
3) Nobody here really cares whether M&H are real. We’ve been over this a hundred times. Its the writing in M&H’s posts that most of us love, as well as the discussion forum those posts have created.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 23, 2009
at 10:42 AM
A democrat is watering down the amendment to allow rape cases to go to court.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/sources-frankens-anti-rape-provision
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 23, 2009
at 10:42 AM
And I guess there is no big man in the clouds…
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 10:42 AM
You mean there’s no Easter Bunny, either? lol
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 10:33 AM
I do know (I read Harry Potter) trolls are smelly.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 10:18 AM
I am pretty sure there isn’t a Mrs, Butterworth, or Mrs. Folgers, but I still consume their product, and love every last drop!.. 😉
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 10:16 AM
Personally I don’t care Nor do I care that there is or isn’t a Santa, Father Christmas or St Lucia. What I do care about is the message they all bring to the table!
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 10:10 AM
Helen & Margaret are a couple of young girls at Smith!
by Charlie Leck
Helen and Margaret write one of the most popular blogs on the web. They are a couple of very elderly, old girls — both are in their 80s — and they have millions of readers.
It’s Helen who does most of the posting. When Margaret does write, one really can pick up the style difference between the two. Very recently, Helen has been reviewing, chapter by chapter, Ann Coulter’s newest book, Guilty. An example of her quick and rapier style wit and her brilliant writing is demonstrated in the review of chapter three of Coulter’s work. [read it] This writing, it seems to me, comes from a professional and I think that’s what the actual person behind Helen really is.
Oh what the hell, I’ll still go and read the frauds (if they are frauds) because they’re funny, fun and witty. I’ll just keep pretending that they are old broads who have hit on extraordinary success.
There are a number of things, however, that keep making me think they’re phony. The syntax and vocabulary slips from time to time and sounds much too young for a couple of old geezers.
Though some people claim they can’t find any anyone with those names in the regions in which they’re supposed to live, those folks must have missed Helen’s explanation that they are writing under pen-names because Helen’s grandson thought it would provide them more security. It all gets much too complex and only underlines the feeling they are fictional.
If these two old girls were for real, they’d have been invited to speak at some of the most popular colleges and universities in America. Big money in that, girls! I’d travel pretty far to see the two of them in person and to hear them speak.
The fictional Helen Philpot (they’ve changed names for security reasons, as I mention above) was born in 1926. She would have entered college in about 1926 or ’27 and gotten out in about 1932. Yet, she reminisces recently about Cliff Notes Books which didn’t appear on or around college campuses until 1958. I guess there’s no reason why she wouldn’t have seen them around the bookstores!
Well, real or not, Helen kept me highly entertained all during the campaign (the months and months and months of it) and I kind of fell in love with her. If she turns out to be a fake, it won’t be the first time I was jilted by a bogus dame.
And, Helen keeps on cooking, even now that the race is over and part of history. She loves to take on the Coulter chick and Rush Limbaugh, too.
I’m confused about the question we’re working on here. What do you think? Are they the real deal? Or are they a couple of goofy, funny girls at Smith?
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 10:02 AM
Exactly delurker girl… above all else he knows how to make money and he plans on doing just that.
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 9:53 AM
With his ratings slipping and his sponsors ditching him, his plan has some holes in it. Apparently you can’t take facts out of context and twist them for maximum controversy & hate and be considered a bankable newsman. Who knew?
Maybe his real plan was to become extreme and hate filled enough to get offered a lucrative contract from Fox. He’s playing that card well. He’ll fit right in there.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 23, 2009
at 9:51 AM
It must be sad to be so emotionally stunted that you get a charge out of trying to provoke a reaction. Of course, since trolls don’t identify themselves (other than the Gone But Not Missed Kathleen Wynne), they are cowards. It’s the equivalent of a six year old making a prank phone call and hanging up.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 9:46 AM
Oh Lou lou lou…. I do have to feel sorry for the old bloat, he was so conflicted. He is a firm lover of money and “capitalism” but yet he is a fear filled white guy and let us NOT forget he wants to make as much money as he can before he retires…. Don’t we all?????? So many problems not enough time.. What to do?
He said screw it… The most lucritive way for me to lean is towards an angry white guy…. He followed Rushbo’s lead ( and others) and here we are …go to another cable station that has no competetion and hence can make tons of bucks before he goes home to his Tara…. Who can blame him?
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 9:44 AM
Trolls think they are Paul Revere, but alas they are trolls.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 9:34 AM
“A Coward who hides behind a five year girl, ”
whats this?
I thought if it was on CNN ..you all thought it was gospel?
YOU mean he just makes this stuff up from Congress?
Come on..Your not that gullible?
I know you all watch FOX..but you do it very quietly ..behind closed curtains so your neighbors won’t see.
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 9:34 AM
Lou Dobbs is CNN’s troll, LOL!
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 9:30 AM
Anyone here not know that Lou Dobbs is a jingoist? Haven’t known it for years? Give a damn about anything Dobbs has to say on the subject?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 9:28 AM
Lou Dobbs is an idiot. He perpetuates the birther nonsense, he endorses the thoroughly discredited Jerome Corsi. As I understand it, he is currently being courted by Fox and is likely to move there.
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By: Donna on October 23, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Lou Dobbs, fear & hate monger:
http://www.casavaria.com/cafesentido/2009/10/17/4918/cnns-lou-dobbs-accused-of-sowing-hate-inciting-violence/
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 23, 2009
at 9:19 AM
A Coward who hides behind a five year girl, well I know what I think of him.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 9:08 AM
This is a must watch!
I KNEW this was going to happen. (That way Obama wasn’t lying when he said illegals would not be able to get medical coverage under his ObamaCare plan. His simple fix is to make them all legal first.)
EVERYONE–PLEASE TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO THIS–IT TELLS ABOUT THE BILL GOING THRU CONGRESS RIGHT NOW REGARDING IMMIGRATION.
Lou Dobbs of CNN commenting about a current amnesty bill …
EVEN CNN IS GETTING UPSET ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!
Pass this on after you watch it. NOTICE THAT THIS IS FROM CNN, NOT FOX!!!
This from CNN news:
http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/17260182/1610997888/name/ftc-vi26..wmv
This 2-minute video should be mandatory viewing for every US citizen.
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By: CraigΔ on October 23, 2009
at 8:59 AM
Helen — Haven’t heard from you in a while, so hope you, Margaret, and all whom you love are OK. Looking forward to your next post!
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By: darlene on October 23, 2009
at 8:41 AM
The flip side to any bully is a coward
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By: Greytdog on October 23, 2009
at 8:27 AM
LOL well obviously you are not an fing bitch Claire…. and that “gentleman” was not only ignorant but a nasty human being!
My father’s mantra was don’t get mad get even…… and I guess you got even..;-)
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 8:23 AM
PS: Same guy told me that I was going to have to leave the country when McCain was elected president. Haven’t seen him since, LOL!
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 8:01 AM
Yes, I remember when people were civil and courteous to one another even if they disagreed on an issue. There was no name calling and hatred, ala FAUX News, Limbaugh, O’Reilly, etc.
What that parent did to his child smacks of child abuse to me, teaching an innocent to hate to please their parent? SCARY!
Personally, I have been called a(n) “F#$%&ing Liberal Bitch!” at the top of one right winger’s lungs during a discussion about election issues.
Like your proverbial schoolyard bully. Pathetic.
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By: Claire on October 23, 2009
at 7:54 AM
I certainly agree NOP. It was just one more illustration of HOW far we have come as a society. ;-( That father felt very comfortable with his behavior, the trolls that visit here, and almost ALL political sites I have visited, feel VERY comfortable with their mean spirited, nasty, and yes sometimes vulgar behavior… sad … really sad….
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 7:38 AM
It is one thing to have political differences, but teaching children to hate is a form of child abuse and making your child use vulgar language is truely sick.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 23, 2009
at 6:39 AM
LOL and yes I know that is the wrong weather… I’m blaming the faux pas on the trolls… that’s my story and I’m sticking to it..;-) namaste all
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 5:11 AM
I have been exposed to politics for a long, long time. A close relative was a congressman for 28 years. I literally cut my teeth on a campaign button! I have worked/ran/volunteered/interned for politicians for 32 years on the national, state, and local level. Suffice it to say I have seen my share of partisans (on both sides of the aisle) and partisan politics. It use to be that you were able to “debate’ (argue) like hell with your opponent ABOUT an issue and then after the debate go out and get a drink together. I remember one year when there was a particularly difficult campaign and the politics became pretty heated, we ended up winning, but it wasn’t by much and nerves were frayed when election day rolled around. Several days after the election I went to my mail box and there was an invitation to our opponents’ anniversary party waiting for me. The funny thing is I wasn’t surprised…. back then…..It was normal, over the course of the campaigns members of both staffs get to know each other and their families and more often than not remain “Christmas card friends”, at the very least long after the campaigns are over. There have always been republican/democrat leaning newspapers/radio stations/news organizations that gave favorable press to the candidate of their party. That was part of being in politics if you were thin skinned you best not run for office OR work in politics. However the editors and journalists were likely to be the first ones to send you a condolance card when you lost a family member, or visit you in the hospital when your child was born.
That is why I am STILL surprised when I hear and read the level of vitriol that exists in today’s politics. Last Halloween I had a little girl, maybe 5-6 years old, come to my door trick or treating, I could tell she was embarrassed and shy – Chalked it up to the event until I handed her the candy and this tiny little angelic face looked up at me and said in a hurried fashion, “OBAMA SUCKS ASS”, and then ran to her father waiting out at the sidewalk. The father was pumping his fist in the air SCREAMING “that’s my girl!” Apparently the “gentleman” took great umbrage with the Obama sign in my front yard. That minute is when I knew our society had changed forever, and not for the better.
So when a troll comes visiting my front porch weather trick or treating or just eatin pie, it doesn’t surprise me, it just makes me sad…. very sad…
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By: lori on October 23, 2009
at 4:55 AM
“A new study by Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Queens & Brooklyn), member of the Health Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Caucus on the Middle Class, revealed that 151 members of the House and Senate currently receive government-funded; government-administered single-payer health care – Medicare.
On the list of recipients are 55 Republicans who have steadfastly opposed other Americans getting the public option, like the one they have chosen.”
Way to go Anthony Weiner!
😉
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By: Poolman on October 22, 2009
at 11:45 PM
By: Pamela Δ on October 21, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Among other things you posted: “Maybe you do want to consider some alternatives, jsri.”
I wasn’t seeking your presumptuous advice so let me give you some personal history. Thirty years ago my employer enrolled us in a local HMO, a relatively new concept in the region. It had more nurse practitioners than MD’s. The nurses could not write prescriptions so some of them took it upon themselves to offer advice on alternatives. During most of the seven years I was there I was given advice on alternatives for blood pressure problems, prostate hyperplasia and low thyroid. The so-called treatments were available in nutrition centers and were expensive but colossal failures. Only after I went to an MD and got legitimate prescriptions were these conditions brought under control.
Friends and family fared no better. Earlier, in the 70’s, wives of two colleagues were diagnosed with breast cancer and both went the laetrile route. Needless to say, their misery was long and their deaths were ugly. Even 25 years ago, my niece was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite my warnings to her parents she listened to an alternative “therapist” but when the untreated cancer metastasized it was too late to do anything. She was 28 and left a devastated husband and three children under six.
I was invited to do a presentation at the Chinese Academy of Aeronautics in Beijing in the late 1980’s. A member of the group I was traveling with was afflicted with intense diarrhea and stomach pains and was taken to a Chinese herbalist for treatment. The concoction of herbs, spices and bugs brains had no effect. When I talked with the scientists and engineers at Beijing Univ, they were appalled that our tour leader would seek out a Chinese herbalist. They all went to MD’s trained in western medicine. They recommended an MD who found that the sick person had a treatable intestinal parasite which is not so hard to believe because many rice fields in China at the time were still using night soil as fertilizer.
About eight years ago, my wife developed a serious skin condition that mocked psoriasis. Several of her friends brought her salves and ointments that they guaranteed would take care of her problem. They failed. Her primary care physician finally convinced her to consult an oncologist who discovered that she had Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, an auto-immune disease. After a long series of treatments the condition is still not cured (there is no cure), but it has been stabilized. And my late brother, who recently succumbed to Alzheimers went both the traditional medicine as well as the alternate route. Neither had any effect on the condition.
In the early 90’s I came across a website, Quackwatch, that relentlessly chases down and has debunked a lot of alternative medicine claims. I haven’t looked at it lately but I believe it still exists. But whenever I hear outrageous “healing” claims, I go there first.
And I don’t need a lecture about how “iatrogenic(doctor-related) causes and Prescription Drugs Are The Leading Cause of Hospitalization and Death in the US, Causing over 250,000 Hospital Related Deaths” because if we closed all the hospitals and clinics and fired all the MD’s and turned over our medical needs to purveyors of herbs and spices, these numbers would increase ten fold.
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By: jsri on October 22, 2009
at 9:29 PM
Hi gang,
It’s a sure sign that we are hurting for a new post from M&H when we are reduced to talking about trolls. But here I go.
I’ve been thinking as I listen to Conservatives/Republicans on TV or read what they have to say in the papers and news magazines and of course here at M&Hs. I do not ever volunteer to tune into Fox or other obviously radical rightwing blah, blah, blah. That would be a waste of my time.
Here is what I am concluding. First of all, they are consistently SO defensive about what they are NOT! NOT racist, NOT sexist, NOT just about anything and NOT FOR just about anything. There is one exception only. It has to do and revolves around the ’TAXPAYER’S DOLLARS’!!!!!
The analogy here is of handing someone a text to read and the only thing the person can see is a typo here and there. No insight into the gist of the text whatsoever or of being able to see the overall whole. Just hypercritically zeroing in on the typos. This is indicative of an inability to even conceive of deductive reasoning. Once a concept has been grasped, then it is ever so easy to go back and correct a few typos. However, some people are totally incapable of getting beyond the ‘nitpick-the-typo-stage’.
As is so often pointed out, the ‘trolls’ have every right to come here to this blog and post whatever they like. Fine. A troll is happy to sit down, gorge on pies that other have baked and graciously served. Then he proceeds to barf all over the table and otherwise make a complete horse’s ass of himself by recycling the same tired old NOTs! and recycled ‘Talking Points’ we have all heard thousands of times before. Talk about boring. Still, as the old adage goes, I guess a troll is more to be pitied than scorned.
If you will please excuse me, I will just move myself to a different chair on the porch out of the way so I don’t get splattered with troll vomit.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 22, 2009
at 9:12 PM
I have many, many heroes on this site.
Thank you humbly for your compliment, Donna. There have been many different RESPECTFUL opinions (especially regarding religion) vs. the sewage/spewage of ones who try to reel us back in and then show their stupid true (troll) colors. I will not allow any troll shit in my world, I don’t hear a thing.
Except for my yawning when they repeat the same old FAUX bumper sticker mentality=BORING! Not sure why some of you keep inviting them on the porch.
Not my biggest concern, want to know if my gals and Matthew are okay.
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By: Claire on October 22, 2009
at 8:20 PM
Claire–you are my hero du jour. I couldn’t agree more.
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By: Donna on October 22, 2009
at 8:04 PM
tomgnh, I am pretty sure that was Limpball’s intention.
There is a neighbor of mine who used to be a Dem and now he listens (and believes!) (and LIKES!) Osama Bin Limbaugh. I used to be attracted to him until I realized he had lost his mind…
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By: Claire on October 22, 2009
at 7:56 PM
TROLL(S), you are irrelevant, go piss and moan somewhere else, you are not worth the time of day. Scroll, baby, SCROLL the stupid troll.
Do not even acknowledge this piece of poop, scrape it off your shoe!
Go tune back in to Glenn Blecch, et. al. You are a waste of time, space and oxygen in my world.
Much more importantly, I am very concerned about Helen and Margaret and Matthew.
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By: Claire on October 22, 2009
at 7:46 PM
I think a major part of Rush’s problem was that he would wind up “owning” some African-American players after the comments he has made.
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By: tomgnh on October 22, 2009
at 7:44 PM
Margaret and Helen,
Please come back soon………….really miss you and your fabulous writing. Hope you are both well. I check daily just to see your take on whatever happens to be going on on that particular day. You’re always right on the money!
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By: crafty lady in illinois on October 22, 2009
at 6:42 PM
Post It Note on my Computer:
“I will not feed the Troll”
Matthew, please let us know how Margaret and Helen are.
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By: Raji on October 22, 2009
at 6:03 PM
Craig:
Talk real news!
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/rachel-maddow-show-indefensible
What do you think? Defensible?
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 22, 2009
at 5:35 PM
Craig – RUSH IS CALLING! He wants you back at his site!
Rush gets 400 Million for making up facts and lies. He gets upset when he is called on his stupidity.
I do not feel sorry for Rush or you!
Craig: You are a sad individual. Go talk to Rush and Beck. (Can you cry like Beck by the way?)
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 22, 2009
at 5:33 PM
Raji ..
AS for looking for a job right now..no.
But in one of my first interviews at a radio station. The manager said it was too bad that I wasn’t black or a female and he could have hired me right then.
Hey what do you think about Rush not getting to be a partner with a group to buy a football team?
I mean he gets nailed for something he says a while back and the cultural police are right there.
I guess thats kinda like that minister that Obama knew and had to get rid of then there was the black czar…etc..tit for tat.
Remember what Howard Cossell once said about black football players?
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By: CraigΔ on October 22, 2009
at 4:48 PM
PalinShutUp Δ
Hey I’ve missed you too.
I did some further research and..
I found out some more information about this give away …that this came from an earlier time before our current resident President
was in office.
But it sure does smell like an “entitlement program.”
Walks and quacks like a duck.
“Let’s see what the point is supposed to be.”
“1) All welfare recipients are black.” No thats not exactly right.. you can have white, black and brown girls of color be “working girls”.
“2) All blacks are welfare recipients.”
Nope we have our share of residents from the South and and the ones who got here first. That would be what we call “high yeller” or closer to being Spanish rather than the Indian mix.
We are also the proud holder of one of the highest rate of STD’s and children having children than any where else in Texas.
Overall most of the time around here they just shoplift what they want from Wally Mart and get their pics with one minute of blurry grainy video or stills…on the television or newspaper and the narrator or editor asking, have you seen these people?”
Hey if nothing else, this lets the extended family on the other side of the river know that “they” are alive and prospering over here….and that the check is in the telegram.
3) Since there is no problem getting or keeping a job in America if you want one, all these people are just lazy (and violent, sexual criminals, to boot).”
bangers can be mexcan,white klan, people of african american heritage and relatives of President Jefferson.
But if YOU have ever had a gun pointed at your forehead and a knife held at your side..LIKE I HAVE HAD…YOU tend to not really take in a lot of detailed info on the perps..other than the color of their skin and how young they were.
Then you give then whatever they want,car keys, wallet, my girlfriends purse..and then be told not to follow when they turn and run off into the dark of a college campus.
I was lucky ..one kid laughed at them and he got the butt of the gun upside his face. Four couples robbed at gunpoint in 45 minutes.
Then if you want a really funny experience that will waste your time…go down to the jail and look thru 4 LARGE books of black mug shots.
The above was a true and scary experience
at the age of 22.
So no..I don’t have any preconceived notions
or thoughts about people. I just couldn’t listen to soul music for a long time.
And 6 years later at work in a university, I was having a discussion with a black male a black female and a white receptionist. We all worked in the same department and it was early. During our discussion something came up that the “black” gentleman said that I really could not believe…
and I said “BOY YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN ME” this was not a racist conversation in any way shape or form. But HE stopped cold and looked at me and said I needed to apologize to him.
I said for what?
He said you just called me boy.
I was at a complete loss. I told him I had no racial intention in my comment but he turned to the three women and they agreed with him that ‘I” had made a derogatory comment.
I had not meant anything by my statement and I would have said the exact same thing to any body…
BUT he played the RACE card…and I was forced to apologize for my comment.
So its easy to nail someone for sexual or racial
comments. Just take them out of context..mix with years of being a black person in the south
or a woman who has hit the glass ceiling and
BAM..Your nailed.
I did stick up for a black bus driver one day.
He was our regular school bus driver for high school. But after he let us off in the afternoon, he was going to transport me downtown for a veterans day parade, since I didn’t drive yet.
He had one more school to pick up on a local military base. These kids hurled insult after insult at him and about him.He just kept quiet. I had my ROTC uniform on and I stood up and told them that all of them would be reported..they just did not really care..it was funny to them. He got me downtown..and I said I was sorry for what the kids had said. I was embarrassed..then he said not to worry and that he had heard a lot worse before.
My wife use to travel with her nurse who was black throughout west Texas. They not only had a working relationship, but were good friends as well. One night late..around 9:00 pm they stopped at a small local restaurant. They went in and sat down waiting for water and menu.
The owner or waitress came over and said they were closed.
So my wife and her nurse went out and say in the car and tried to figure where to go next since it was getting late. Then another car of people drive up go in ..sit down and are served. Apparently
it was too late to serve blacks.
So ..in short..I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe that one group of people, male/female, black/hispanic or white should be granted extra
rights or provisions just because of their color and or status. But I live in Texas.
And hey..if we want something to go the way we want..we just invent new voters by having the dead vote..such as LBJ did way back in his earlier Senate days in Texas. Thats probably quite common in Chicago.
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By: CraigΔ on October 22, 2009
at 4:38 PM
Thoughtful Texan Farmer
A bus load of politicians were driving down a Texas country road # R 44,
when all of a sudden, the bus ran off the road and crashed into a tree
in an old farmer’s field. The old farmer, after seeing what had happened,
went over to investigate. He then proceeded to dig a hole to bury the politicians.
A few days later the local sheriff came out, saw the crashed bus, and
asked the old farmer where all the politicians had gone. The old farmer said he had buried them.
The sheriff asked the old farmer, ‘Were they all dead?’
The old farmer replied, ‘Well, some of them said they weren’t, but you know how they lie.’
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 22, 2009
at 3:32 PM
Health Insurance is denied to women who got raped!
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/investigative-report-health-insurance
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 22, 2009
at 3:16 PM
I bet Dick Cheney has something to do with the disappearance of Margarat and Helen.
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By: Francis on October 22, 2009
at 3:16 PM
A couple of things: Alan Grayson will be on Hardball tonight;
Sen. Inhouye of Hawaii is planning to GUT Sen Frankens amendment regarding criminal prosecution of DoD contractors (KBR) involved in rape cases. Please contact Inhouye’s office to let him know that is unacceptable – that RAPE is not a human resources issue but a CRIME
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By: Greytdog on October 22, 2009
at 2:31 PM
well, well, well
I see good old craigy is up to his old tricks
blaming the free cell phone thing on Obama lol!! pathetic
what’s next? the Iraqui war?
*rolling my eyes*
came to check up on the gang and M & H, hope everyone is healthy
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 22, 2009
at 1:05 PM
Poolman: “Please no one make any mistakes. What craig posted from Snopes was the copy of the email that is circulating regarding the cell phone issue.”
Oh, anybody who takes the trouble to read it can see that right away. They have the e-mail, followed by the debunking. There’s also a little blurb at the beginning that leads you to expect the debunking.
It’s just the same old inaccurate nonsense, coupled with a big steaming pile of ick, expressed in racial dialect.
Let’s see what the point is supposed to be. 1) All welfare recipients are black. 2) All blacks are welfare recipients. 3) Since there is no problem getting or keeping a job in America if you want one, all these people are just lazy (and violent, sexual criminals, to boot).
His mother must be so proud.
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By: judith on October 22, 2009
at 12:51 PM
OK, check this out and maybe make a few phone calls to N Dakota for Moveon.org to get constituents there to call the obviously conservative (D) Kent Conrad (who has previously voted against the public option) to stand for the public option.
http://pol.moveon.org/ndhealth/call/call.html?id=17637-7211380-00Sq87x#callscript=0
its easy as pie and hopefully makes a difference in getting our po…. no, not po ed …. though if we don’t get our po I will definitely be poed.
Grayson really got me with his polite refusal to yield his time… you rock!
I called Congressman Paul Broun’s office this morning to inquire if he’s caught any of the Muslim intern spies yet but no ones calling me back. He must be out running them down… Senator Chambliss’ office is evidently so deluged with calls that they can’t get a line out to call me back.
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By: Pamela on October 22, 2009
at 10:42 AM
Helen is missing!!!!
You check the Republicans….I’ll check Ann Coulter’s house…
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By: Mary T. on October 22, 2009
at 9:53 AM
LOL with Joe… will you yield your time? NO! LOL I ,love it…
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By: lori on October 22, 2009
at 9:29 AM
Alan Grayson is GREAT!
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/alan-grayson-v-paul-broun
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 22, 2009
at 8:33 AM
I think they rolled off the ship.
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By: Branson on October 22, 2009
at 8:20 AM
Is there anything we can do????
This is too strange…it has been almost a whole month!!!! Matthew could at least give us some kind of update or message that at least everything is okay with them.
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By: Tanya T. on October 22, 2009
at 8:17 AM
http://www.Margaret & Helen = Waiting, Wondering and Worrying
Hope everybody is ok.
And for cryin’ out loud, people, quit feeding the trolls!
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By: Claire on October 22, 2009
at 8:03 AM
Jesus walks into a crowded cafe and sees all the tables are full of people. There are two empty barstools at the counter–one on each end. Jesus sees that he must choose to sit next to Craig or sit next to a “hoe”.
I think we all know which seat Jesus chooses.
Margaret and Helen,
We miss you.
Everyone have a good day!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 22, 2009
at 6:38 AM
Add me to the worrywart contingent. It’s been an exceptionally long time since M&H’s last post. Hope you are both well, Helen and Margaret. And you too, Matthew!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 22, 2009
at 5:55 AM
I’m guessing that something is wrong with the grandson, Mathew…since he is the one that posts Margaret and Helen’s writings for them as they create them…at least that is what I have gathered from past posts and the other sections.
I do hope we hear SOMETHING soon….I’m the worrying type.
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By: Lorena Middleman on October 22, 2009
at 5:24 AM
Craig, once again you have rattled the cage just to get a response. If you had done any checking you would have found the following information. Apparently you have not been job hunting recently or you would know all job interviews are conducted by phone/computer. By the time you get a personal interview you are almost assured the job. All unemployed people who receive unemployment benefits are welfare recipients and that could be your next door neighbor. Are these the “bangers and hoes” you are referring to?
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lllu.html
Lifeline Assistance provides discounts on basic monthly service at the primary residence for qualified telephone subscribers. These discounts can be up to $10.00 per month, depending on your state.
Link-Up America helps income-eligible consumers initiate telephone service. This program pays one-half (up to a maximum of $30) of the initial installation fee for a traditional, wireline telephone or activation fee for a wireless telephone for a primary residence. It also allows participants to pay the remaining amount they owe on a deferred schedule, interest-free
Who Pays for the Lifeline and Link-Up Programs?
All telecommunications service providers and certain other providers of telecommunications must contribute to the federal USF based on a percentage of their interstate and international end-user telecommunications revenues. These companies include wireline phone companies, wireless phone companies, paging service companies, and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers.
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By: Raji on October 22, 2009
at 5:17 AM
Oh I didn’t realize that was your little boy poolman, I thought it was just part of your businesses advertisement! I am sorry I didn’t comment on him before.
He is adorable poolman..;-)
and of course our little Marie (sp?) is beautiful!
Pamela, I am sorry to say that as long as there is soooo much money to be made by the drug companies we aren’t going to see much progress being made on the more natural remedies and as long as we continue to allow such lucrative and liberal compensations for persons who have been harmed by a drug, we will continue to be denied access to “good drugs”…. But lets keep our fingers crossed!
namaste’
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By: lori on October 22, 2009
at 4:42 AM
Tine and Poolman, beautiful children, now I can see them.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 22, 2009
at 4:16 AM
I’m inclined to believe said troll might not have any real interest in politics or any other subject here; they just like to get attention by raising other people’s ire. That is why I no longer directly address them or refer to them by name. Ever notice how their writing style goes back and forth from English to semi-literate, I am no expert, but that doesn’t seem normal.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 22, 2009
at 4:08 AM
Craig – you are sad…. I really do think you need to quit this site and go enjoy Rush, Oreilly and Beck.
You are a troll.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 22, 2009
at 12:56 AM
Please no one make any mistakes. What craig posted from Snopes was the copy of the email that is circulating regarding the cell phone issue. It is not the explanation of what is the truth.
The issue raised was not one of why they should have cell phones or not, it was in a negative light for the Obama administration. It is not his program; it is a government program. Government does not = Obama. We still have a democracy in the country regardless of what some people choose not to believe.
My chain was not pulled in the least. I actually feel sorry for you in that you feel the need to be as inflammatory as possible to get a reaction. Welfare does not = bangers and hos. And nothing in any of my response bashed you in the least. But maybe if you say it enough times you can still play the woe is me card.
You come and ask to join, you play nice for a while and then you put up some stupid issue that is easily fact checked and then you put groups of people down. Old and tired tactics. Maybe you should go sit at the kids table if you can’t behave nicely and rationally at the big table.
Troll is as troll does.
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By: Alaskan on October 21, 2009
at 11:07 PM
I love this Grayson guy!
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By: Poolman on October 21, 2009
at 10:39 PM
Pamela, Zicam worked great! That’s how you know it’s gonna get pulled from the market! (Not making light of side effects people had)
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 21, 2009
at 8:11 PM
kitkat, my apologies, I hadn’t heard that Zicam had been pulled from the market….. I used it years ago very successfully and don’t use it now because I order my own zinc citrate lozenges that do indeed help prevent one from getting sick and get you over colds quicker. Obviously, I can’t keep up with everything out in the market …. I was going on my experience with it in the past. I shop in the drug stores about as often as I go to Wal Marts….nada!
It is kinda strange to me how people are so quick to trash the concept of using something natural without comparing the damages inflicted by both over the counter medicine as well as drugs. Lets see here: approximately 800 people complained of loss of smell using Zycam’s zinc glucanate from 1999 till 2009.
In October 2007, an FDA advisory panel recommended that no cold or cough medicines be given to children under six. The cold and cough medicines in question include:
cough suppressants (dextromethorphan or DM)
cough expectorants ( guaifenesin)
decongestants (pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine)
antihistamines (such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine [ Benadryl] and others)
….”reports between 1999 and 2006 of 60 children under age 6 dying from decongestants or antihistamines.”
“A recent study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) indicates that cough and cold medicine can be harmful and potentially deadly when given to a young child under the age of two. The most common reason for death was an overdose of common medication used to relieve cold symptoms.”
“Three infants died in 2005 in South Carolina as a direct result of their cold medicine….. Thousands of young children were hospitalized and may very well suffer long term side effects as a result of parents or doctors who thought they were helping relieve their uncomfortable cold symptoms using over the counter cold medicine.”
Or how about just taking good old Tylenol and other medications containing its active ingredient, acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can be highly toxic. At Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, acetaminophen is the #1 cause of acute liver failure.
At Parkland over a 40-month period from 1992 to 1995, 71 patients were treated for acetaminophen overdoses, according to an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine by Drs. Frank V. Schiodt, Fedja A. Rochling, Donna L. Casey, and William M. Lee from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Five of the 71 patients died while the remaining 66 recovered, after hospital stays ranging up to almost 2 months in length.”
Here’s a figure for you, jsri
“Iatrogenic(doctor-related) causes and Prescription Drugs Are The Leading Cause of Hospitalization and Death in the US, Causing over 250,000 Hospital Related Deaths Every Year; Prescription Drugs are Responsible for over 100,000 Deaths Every Year”
No, we’re not talking about loss of smell for short. periods of time here, we’re talking deaths. Maybe you do want to consider some alternatives, jsri.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 21, 2009
at 7:48 PM
I’m not even a bible thumper, and it bothers me when people mutter/yell/curse “Jesus Christ.” It just rubs me the wrong way, I guess.
I’ve heard some people shout, “cheese ‘n’ rice!” instead. I kinda like that one. It’s silly, but gets the point across.
Looks like child the elder (Tony, age 6) is getting sick now too. I’m choosing to think positive…hope it will be the same relatively mild bug Maria had. But he goes to a large public school, so we’re dealing with a bigger set of virus vectors this time. Sigh.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 21, 2009
at 7:26 PM
Delurker Girl Δ, I was just having the same thought, but wasn’t going there. 😀
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By: Poolman on October 21, 2009
at 7:08 PM
Poolman, Rush is god to some, and to himself. He’ll work nicely.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 21, 2009
at 7:05 PM
Thor, god of thunder and war, is another good nominee.
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By: Greytdog on October 21, 2009
at 7:00 PM
Alaskan, great catch!
Poolman, great link. No one’s puppet, what I saw as a challenge was the references to discrepancies in the Bible when to a believer the Bible is the word of God. It’s OK for others to believe differently than I do, but if what I believe in is questioned then I will dig as Poolman did.
Craig, I know your attention span is poor but please try to focus. You are not bashed for tipping right. You get bashed for your manners. You know it, and you enjoy it, or you wouldn’t be here. And yes, I suppose you get flack sometimes for faithfully parroting things without research. And the word is drivel, not dribble. I hope you liked it a lot wherever you were the past few days while we were here not missing you.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 21, 2009
at 6:56 PM
I nominate Zeus.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 21, 2009
at 6:38 PM
no one’s puppetΔ thanks. I guess I got a little defensive. Just wish someone else’s god would roll off people’s tongues if they must curse.
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By: Poolman on October 21, 2009
at 6:16 PM
Craig, I bet your wife makes you wear a bell.
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By: Poolman on October 21, 2009
at 6:04 PM
A joke…
Surely you can take a joke..maybe not..But I thought it was appropriate and forwarded it on..thought you all would like it.
John was in the fertilized egg business.
He had several hundred young layers (hens), called ‘pullets,’ and ten roosters to fertilize the eggs.
He kept records, and any rooster not performing
went into the soup pot and was replaced.
This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters.
Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing.
Now, he could sit on the porch And fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells.
John’s favorite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen, but this morning he noticed old Butch’s bell hadn’t rung at all!
When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, could run for cover.
To John’s amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn’t ring.
He’d sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.
John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County Fair
and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize but they also awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.
Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making.
Who else but a politician could figure out
how to win two of the most highly coveted awards
on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren’t paying attention.
Vote carefully this year,
the bells are not always audible.
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By: CraigΔ on October 21, 2009
at 5:30 PM
Because I reveal something you wish to ignore you bash the mailman.
Yes I knew you would not like the stereotypes..or the ebonic phrasing.. but your thread has a common voice that is anything other than demeaning to people who do not share your love for all things Obama.
Is providing free cell phones and minutes a right or a privilege?
Should my tax dollars pay for someone to have a cell phone?
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx
If it was started by Obama or a previous administration..It has democrat written all over it.
“Come on Craig, tell it like it really is. How do you pin this on this administration when it started in the previous?” snopes.com: Free Cell Phones for Welfare Recipients ••••
An Obama administration program provides free cell phones and cellular service to welfare recipients?
…Phone Home Claim: An Obama administration program provides free cell phones and cellular service to welfare recipients Example: [Collected via…
…phone number. I asked the former employee if this was a new cell phone number and he told me yes this was his “Obama phone.” I asked him what an “Obama…
…welfare recipients are now eligible to receive (1) a FREE new phone and (2) approx 70 minutes of FREE minutes every month. I was a little skeptical so I…
Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:41:19 GMT http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp
I’m still at the table and still ready to retort.
You can bash people all you want but last time I looked M&H let anyone sit at the table as long as they did not use derogatory language against each other or use the “N”word.
Lets face it..this is your own little world that allows you freedom to ask questions get answers,exchange recipes, look for medical cures and in short kibitz.
Alaskan..Did I pull your chain? I used ebonics and referred to social sterotypes that none of us like living on our street or associating with.
“The bangers and hoes are really gonna be trippin on this one.
Our tax dollars… their rights?
One mo way of redistributing the money honey.”
You took offense to the above?
Should our tax dollars go to any of the above for their business or pleasure?
no one’s puppetΔ..”Troll Paper trained?”
Not as long as God gave me the right to expouse my beliefs as you do.. and again I throw it right back in your face.
Many who criticize me for my speech and beliefs are living in glass houses when it comes to
their own dribble.
Fork is up and ready for pie.
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By: CraigΔ on October 21, 2009
at 5:22 PM
I guess the troll isn’t paper trained yet.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 21, 2009
at 4:42 PM
Poolman, I am happy your faith has grown stronger; it must be a real comfort to be a believer. Personally, I don’t think you were challenged; some of us merely expressed our theological opinions. Since I am an agnostic, neither convinced there is a god nor convinced there is not a god. I have no need to convince anyone of anything. I am happily married to a Deist; we can easily discuss religion because we respect each other’s right to their own viewpoint.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 21, 2009
at 4:37 PM
By the way, your characterizations of people who you deem not worthy are very offensive.
You ask to sit at the table and then you disparage entire groups of people. Quite disappointing.
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By: Alaskan on October 21, 2009
at 4:15 PM
http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp
I assume I will not be the only one to mention this, but it is not hard to do a little fact checking. The cell phone program is not an Obama program and not only for welfare recipients. It is an emergency phone program developed prior to the Obama administration.
Come on Craig, tell it like it really is. How do you pin this on this administration when it started in the previous?
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By: Alaskan on October 21, 2009
at 4:13 PM
Well as we wait (im)patiently on the porch for Helen and Margaret to entertain us with a new and witty post, I have been busy researching and reading.
Anytime someone challenges my beliefs, It is a good thing because it causes me to question and learn. A real truthseeker will look almost everywhere to hone his or her beliefs as I believe we should be doing continually. This is not a time for complacency, if anytime ever was.
So this latest challenge has been good for me. I have learned much and it has actually strengthened my faith. I was unaware of this movement before it was posted here in this thread. I feel the need to share resources with any other seekers of truth that are not afraid of a challenge. Otherwise, scroll baby, scroll…
It just does not hold up to scrutiny
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By: Poolman on October 21, 2009
at 3:44 PM
Margaret and Helen,
Say it aint so!
Obama and his Buds are giving out free cell phones.
Have you heard of this program?
(1) a FREE new phone and (2) approx 70 minutes of FREE minutes every month. I was a little skeptical so I Googled it and low and behold its the truth.
TAX PAYER MONEY IS BEING REDISTRIBUTED TO WELFARE RECIPIENTS FOR FREE CELL PHONES. This program was started earlier this year.
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx
What next a new TV and cable for people on welfare…? The bangers and hoes are really gonna be trippin on this one.
Our tax dollars… their rights?
One mo way of redistributing the money honey.
Now don’t go gettin your drawers in a wad because I used ebonics rather than Kings English.
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By: CraigΔ on October 21, 2009
at 3:36 PM
Maybe someone can give us an update. I sure love M& H and miss the essays. Just a sentence..Is someone ill or on vacation or just fed up.?.It would be appreciated because I have come to adore the author of this site and getting a little concerned.
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By: fets on October 21, 2009
at 11:31 AM
Thanks all. jsri, I agree about being cautious and I asked Pamela for advice because I didn’t know where to start in researching supplements. After being so sick, I know my body needs a boost. I have used Zicam in the past but stopped once I heard about the problems associated with it.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 21, 2009
at 10:39 AM
Margaret and Helen,
I’m with JuneauJoe. I sure miss your comments and hope you’re ok.
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By: Dawn on October 21, 2009
at 10:38 AM
Jean
Like many people, I love music but am a total dud when it comes to playing. I can’t even read music but my appreciation of it runs an eclectic gamut from A to Z. On the other hand, the next generations in our family are into it in a big way. Our daughter-in-law is principal oboist in a nearby community symphony orchestra and last week was featured in a presentation of A Somerset Rhapsody, a lesser known piece by G. Holst. The oboe is considered by many musicians to be the most difficult instrument to play and her precise but nuanced performance was flawless. I can’t tell you what a treat it was to watch our son watching his beautiful and talented wife capture the audience so completely. It was truly an emotional experience.
Their oldest son is off in a different musical direction. He is a pretty cool dude, an in-demand drummer in several local rock and jazz bands, but his real forte is math. What will happen to his music after he starts college next year is anyone’s guess. He scored 800 in the math SAT and the high 700’s in everything else and I suspect that music will eventually become his hobby. But the relationship between math and music is pretty common. His mother was a music major and math minor in college.
Jean, I’m also getting a little concerned about Helen. This has been an unusual time lag and has gotten filled in by irrelevancies without her leadership. Discussions about God, UFO’s and alternative therapies always seem to go nowhere.
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By: jsri on October 21, 2009
at 10:33 AM
Margaret and Helen,
I sure miss your comments.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 21, 2009
at 10:12 AM
LOL @ Pamela: “I’m still waiting for Richard Gerakitis to call me back from my message this am, though he may not have appreciated my wishing that he doesn’t get himself raped in any of his government work…. couldn’t help myself if I was a bit snitty”.
I wholeheartedly agree that Zicam should be avoided. I personally know of one young man who only used Zicam once and has lost his sense of smell and taste, apparently permanently. I think Cold-Eeze (zinc lozenges) are iffy, also.
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By: Claire on October 21, 2009
at 9:31 AM
Kitkat:
You have to be careful getting medical advice on the Internet especially when it involves “alternative” therapies. If you value your sense of smell and taste you should probably avoid Zicam. It is already involved in a slew of court cases ( over 400 so far) and in June this year the FDA advised consumers to avoid using it. It has an active ingredient, zinc gluconate, that is alleged to be the problem
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By: jsri on October 21, 2009
at 9:17 AM
Kitkat, I’m glad you’re starting to feel better. I was wondering how you were doing.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 21, 2009
at 9:10 AM
Hi gang,
I’m starting to get a little alarmed. It has been such a long time since a M&H post. I hope they are all right. There are so many topics in the news and pending. Maybe they are having a hard time picking one. But here’s one. Recently both President and Mrs. Obama were talking about volunteer work.
A while back, I told you I would tell you about my ophthalmologist and what he and some of his colleagues do. He belongs to an organization called the “Aloha Medical Mission” that has been going on for years. (You can Google it.) Each year for the past 25 years, they have put on a benefit concert at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The Blaisdell is Honolulu’s answer to Lincoln Center, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and such. The concert is hosted by anchors from the local TV news network affiliates. The next concert will be in December.
The Aloha Medical Mission has been providing free medical and dental care for clinics in Hawaii and fourteen nations in Asia. There are over 20 clinics in Hawaii alone that have served well over 200,000 patients as of last year. It has some 3,500 volunteers. The doctors from various specialties donate their time and skills. The fund-raiser is for supplies and transportation.
The title of the concert is “Four Doctors, a Patient and the Mayor”. They play to a packed house every year. All four of the doctors are accomplished classical pianists.
The first one is nationally honored and distinguished in the field of ophthalmology.
The second performer, a woman, is an Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in Sports Medicine, Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery. She and first doctor performed a two-piano piece in addition to their solos.
The third is a Cancer Specialist who has participated in overseas missions every single year for 30 years.
The last doctor is our ophthalmologist, a Johns Hopkins and Columbia University graduate, and in my opinion the best pianist of the four!
The featured artist is an articulate young man from the Philippines. This is his story. His twin brother was treated for advanced cancer in both eyes and subsequently died. As a child, the boy’s mother was astonished to hear him playing the same piano music his dead brother had played! Unfortunately, the boy also developed cancer in both eyes. He was brought to Hawaii for treatment at age 7. Both eyes were removed and he was fitted with glass eyes. In time he was awarded a scholarship to study music at the Academy for the Performing Arts.
In the concert he played classical, original compositions and also jazz as a trio with a guitar and drum set.
The last performer was the Honolulu mayor. He sang “Unforgettable” with a lovely young singer, accompanied by the young man on the piano and a larger group with backup singers. The mayor did a mean Elvis with “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You!” Several other numbers included audience participation.
The concert had something for everybody! A thoroughly enjoyable evening. I have the DVDs from the past several years. If you had been in the audience, it would not be necessary to mention that the performers were multi-racial and multi-ethnic.
At the end, all the performers returned to the stage, draped up to their ears with flower and maile leis. (Maile is a rather rare fragrant vine that grows wild up in the mountains. It is worn hanging open down to the knees at weddings and special occasions, especially by men.)
The grand finale was everyone, audience included, singing “Aloha Oe!”
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
P. S. To me, this only one example and I’m sure there are many, many more across the country of Real Americans like these!
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 21, 2009
at 12:49 AM
This is an interesting site I found that gives some good information about big Pharma and vaccines. They have a link to Alan Grayson’s “Republican Health Care Plan”, so that says much for the site, IMHO. Anyway I know we are mainly focused on Health Insurance Companies as the devil, but these Pharma companies are heartless when it comes to profits.
http://deathbyvaccination.com/
JuneauJoe Δ, that’s our asshat Kyl screwing with the unemployment. That guy has his hand in everything stupid, it seems. Somebody needs to take him out behind the shed. I can’t wait to vote against him.
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By: Poolman on October 20, 2009
at 11:30 PM
kitkat, I didn’t know you’d been sick or lawd knows, I would have already volunteered “stuff”. I don’t have time right now to go back and read up on what’s going on with you but I’m guessing you got something like the flu? Do you need to boost the immune system or calm it down as in too strong of an auto immune response? Hopefully, the former as its so much easier to treat, though the later is doable just much more involved and takes time and dedication.
First off, get yourself some zinc, both in losenges (Progressive labs makes a good one but so do so many companies) and in tablets. If you have a health store near by, get 1,000 mg bioflavonoids capsules with Rutin, hesperin, quercetin, etc and take 3k per day for the next week. See if they have astragalus either by itself or in an immune tonic or even order one on line…. ping wei san is a really nice Chinese herbal for boosting the immune system. Also anything with Reishi in it would be good. You know you can order these things on line if you don’t have a health food store near by. The next time you feel you’re beginning to fight something, the drugstores carry a great homeopathic to prevent succumbing to flus and colds called Zycam. It works great!
I could keep going but maybe that will get you started back on the road to health. Gotta get my butt to bed. Have a speedy recovery
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By: Pamela Δ on October 20, 2009
at 11:10 PM
2 Republicans are blocking extending unemployment benefits.
We have high unemployment so 2 Republicans block extending benefits! 7000 people are losing benefits every day – sad.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/yoo-hoo-media-people-are-hurting-and
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 20, 2009
at 9:00 PM
Republicans for Rape website
http://www.republicansforrape.org/
They are deserving of this! Glad to see someone was good enough to put the KBR Rapes in a Republican perspective.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 20, 2009
at 8:55 PM
Lori, thanks for your thoughts. Been reading “yinz guys”, just haven’t been up to much else. Finally feel half human today and I ask Pamela — what can I do to boost my immune system? I may actually venture outside tomorrow for the first time in over a week.
And Tine, so glad your sweet little one is ok.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 20, 2009
at 8:52 PM
“Anyone know if they have the silly little interview section like Playboy accompanying the centerfold?”
no one’s puppetΔ
Thats like taking pleasure in someone else’s pain.
Not the sort of thing that would look good on anyones front porch.
I’m pretty sure you would not want that, if it were on the other shoe.
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By: CraigΔ on October 20, 2009
at 8:52 PM
Thanks Easier, we are kind of attached to him. He looks like his dad who is native American. He has dual cowlicks on the back of his head like 2 opposing tornados. Quite a pistol. Ahhh….the fascination of youth. 😀 We are into everything Star Wars right now.
On another note: Both our asshat senators voted to allow rape! 😡 I let them know I wasn’t very happy. Idiots. Corporate Reps.
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By: Poolman on October 20, 2009
at 8:46 PM
I must admit, I think she’s a cutie too. But I’m pretty sure I’m hardwired to think that — mainly so I won’t give in to the occasional temptation to wring her sassy little neck. 😉
Speaking of neck-wringing… I’d sure like to get my paws on those 30 disgusting senators. I’m glad my own weren’t among them. Go Al!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 20, 2009
at 7:47 PM
I only have trouble with those who say ‘my God is the only true God and all you others are non believers going straight to (HELL).’ (insert word of choice”
HRH Sophia, I agree with your statement wholeheartedly.
Tine, your baby girl is beautiful. Glad she is doing better.
Poolman, not to be partial to girls, your grandson sure is cute!
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By: Easier on October 20, 2009
at 7:28 PM
I stopped watching television awhile ago except for Keith Olbermann and the first 20 minutes of Rachel Maddow. The 2-3 programs I watch other than these two, we watch on Hulu or Netflicks (Jon Stewart mostly and we’re running out of “As time goes by”). I don’t know how to do it but my husband does and it’s his job to find entertainment for us while I cook dinner. I used to flip through the channels looking for stuff that wasn’t completely boring but had no luck at all. So I’ve seen Oprah once or twice. I found Ellen D. a little more interesting but frankly, I don’t have the patience for these people. So I guess I’ll have to catch the interview on the internet when someone posts a clip. I must admit, I do have a morbid fascination for the Palin, she is the personification of dumb, but since I found Margaret and Helen while reading the Mudflats, I really can’t complain.
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 20, 2009
at 7:14 PM
Sarah Quitter Plain & Simple, love it Greytdog, that is one Oprah I won’t miss. Think she’ll be able to answer the questions?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 20, 2009
at 6:02 PM
I hope Margaret and Helen return soon. I need a sanity fix.
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By: Junebug on October 20, 2009
at 6:00 PM
LOL Oh sorry gretdog I guess I should refresh before I post… sorry!
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By: lori on October 20, 2009
at 5:31 PM
did yinzs see this? http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/20/palin-to-appear-on-oprah-day-before-tell-all-released/
I know PSU will have her tivo set! 😉
and a shout out to kitkat hope you are feeling better!
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By: lori on October 20, 2009
at 5:30 PM
Apparently Sarah Quitter Plain & Simple will be on Oprah at the end of the month. That should be interesting – except I’m not a fan of either one of them.
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By: Greytdog on October 20, 2009
at 5:16 PM
Claire, only if you drink something like a gallon of the large particle silver solutions per day. That guy really had to work hard to do that. What’s out there in your health food stores are nano particles, where you’re getting around 10 ppm, so no blue you!
I’m still waiting for Richard Gerakitis to call me back from my message this am, though he may not have appreciated my wishing that he doesn’t get himself raped in any of his government work…. couldn’t help myself if I was a bit snitty
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By: Pamela Δ on October 20, 2009
at 4:56 PM
With Levi you get grandma Sarah and she is alway good for a laugh.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 20, 2009
at 4:19 PM
Very interesting article:
Senior Citizens League Mailer The Holy Grail Of Elderly Scare Tactics
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/20/senior-citizens-league-ma_n_327583.html
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 20, 2009
at 3:59 PM
No, no, no – no one’s puppetΔ. Levi’s not worthy of our fine ladies’ superior wit and wisdom. I say hit Faux while they’re down. A good one-two punch would do nicely.
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By: Hallie on October 20, 2009
at 3:51 PM
The Mudflats » Republicans for Rape http://bit.ly/2gF8pK
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By: Greytdog on October 20, 2009
at 3:45 PM
Pamela, apparently I am in your district, too. Let’s not forget to write ol’ Johnny Isakson, either.
And Rep. (DR.) Tom Price. His wife is running for city council in my town. Ugh, I have read some of her right wing spews in our local paper, cannot stomach her. But seeing as she is married to DR. Tom Price, that is not too surprising. He is the big teabagger in these parts.
Hey, if we use colloidal silver, we won’t turn blue like the Blue Man, will we?
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By: Claire on October 20, 2009
at 12:08 PM
I am gonna make sure Senator Chambliss gets an ear full this morning and I hope his mother spanks him till he turns BLUE.
These are the 30 Republican senators who voted against Senator Franken’s bill that withholds government contracts from companies like Halliburtons KBR.
Damn…. and I just told a girlfriend yesterday that I wasn’t getting mad any more about the insanities in politics, I was speaking out, reaching out and seeking a higher ground… hmm… well, I’m spitting mad now and I think I’m gonna throw some mud at my Senator Chambliss.
Ten GOP Senators voted for the amendment, and it passed — but the 30 others need to know we’re p##@ed that they didn’t vote for giving legal rights to rape victims! These senators are: Alexander (R-TN), Barrasso (R-WY), Bond (R-MO), Brownback (R-KS), Bunning (R-KY), Burr (R-NC), Chambliss (R-GA), Coburn (R-OK), Cochran (R-MS), Corker (R-TN), Cornyn (R-TX), Crapo (R-ID), DeMint (R-SC), Ensign (R-NV), Enzi (R-WY), Graham (R-SC), Gregg (R-NH), Inhofe (R-OK), Isakson (R-GA), Johanns (R-NE), Kyl (R-AZ), McCain (R-AZ), McConnell (R-KY), Risch (R-ID), Roberts (R-KS), Sessions (R-AL), Shelby (R-AL), Thune (R-SD), Vitter (R-LA) and Wicker (R-MS).
I do love Senator Al! He’s tuff!
Swine flu can’t stand up to 3 drops of oregano oil on a tsp of honey couple times a day, colloidal silver used as gargle and in a netti pot, couple thousand mgs of bioflavonoids a day, and zinc several times a day.
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By: Pamela on October 20, 2009
at 8:50 AM
Before Helen writes a new post, I want to make my prediction; I think she will appraise Levi Johnson’s Playgirl spread. Anyone know if they have the silly little interview section like Playboy accompanying the centerfold? Oh yeah, she won’t be able to resist.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 20, 2009
at 8:20 AM
Seriously…if I could harness Maria’s kinetic energy, I could solve the world’s climate change problems! 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 20, 2009
at 8:03 AM
Δ¥ Tine, I finally figured out why I wasn’t able to see your lovely little one like others here. I had been using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Her face shows on I.E. but not on Firefox.
3 yr olds are a wonder to behold. Their energy alone could power a small city.
Glad to hear she’s back to her usual job, making her Mom happy.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 20, 2009
at 7:41 AM
Good Morning porch dwellers! In light of the recent discussions concerning faith & theology, you might find the following article interesting:
Associated Baptist Press – Fear Not: What does virtual rumor-mongering say about Christians? http://bit.ly/41EraQ
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By: Greytdog on October 20, 2009
at 7:17 AM
Tine, Thanks to Delurker Girl, I was able to see your little Maria’s pretty face. Hope she is back to normal real soon.
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By: sunshine on October 20, 2009
at 6:31 AM
Juneau Joe,
Thanks for that post. Here’s another one. Quite slanted towards the left, but most of us on this site seem to be anyway. Jaime Leigh Jones woke up to find her body bruised, vaginal and anal tears, breast implants ruptured, and torn pectoral muscles. The evidence that was eventually collected was “lost” by KBR. As this article states, the ironic thing is we’re there to “protect” Iraqi women…
http://www.schadenfreude.net/2009/10/09/30-senators-disagree-with-al-franken-that-rape-is-a-crime.php
A “cold and flu” recipe that we use (I’m an ER nurse) is a tea made from cinnamon sticks and oregano. Boil until it’s a nice amber, strain, add lemon and honey. It’s very soothing as well. Again all, be safe!
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By: Dawn on October 20, 2009
at 5:56 AM
Al Franken asking questions in the Iraq rape case that KBR wants to keep out of court.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/sen-franken-questions-arbitration-lawyer-a
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 20, 2009
at 5:14 AM
“I only have trouble with those who say ‘my God is the only true God and all you others are non believers going straight to (HELL).’ (insert word of choice”
Yes. Exactly.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 19, 2009
at 9:01 PM
Easier, I don’t believe you are weak if you need GOD to survive in the world. The thing I love about humanity is the diversification. I think we’re all different, not good or bad. As Δ¥ Tine said, “many paths.” I only have trouble with those who say “my God is the only true God and all you others are non believers going straight to (HELL).” (insert word of choice) I have found them in all the religions I have experience with. I guess I’ve given up on absolutes, now that I’m sort of grown up.
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 19, 2009
at 8:12 PM
On a slightly different, but parallel line, I also remember learning the Pledge of Allegiance in first grade, reciting it with authority in second grade and then being mightily outraged when they told me I had to relearn a part of it in third grade (to include the “in God we trust” part). I guess in my younger days I was looking for absolutes. Only later discovered there are none.
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 19, 2009
at 8:02 PM
HRH Sophia EQ, my thoughts align very closely with yours. Including — and especially — the Henry VIII bit. When I understood what he’d done, it really put a whammy on my understanding of religion. But it didn’t kill my spirituality. In a funny way, that revelation was the beginning of an expansion of my spirituality.
I’m totally with you on the idea that the nature of God is unknowable in full. I think we are all capable of experiencing bits of the divine presence. And I believe that every religion built upon the foundation of love offers a valid — and partial — understanding of the divine.
One way, many paths. One house, many rooms.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 19, 2009
at 7:27 PM
“For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of all humanity.” Job 12:10
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
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By: Poolman on October 19, 2009
at 7:09 PM
I am one of those that could not make it without GOD. I admit it, maybe it is a weakness on my part, but well, so be it. Whether Jesus has been here or not, or whether he is an invention, for the masses, it is my personal belief that he was a messenger of God like other messengers before him. Humanity needs that connection with a higher power, or so many civilizations would not have felt the need to “invent” God through the ages. Every culture on earth has a name for God. From time to time a messenger comes to earth to reinforce that need in a very powerful manner. I also know on a certain level that the message Jesus tried to convey has been corrupted. It is a simple message really. “Love thy neighbor as you would love yourself”. Such a powerful message! However, his message having been spread through fear, intimidation, war, and the list goes on, kind of weakened it. Christianity survived in spite of itself, but survive it did.
Having said all that, I do not believe you have to be a member of any organized church or religion to feel that connection with a higher power.
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By: Easier on October 19, 2009
at 6:59 PM
I think Helen has died…
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By: Sophia Potrillo on October 19, 2009
at 6:46 PM
Whirled Peas, thanks for the link to “The Fraud of the Age”. I, too, agree. If anyone would be interested in some very good reading on this subject pick up the book “The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold”. This should answer any questions. A very well researched book.
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By: Pat Δ on October 19, 2009
at 6:11 PM
Anne said
“When I found out about all these inconsistancies, and many others (like the fact that no one can seem to agree about when Jesus was born, where, and why his parents were traveling, other than the fact that there was a prophesy that the son of God would be born in Nazareth, so he had to be gotten there somehow) that’s when I decided it was finally time to admit to myself what I’d secretly been feeling for as long as I could remember…”
I had a similar experience, I believe I was about 14 or so. I had studied European history which includes King Henry VIII in England. I began doubting when I learned that he was able to just build a NEW religion when the ‘other’ religion wouldn’t let him get rid of a wife to get another. It seemed to me that if religion was ‘law’ or ‘truth’ or somesuch, it was kinda concrete and unchangeable. I was pretty young and naive.
But I won’t go so far as to say that I don’t believe in God. I’m not hedging my bets, I just believe that, by definition, the nature of God is unknowable (at least while we’re alive, don’t know about after) I feel comfortable with that concept, I know many people need an image of God to get through the day and function. Without that image they become immobilized by fear of the unknown.
If there is a being such as God, I believe that we can communicate directly with him/her and shouldn’t require an intermediary to do so. I believe a great deal of “religion” is social ordering and does, in some cases, prevent social chaos. In other cases it has been hijacked by groups and used for their own ends, sometimes to create chaos.
(I actually don’t believe that God is a “being” but rather a much larger idea that we probably don’t have a word for.)
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 19, 2009
at 5:17 PM
Our universe is set so that a tiny variation would not allow our planet or life to exist. Certain things like continental drift and massive extinctions happened just right to let humans evolve. That argues for a something’s planning for our existance or a massive series of coincidences.
People lived and created societies for thousands of years before anything was put to writing. I think the creation myths are relics of unimaginably old religious thought. It is possible a matriarchal religion dominated the world until people began to farm. Adam’s first wife, the feminist Lilith may be a survivor from another time. It doesn’t cost anything to believe in God, and if there is none, it won’t matter because existence will end.
Whatever gods we worship are created in our own image. That doesn’t mean God doesn’t exist.
I am morose today after trying to support an e friend who just heard the news. We knew a lady for nearly three years on a message board we no longer frequent. She called her mother and told her life was too much for her. She put some of her possessions and ID on a park bench. Then, she walked a few feet and dived off a cliff. She was about 35.
A friend sent me this e mail. “This is International Disturbed People’s Day. Please send an encouraging message to a disturbed friend as I’ve just done.”
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By: James on October 19, 2009
at 5:08 PM
Auntie, what does it mean if the ONLY symptom i have is the uncontrollable urge you mentioned?
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 19, 2009
at 5:05 PM
Hi gang,
What say we lighten up a bit on a Monday while we’re waiting for M&H to give us a new post?
Adult symptoms of the Swine Flu:
Headache
Fever
Body aches
An uncontrollable urge to have sex in the mud.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 19, 2009
at 4:40 PM
UAW, I skimmed recent posts and read about your problems and other people’s. I wish I could help.
UFOs exist because by their definition they are what we can’t identify. That doesn’t mean they are space ships or visitors from another dimension.
Anita Dunn, the White House Communications Director described how the campaign manipulated news by controlling their message in such a way the story the news media reported was the one the campaign wanted reported.
The Obama campaign understood intuitively that the internet was weakening the power of the old media to control information sent into the general culture, and they used it to full advantage. Hillary’s and McCain’s campaigns were clueless, and their inability to control the news message as the Obamas did contributed to their defeat.
Another politician who understands this is Sarah Palin. Though a poll showed her at number three of possible Republican candidates, she has turned facebook into a potent political weapon. As of today, she would be Obama’s most dangerous foe in an election. That’s not saying much, because she occupies a vacume.
Republicans and other Democrats need to recognize Dunn’s analysis of the political-media landscape as correct and adapt to new conditions. Moreover, the media had best adapt too if it wants to survive in a meaningful way.
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By: James on October 19, 2009
at 4:33 PM
Whirled, I’m with you. I used to believe a person named Jesus existed at one time until I found out about all the similarities between him and all kinds of other sons of gods who we now believe are mythical. Of course Jesus shows up in the Q’ran. A lot of the stories in the Q’ran were taken directly from the bible. There is also the strange fact that everyone seems to have forgotten about his for about 60 years until they suddenly remembered and began writing about him. What’s the story about the guy who fell off his horse and had a vision and because a saint? Yeah, he’d never heard of Jesus. Or at least, he began cultivating a religion without ever mentioning him. When I found out about all these inconsistancies, and many others (like the fact that no one can seem to agree about when Jesus was born, where, and why his parents were traveling, other than the fact that there was a prophesy that the son of God would be born in Nazareth, so he had to be gotten there somehow) that’s when I decided it was finally time to admit to myself what I’d secretly been feeling for as long as I could remember…I don’t believe in god because there isn’t a god. It was a relief. I remain open to the idea that someday proof will show a god exists. Until then, I choose to live my life with as little religious encroachment as possible from others.
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By: Anne on October 19, 2009
at 3:44 PM
Keith in NM, no you don’t believe, you KNOW what you saw.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 19, 2009
at 2:41 PM
I find it very interesting that so very many find it hard to believe in UFOs. Anyone that has seen on has no question as to what it was they saw, I know this from personal experience. It only happened once for me. A week later I spoke to others that saw what I saw and when I saw it…. and they were about 15 miles east of me. They exist… just exactly what “they” are I don’t know. But they exist. What a UFO was doing in the middle of nowhere in Southeastern NM, I don’t know, but as for me, I believe!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 19, 2009
at 2:18 PM
Whirled, it is a pretty bold claim to make that Jesus never existed. Many have tried over the years to sweep Him under the rug. Most will at least admit He lived, but will disclaim His diety. Jesus is mentioned in the Quran and the Babylonian Talmud. There is evidence he spent years in India before starting His ministry. How else was Christianity founded, if not by the person Jesus? The gospels were believed written between 65 and 80 AD, to record the oral accounts. But others kept written records.
Where’s the birth certificate?
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By: Poolman on October 19, 2009
at 11:33 AM
She’s a cutie, Tine!
To force a full page refresh on internet explorer, try holding the Ctrl key down while you press F5.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 19, 2009
at 11:23 AM
I wasn’t seeing my new avatar for awhile there either. I had to empty my browser’s cache first, and then force-refresh the page. Eventually Maria’s mug showed up.
If you’re on a Mac and you use Safari as your browser, I can tell you how to do it. If you’re on a PC, someone else will have to help us out with instructions. (Whirled Peas maybe?)
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 19, 2009
at 11:17 AM
Tine, You say you have your little daughter’s picture in your avatar and some people are seeing it. However, I still see your picture. Would love to see that little one too. ???
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By: sunshine on October 19, 2009
at 11:08 AM
am SO looking forward to the ladies’ new postings on The Prize, etc…. where are you girls?????
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By: Carolyn on October 19, 2009
at 10:29 AM
HI Tine (and everybody!)
So glad to see your DD’s smiling, healthy face!
Thanks for sharing her adorable pic w. us.
Claire
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By: Claire on October 19, 2009
at 10:12 AM
Whirled, are you familiar with this?
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By: HRH sofia EQ on October 19, 2009
at 8:15 AM
She is adorable tine! I am so pleased she is feeling better.;-0
Jean you can say that again!… I know I was horrible with my oldest, I improved with my youngest, but I still worried myself sick. Thank heavens my husband was my balance. I recognized Tine’s anxiety! 😉
My Mom had an old time remedy for coughs and stomach aches/vomiting. She would make a “mustard plaster” and place it on our chests or tummies. It was a pasted made from dried mustard, one egg white and a lil bit of water, smeared on a cotton cloth and (folded over). It calmed even the most upset of tummies and cleared congestion and soothed asthmatic spasms. It get VERY hot as you can imagine, and needs to be monitored closely, and has an unpleasant smell, but it works! We use to laugh and say just the threat of Mom making us a mustard plaster would make us stop vomiting/coughing.. 😉
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By: lori on October 19, 2009
at 4:20 AM
Hi gang and Tine,
Whew!
I’m so glad Marie Rose has bounced back and is on the mend.
Show me a mommy who doesn’t hit the panic button when her wee one is on the sick list. The kid always recovers long before mom gets over the scare.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 19, 2009
at 12:50 AM
The Fraud of the Age
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 18, 2009
at 9:33 PM
By: CraigΔ on October 17, 2009
at 3:32 PM
I believe you mean Edgar Cayce. There’s more about him at the link below
http://www.randi.org/encyclopedia/Cayce,%20Edgar.html
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By: jsri on October 18, 2009
at 8:19 PM
Hi, all! I’m happy to report that Her Royal Highness Maria Rose had a splendid Sunday. She stuffed herself with food, went to the park, coughed a whole lot less, and generally did her very best impression of a squirrel who’s just chugged a Red Bull. (Which, of course, means she was acting like a perfectly normal 3-year-old.)
I have no doubt her fairly quick rebound is due at least in part to all the good thoughts she’s been getting from M&H friends hither & yon. Thank you, everybody, for the encouraging and helpful words to a nervous mom. Sheesh, you’d think I’d never cared for a sick kid before…. I guess I freaked out because this year, what appears to be a cold in a little kid can turn out to be something much worse.
Anyway. Enough about all that. Hope you all had a good weekend. And in thanks for your kindness, I’ve changed my avatar temporarily so you can have a peek at Maria’s smiling face.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 18, 2009
at 7:36 PM
If my memory serves me correctly, and it has been a long time, my children’s doctor always recommended Triaminic flu and cold products for my little ones. I followed the doctor’s recommendation on dosage; again I am trying to tweak my memory, which was different from the package’s recommendation. But I know you have consulted Maria’s doctor and are following his advice Tine, so I am confident you are doing everything you can to keep your little one comfortable.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 18, 2009
at 6:19 PM
I recommended Robitussin and did some research since everyone was mentioning Mucinex. The ingredient guaifenesin is the same in both products.
I also recommend colloidal silver as I took it for years for periodontal disease as I am allergic to most antibiotics. Good stuff. But make sure you buy it from a reputable company.
Thank you Poolman for your prayer for the power of good health. Wishing all a healthy winter season. October rolled in with a winter blast to give us a hint of winter to come.
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By: Raji on October 18, 2009
at 5:30 PM
Re: root veg – Large pot of stewed veg is on the stove, along with just enough cubed pot roast to call it ‘beef stew’. Red wine, beef broth, orange peel, bay leaf, etc. for seasoning. There’ll be dumplings added later. Should make at least 3-4 meals this week.
Turns out your man (aka DH) will eat anything if it is mixed with gravy and dumplings. I’m talking rubber erasers and doorstops here, folks. Kinda like Thanksgiving, where a large bird is only a necessary excuse for a huge plate of mounded stuffing.
Good thing. I think a diced turnip might have fallen in there by mistake.
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By: judith on October 18, 2009
at 5:00 PM
Happy Sunday! Holy Spirit, shower us – one and all – with the power of good health, I pray.
God put the planets, sun, and stars in place. A large timepiece designed to point us to Him. All peoples focus on the objects and details in the timepiece and lose sight of the Master in the plan. In addition to accurately fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, Christianity does follow these “heavenly symbols” since they were laid out to show us the way to God. Because of Jesus, we can be sons and daughters of God. “Then he said, I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3
One-of-a-kind Savior
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By: Poolman on October 18, 2009
at 4:36 PM
It is beyond comprehension to me that any company, whether doing business with the government or any other entity, could have a clause in their contract with employees, that forbade reporting illegal activities. Surely a court would throw out that contract if our government doesn’t have the sense to. Which level of Dante’s hell do we reside in?
In my little piece of heaven (and hell), I grew okra this summer and had to come up with varying ways to prepare it for my taste buds sanity. My very favorite way is to sautee it for a few minutes only with coconut oil, red wine and masala spice and a bit of curry. It is to die for heavenly. I served it to several friends and they’re were equally impressed. Makes a great side dish or you can serve over rice.
Tine, I have been a bit busy this past week and didn’t read about your Maria till today. I do hope she’s feeling much better. By chance do you have a nebulizer? Putting a bit of colloidal silver in and having her inhale through the mouth piece for 15 to 20 minutes at a time 2 times a day can help tremendously and definitely the Mucinex since its readily available. There are so many great herbs for breaking up congestion but you likely don’t have any of them on hand so best to go with what you’ve got. Wishing her a speedy and easy recovery.
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By: Pamela Δ on October 18, 2009
at 3:14 PM
JoshL The illegal and immoral acts committed in Iraq are astounding. Thanks for the information.
Here is a link to the gang rape in Iraq by a young ladys co-workers. The repubicans voted against the young lady. Daily Show
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/daily-show-rape-nuts
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 18, 2009
at 9:50 AM
At least 18% of all babies born in Fallujah hospital born with deformities.
http://joshfulton.blogspot.com/2009/10/at-least-19-of-all-babies-born-in.html
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By: Josh Fulton on October 18, 2009
at 6:34 AM
Me, greytdog, if that is their hobby how bored are they? If it is their job, I hope they have a good benefit package.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 18, 2009
at 5:42 AM
Hi gang and Greytdog,
Here’s a nice little story. I get together with a dear friend once a week to make music for fun. She plays the flute (quite proficiently I might add) and me on the piano. We have been doing this for years, one week at my house and the next at hers. Afterwards we drink tea and giggle.
She has two darling little dogs they rescued from the pound. They are soooo good for my ego because they are all excited when I arrive. They romp around the house until we get ready to play. Then they both lie down and are very quiet the whole time we are playing, except……
One of them lies down on my feet and becomes quite annoyed whenever I use the pedals. They have become so familiar with some of the music, that when we screw up, which we often do, the other doggie growls!
Everybody is a music critic, even dogs!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 18, 2009
at 1:33 AM
Hope Helen and Margaret are doing alright. I miss their thoughts. Come on, girls. blog fodder is a wasting!
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By: Sharon on October 17, 2009
at 10:00 PM
Greytdog,
You crack me up!
Waste not want not–maybe that’s their alien agenda.
Just finished painting two upstairs bedrooms.
I hate painting…..with a passion.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 17, 2009
at 8:47 PM
Raji wrote: “If there really are aliens out there observing us I don’t think they have a good opinion of Earth”
Me: Well that would explain all those anal-probe stories
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 8:24 PM
Oh, dear, Δ¥ Tine. I’ve been away for a while. Hope everything goes well, I’ll hold you and Maria in my thoughts.
Steam, yes. Plenty of fluids, especially warm fluids (chicken soup!, weak tea with lemon, ginger ale, etc.), but avoid dairy as it can increase congestion. Gargling with warm salt water (mildly salty – think tears) won’t help chest congestion, but can improve a cruddy throat and, to a certain extant, nasal congestion.
Take care of yourself, too.
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By: judith on October 17, 2009
at 7:48 PM
I’ve had enough paranormal experiences that nothing much surprises me. I adore the Hubble photos and whenever there is a shuttle launch I get very very excited, especially the night launches. Everyone runs outside and cheers on the Shuttle! A bunch of us caravaned out to a very remote spot to watch the meteor showers, and shared spooky stories and occurrences. Loads of fun. I’ve got good neighbors.
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 7:32 PM
Tine, so sorry to hear about your little one. My favorite remedy is a vaporizer with Vicks added. If the cough gets really bad you can make a tent or just take her into the bathroom and steam up the room.
I also gave all my daughters Robitussin (plain) no suppressants added. A doctor at Emory gave this to his chronic lung patients.
Regarding UFO’s. I believe there is a lot out there that we do not know about. I also think many of the UFO sightings are experimental objects that our government knows about and we do not. Yes, I think many people have seen objects that are considered UFO. Where they come from who knows.If there really are aliens out there observing us I don’t think they have a good opinion of Earth. 😉
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By: Raji on October 17, 2009
at 5:19 PM
Rachel Maddow on Americans for Prosperity
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2009/10/rachel-maddow-follows-up-her-americans.html
Rachel is amazing.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 17, 2009
at 4:36 PM
Whirled Peas: I read your post on what you believe, and I’m with you. Thanks for putting it so nicely.
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By: Junebug on October 17, 2009
at 4:05 PM
After viewing the recent Hubble telescope images of stars and galaxies..I pretty much have to think we are pretty gullible to believe that “we” are the only intelligent life source around.
I don’t mean to burst anyones bubble here..but the Bible was written by quite a few different men
with different religious beliefs and agendas.
I believe there was a man named Jesus who walked among us..and died on a cross for us.
Now as to the The Arc, all the pairs of animals…and Eve eating an apple…well
Thats when I believe we get into story time.
I have seen the things that I have seen. Not trying to convince anyone either. But after 20 years of photographing aerial objects from both ground and the air, I pretty much can have an eye and ear for aircraft and the type of engine noise they make.
But when an object comes over me at such a low level and no sound..well thats beyond my aircraft realm. Look up LUBBOCK LIGHTS in google.
Anyone into Edward Casey?
I had a “girl” “friend”
who had an out of body experience where she rose up out of her body and was looking down upon herself during a surgery ..This was due to a near fatal auto accident that left her severely cut in her face.
She took up Edward Casey and some of his beliefs.
So thats another piece of pie to chew on.
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By: CraigΔ on October 17, 2009
at 3:32 PM
Another vote for Delsym here! Great cough suppressant, doesn’t taste too bad, and lasts 12 hours. So great for when you need rest!
Also, Mucinex is awesome for breaking up the congestion. There are a couple of forms of Mucinex. If you get the one specifically marked for coughs, don’t also give Delsym.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 17, 2009
at 3:14 PM
I have suffered from bronchitis in the past. I was put on antibiotics. Coughing and wheezing are symptoms of bronchitis, with this feeling of never being able to get rid of the phlegm. My lungs hurt too.
Greytdog, your sighting mirrors mine and I believe in your story 100 percent. My sighting happened over 13 years ago and I never forgot it. I am not trying to convince anybody that there are other beings visiting us. From what I saw to that leap is something I have not done. I saw no aliens. However, I am not sure that we humans have invented seemingly solid objects that seem to vanish in the blink of an eye, at least for now, I have not heard of it.
Somebody also explained my sighting by saying that sometimes, the fabric of time opens up and some people are privy to witnessing what the future holds for us. Therefore, my daughter and I might have seen a human invention from centuries to come. I do not know, I cannot say.
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By: Easier on October 17, 2009
at 3:07 PM
Tine, ask your doc about Delsym for kids. It really seems to be the most effective for the bronchial stuff. You know it’s bronchial when accompanied by wheezing, if she complains about not being able to get her breath (at which time you may need to get a prescription inhaler from doc), deep chesty cough without a lot of phlegm discharge (need something strong to knock that crap out)
I’ve also been using Ricola cough lozenges – they seem to work the best for me
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 2:42 PM
P.S. Gramma Rock, yes. I did hear that piggy story on MPR yesterday.
Observations, welcome to the porch. Here…have some chocolate-pecan pie. I’ll even share my fancy green tea with you. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 17, 2009
at 2:04 PM
Thanks for the ongoing concern, folks.
I have been in contact with our family doc, who has assured me that there’s no reason to worry or even bring Maria in for an exam unless she has trouble breathing, loses her appetite, won’t wake up, etc. She’s had none of those issues, or other symptoms of severe respiratory distress — and is eating and drinking decently. Only 1 day of fever and chils.
But she does have a nasty, nasty cough. I’ve never had bronchitis, so I don’t know exactly what to look for. What comes up when I research “bronchitis symptoms” look to me like any bad cold. (??)
Can you give me any tips, friendly neighborhood flu / bronchitis veterans?
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 17, 2009
at 2:02 PM
THE PHOENIX LIGHTS – WE ARE NOT ALONE
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By: Poolman on October 17, 2009
at 1:57 PM
Oh and thanks everyone for not castigating me as a looney for believing in other worldly creatures and saucers. I just know what I have seen.
By: CraigΔ on October 17, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Craig: Most lawyers will tell you that the most unreliable witness in court is an eyewitness because whenever faced with an anomaly, the human mind fills in the details.
I’ve witnessed two UFO sightings in the past and both became something more mundane when I discovered that they really were simple illusions, one a flashlight with a colored lens in the hand of a child and another a reflection of the taillights of a 1959 Chevy Impala..
And UFO photos don’t cut the mustard either. I once had a University student who was a whiz with a camera. He also did all his own photo developing. His lab reports were a thing of beauty, dressed up with spectacular and often bizarre photographs. He could create just about anything. He routinely got an A for creativity but an F for fakery. I’m sure he is now in seventh heaven with digital technology and photoshop.
He had a whole collection of UFO shots. But he also had a bunch of ghostly images too. He always said that a little glycerin on a camera lens or foggy filters in the darkroom could create some of the most ghostly images you could imagine.
Needless to say, I’m not a fan of UFOs. Also no one has ever been able to explain to me where they come from or what they use for an energy source that does not insult my intelligence by conjuring up anti-gravity forces or speed and energy sources that violate all known physical laws
For an alternative view of the subject here is a site you can go to that debunks UFOs. Read it at your peril. It may change your mind.
http://www.debunker.com/ufo.html
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By: jsri on October 17, 2009
at 1:12 PM
Delurker, clarify for MIL that it’s only the premature GOP babies. . . (jayzus, ppl are getting dumber)
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 12:38 PM
Snort!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 17, 2009
at 12:04 PM
So he can eat them….lol.
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By: Claire on October 17, 2009
at 11:47 AM
Today my mother in law told me that she’d been told that Obama is going to kill premature babies when they start rationing health care.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 17, 2009
at 11:41 AM
You might want to contact Harry Reid and tell him to put the Public Option into the final bill too!
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/chuck-schumer-public-option-now-harry-reid
Chuck Schumer as a plan but Reid is the only person to make it work.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 17, 2009
at 10:06 AM
We are at a critical point in the health care debate. I hope you can take the time to listen to Keith Olberman and his special report on health care.
He wants all people to have access to the health care his father received this past summer. I feel it is an important message. Please consider watching it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217219
Whirled Peas: You truly are amazing!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 17, 2009
at 9:59 AM
First, I’d like to say that I’m a new blogger, and I was notified by a friend of how great and informative your site is. She’s right on! I put a link on my blogspot page so that everyone can be “enlightened” by you!!!
Health care in America is shameful! My daughter is a hair stylist and her place of work doesn’t offer health care. My granddaughter, her daughter does have health care provided by the State of California, I believe the Health Kids Healthy Famlies program. I recently heard that HFHK program was being cut. I’m not sure if that has taken affect yet, but I worry that if it has, that my 5 year old granddaughter won’t have healthcare either.
And another thing about those that are fortunate to have health care. The majority of us have HMO’s because we can’t affort PPO plans for us and our families. Hey, the politicians don’t have to worry. They all have a PPO and have the luxury of going to any physician that they want. I say the first step is to take away their PPO plans and place them down in the drenches with the rest of us that have these half assed HMO programs were you’re limited to who, where, and how you are treated!
I look forward to more blogs Helen! Thanks.
I remember during the 80’s when I was employed by a software company up in Northern California. Yes, those were the good ol’ days! My company offered only a PPO plan, and I didn’t need to have a “referral” to go see a specialist or top rated doctor. The doctors were more caring and not rushing to get you in an out in their predetermined time frame that is alloted to meet their quota’s and incentive plans. I felt that I was cared for.
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By: Oberservations on October 17, 2009
at 9:52 AM
Tine – yes I second the warning on the bronchial infection It’s really nasty, it lingers and lingers. And unfortunately nothing much touches it. I OD’d on the codeine cough syrup which made me sicker than sick. Now I’m just getting by with Delsym. But it’s been two weeks and I’m still on antibiotics to stave off further lung damage. I hate it.
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 9:22 AM
Okay so I don’t know what I saw, it was a UFO though. From here or out there, I can’t say. I was sitting in traffic. Beautiful clear spring day in Florida. And the birds were out – ospreys swirling in the thermals. I tend to forget traffic and get caught up watching the aerial dance of these birds. When. . .there was a bright bright silver object (not a plane) that was there in the blue blue sky (no clouds) and then bam! gone! freaked me out. That night on the news, ABC had a story of similar objects seen over AZ. I told my SO I had seen those and his remark: “You didn’t tell me you were visiting trailer parks today”. But I know what I saw. I just don’t know WHAT it was I saw.
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By: Greytdog on October 17, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Thank you sofia,
That is my intention. Many people have come before me, using forethought and God given intelligence, to state a position I believe to be true. I just get out of the way and let them say it.
Brevity is my…… 😉
~
The Greatest Story Ever Usurped:
Parts 1, 2 & 3
with transcript.
Silence.
Listen.
Learn.
Practice.
Teach.
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 17, 2009
at 8:58 AM
The best material is at the end.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/real-time-new-rules-still-plenty-ridiculou
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 17, 2009
at 8:42 AM
Oh and thanks everyone for not castigating me as a looney for believing in other worldly creatures and saucers.
I just know what I have seen.
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By: CraigΔ on October 17, 2009
at 8:38 AM
Jean,
I’m an Episcopalian.
But practice my own beliefs as in God does not have to dwell in a building for me to have contact with him.
My wife is now an Anglican as she switched because of recent issues in the Episcopal church..for which I could personally care less.
When we moved to west texas she had us try one of these non affiliated new age “come as you are” type churches. Friendly, interesting but they wanted you there Sunday night, Wednesday night and Thursdays they wanted you to form
party clutch groups where you could bowl,play cards just being together.
To me and my wife TOO much togetherness.
Personally..I just like my one on one with my God.
I had an inside view of the business end of religion as my first job after college.
I worked at the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Center in Fort Worth.
We would produce these radio programs that would go out all over the world literally. I personally produced 12 programs in 10 different languages. We had programs for country,rock and easy listening and Old time Baptist.
We had people sending in Prayer requests with money like you wouldn’t believe.
WE had a room and church volunteers that would do nothing but open mail and separate the money and requests and then they would pray over the bulk of the mail for their needs.
Lets just say,a lot of people at the top make a lot of money and the networking system is over the top. I could go on about the institution , but will at another time.
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By: CraigΔ on October 17, 2009
at 8:34 AM
Whirled, I love your way of using very few words to say so very much
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By: hrh sofia eq on October 17, 2009
at 8:08 AM
Congressman Alan Grayson
on Real Time w/ Bill Maher
*scroll for more…
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 17, 2009
at 7:48 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 10/17/09
As the health insurance reform debate enters into its final stages in Congress, the President denounces the desperate and deceptive last-ditch efforts of the health insurance companies to derail it.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 17, 2009
at 6:30 AM
Hi gang and Craig,
With over 3 and a half million hits, it is starting to get a little crowded here on M&H’s porch. But Craig, I think we can scoot over a little and make room for you. Did you bring something edible and some libation to share?
When it comes to specific religious and scientific issues, as well as innumerable other ‘unknowns’, you can just call me a “Casuist”. I simply do not know. I do think it is as arrogant to believe that our itty-bitty planet has the only life form in the Universe, as it was to believe that the sun revolved around our itty-bitty earth.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 17, 2009
at 12:44 AM
okay, minnesotans, did anyone else hear on the news tonight that some of the 4 legged pigs at the state fair caught h1n1 from the 2 legged fairgoers ?
or did i dream that ?
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By: gramma rock on October 16, 2009
at 11:57 PM
Hi gang and Tine,
Thank you for the update on Maria. What a lovely name! One of my favorites.
You know we are sending sending your whole family our warmest, most loving thoughts, on the hour every hour.
Keep us informed.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 16, 2009
at 9:42 PM
I also hope your daughter is feeling better Tine! Some people I know had the virus. It appears that the secondary infection is the worst. Just watch out for the bronchitis-like symptoms and follow doctors’ advice. With your TLC, she will be good in no time.
In regard to UFOs, my daughter and I saw one, once also, one morning, in broad daylight, on my way of driving her and her brother to school. The object was just hovering in one place, making no sound, very close to the trees in the distance. It was shiny like polished aluminium or stainless steel, cigar-shaped in the front, at least what I assumed was the front. We only saw approximately one half of it, the other half being blocked by trees, it was that close to the ground. We saw no windows or wheels of any kind, and it was not moving like one would expect an airplane to move. My daughter and I said in unison: “what is that?” As I turned my head to look at other drivers in disbelief, just to ascertain that they were seeing what we were seeing, the object vanished, just like that, in the blink of an eye. Somebody suggested it might have been a blimp of some sort, but blimps just do not vanish into thin air or do not move that fast out of view. It was a really strange sighting for us. To this day I wonder what it was. I, for sure no longer snicker, when people speak of UFOs.
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By: Easier on October 16, 2009
at 9:36 PM
No one’s puppet, Lori, Auntie Jean, and anyone else who has expressed or thought good thoughts on our behalf…
Thank you.
We still don’t know exactly what Maria has…and it’s driving me nuts that she got sick before the H1N1 vax is available here in MN. But so far so good. It’s the fact that she’s little, and knowing that in the scary cases, there’s often a turnaround after the kid starts improving, that bothers me.
Keep those good thoughts coming, please!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 16, 2009
at 9:27 PM
Tine, I am sure I am not the only one here concerned about you and your daughter, can’t wait to have you back.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 16, 2009
at 8:38 PM
“In a 2006 television documentary, “Apollo 11: The Untold Story,” Buzz Aldrin admitted for the first time publicly that the astronauts saw UFOs on their trip to the Moon, but they were not allowed to discuss this information on the live audio feed to NASA.”
UFOs on the Moon
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By: Poolman on October 16, 2009
at 8:23 PM
UFOs in the bible:
“The wheels sparkled as if made of chrysolite. All four wheels looked the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it.”
Ezekiel 1:16
“All four wheels looked the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it.”
Ezekiel 10:10
We have seen them in Arizona. When I was a boy I saw them in NM. I have seen them in west Texas. Some say our government has some of them.
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By: Poolman on October 16, 2009
at 7:58 PM
My mother, a firebrand minister and dedicated scientist, believes in UFOs. As she succinctly says, there is so much about life in the natural world that we don’t know & can’t explain, who are we to scoff at folks who tout supernatural or preternatural ideas?
That said, I always wonder why only kids movies are allowed to have nice ETs but adult movies always have scary invasive ETs? Reflection of ourselves, mayhap>?
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By: Greytdog on October 16, 2009
at 7:26 PM
That is EXACTLY my “belief” too peas.
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By: lori on October 16, 2009
at 7:19 PM
I believe in UFOs even though I have never seen one. If it is unidentified, it is flying, and it is object, what else would you call it? Many people have seen them, I assume they have good eyesight and their brains are capable of processing what they saw, some of them no doubt go beyond that and leap to certain conclusions, that they don’t have the facts to support if challenged.
One god visits our home from time to time, whenever something isn’t where I remember placing it, I am ‘certain’ Loki paid us a visit. As hubby and I get older, Loki seems to visit us oftener.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 16, 2009
at 7:10 PM
Hi gang and Bruddah Peas,
Well said and Amen.
Aloha! 🙂 and Namaste
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 16, 2009
at 6:59 PM
I believe in God.
I believe in evolution.
I believe in the scientific method.
I believe thru knowledge we ‘see’ God.
I beleive God created Evolution.
I believe the bible is a book of tales stolen by men from previous religions and used to control an uneducated population thru fear and guilt.
I believe education is the answer and being inquisitive is our dogma. It is ‘how’ evolution manifests itself in humans.
Namasté ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 16, 2009
at 6:34 PM
PS..
I worked for a large military aircraft manufacturer for over twenty years as a Cinematographer and Producer.
Having worked with Test pilots and knowing their reputations. They are not going to say anything that would jeopardize their job.
But one opened up to me and described as being followed by some lights as he was piloting a helicopter back to base at night in 1965 Vietnam.
It shook the entire crew up so bad they determined not to say a word.
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By: CraigΔ on October 16, 2009
at 5:52 PM
Raji
“Craig, since I am one of the few that thinks you rattle the hamster cage for “shits and giggles” I’ll move over and let you scoot in with a chair.”
Thank you for the chair…and a place at the table.
Now tell me the ground rules again. No cursing..Ha! or the “N” word allowed.
I mean I have read the rules somewhere on this blog. I guess I just keep stepping in it by just being me..a “rightee”
I believe in global warming if that helps..but according to the Mayan calendar, In 2012 we will have a lot of other things on our plate to worry about.
Now..I’ll get some *&#% for this..But Jean referred to UFO’s.
Believe me they are real. In december 1967,My brother,mother and I saw one with binoculars as an early morning star that was moving sideways left then right. We first saw it with naked eye looking into the western sky.
When I got the binocs my skin crawled.
It was the perfect saucer shape then a red light came out from beneath it. It maneuvered around and then went below the saucer and then both just shot away.
On top of all this we were 2 miles from a SAC bomber base. No body saw anything or reported such. That would have put this object almost directly over the south end of the runway at about 2000 feet maybe more.
Then again in 2006 I spotted what was becoming a familiar sighting in central Texas that was seen by pilots and police officers. I live in a large west Texas town and was out at 11:00pm.
From right to left this object very low in the shape of a boomerang with 3 glowing soft amber lights in a triangle went from south to north and was low enough I should have heard something but nothing..no sound.
I know the local NBC reporter and she wanted me to be on TV. They found another person who saw same and he went on the air. I politely declined since my wife didn’t need to be paired with a UFO idiot.
They reported that these same lights and shapes had been seen in 1954 time frame and were photographed by some university professors who had been in their backyard when this occurred.
So it made the papers here..and I just kept my mouth shut.
So in summation..we are not alone.
Evolution..who knows maybe we’re just somebody’s petri dish that has gone bad,
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By: CraigΔ on October 16, 2009
at 5:44 PM
UAW-
best wishes my neighbor…
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By: alaskapi on October 16, 2009
at 5:42 PM
One of the things (among many) that most fundamentalist believers refuse to acknowledge is that every culture has a creation myth, a flood myth, and yes, a sacrificial king myth. Every mythology also has the sacred coven (12+1), dragons, maiden, mother, crone. . . Genesis has at least two creation myths without any attempt to reconcile them. The roots of Communion are founded in the sacrificial king myth, whereas the resurrection story can be seen in parallel stories of the Celts.
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By: Greytdog on October 16, 2009
at 1:29 PM
The problem is that the Religious are willing to use faith in place of Science; but Scientists are unwilling to admit the scientific method does not apply to all questions.
When I taught I loved to accuse the Science department of teaching philosophy, and the poorer teachers did not understand that being a “scient-ist” is to adopt a world view, or philosophy, to test truth.
This world view is very recent, and has only been dominant in parts of the world for a very few years. In some parts it has never dominated. Even in the US it has not dominated for more than a century.
Kierkegaard argued that some things were appropriate for science, and the scientific method should apply. But for those things for which it does not apply, other standards of belief should be appropriate.
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By: tomgnh on October 16, 2009
at 1:13 PM
Delurker Girl, I am a bad Catholic,but I’ve always beleived that when God said “let there be light” one of the syllables could be expressed mathematically as e=mc(squared). Attempting to use Genesis or any other part of the bible to rival science, will stop rational people from taking the Bible seriously. Biblical literalism hinders people from seeing and responding to the truths in scriptures that are metaphorical, poetic, literary, ethical and wise. Biblical literalism brings not only the Bible, but Christianity itself into disrepute.
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By: geezer mom on October 16, 2009
at 12:42 PM
I’ve been MAIMed! As in, I asked someone a question and they replied “yes maim”
You all were talking about getting ma’am-ed. Now I think that would be preferable!
Helen & Margaret, we miss you!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 16, 2009
at 10:57 AM
Kitkat, I hope you’re feeling much better!
I agree that it’s possible to believe that God is the reason science works the way it does. In fact, I do.
The hardest thing to reconcile on the evolution theory -vs- creation is that the Bible says God created Adam, and from Adam He created Eve. It doesn’t say that He created ape like pre-human creatures that eventually evolved into humans. Even if you view the creation account as figurative rather than literal, it is awfully hard to make those two ideas work together.
How do non-Christian religions view evolution? Do we have smart people here who can summarize for us? I have honestly never thought about it and now I’m curious.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 16, 2009
at 10:16 AM
kitkat sending all “chicken soup” feelings your way… ;-( get better soon…..
and I of course agree with your post….
I do have one q when you are up to answering it of course….. do you think MOST people in this country can’t differentiate the two or a small minority?
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By: lori on October 16, 2009
at 9:53 AM
Hello all. Been out of commission since Sunday with the H1N1 flu and was really looking forward to a new M&H post to lift my spirits. *Sigh* Had to console myself by reading your comments instead.
I also do not understand why people can’t believe in a higher power and evolution, as I think evolution is just the method of creation which a higher power could use. I think most scientists would agree with that and many religions also find the two compatible.
I teach anthropology, and the way I explain it to students is that science explains the natural while religion explains the supernatural. We aren’t saying who created the natural process, but we are explaining how nature works – gravity, evolution, etc. I would say the biggest problem I find that students have is not separating the two but in thinking that there is a direction or goal behind evolution. They often think that an organism is striving to become something else.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 16, 2009
at 9:27 AM
In 2004, in Grantsburg, WI, the school board considered teaching alternative theories of origins. They received a letter signed by 188 pastors of various churches across the state. The letter ended thusly: “The theory of evolution is a foundational scientific finding, one that has stood up to over a century of rigorous scrutiny. To reject the theory of eveolution, or treat it as one theory among others, is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and to transmit that ignorence to our children.”
It is not often that I feel able to contribute something to the discussion that hasn’t been said before. Thank you and Good Morning!
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By: geezer mom on October 16, 2009
at 7:42 AM
Margaret,I know we have not heard from you in a while and I am guessing it is because of the
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/252466/wed-october-14-2009-barbara-ehrenreich
the Franklin anti-rape bill
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By: Vie on October 16, 2009
at 7:16 AM
On evolution and religion…..
Just sneaking down into the parlor late tonight.
Might enjoy a small piece of pie and then give my dogs a quick late night walk.
When I was very young, I remember singing a song with these words……
“I am a Promise. I am a Possibility. I am a Promise. With a capital P. I am a great, big bundle of Potentiality!”
Those words have always led me to think that abortion and euthanasia are not what they are all cracked up to be. I know we evolve as humans, but the element of life and the beauty it holds is where my mind finds conflict.
I guess now that I’m older, I see that the potential for a peaceful planet lies within each of us.
Good night all.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 16, 2009
at 1:25 AM
Hi gang,
I personally have never had a problem reconciling science and religion. Who are WE mortal humans to question what METHOD God, Yahweh, Allah or Vishnu used? Since the Diety loves us enough to give us life in the first place, that’s good enough for me.
Nighty-night all and sleep well.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 16, 2009
at 12:22 AM
We need you to go out to stump for healthcare!
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By: Kel on October 16, 2009
at 12:02 AM
poolman just when I thought they couldnt sink any lower
lori bottoms up!
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 15, 2009
at 9:43 PM
Okay, we’re turning into a state of crazies down here in Arizona. Not only are our senators worthless, our representatives have started howling at the moon… 🙄
The new McCarthyism
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By: Poolman on October 15, 2009
at 8:37 PM
are u real ??ppl??
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By: windwhisperer on October 15, 2009
at 7:56 PM
Points well taken Anne about global warming. People are hard to convince when their mind is made up. Look how long it took to convince some humans the earth was not flat. At work today, some of my colleagues were talking about how people keep talking about global warming and they are hard-pressed to find any sign of it. Winter is sure coming in early this year! No warming here for sure! I decided that it was not worth my time to chime in. Really!
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By: Easier on October 15, 2009
at 7:19 PM
Hi gang,
I don’t know about you but I was glued to CNN on TV this morning with the account of the little 6-year-old boy possibly riding around alone in a balloon over the Northern Colorado skies. Fortunately, the story had a happily-ever-after-ending. Poor kid. He knew he was gonna be in big trouble so hid in the attic.
I can identify with his family, having raised three sons. That’s what little boys do!!! None of ours ever did anything quite that dramatic however.
I rarely spend that much time watching TV but it was of special interest to me because I was born in Boulder, Colorado and raised in Fort Collins. Except for visits to my family way back when, I haven’t spent very much time there since I went away to college. It was fun seeing a little of the familiar terrain and hearing once again the Colorado Western Twang accent. Naturally, I was not aware that there WAS an accent until I had been gone for a long time.
I was further impressed with how quickly the local officials and agencies mobilized along with the military and military technology to track the balloon and resolve the situation. In my estimation, that’s what the military does best. SAVE lives if they can.
Aloha! 🙂 Lokahii and Namaste!
Auntie Jean
P. S. Oh, yeah. The tabloids and the conspiracy theorists will get busy claiming that it was really a UFO and that an alien family á lá ET, were just building a spacecraft so they could ‘go home’. Of course, the conservatives will scream about how much money and resources were expended on the rescue effort.
I for one found it a welcome respite for a few hours from the war in Afghanistan, the wrangling over the Health Care Bill and all the other burning issues of the day.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 15, 2009
at 6:52 PM
Alright. That took 24 hrs to show up. Thought I would show off my other grandson. 😀
I have no problem with science and my religion. I see both evolution and creation. Science will prove the existence of God. I do believe man was certainly created as “man”. But who’s to say where things could have developed before that. I’ve seen results from “survival of the fittest” – adapting to a changed environment, natural selection, etc. I got no problem with carbon dating. God owns time, we are the ones that are still grasping for a handle on the concept.
I hope others are starting to see a turn in this government. I see signs of improvement. I know I want to see it work, so I may be looking through smudged glasses a bit. But I think there is a lot of positive progression toward turning this thing back around and back to our control. We got plenty of work ahead, but I am starting to sense the creaks and groans of buried bureaucratic layers seeing daylight for the first time in decades. All to be dusted off and analyzed and trimmed of the deadwood. Combined, streamlined, digitized, and modernized. This government “machine” needs to be leaner and much more efficient to work for us.
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By: Poolman on October 15, 2009
at 6:47 PM
UAW, May God bless you and your wife. May His Spirit comfort and protect you both. May His guidance, wisdom, and healing flow through the physicians and nurses to your precious wife, I pray.
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By: Poolman on October 15, 2009
at 6:16 PM
I personally don’t understand the conflict between science & religion, but then again, my physics professor was also an ordained minister as well as a respected theologian. And he was like a kid when he would talk about quantum physics! he would just light up – and discuss theology with the same enthusiasm.
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By: Greytdog on October 15, 2009
at 5:44 PM
Greytdog, thanks for the “snickers”. Good grief, what next?
Craig, since I am one of the few that thinks you rattle the hamster cage for “shits and giggles” I’ll move over and let you scoot in with a chair. Please be a good boy and don’t spill your milk on the table or drop your piece of pie on the floor. We clean up after you way too often 😉
President Obama has finally gone to New Orleans to see just what has NOT happened! I read a fantastic photojournalist’s book called “One of Us” by Chris Usher.
Quotes from the forward: “On August 28, 2005 I set out from DC to cover Katrina for Time magazine. What I thought would be a three or four day assignment turned into a three week experience that affected me profoundly….I knew this was a story that needed to be documented, not just covered and so, “One of Us’ was born….I’ve revisited the gulf coast six times….and spent two months driving across the US in search of evacuees who have not yet returned home….the recovery effort is slow and inefficient… I encourage you to visit the gulf coast and see it with your own eyes.”
From “One of Us” :Quotes from Danny Kattan, March 27, 2007 : I’ve probably demolished maybe sixty or seventy houses now myself…everything I do here involves people’s emotions….every house has a story to tell….you can see where they raised generation after generation…they’ve got pictures ..that were full of mold and had water lines on them and to see that stuff going to the dumpsters, you know it’s really hard..it really is hard”
“Like the dust bowl of the 1930’s…Katrina was a cataclysmic natural disaster that forced hundreds of thousands of Americans to migrate across the country or stay and suffer with little or no help….”
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=13450&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=434
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By: Raji on October 15, 2009
at 5:31 PM
Although grateful that the funds exist, massive public safety funds were expended today to try to save a 6 year old little boy. The boy who turned out to be hiding because he thought that he would get in a lot of trouble once people started looking for him.
However, we have no public funds or options for a 3rd grade little girl to save her from the very real threat of her heart condition.
Something is wrong with this picture. Which child was in reality in more danger. Not saying that if you believe the boy was in the balloon, we should not do everything to look. But in reality the threat was greater for the little girl and she paid the price.
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By: Alaskan on October 15, 2009
at 5:15 PM
Dr Rowan Williams, head of the Church of England and leader of the worldwide Anglican communion, told an audience at Southwark Cathedral that people had allowed themselves to become “addicted to fantasies about prosperity and growth, dreams of wealth without risk and profit without cost”.
The consequences of such a lifestyle meant the human soul was “one of the foremost casualties of environmental degradation”.
The little boy did not fly away – he was hiding in the attic. However, a little 3rd grade girl at my grandson’s school died of a heart condition – sad.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 5:06 PM
The scientific method requires that theories be observable, repeatable, and verifiable. Belief, on the other hand, is a leap of faith. Some people are capable of faith and others like me seem incapable of conviction in something intangible. I don’t rule out any religious belief, but I am waiting for proof. I respect all people who are moral and altruistic, if they are religious terrific for them, but don’t try to convince me that morality and religiosity are synonymous, I know better.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 15, 2009
at 4:33 PM
PSU…. let’s form a seach party! I wouldn’t mind finding it either… I have a college tuition due here soon.. LOL hell forget the dang kid lets just use it for margaritas ..;-)
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By: lori on October 15, 2009
at 3:42 PM
Anne surmises: Americans, unfortunately, have a dismissive attitude when it comes to science. They don’t believe in anything they can’t see themselves, and don’t believe the experts who know what they’re talking about. Science is not a matter of opinion.
__________________________________________
I am an American and I “believe” in both evolution and global warming( and I believe in GOD… amazing eh?) and can even grasp science! LOL Please do not lump me in with the wingnuts…
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By: lori on October 15, 2009
at 3:39 PM
darn, I heard about this so called ‘Obama stash’ but cant seem to find it
can someone direct me to it? I could sure use some extra stash in my life these days
/sarcasm
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 15, 2009
at 3:13 PM
People who don’t believe in global warming are as annoying to me as people who don’t believe in evolution. Americans, unfortunately, have a dismissive attitude when it comes to science. They don’t believe in anything they can’t see themselves, and don’t believe the experts who know what they’re talking about. Science is not a matter of opinion. When 95% of science agree on something, we should be focused on that, not the 5% who don’t agree. If your doctor said to you, “There is a 95% chance you will die of cancer if you don’t stop smoking,” do you say, “You’re not 100% sure? Then I’ll keep smoking.” Global warming does not mean the entire planet will get warmer. It means some parts will get warmer and some parts will get cooler (especially when that convection current in the Atlantic stops rotating and Euope freezes…again). Some parts will suffer from droughts while others will be flooded. Already the monsoons are coming earlier and heavier. Drought in Africa and California is extending. The argument that the temperture changes are due only to the wobble of the earth’s axis is invalid. Those changes are known and predictable, and the rising temperatures cannot be explained by them alone. The age of the carbon in the atmosphere can be measured, and it’s coming from the burning of fossile fules. Air bubbles in ancient ice cores show the history of carbon in the atmosphere. Whenever there’s been more, it’s been hotter. And there’s never been as much in the atmosphere as there is now.
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By: Anne on October 15, 2009
at 2:57 PM
Our classy president:
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 15, 2009
at 2:56 PM
May I have a seat at the table…?
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By: CraigΔ on October 15, 2009
at 2:35 PM
UAW
Many of us here on this post have already been down the road you are now traveling. I lost a brother just last week. And there are almost as many ways of dealing with the resulting chaos and confusion as there are posters here. But please don’t forget to take care of yourself because you will also find that there are other family members or friends who will be depending on you for strength and support.
While there are many issues on which we might disagree, in this common experience that most of us have shared, we wish you and your wife the very best.
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By: jsri on October 15, 2009
at 2:33 PM
Wow, Joe, that balloon story is all over the place! The balloon was brought down empty. They’re looking for the boy on the ground, thinking he was never in the balloon, though there were people who swore they saw him in it, and said the basket was swinging wildly, yet they say they say he didn’t fall out. So many contradictions, I imagine from constantly interviewing people at the scene who probably don’t actually KNOW anything.
Sure hope he’s OK!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 15, 2009
at 2:29 PM
talk about a bad day
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_101509_news_balloon_boy_colorado.21cbbe78e.html
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 1:55 PM
For your Thursday snickers:
(h/t to http://www.themudflats.net)
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By: Greytdog on October 15, 2009
at 11:36 AM
Brillant Raji! Thinking about you and your wife at this time UAW, I am so sorry her treatment wasn’t sucessful.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 15, 2009
at 11:25 AM
Jean, I do get up at 5:25 but I think the posting time on this blog must be PT. With dial-up it behooves one to get on the internet early 😉
UAW,If one doesn’t buy into Global Warming, couldn’t one at least buy into cleaning up our environment? One can not argue that auto emissions pollute the air we breath. What do you think causes Code Orange Days in the summer?
Destroying our rain forests causes erosion as well as adding to global warming, Can you buy into that belief?
Does anyone here take their garbage to the local dump or what is really a transfer station. Have you looked at the amount of garbage that is going to be transferred to the ocean? How does this effect our water and the creatures that have to live in that environment?
A doctor on NPR recently was discussing the valid reasons for getting the H1N1 vaccine. People were calling in with their concerns. His comment was there are 80,000 chemicals floating around in your environment, why be concerned only about one vaccine?
We all need to be aware of what we breathe and eat and drink and do our part to keep our environment as clean as possible.
So if you don’t want to spend time thinking about Global Warming as JuneauJoe so well stated in his posts, at least spend time thinking about your own back yard and in return you will have helped those who want to think about Global Warming.
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By: Raji on October 15, 2009
at 10:32 AM
Thanks Grandma Katie:
The Lower Yukon River Delta 20 years ago was permafrost. It was frozen permanently a foot below the surface. Now, the whole Yukon River has no permafrost – gone.
The yuPik people told me it used to be 40 and 50 below zero in the winter. Today, it is 15 to 30 below zero – which one YuPik told me was warm. He attributed it to Global Warming.
In the village where I was, I was told of bugs which they had not seen before. It was even 100 degrees one day two summers ago. This is an area where 75 degrees is considered hot.
The YuPik people live off the land. They hunt moose, fish for salmon, walrus and even whale. If they do not get the game, they die. They also pay $8.00 for gasoline and home heating oil.
Impacts on climate are actually killing people in the villages if the truth be known.
We need to get away from I can dump anything into the air and water because I am an American.
The US has 5% of the world population but we make 25% of the pollution. I think we need to get real about the choices we make.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 10:22 AM
UAW there are really no words to express the pain that you and your wife are going through at this time. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Namaste (The light inside me honors the light inside you)
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By: Raji on October 15, 2009
at 10:12 AM
JuneauJoe – Just realied how much I have missed your posts. A voice of reason.
Keep posting about gloal warming and maybe you might get it through some thick heads IT IS HAPPENING!
UAW my thought “s are with you and your wife. Been down that road and it wasn”t nice.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 15, 2009
at 9:29 AM
Here is the entire article about attittudes of people towards Global Warming.
Six Americas of Climate Change
Do spend some time thinking about Global Warming and what the earth and atmosphere will be like in 50 years if we do nothing. We can ignore this topic but future generations will suffer if we do.
Have a good day folks!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 9:09 AM
*coloring books… for all the spell checkers out there.. 😉
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By: lori on October 15, 2009
at 9:06 AM
UAW,
You and your wife are in our prayers. Bless you for your devotion to her.
By the way, the Pacific ocean has warmed up a degree or two. We are seeing fish and marine life in Puget Sound and off the coast of Washington that do not normally show up in “cold” water areas.
As to Global warming, I just want some one from the Republican side to explain to me why it would not be wiser all the way around to cap emissions, stop cutting down the rain forests, stop drilling for oil, ect. If we are wrong about global warming, we will still have improved our planet for our children and their children. If we are right, well then we have not waited until it is too late……
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By: MiKat on October 15, 2009
at 8:59 AM
Tine……. pop cycles… slushies….”croop” tents-forts ( a tent on the floor with a vaporizor)…. books and songs, cloring books and crayons… 😉 She will be fine in no time….
Get some rest when she rests… let the house go and order in lots of pizza, ( and some red wine doesn’t hurt) …
kisses and huggggggs your way… xoxoxoxo
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By: lori on October 15, 2009
at 8:56 AM
There are different audiences who have different beliefs about Global Warming. Here is a breakdown of where people stand.
What I find alarming is this: 23% are disengaged or doubtful about Global Warming: WHAT IF THESE PEOPLE ARE WRONG! IF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IS BASED ON THOSE DOUBTFUL – we would ruin the environment for our children and grandchildren. (This was the case during the Bush years.)
The Alarmed (18%) are fully convinced of the reality and seriousness of climate change and are al-
ready taking individual, consumer, and political action to address it. The Concerned (33%) – the
largest of the six Americas – are also convinced that global warming is happening and a serious
problem, but have not yet engaged the issue personally. Three other Americas – the Cautious (19%),
the Disengaged (12%) and the Doubtful (11%) – represent different stages of understanding and ac-
ceptance of the problem, and none are actively involved. The final America – the Dismissive (7%)
– are very sure it is not happening and are actively involved as opponents of a national effort to re-
duce greenhouse gas emissions.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 8:54 AM
My heart goes out to you and your wife UAW. It’s a tough time in your journey….. I wish I had the magic wand to make all your heartache go away.
Alas, all I have is my positive energy that I most certainly am sending your way, and have since I heard about your wife’s condition. Please tell her I have her in my mind and am wishing all the best….namaste
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By: lori on October 15, 2009
at 8:52 AM
Global warming blog day! Get informed about Global Warming.
http://crooksandliars.com/bluegal/climate-change-getting-public-involved
I have seen the massive fires caused by drought in CA. I have seen an Alaskan Village which is suffering because of lack of fish and flooding last spring. Polar Bears do not have ice bergs to swim to anymore. Breast fed Babies just weeks old are testing with chemicals in their bodies. We are polluting our earth foiks.
Cheney/Bush ignored the science for 8 years. It is past time to make changes on environmental policy. We should thank Al Gore..
UAWL Sorry about your wife. ( HoweverL Your ideas are wrong to the point of being dangerous.)
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 15, 2009
at 8:13 AM
UAW,
I too wish your wife well and have been here the whole time to know how tough it has been for you. Our neighbor is going through a similar situation and I know how difficult it can be for everyone involved.
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By: Alaskan on October 15, 2009
at 7:05 AM
UAW: So terribly sorry. I’ve been there and it’s so hard. All I can say is that your wife is fortunate to have you with her through the ordeal. I admire you for your devotion and character.
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By: Donna on October 15, 2009
at 6:00 AM
Hi gang and jsri,
Heck no, jsri, I’m not about to scroll through your post about Genetics. In fact I read it twice.
We have a pretty intelligent and sophisticated crowd here who I think would be interested in your input. For sure, inbreeding probably didn’t do much for the Egyptians and definitely not for the Royalty in Europe with Hemophilia.
I don’t pretend any expertise in “Memetics” except that I have been doing some interesting reading; i.e., Richard Dawkins, who coined the term. Yes, it is a fairly new science and as such, quite controversial. A lot of it is based on Evolution, which gives the Creationists hissy-fits.
But I do think we could benefit from your experience in telling us about basics, such as the difference between ‘dominant’ and ‘recessive’ genes and how they work.
Thanks.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 15, 2009
at 12:58 AM
Hi gang and JuneauJoe,
Glad you’re back!!! You were sorely missed. We need your input.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 15, 2009
at 12:32 AM
Hi gang and UAW,
I am so very sorry your wife’s health has not improved. Just know that all of us here at M&H, regardless of our political leanings, care about both of you. We will give you all the love and support we possibly can. All you have to do is ask. We are here for you.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 15, 2009
at 12:28 AM
Oh and by the way, it didn’t take me 10 minutes to fact check. The posts were one right after the other. There is such a thing as time to upload. The time stamp says 3:14pm and I wasn’t even home at that time Pacific Time, so the time stamp isn’t anything that you can go by.
I like to have dialogue and I even like the term asshat. So have at it.
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By: Alaskan on October 14, 2009
at 11:36 PM
UAW,
I didn’t call you a liar. I simply said that you can’t believe everything you read, hear or watch on You Tube. The You Tube audio had a very obvious slant. In fact most information to be gathered from this situation is from right wing blogs. Very few reports from news media.
The problems arose from the City’s inability to handle the application process and crowds. The money was stimulus money to help homeless and near homeless. It was not “Obama’s Money”. If residents didn’t know what it was about, then how is that the President’s fault? In fact, even the article that you cite states it was “Detroit’s botched handling”.
The right wing blogs that have been commenting on this incident upplay the ignorant people. Many of the sound bites on the news were rational people that knew why there were there. In fact the blog sites were even offensively racist.
But thanks for calling me an asshat. That is what many here have been talking about for so long is that the name calling is what is not appropriate. I believe that I said, please don’t believe everything you read and hear. Which sounds very different than calling you a liar. Good discussion though.
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By: Alaskan on October 14, 2009
at 11:33 PM
Our Children have to breathe the air and drink the polluted waters which we are making today!
http://crooksandliars.com/bluegal/open-thread-259
We wasted 8 years with CHENEY/BUSH on ignoring Global Warming! It is way past time to take Global Warming the destruction of our environment seriously!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 14, 2009
at 9:45 PM
Arguing with a person who ignores the realities is not worth my time or effort.
It is kind of like wrestling a skunk. I could surely win but I would have to smell the stink in the process.
It makes sense to have higher mileage cars, cut usage of coal for generating power and to limit the crap we put into the air.
People have done some awful things (to save money) to power our world. We even started a war (Iraq) for oil.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 14, 2009
at 9:18 PM
Jean: Get out your reading glasses and get your scroll wheel under control
Sorry but my fly-bys lately have been quickies. I have a new volunteer activity that keeps me hopping so I have only enough time to skim what is happening and to respond to a troll or two if I get amply irritated.
In one of your posts you indicated that you ‘would like to have a little discussion about “Memetics” somewhere along the line, but first, there needs to a brief refresher course in “Genetics” ‘. You point out that “Memetics” are similar to “Genetics” in that they are CULTURAL traits handed down from one generation to another . . . “
As far as memetics is concerned, I know little. Just reading about it gives me a brain ache. Also. attempts to define its processes has led to camps that seem to be at odds with one another in a big way. So, since I know next to nothing about it. I’ll stay away from it. But I think the general premise is pretty well accepted. However, unlike the transmission of DNA from generation to generation that may on rare occasions be subject to change through mutation, I believe that “memes” can be acculturated and altered by each generation they pass through.
As for genetics, I’m probably not the most competent person to discuss these issues. I’ve been out of the field for so long most of the new stuff is nothing more than a haze. The field has moved so far from where I was when I was teaching to be almost incomprehensible. But I remember enough basic stuff to point out that your statement about “what lengths we humans will go to in order to change our genetic makeup” describes only the lengths we go to “cover up our genetic makeup” because we cannot truly change it. At present, in order to change our genetic makeup, we would have to alter the structure of our DNA in such a fashion that the changes would be passed on to the next generation. Although that is virtually impossible, it is this area where much human genetics research is comcentrated and it is only a matter of time before such DNA alteration becomes commonplace. My only problem with the concept is that when you look at how traits of show animals have been manipulated by selective breeding, do we need humans to go down a similar path? Do we really want immobile humans with thin thumbs for texting and a rectangular eye for reading mobile phone screens?
Early in the study of genetics there was a theory that acquired characteristics (for example tanned skin) could be passed on to the next generation. Some people still believe that. But our understanding of Mendelian genetics put that theory to rest over a century ago.
Blogging ones way through a genetics course could be tedious but if you have specific Q’s probably I could answer them.
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By: jsri on October 14, 2009
at 8:58 PM
I’m starting to tear up….thanks
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 8:47 PM
tine…
apparently you feel that global warming is man made and others believe it is natural…..but the real question is is taxing carbon going to help or just make Gore richer
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 8:41 PM
UAW, I’m holding you and your wife in my thoughts.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 14, 2009
at 8:37 PM
UAW, keeping you both close in thoughts & prayers. PS if you need to vent or just release, go to my blog. my email is there. Been through the hospice experience. Take care, okay? You’re a good man, Charlie Brown 🙂 Hugs to your wife.
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 8:25 PM
Oh Dear God in heaven, uaw, my prayers are with you and your wife.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 14, 2009
at 8:18 PM
More talk radio frustration. It seems Obama has managed to get a bill passed by the senate finance committee that even unions don’t support! The dems must be quaking in their boots!
Duh, the unions, and even dems, are struggling to get behind a bill that is by definition not liberal enough! Scared? They say that like the that senate bill was too liberal. Uh, not! Let the negoatiations begin!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 14, 2009
at 8:11 PM
greytdog…
thanks for asking
hospice has been mentioned and her oncologist said he can’t do anymore and tommorow we have an appointment at the Karmanos cancer center in Detroit
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 8:07 PM
“there are a lot of scientists that disagree with global warming…”
Depends on what you consider “a lot.” Yes, they might fill my living room. Maybe even my whole house. But they comprise approximately 1% (probably less, actually) of the scientific community.
You can call me a liar if you want, but I’ve read the raw research and have delved deeply into the theories of climate skeptics. There are reasons to disagree about specific details but there is NO significant disagreement on the overall reality of anthropogenic climate change. The loudest skeptics are cherrypicking uncertainties and blowing them wildly out of proportion.
As for the the newly thriving forests of Greenland… IMO this fact hardly makes up for the death and destruction already being wrought by climate change. And it’s only going to get worse. A lot worse.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 14, 2009
at 8:06 PM
no Juneaujo……
there are a lot of scientists that disagree with global warming (scientists not politicians)……if you think that people with PHD’s are idiots then I guess I can call people with PHD’s idiots also….so what is the natural temp of the world supposed to be????
“Greenland has been on the cusp of agriculture since the 16th century. Before this, agriculture was practiced by Viking settlers. Then came the “Little Ice Age” of the 16th century, wiping out Norse settlers and dooming agriculture in the region. But temperatures have been rising steadily since the 80s, and farming may soon be possible.” and “One of these forests, Qanasiassat, is beginning to thrive according to caretaker Poul Bjerge. Long since dormant, the pine trees in this forest have begun to show new growth.”
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/ecology/greenland-is-green-again/392
now if we’re getting into opinions then I believe that the only thing taxing carbon is going to do is make Al Gore richer
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 7:54 PM
Thanks for your good thoughts, Jean. Maria actually seems sicker tonight than she was this afternoon, so the comfort is much appreciated!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 14, 2009
at 7:26 PM
Hi gang and Tine,
I do hope your little one only has the usual childhood big sniffles. They can be awfully scary at the onset.
Give her plenty of fluids and mommy TLC, which we all know you can deliver beautifully.
Please keep us posted. We grandmas are worryworts.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 14, 2009
at 7:14 PM
Hi gang and Raji at 4:25A,
Raji, You’re up at 4:25 AM??? Just kidding. I know something about time zone differences. We get phone calls from people who don’t, at all odd hours.
Points well taken in Robert Naimen’s article. Thanks for putting it up.
A mercernary is a mercenary is a mercenary. Remember Blackwater?
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 14, 2009
at 7:02 PM
Just one question: UAW, how’s your wife?
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 6:35 PM
Grandma Katie:
The rain here in Oregon is warm compared to AK.
We have a real fall with trees changing colors.
Global Warming is real! Trtying to pull the CHENEY/BUSH crap of denial of facts just shows the stupidity of the Cheney/Bush followers.
Scientists have proven beyond a doubt that GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL and the opportunity to turn it around is about to pass.
ANYONE WHO SAYS WE HAVE NO GLOBAL WARMING IS A FOOL AND AN IDIOT!
Think Carbon Footprint!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 14, 2009
at 5:50 PM
JuneauJoe – have had a couplle of fabulous days . hope you are having the same!It rained here! fabulous. I thought it had forgotten how.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 14, 2009
at 5:24 PM
alaskan…
apparently it took you 10 min to do a little fact-checking….but first you called me a liar…..Asshat
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 4:41 PM
http://detnews.com/article/20091011/OPINION03/910110312/Rush-ing-to-judgment–National-commentators-don-t-understand-Detroit-s-plight
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 4:27 PM
Global Warming 101 | Union of Concerned Scientists http://bit.ly/AOwMJ
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 3:57 PM
UAW,
Somehow you missed the reports with perfectly rational sounding people talking about the faults in the system and chaos being the City of Detroits problem in not handling the crowds and organization of the facility well.
Yes, there are some who don’t even know what they are signing up for, but there were others who were very well informed that they were signing up for stimulus programs to help them stay out of foreclosure. Foreclosure is not good for anyone in the economy right now because the shady home loans and deregulation of wall street are what created the mess in the first place.
So please don’t blame it all on a couple of well chosen sound bites that make everyone seem ignorant. You can always find data to support your slant. That goes for both sides. How about you present the full picture before you trash just one side?
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By: Alaskan on October 14, 2009
at 3:24 PM
UAW,
The link posted about Obama Stash doesn’t even make any sense. It is an unauthored audio clip with no facts and no references. Are you to believe it is “for real”, just because they say it in graphics? WTF
Do some fact checking and don’t believe everything you hear or read. People sounding ignorant doesn’t mean that you are proving your point.
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By: Alaskan on October 14, 2009
at 3:14 PM
Limbaugh is being dropped from the group he’s in that’s attempting to buy the St. Louis Rams.
That’s right folks, THE EGO HAS LANDED! He FAILED!
I can’t even imagine what that hate monger will have to say about the ungrateful n—-rs he thought he had a chance to OWN. You know… make things as good as they were when this country was founded and all.
Such a happy day. Small wins!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 14, 2009
at 3:06 PM
poolman…
I didn’t like the report when I heard it on WJR either but it did happen(Obama’s stash)
maybe we should also cut out the waste and fraud in education and put the money in healthcare…education has sure failed in Detroit(different reports have a dropout range of 35% to 65%)
NEW EDUCATION PROGRAM
MR.DROPOUT MEET MR.HOE HANDLE
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 2:40 PM
greytdog?????
atmospheric weather patterns???????
“Crawford also said sea temperatures in the tropical Atlantic are cooler, by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.12 degrees Celsius) on average, than the blistering seasons of 2004,”
a 2 degree drop in the atlantic is an atmospheric condition?????
it sounds like a hell-of-a drop in BTU energy to me…
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 2:26 PM
Yes, Palin’s picture was appropriate next to the meaning of WATB. I clicked on the site for her book and Newsmax is selling it for $8.95, or you get it free with a subscription to Newsmax. Sounds like they’re realling trying to run up the number “sold,” as opposed to read.
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By: Junebug on October 14, 2009
at 2:09 PM
Good point, Dawn. 😉
And speaking of fever & coughing, etc… Could I trouble my friends here to think good thoughts for my 3-year-old?
She’s coming down with something that has the earmarks of flu. And she’s had the seasonal flu shot, so I can’t stop thinking (and worrying) about H1N1. 😦
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 14, 2009
at 2:08 PM
On watb, I love how Sarah Palin’s picture was right next to the definition. Probably not on purpose, but hilarious just the same.
I think she is the poster child for “she can dish it out, but not take it.”
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By: Alaskan on October 14, 2009
at 1:51 PM
uaw tradesman, that pigstv video is hilarious! 😆
The other one, not so much.
Expect more extreme weather, both cold and hot, as time progresses. Also look to the earth’s magnetic field interfering with climate, too.
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By: Poolman on October 14, 2009
at 1:41 PM
Haven’t been here for awhile. Interesting posts.
“The Khyber Pass between the two countries has been CONTROLLED by outside forces for a time; going all the way back to Alexander the Great and up to the British Empire and Russia. However, NONE have ever been able to subdue the tribal peoples of that rugged area. I don’t know why we think we can. By military force anyway. ” from Jean’s post.
EXACTLY!!! What are we doing there? For humdreds of years, the tribal people have ruled. What makes us think we can change anything especially if Karzai’s govt is as corrupt as it sounds. An Iranian coworker stated when all this started we went to the wrong country in the 1st place. He thought Iran should be the place to start. Don’t know about that…
No One’s Puppet, thanks for the book recommendation on Bin Laden.
Tine, Careful about the “grrrs” when thinking about insurance companies as your blood pressure will go up, and next thing you know you’ll be without insurance.
Please everyone, wash your hands, sneeze into your sleeves and if you get fever, chills, body aches etc take fever reducers, drink A LOT of liquids, and REST. If you develop a troubling cough, have trouble keeping fluids down seek medical attention.
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By: Dawn on October 14, 2009
at 1:37 PM
So we all assume that folks who won’t be named are “trolls” because they like to come here, seem reasonable, then start spewing, then start whining. . . they’re not trolls. They’re WATBs. http://bit.ly/1t0RL4
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 1:22 PM
UAW, please stop mistaking atmospheric weather patterns for climate change/global warming.
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 1:07 PM
think global warming
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/october.cold.record.2.1247099.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE59D2UK20091014
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 12:01 PM
LOL @ all of you lima bean lovers! I think the texture is a big part of why I don’t like them. But I DO like okra, fried or pickled. Different strokes for different folks!
Dying to hear M&H’s take on the Nobel Peace Prize…
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By: Claire on October 14, 2009
at 11:38 AM
this is funny
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 11:26 AM
Here is the best information I have seen on Health Care Reform and the public option.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/chuck-schumer-public-option-now-harry-reid
CALIFORNIA – Drought: Think Global Warming.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 14, 2009
at 10:36 AM
ccleaner erased name sorry
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By: uaw tradesman on October 14, 2009
at 10:12 AM
what California needs to do is watch Detroit and get some money from Obama’s stash….
Yes we have our own woman governor…..but hopefully not for long…. maybe she’ll pull a Palin(I keep hoping)
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By: Anonymous on October 14, 2009
at 10:05 AM
Hi Grandma Katie,
Hope your day is going well. I am goofing off in Oregon. WE have rain in OR too. I must say, CA needs rain, Lake Shasta had almost no water in it – sorry sight actually.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 14, 2009
at 9:34 AM
thymeCher – heard another of Meg Whitman’s ads this am. does she think she is Superwoman who is going to redo California immediately?
WE have suffered through several years of the Terminator and look how well he did. anyhow Ithink we have another Sarah Paln on our hands.
Oh happy day! It has rained a bit, at leasst here we haven’t had heavy rain like further north. waS beginning to think it had forgotten h ow to rain!!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 14, 2009
at 8:44 AM
Enjoy
http://www.thejoymovie.com/
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By: Greytdog on October 14, 2009
at 6:08 AM
Good article, well worth reading.Robert Naimen’s view.
“In particular, if it’s true that 70% of the insurgency consists of “$10-a-day Taliban,” as a Senate report estimates, that suggests that we could make deals with (at least) 70% of the insurgency. Suppose that these deals cost us $20 per day, per fighter, and that there are 15,000 Taliban fighters overall. Then a deal with 70% of the insurgency would cost $210,000 per day. The war, on the other hand, costs $165 million per day.
If you assume that fighting this 70% of the insurgency has average cost, then fighting these 70% of Taliban fighters costs $115.5 million per day. So, if we made a deal with them, instead of fighting them, we’d save $115.3 million dollars, every day, for an annual savings of $42 billion dollars. By comparison, if the 10 year cost of health reform is a trillion dollars, then the annual cost is $100 billion. So making a deal with 70% of the Afghan insurgency would pay for roughly half of the cost of health care reform.”
http://dailykos.com/
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By: Raji on October 14, 2009
at 4:25 AM
Hi gang and jsri,
Okra? No thanks. Lima beans? Yum! Yum!
I would like to have a little discussion about “Memetics” somewhere along the line, but first, there needs to a brief refresher course in “Genetics”. jsri, you are by far the best qualified to do that so we need your help. It is interesting what lengths we humans will go to in order to change our genetic makeup. Example, you don’t like your hair color? Check out the L’Oréal aisle at Wal-Mart and choose a color you like. Don’t like your eye color? Get yourself a pair of brown, blue or whatever contact lenses. Plastic surgery does a brisk business in nipping and tucking nature’s perceived mistakes. If you feel you are too short, I even heard of some place where you can have both your legs broken, stretched out and kept in casts for six months until the bones grow together again. Yikes! But you can gain 3-4 inches in height that way. This coming from an Old Broad who was too chicken to get her ears pierced until she was 60 years old.
“Memetics” are similar to “Genetics” in that they are CULTURAL traits handed down from one generation to another rather than BIOLOGICAL traits. Those can be changed too. Sometimes though they are just as deeply ingrained as the biological traits.
On to another topic, today I harvested our Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo from our Pitiful Little Patch. It is seasonal and only blooms in the late summer/fall. The blossom looks sort of like a wine-ish red hand grenade about 6 inches long. I squeezed them and out dripped a viscous fluid. Next I strained out the bits of plant debris into a large measuring cup and Viola! Awapuhi shampoo. This is the body soap and shampoo the native Hawaiians have used since time immemorial.
Over the years I have saved the little shampoo bottles from hotels as well as prescription medicine bottles. I wash them out good, then pour the shampoo into those little bottles and freeze them. Since they don’t have any fragrances or preservatives, I don’t know how long they would keep otherwise. Whenever I want a bottle of shampoo, I just take one out and thaw it. It is a fine shampoo and a wonderful conditioner combined. I give them to all our friends on the condition that they return the empty little bottles for next year’s harvest.
I would send all of you some but I would want my little bottles back!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 14, 2009
at 12:27 AM
My gravatar is Alex the young dog.
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By: farsight Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:30 PM
Lima beans also taste great in a white sauce.
What I’d like to have is a big ole plate of spareribs and sauerkraut with lima beans in a white sauce and fried potato cakes.
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By: farsight Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:05 PM
Yes I have had okra fried and fried in cornmeal. I have had okra many ways and will always try a bite. It is disgusting. I eat oysters and love them raw. I will eat almost everything and like almost anything. Okra just flat sucks. Sorry, but even when I find some I like which will possibly happen some time, I certainly won’t trust my own assessment at first. It is something I will have to accept slowly!!!
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By: farsight Δ on October 13, 2009
at 10:58 PM
I’ll chime in in defense of the lima bean too. What’s not to like? Like any veggie, they taste great with a little butter and salt and pepper. Yummy.
Plus, they remind me of my little boy. I called him butterbean (another name for lima beans) when he was a baby because he was such a little pudge.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 13, 2009
at 9:17 PM
Pickled spicy okra is tops. 😀 I can eat a whole jar in a few minutes. Fried is great. Raw out of the garden is good. Cooked otherwise is too slimy for my liking.
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By: Poolman on October 13, 2009
at 8:55 PM
Claire, I definitely have to take up for the lima bean. I do not know what the poor thing has done to my husband especially and well, to you too. Would you please try this: cut up about 4oz of beef smoked sausage, add to one pound baby lima beans, one cup of water, one chicken bouillon cube, and a dash of salt (omit salt if you so desire). Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Voila! Makes a nice side dish to any meal. I have other recipes if you are willing to give them a try. Just holler.
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By: Easier on October 13, 2009
at 7:54 PM
Fried okra is to die for!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 7:30 PM
Hi gang and Bruddah Peas,
It worked! Mahalo good buddy. As I’ve said before, you are a computer geinus.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 13, 2009
at 6:56 PM
Farsight–ever had it fried? It’s really delicious. Honest. I mean it.
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By: donna on October 13, 2009
at 6:46 PM
Hi gang,
This is my first attempt at following Brudda Peas instructions on how to post a YouTubie. I hope it works.
Nora the Piano Cat – Concerto
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 13, 2009
at 6:41 PM
Are you kidding me?
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By: Anonymous on October 13, 2009
at 6:27 PM
Ok, so I’m gonna have to chime in about vegetables that, in my opinion, are inedible. It is only one and it is okra. Don’t believe anyone who tells you, “yes, but you’ll like the way I cook mine.” The only way to disguise it is in gumbo and then it due to percentage of volume.
If you saw Ellen yesterday, you know who the following fellow is. Otherwise, maybe not. If it takes a while to load, I think you will find it worth the wait. Hope this is an enjoyable diversion waiting for Helen…
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By: farsight Δ on October 13, 2009
at 6:12 PM
A REAL Maverick, Olympia Snowe:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_snowe
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 4:14 PM
I LOVE this too:
Thomas Jefferson from 1816: “I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government in a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.”
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 4:06 PM
Greytdog: No doubt!
This is also very interesting (single payor)
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/464837/joe_scarborough_is_shocked_yet_awed_by_single_payer_logic
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 3:45 PM
Keith, I suspect that passage from Acts will be stricken from the Conservative Bible. So socialist, so liberal. (sigh)
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By: Greytdog on October 13, 2009
at 3:39 PM
As for the right wing being against health reform…. that’s anti-Christian:
Acts 2:44-45 says, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.”
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 3:33 PM
re: fat people being poor people….. well, if you had to work two or three jobs just to keep a roof over your (and your family’s) head, keep up with ever rising prices and keep the car from being repossessed you’d find yourself at the nearest fast-food drive up because not only do you not have time to cook a meal, the kids are screaming and someone has to run grandma(pa) to the free-clinic, but you’re just damned tired and just can’t think about cooking… healthy or otherwise… and time to exercise? Oh yeah… let’s not go there!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 13, 2009
at 3:30 PM
So we dont have to fake accents for the next few years, eh? 🙂
BTW, meant to share this link earlier…
AP Newsbreak: Nobel jury defends Obama decision
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_re_eu/eu_nobel_peace_obama
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 13, 2009
at 2:48 PM
Waaaay back when I was hitchhiking in Europe (1963ish) we were among the first bunch of Americans traveling that way. A bit later, “The Ugly American” was published. That was when Americans first started putting Canadian flags on their backpacks and pretending they lived in a boring but sane country.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 2:41 PM
One of my good friends, who travels abroad frequently recently admitted to me that she was forced to speaking like a Canadian, while overseas, because during the last 8 years Americans were not treated as well and that there has been an amazing shift now that Obama is our president.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 13, 2009
at 2:25 PM
Delurker Girl Δ Sean Hannity is an idiot. Sadly, not the only idiot getting a lot of air time. Too bad they just won’t go away because I totally ignore them. I even try not to click on youtubes or articles about them because I don’t want them to get another single point (or hit?)
Back when GWB was POTUS, I had 4 miserable years followed by another 4 extraordinarily miserable years. I (in my optimistic brain) actually thought that if I could just survive those years and we managed to elect almost anyone else, this could only get better. And it really has gotten a bit better but all this craziness that comes out of the woodwork like wood worms is sometimes a little too much. Were it not for the sane minds and voices I find here, it would be a whole lot worse.
Thank you all for a bit of sanity in a really crazy world.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 2:17 PM
Sunshine, she is the light of my life. And you’re right, every move!!!!
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 2:04 PM
wow, so Im not alone in the Tourette Syndrome belief
what a shocker (NOT)
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/10/rightbloggers_d_1.php
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 13, 2009
at 1:57 PM
Hi gang and Brudda Peas at 10/13, 7:40A.
Huh? Say what? On posting links. Well, you can teach an Old Bitch new tricks, but it ain’t easy for her. I’ll have to study this URL stuff. Maybe I can get the hang of it.
Mahalo for spelling it out for me.
Aloha! 🙂
Sistah Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 13, 2009
at 12:52 PM
HRH Sophia EQ Oh, what a little cutie. Don’t you just love to squeeze those little cheeks. Have a little 11 mo. old great grandaughter. Cannot stop watching her every move and expressions. So precious, aren’t they?
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By: sunshine on October 13, 2009
at 11:44 AM
ImaginistaΔ, I had not viewed that clip of Rachel. Thanks for sharing it – it was truly excellent.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:43 AM
Olympia Snowe (R) backs senate health care bill.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/13/senate.health.care/index.html
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:42 AM
Been away from the porch for a few days, but after playing catch up here in the comments section I noticed that nobody has of yet posted the most excellent Rachel Maddow comments on the Nobel. She is just so incredibly smart. Watch: http://blog.beliefnet.com/onecity/2009/10/obama-nobel-peace-prize-for-what-rachel-maddow-thich-nhat-hanh.html
Reminder to all Pie Clubbers – trolls who are not fed do not keep hanging around waiting for scraps!
Love y’all!
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 13, 2009
at 11:31 AM
I didn’t make that text red. Must have been an html symbol in what I pasted. I thought I’d clarify since I didn’t want you to think I was targeting specific definitions to suit my agenda. 🙂
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:30 AM
Thanks for the info HRH, I knew somewone would set me straight.. 😉 …
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By: lori on October 13, 2009
at 11:28 AM
How do YOU define peace?
Sean Hannity defines PEACE:
“Liberals define peace as the absence of conflict. I define peace very simply as the ability to defend yourself and destroy evil enemies.”
Mirriam Webster defines PEACE:
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English pees, from Anglo-French pes, pees, from Latin pac-, pax; akin to Latin pacisci to agree — more at pact
Date: 12th century
1 : a state of tranquillity or quiet: as a : freedom from civil disturbance b : a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom
2 : freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3 : harmony in personal relations
4 a : a state or period of mutual concord between governments b : a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity
5 —used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
— at peace : in a state of concord or tranquillity
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 11:28 AM
Another confirmation…. proof… fact…. that the republican’s that supported and PAID for this nonsense is off the political spectrum. Make no mistake the GOP paid for her silliness, and the birther movement…..and that’s OK… assuming the contributors to the GOP knew this was a cause worth fighting backed the leadership … BUT what about the other 75 percent of this country? This “cause” has consumed how many man hours??????… how much tax dollars???? Judges, clerks, bailiffs, local police??????
Pisses me off….. all for what? I’ll tell you what…Because a black man is sleeping in the White House.
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By: lori on October 13, 2009
at 11:21 AM
I knew you would, Donna. I scooped ya!
Her reactions are so bizarre. Not “Yes sir” but “bite me!” OK, she didn’t say “bite me”, she said it’s intimidation and will not pay the fine. Borderline delusional? The judge was kind.
I couldn’t find Fox News’ version of the story, but did find that they are reporting “The Peace Prize is Damaged Goods”.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 10:47 AM
Delurker! I just zoomed here to tell you!!!
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By: Donna on October 13, 2009
at 10:21 AM
It’s a(nother) bad day for the birthers. Orly sanctioned $20K. 😀
http://washingtonindependent.com/63558/orly-taitz-sanctioned-for-20000
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 10:01 AM
YOU”RE not your. Toobusy getting fingers to hit right keys and didn’t pay attention to the grammar. I’ve been practincing old piano exercises with my right hand and typing seems to be improving.
No real piano. Just practicing the finger movements on desk or what ever is handy!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 13, 2009
at 9:41 AM
vgmanΔ on October 13, 2009 at 7:40 AM
The mindset of “America can do no wrong” trolls.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/10/13/one_nation_under_illusion/
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By: jsri on October 13, 2009
at 9:36 AM
in re to the troll comment on Karzai, this is a great analysis of Roots of Right-Wing Populist Rage — Reds to Beds http://bit.ly/19YsnU
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By: Greytdog on October 13, 2009
at 9:35 AM
HRH Sofia EQ, she’s a beauty! I love her adorable face, even messy!
Tine, when I got mad about that story it was because they relented and decided to cover healthy heavy infants. Not all heavy ones.
What I didn’t say was that they didn’t say they’d cover heavy toddlers, children, teens and adults – healthy or not.
Statistically, heavier people tend to be poorer people. I don’t know if causality has been established, but you don’t get fit and healthy eating cheap boxes of macaroni and cheese and ramen noodles, and that crap is far less expensive than nutritious whole food. So, IMO, they may be fat because they are poor. They may get sick because they are fat. Those cheap trashy carbs can lead to diabetes and heart disease, especially if they don’t have access to health care. They may be descriminated against for jobs (and health care) because they are overweight. It’s a system built to suppress people.
Hide your grandmas, people. We already have death panels.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 9:31 AM
JuneauJoe – when I said I hadn’t scrolled fast enough, I wasn’t referring to your post !! I was typing when y ou posted!
Glad your back. Are you going to miss Alaska and the winter?
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By: Grandma Katie on October 13, 2009
at 9:31 AM
OG, nice to see you again! Please give that nephew of yours a squeeze and a thank you from me while you’re at it. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 13, 2009
at 9:31 AM
OceanGypsi, I just peaked at the photos of your nephew, he looks like a wonderful person. I’m so glad you will soon get to squeeze him in person. I hope you have a wonderful visit and that he will live long and prosper.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 9:25 AM
arrrgggh…trying to rein in that head-about-to-explode feeling…
The story about the ins. co. declining a “heavy” infant is just one more example among millions that show “health” insurance companies have nothing whatsoever to do with health. These people have obviously done *zero* research on pediatric growth patterns and outcomes.
Another excellent example is their asinine pregnancy and birth policies. They often refuse to cover midwifery care and flatly refuse to cover midwife-attended homebirth for low-risk women despite the fact that midwifery care and homebirth produce better outcomes with much lower costs (like thousands of dollars less PER WOMAN).
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ins. co. policies are designed to make money. End of story.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 13, 2009
at 9:21 AM
“Healthy four month old health insurance denied because he is at 99% for height and weight
This is very scary for me personally. I had no idea that many health insurance companies deny coverage for infants over the 95%.
My beautiful granddaughter has been over 90% in height and weight from the moment she was born at 9lb 13oz. They had induced labor at the due date so she wouldn’t get bigger. She is now almost 5mos old and at 97%. She comes by it honestly since her dad is 6’3” and mom is 6′ and neither is obese or even close to it. They are big people with size 12 feet. (and both very talented, bright, fantastic people if I may be so bold as to say so)
I guess if her mom had smoked and drunk alcohol and not taken her vitamins, she could have produced a baby more suited to our health care system.
She has just begun eating solid foods and I know it’s not making her fat because so little of it actually reaches her stomach. But we’re working on it, along with teaching her to howl. I couldn’t get the photo to copy here but just in case you can’t resist baby pics,
Yes, I know I’m shameless. But at my age I feel its acceptable behavior.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 9:14 AM
Thanks to the link to the story, Joe. I hadn’t included one in my post. Your link didn’t say that they’ll cover healthy heavy infants, just heavy infants. I wonder if the site I read was incorrect? I would have to go back and find it.
Either way, they fixed it because they got caught. That family lost coverage and whoever they went to about it didn’t fix the issue until the issue was taken public. What other criteria can they use to reject people? Thousands and thousands of pages of criteria. They don’t even have to prove it. They reject people, or reject covering requested treatments, and only customers tough enough to duke it out with them get the coverage they shouldn’t have been denied in the first place.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 9:11 AM
Wow ..I just love you ladies.
You too Poolman.
My fork is down.
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By: CraigΔ on October 13, 2009
at 8:28 AM
There are only 2 vegetables I have no use for, one is the lima bean. The other is, well, you know who….lol.
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By: Claire on October 13, 2009
at 8:23 AM
arrrghhh….please ignore Craig. He’ll go away if you do. He’ll continue to spout stupidity if you don’t.
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By: Donna on October 13, 2009
at 8:07 AM
Healthy four month old health insurance denied because he is at 99% for height and weight
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/four-month-old-baby-turned-down-healt
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 13, 2009
at 8:01 AM
Yaaaaahhhoooooo, Auntie Jean! Loved, loved, loved your posting of the Honorable Judge William Young’s ruling! Loved it!!! Lov-ed it!
I have been uber-busy with my daughter’s homework, volunteering at her school, my studies, and and have taken on a new project at work. I haven’t been on this blog in several weeks. I arrived this morning to find pictures of Auntie Jean, Lori, and Poolman to name a few. Hiya, you guys!! So nice to see you!!
I am so excited! My nephew is coming home for R&R from Afghanistan and should be here today or tomorrow. I can’t wait. I CANNOT wait. I want to squeeze him so hard when I hug him and tell him how much I miss him and am proud of him. I want to look into his eyes and see what is going on in his mind and spirit.
Please continue to keep all of our soldiers in your prayers! I have missed reading all of your thoughts. See you soon!
Gypsi
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By: OceanGypsi on October 13, 2009
at 8:00 AM
Wellpoint and the revolving door into important health care committees. The health insurance companies make the health care laws.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/bill-moyers-washington-revolving-doors-are
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 13, 2009
at 7:56 AM
Quoting JeanΔ ¥ @12:36a:
“I wish I knew how to do YouTubies here. Never mind. I’ll rest on my laurels with my avatar for a while. That was hard enough!”
Hey Jean,
‘Linking’ YouTubes (or anything for that matter) is real easy. Everything on the internet has an address that starts with the letters ‘http://’.
https://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/
It’s called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and can be found at the top of every page in the Address bar. Highlight it, then ‘Right-click’ (the other button) with your mouse. ‘Copy’ then ‘Paste’ it here in the comments.
Simple as pie! I’m looking forward to seeing what you link here Jean. Have fun!
PEACE ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 13, 2009
at 7:49 AM
From the troll last night–
“Take Hamid Karzai out back and tell him to find another sheep herder job.”
On a scale of 1 to 10 you’re off the charts when it comes to ignorance.
I may not agree with Afghan politics and leadership, but I don’t generalize and shine a light on ignorance by equating a man who has a master’s degree in political science and speaks six languages to a sheep herder.
It is this kind of bellicose talk that the world has come to expect from America after eight years of saber-rattling.
What experiences in your life, Craig, give you the right to belittle another human being? Oh, right–You’re from the ‘greatest’ country on earth!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 13, 2009
at 7:40 AM
Under public pressure Rocky Mountain Health Plans said Monday that it will insure the ‘too big to insure’ baby, and will no longer consider obesity a pre-existing condition for rejecting coverage for heavy infants.
“The insurer said Monday it would change its policy for babies that are *healthy* but fat.” (emphasis mine)
OK. Now who will insure the babies who are not healthy?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 13, 2009
at 7:29 AM
Oh Farsight Δ, Thank you so much for that youtube! I’m sending the link to my daughter in law so she can play it for the GD. I won’t see her again for a couple of weeks. (sniff, sniff, amazing how much I miss her when she goes home. Luckily home is just a 2 hr train ride so I see her regularly. Her other grandmother sadly has to fly from the other coast to see her. )
In fact, I believe I’ll send the link to almost everyone I know, I already sent the Doo Wop to many.
I just read on the internet that emails have become obsolete. Twitters and all have surpassed them. Well, I feel comfortable with the email system and although I get Skypes of my granddaughter, I hope my little circle of emailers continues to prosper. Especially now with winter darkness descending on us. It’s still a great way for us to get a dose of “in touch, lite” without having to know what each of us is doing or thinking every minute.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 7:06 AM
Lori,
Turnips are either white or white with purple shoulders but both are white inside. Rutabagas are mostly yellow but also with purple shoulders and are generally about 4 x the size of turnips, sometimes called Swedes. Both have a similar, sweet flavor, the rutabagas are a bit dryer and are definitely a stronger flavor.
Both are improved by roasting but mashed rutabagas are the required version for our Thanksgivings, done them for about 39 years in a row now.
I’ve never met a vegetable I don’t love.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 13, 2009
at 6:54 AM
Lori: Turnips and rutabagas do taste somewhat similar, but they look very different. Turnips are white with a purple-y sheen. Rutabagas are golden yellow.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 13, 2009
at 6:05 AM
The Amish shun, the service academies also shun, seems like a good plan for us. It occurs to me, we are never going to entice Helen with vegetables, pie recipes on the other hand….
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 13, 2009
at 5:58 AM
I think an old tennis shoe would taste good if you rolled it in olive oil and roasted with with onions and garlic.. 😉 That is my method of choice when it comes to all veggies. I’m pretty sure rutabagas and turnips are the same thing??? at least that is what my father use to say. I suppose I could look it up! LOL But I’m feeling lazy this morning and I know my fellows porch sitters will let me know..
Well today the senate will vote on a healthcare bill. I’m proud of that! Just a few weeks ago when the summer recess began there were those who didn’t think it would be possible. We overcame a billion dollars of lobbying and a ruthless opponent that sunk so low as to scare our elderly. It isn’t perfect, and it isn’t the final bill, but it is a good solid start and I am proud of us. 😉 Next is the House, then on to reconciliation.
I believe we will have a bill by Christmas, with a public option type clause, it will require care for all no matter pre-condition, and I think it will eventually low the cost at the very least stem the sharp increases we have seen in recent years. I think it will require all to be insured. It will pass with very little repug support. The bluedogs with big insurance companies in their state (and their pockets) will be pulled along by the “all insured” amendment. I think by the New Year Obama’s numbers will be holding steady in the mid 50’s and congress will be in the 30’s. Right direction will teeter near 40’s. I think we will take a little hit in November, due mostly to weak democratic candidates. I do think we will win a few though.
It wasn’t pretty, and mistakes were made along the way, but we HAVE a bill…. In the world of politics that is nothing short of a miracle. We can’t stop our fight, if it weren’t for people like us this would not have been possible… truly … the people’s voice made this happen. Congrat’s my fellow porch sitters.
namaste
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By: lori on October 13, 2009
at 5:27 AM
Hi gang and farsight Δ,
You are full fledged here now with your new avatar. Congrats! Is that Kyle?
Kyle is DEFINITELY in the porch band. He is in fine voice with the Doo Wop Horses. I think I said we need more tenors. He’s a perfect tenor.
We once had a cat that loved corn on the cob. She had to have her butter and salt on it. She would take it outside on the grass, lie down, hold it with her paws on the ends, and munch away across it, one row of kernels at a time.
I have a strong hunch that Helen and maybe Margaret will show up tomorrow. I hope so.
Nighty-night all,
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 13, 2009
at 1:05 AM
Thanks poolman. We think he is quite entertaining. When he was young, we discovered that if we opened a bottle of something that he didn’t like the smell of, he would curl his lip. It was so endearing that we had to control ourselves from eliciting the response. When we give him peanut butter, he goes into a front leg legging behavior that is kind of interesting. He does like peanut butter so we don’t feel bad about that. I’ll have to try peanut butter and cauliflower.
I understand cutting people slack and giving them a second chance. However, in the particular instance we are talking about, I had a strong feeling that we would get nowhere.
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By: farsight Δ on October 13, 2009
at 12:42 AM
Hi gang and Greytdog,
“The Fun Theory” is priceless! A perfect example of of good meme.
I wish I knew how to do YouTubies here. Never mind. I’ll rest on my laurels with my avatar for a while. That was hard enough!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 13, 2009
at 12:36 AM
Alaskan, sorry. I always give everyone a lot of extra chances. I’m an optimist at heart and I give people lots of slack. Sometimes it pays off. Much of the time I get burned or taken advantage of. The old “turn the other cheek” bit. But what the heck, others don’t have any tolerance, so it seems to even the playing field.
farsight Δ, that Kyle and the doo wops is great! I bet he is very entertaining.
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By: Poolman on October 13, 2009
at 12:08 AM
To endorse Alaskan’s way of dealing with a troll by not engaging and as a reminder of some of the troll’s less than honorable posts (you can search back and find this early on in this thread — not for the faint of heart):
“Well first
I just had to come back and see what crap was being parrlayed this week and it seems like the same ole smell continues to permeate.
Just a Republican Smacking
…democratic Love Fest.
I guess it’s because I don’t need your endorsement or high fives.
And as to the women’s club thing..
It doesn’t take long to count the posts and monitor
what the demographic makeup of this site is comprised of..
Nothing to do now but jerk off looking at myself in the mirror. I am so fab.
Goona get me some pie as you would say…
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 11:43 PM
Oh darn Poolman, you gave him another hit. You mentioned his name. That’s all he wants. It is like a cobra, sway and sway and make nice and then all of a sudden strike out and lash.
Too banal, too boring, always the same.
As my father in law says “Some guests are like fish. Ok for the first day, a little ripe the second and by the third, it just stinks.”
He is like a male Sarah Palin, plays all nice to your face and then back stabs you when you aren’t looking or expecting it. But the jig is up because we all expect it now….from both of you.
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By: Alaskan on October 12, 2009
at 11:18 PM
On the subject of food and pets. One of my girlfriends from decades ago had a cat that was absolutely crazy for cantaloupe. If there were rinds under the sink, Beep (as he was called) would claw the cabinet door open to get to them and drag them out all over the kitchen floor and chew on them.
As Richard Brautigan said in one of his books. Of all the things I’ll probably see in this lifetime one of them is not a can of Cat Cantaloupe (paraphrased). Apparently, many cats have a thing with cantaloupe.
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 10:52 PM
Craig, this site definitely supports America. We are for all Americans – white, black, brown, yellow, red, male, female, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, assexual, democrats, republicans, libertarians, independents, socialists, communists, all religions, all creeds, all ages, sizes, and shapes. We also support our elected president and all branches of our military.
We don’t want to secede or divide the country or force our beliefs on anyone. We want to fix our country and respect our representatives (if they prove they deserve it). We get a little (or a lot) uppity when other Americans don’t feel the same way.
We all have the same ability to contact our representatives and use our vote and voice to better this nation for ALL Americans. We don’t think that disruption, threats, and rude behavior are the way to affect change in our society. Falsehoods and misinformation do not become valid just because they are broadcast to the masses over and over again.
We will entertain all intelligent suggestions and viewpoints that have the desire to better us or our country. Most of us are here to learn and share knowledge. We come from all walks of life.
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By: Poolman on October 12, 2009
at 10:49 PM
HRH Sofia EQ,
Yes it is Kyle who loves cauliflower. The one I referred to in an earlier post as our heart dog. He is a joy.
Ok, so if you’ll remember there was some talk of a porch band here. Somehow Kyle got wind of it and bugged me about auditioning for it. I explained that I didn’t think auditions were required, but he was having none of it. Maybe your granddaughter will like “Kyle and The Doo Wops”:
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 10:26 PM
Drat, I didn’t scroll fast enough!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 12, 2009
at 10:22 PM
by Frank Rich
Those of us who love F. Scott Fitzgerald must acknowledge that he did get one big thing wrong. There are second acts in American lives. (Just ask Marion Barry, or William Shatner.) The real question is whether everyone deserves a second act. Perhaps the most surreal aspect of our great Afghanistan debate is the Beltway credence given to the ravings of the unrepentant blunderers who dug us into this hole in the first place.
Let’s be clear: Those who demanded that America divert its troops and treasure from Afghanistan to Iraq in 2002 and 2003 – when there was no Qaeda presence in Iraq – bear responsibility for the chaos in Afghanistan that ensued. Now they have the nerve to imperiously and tardily demand that America increase its 68,000-strong presence in Afghanistan to clean up their mess – even though the number of Qaeda insurgents there has dwindled to fewer than 100, according to the president’s national security adviser, Gen. James Jones.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 12, 2009
at 10:18 PM
Mmmmmmmm brussel sprouts
😀
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By: Poolman on October 12, 2009
at 10:18 PM
Now this is real energy giving stuff here. ‘Neanderthal repellent’. I am so freakin’ glad I wasn’t drinking something when I read that.
I think after the meal we should all have Latte’s. The wingnuts hate latte’s.
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 10:17 PM
Alaskan …misogynist |məˈsäjənist|..?
noun
a man who hates women.
Hey there Lady..I’m happily married to the gal I met in high school..and have been with her for 44 years
married for 34 of those..and 1/2 half Italian, she is the best damn cook and baker who would put all to shame..I’ve got the pounds to prove it…and I love her so!
JeanΔ ¥
Troll here..as some people refer to me.
I read that transcript somewhere over the weekend and loved it. Just hope it was a true accounting.
DeLuker Girl..
Why the snort? neanderthal?
Ladies I’m here as a person to listen..take notes and then some times rattle your hamster cages. Apparently your down to exchanging recipes for entertainment. Thats good.
Some of the best are from the heart of American homes who have culled them over the tears.
Hey attack me all you want..some make it their day by banging away at the troll as some consider me.
I don’t know if this thread or site supports America or not?
Now I’m not saying that you have to grab a gun..but if your son or neighbors son or daughter is in harms way..then By Damn you had better support them.
I’m not speaking for John Wayne …but Dammit
That young man in the White House better get it right.
There are people tonight or today that are in in harms way that say believe they are protecting a country from being over run by the Taliban as well as establishing a safe haven.
Then again they hear that the country or regime they are trying to protect is corrupt and rigged.
Take Hamid Karzai out back and tell him to find another sheep herder job.
He would at least end up better off than
Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother in 1962 South Vietnam when Kennedy and the Generals looked the other way.
All I’m saying is please do not pull the rug out from under our troops.
Either send in the 40,000 troops requested by the ground commander you installed and let him fight the war with two hands ..
But for Gods sake do not tie one hand behind his back and play politics ..and expect a pretty political outcome.
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By: CraigΔ on October 12, 2009
at 10:07 PM
Here is a great recipe for kale. I had a hard time trying to figure out what to do with kale.
3 cups white rice and 5 or so cups of broth. Chicken or vegetarian. Several tablespoons of cajun spice. Start the rice and broth boiling and add 1 can of red beans or black beans or kidney beans. Then add 1 large bunch of kale cut down into small strips or squares. Simmer for 20 mintues. The broth makes the rice like risotta texture. This is great with cajun or pesto shrimp skewers on top the bed of rice.
MMMMMMM.
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By: Alaskan on October 12, 2009
at 9:49 PM
Torture: You guys are making me hungry! You people are cruel.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 12, 2009
at 9:08 PM
love them! Roasted. Sliced and sauteed with garlic. Steamed. And, of course, love them most when they are still on their stalks from the farmers’ market.
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By: donna on October 12, 2009
at 8:48 PM
Brussels sprouts!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 8:43 PM
borscht. Sauteed beet greens. TOFU
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By: donna on October 12, 2009
at 8:14 PM
Golden beets are great in salad.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 12, 2009
at 8:09 PM
I’m completely cracking up here. Beets: in salad. Roasted. Steamed. Pickled. TOFU!
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By: donna on October 12, 2009
at 8:00 PM
I call tofu after we’ve thoroughly cogitated upon beets.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 7:52 PM
I love Harvard Beets.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 12, 2009
at 7:47 PM
Neanderthal repellant. Tine, you just made me snort!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 12, 2009
at 7:40 PM
Hi gang,
I am about to take up a whole lot of cyberspace on M&H. All trolls are invited to scroll on by.
Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and tried to light it? Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.
Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say. His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his ‘allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah,’ defiantly stating, ‘I think I will not apologize for my actions,’ and told the court ‘I am at war with your country.’
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:
January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid.
Judge Young: ‘Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you.
On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That’s 80 years.)
On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that’s an aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government’s recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines.
The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment. The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further.
This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice.
You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier, you are not—– you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You’re no warrior. I’ve known warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: ‘You’re no big deal.’
You are no big deal.
What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today?
I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.
It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom, so that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom’s sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.
We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.
Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That’s the flag of the United States of America . That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.
Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 12, 2009
at 7:20 PM
BEETS!!! Let’s talk beets!
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By: donna on October 12, 2009
at 7:17 PM
Well. If it’s vegetables and recipes that *really* tick some people off, I’d be glad to share every single one in my cupboard. D’you think the food library of a quasi-vegetarian bibliophile would serve sufficiently as Neanderthal repellent?
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 6:36 PM
Rep Alan Grayson is holding a health care townhall tonight in Tavares FL. You can listen in here:
http://bit.ly/gF0Kg
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By: Greytdog on October 12, 2009
at 6:25 PM
I think Craig is just a name that Rush uses to deflect some of his hate mail!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 12, 2009
at 5:44 PM
I’m going to be mean and pass along my personal brain worm of the day. Although it won’t be a brain worm if you’ve never heard it before, since you won’t know the tune.
“The bankers and the diplomats are going in the army
Oh, happy day, I’d give my pay to see them on parade
Their paunches at attention and their striped pants at ease
They’re getting patriotic and they’re going overseas
We’ll have to do the best we can and bravely carry on
So we’ll just keep the laddies here to manage while they’re gone.
(Chorus) Ohhhh, ohhhh, we hate to see them go, the gentlemen of distinction in the army
Ohhhh, ohhhh, we hate to see them go, the gentlemen of distinction in the army
The bankers and the diplomats are going in the army
It seemed a shame to keep them from the wars they love to plan
We’re all of us contented that they’ll fight a dandy war
They won’t need propaganda, they know what they’re fighting for
They’ll march away with dignity and in the best of form
And we’ll just keep the laddies here to keep the lassies warm.
The bankers and the diplomats are going in the army
We’ll have to make things easy, cause it’s all so new and strange
We’ll give them silver shovels if they have to dig a hole
And they can sing in harmony while answering the role
We’ll let them eat their rations from a hand embroidered box
And if they die, we’ll bring them home and bury them in Fort Knox.”
Written by Malvina Reynolds, born 1900. She dealt with her senior life by going back to school and studying music, then started writing songs.
Her tongue was as sharp as her powers of observation. If she were alive today, she’d have a blog – and people would be claiming she was really a college dropout in his parents’ basement.
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By: judith on October 12, 2009
at 5:41 PM
I am trying some of the recipes folks. Thanks
baking cauliflower – I will try it.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 12, 2009
at 5:36 PM
maybe if we all share recipes till another word from M&H the um others will have to find amusement elsewhere?
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 12, 2009
at 5:32 PM
He’s here because he’s the equivalent of a badly behaved child who wants attention. Doesn’t have an original thought in his head or anything of interest to say. Just wants to stir something up. Pretty pathetic when an adult needs that.
He’s been a complete zero since he started posting and every now and then someone chooses to engage with him, so he keeps trying.
On a different and far more interesting topic than that fool, has anyone read “Alex and Me?” It’s quite wonderful, as is “The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
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By: donna on October 12, 2009
at 4:30 PM
Craig, why are you even here? You obviously don’t like what we have to say about politics, you don’t like the recipe exchanges and your clearly misogynistic tendencies are quite annoying.
It would seem you are doing more to torture yourself than you are us.
I for one, and I think many of the others on here, are just done with your witless, attempt at provoking a response. That is not meant to be an attack, just an observation. You apparently feel the need, every 30 posts or so to say something to get a response. Do you count how many responses you get out of each comment? Is that how you measure your worth? Well here is one for your tally. Your interjections are neither funny nor interesting.
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By: Alaskan on October 12, 2009
at 4:20 PM
And just look what I found….In Helen’s own words from last December 22. Check it out at “End of Days”
“Many of you have written in asking for recipes. The holidays are upon us and many of our traditions are centered around food – be it turkey and stuffing or cookies and hot chocolate. If you ask me it’s really comfort we seek. So Margaret and I have decided to share a favorite recipe from each of us for each of you. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!”
So maybe a recipe exchange is what we are supposed to be doing until Helen has the time and/or inclination to toss out another gem.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 12, 2009
at 3:57 PM
I like the way W. C. Fields put it: “G’way, kid, ya bother me.
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By: judith on October 12, 2009
at 3:47 PM
Craig, I try to judge my food by the way it tastes, not the way the cook looks. I find that method helpful for selecting presidents and congerspeople and car mechanics and dentists and all sorts of others as well. Sorry if we bore you. How do those youts put it? something like “get a life”
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 12, 2009
at 3:44 PM
Oh god…I didn’t know ya could drone on for hours on recipes for vegetables.
Now if it were Giada..
you would have my attention.
Thank you PalinShutUp Δ
I feel fine in my skin.
I mean his skin.
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By: CraigΔ on October 12, 2009
at 3:21 PM
well craig, if the shoe fits…
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 12, 2009
at 2:22 PM
I did grow purple carrots one year for the same kids as the purple beans. For some reason, I can’t get carrots to grow well in my garden, too much clay, I think. Also grew little ball carrots.
Farsight Δ, Your wife makes them the way I do, I cut them smallish and they don’t need to be pre-steamed. Is it Kyle who loves cauliflower?
And NO, I don’t find them stinky either. I think the stinky occurs when they are overcooked. Roasted, they still have a bit of crunch. I thin almost every vegetable can benefit from roasting.
And thanks again, Farsight Δ, for the Doo wop horses. I played them for my 5 month old granddaughter yesterday, she thought they were every bit as good as Kyle does, though she hasn’t learned to howl yet.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 12, 2009
at 2:20 PM
We want Helen!
We want Helen!
We want Helen!
We want Helen!
We want Helen!
and Margaret too…
🙂
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By: Lorena Middleman on October 12, 2009
at 12:54 PM
Have you ever tried purple carrots?
There are actually a rainbow variety of carrots from white, yellow orange, reddish and purple. Each color has slightly different nutrients. I think the purple are extremely good for anti-oxidents.
My kids love them. Mostly because the purple ones turn your tongue purple for a time.
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By: Alaskan on October 12, 2009
at 12:53 PM
Roated cauliflower–and broccoli–are wonderful. I don’t think it stinks.
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By: Donna on October 12, 2009
at 12:23 PM
My wife takes cauliflower, drizzles olive oil over it and sprinkles with kosher salt then bakes in a 400 degree oven until slightly soft (she may steam it a bit first). I don’t see this as stinky and it adds a whole new dimension to cauliflower. I like cauliflower to begin with.
Our older dog is pretty certain that there is nothing, and I mean no thing – nothing – nada, better than cauliflower. Raw is just fine; he doesn’t care, but he’ll take it any way. It is almost freaky.
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 11:46 AM
The health insurance lobby is winning on health care reform. MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of dollars for our congressmen works. The people lose!
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/healthcare-reform-comes-down-wire-lob
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 12, 2009
at 11:15 AM
I love most veggies roasted. The way they sweeten up is, well, sweet! Green beans and especially asparagus are great roasted, too. Even tomatoes can be roasted so they carmelize. I don’t often use recipes, but there’s one at recipezaar.com (oh dear, I said zaar, it’s a conspiracy) for Roasted Tomatoes, Red Onion and Garlic that looks good.
Roasted cauliflower is great, but it sure does stink up a kitchen! Maybe roast them outside on your grill!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 12, 2009
at 11:10 AM
Roasted cauliflower…hmm…no, I don’t think so. I might try it if you can promise me it doesn’t smell as bad as all the other ways of cooking cauliflower. If it’s stinky, there’s no way in hell my kids will eat it.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 10:46 AM
PURPLE! yessss. I grew the purple beans for some kids and for novelty, they’re great but IMO the flavor doesn’t measure up to the green ones.
Purple kohlrabi, on the other hand, is a delight to behold and it tastes great too. (if you like kohlrabi, that is) It’s also good roasted as Keith NM suggested. I’m trying purple bok choy this year for the first time and I’ve been letting the purple mustard go to seed and come up for many years now even though I eat almost none of it, but love the way it looks in the garden. Another good purple is orach, it also self seeds, comes up very early spring all by itself, and is great in salads. (It’s related to lamb’s quarter, a weed I learned to from my grandmother many, many years ago)
And I second, (or third or fourth) the idea of roasted turnip or rutabaga, l love both. Have you’all ever tried roasted cauliflower?
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 12, 2009
at 10:13 AM
Lori – nice to know I’m n ot the only one with a “scroll. baby, scroll” finger!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 12, 2009
at 9:48 AM
I would be curious to read M&H’s take on our President being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the right’s reaction.
As for turnips in mashed potatoes, I see no reason to ruin perfectly good mashed potatoes w. turnips, LOL! Had them that way at a friend’s house one Thanksgiving and they were awful.
Parsnips, however are delicious roasted, not sure about rutabaga, don’t recall ever having eaten any, will have to give it a try.
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By: Claire on October 12, 2009
at 9:41 AM
“I am willing to bet it is more than one person using one name.”
good nite all.
By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 12, 2009
Ooohh thats a good one!
I’m willing to bet the “Troll”
could be a “schizophrenic”.
noun:
a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation.
Naw…He’s just out for a pass on weekends only
and has no internet rights on the unit.
As an aside…How often does Ms.Helen post a new
treatise?..or otherwise…How long will this hamsters wheel keep turning?
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By: CraigΔ on October 12, 2009
at 9:34 AM
If you do a Google image search using the keywords “peruvian purple potato,” you’ll see what they look like.
Purple beans, huh? That’d be a nice addition to next year’s garden. Thanks for the tip, Delurker Girl.
I loved that video, Greytdog. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 9:30 AM
Tine, I have not seen or tried purple potatoes, but I have grown purple string beans. They are nice to grow because they are easier to spot for picking. Green ones blend in with stems & leaves, but purple ones stand out. When you cook them, they turn green and I don’t taste any difference between purple & green beans.
I will look for purple potates. Maybe I’ll serve them at my next purple party – dinner party, that is. 🙂
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 12, 2009
at 9:19 AM
The Fun Theory
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By: Greytdog on October 12, 2009
at 9:00 AM
OK, as long as we’re talking about root vegetables…. Has anyone else ever had purple potatoes?
A couple of weeks ago I got a bag of ’em from a neighbor, who grew a bumper crop. They’re smallish with gray skins. The insides are brilliant purple. I had never seen anything like it before. They were totally freaky-looking — but tasty! My kiddies gobbled them up just for the sheer novelty.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 8:48 AM
Stealth Turnips
…sounds like a CIA mission codename, doesn’t it? 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 8:44 AM
pureed turnips can be frozen. use an icecube tray, pour puree into that then freeze. Pureed turnips can then be added to soups, mashed potatoes, used as a thickening agent in some sauces that need a bit of a tang
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By: Greytdog on October 12, 2009
at 8:40 AM
On Morning Joe this morning, I heard Rush say that the Republicans lost the election because they aren’t conservative enough any more. They need to move far right to win. So is he really saying, and we’re supposed to believe, that Republican voters voted for a “far left” “SOCIALIST DEMOCRAT” because McCain was not far right enough? It defies logic. Could it be that a moderate Republican might have been elected had the far right not messed it up?
Regarding Craig, I’ve said it to you before, Craig… It’s not your political beliefs that have people here disliking you. It’s your behavior. You provoke people and then whine when called on it. Don’t want to be called a troll? Don’t act like one. Don’t want to be called an ass? Quit being one. Nobody wants to read the crap you spew. Why you come here and spend your time reading what you probably think is crap spewing defies logic. If you must rant, be a doll and keep up the epic length posts. It makes them easier to spot & skip over.
And finally, whatever anyone thinks about the Nobel Peace Prize and whether or not President Obama deserved it, the truth is that he didn’t win the award based solely on his first 2 weeks in office! He hadn’t done anything yet? He got himself elected because of who he is and what he stands for. Why people arbitrarily decide that since the nominations occurred within a couple of weeks of inauguration that the award is based on just that time window… also defies logic.
As for turnips – Keith’s recipe is great. Turnip fries are good, too. If no turnip recipe is acceptable, then I’d suggest using them up in very small quantities using whatever stealth you can get away with.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 12, 2009
at 8:36 AM
Donna: I do have a different soup recipe that uses fruit (parsnips, pears, and rosemary), but it hadn’t occurred to me to toss an apple in the other soup. Good idea! 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 8:13 AM
Tine–ever toss a cooked apple or pear into the soup before pureeing? mmmm
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By: Donna on October 12, 2009
at 7:54 AM
Oops. Looks like I was playing around with the other one and it took instead of the one I wanted. I should get my own here soon.
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 7:01 AM
Did my gravatar take?
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By: farsight Δ on October 12, 2009
at 6:55 AM
Anita certainly gave them whatfor.
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By: newk2 on October 12, 2009
at 6:30 AM
Forgot to mention: Simmer them in broth of your choice — chicken, veggie, or whatever. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 6:02 AM
Well, Judith, I’m glad somebody enjoyed the dang turnips. If you have any of the roasted goodies left over, may I suggest tossing them in a soup?
I make a Winter Vegetable soup over here in which turnips feature prominently. Alongside rutabagas and sweet potatoes, and lots of garlic, onion, and thyme. Just simmer those babies within an inch of their lives and puree. Yummy. Especially warm and yummy when it has the nerve to snow in early October.
Let’s just say I am not amused!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 12, 2009
at 6:01 AM
Thanks to all the knowledgeable people who chimed in on the White House vs Media issue.
I haven’t made up my mind yet. As a progressive I like the idea of standing up to the bullies, and no longer allowing them to define ME. On the other hand it worries me. As I have said before national elections are won by the middle. And the middle of this country is REALLY tired of the vitriol. I want Obama to be a 2 term president, we need the middle. I would prefer to see the democratic party take up this fight and allow the White House to stay above the fray. However, I admire Antia Dunn, is a really talented strategist, I hope she did her homework on this subject.
One thing for sure……She has broken new ground… I wish them luck.
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By: lori on October 12, 2009
at 5:24 AM
This time always reminds me of when my children were little and a Mr. Rodgers’ song called “Let’s Think of Something to do While Are Waiting”. 😉 I loved Mr. Rodgers.
There are people I enjoy talking to about about politics. I seek them out when I want to understand an issue better in order to form my own opinion,[ like when I asked M&H fans the other day} or if I want to understand “the other side”. The thing is, I have to believe they are knowledgeable about the subject. If they aren’t, why engage them in conversation? To me it would be like talking football with a person who doesn’t understand the game.
So far, on this blog, I haven’t “heard” any of the so called “trolls” to be knowledgeable of politics or MOST of the issues that are currently facing us in this country . Their opinions on the issues are parroted by Fox talking heads, or the Drudge report. If I wanted to discuss politics with those type of people I’d go to those web sites or listen to their programs.
I look forward to the day M&H’s porch is visited by a knowledgeable adversary. It would save me the trouble of seeking them out. But until that day, my scroll button gets a good workout. 😉 In fact, my daughter was reading this thread the other day and when she called me later that day she told me she was amused by the arrogant idiot named James. I had to go back and read the post to see what she was referring to. It just re-confirmed my scroll baby scroll policy..;-)
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By: lori on October 12, 2009
at 5:12 AM
When Helen doesn’t have us chuckling about the foibles of the Republican elite, I really enjoy our food discussions and other miscellaneous bits, but it is insufferably dull to cover old unfounded rumors with teabaggers or birthers, so it was nice our troll inadvertently presented us with substantial subject. I have read, some time ago, that the Obama Administration will send in agriculturists to teach Afghanis how to raise other cash crops, but I am dubious at best how effective this approach, on its own, end the poppy explosion in Afghanistan. If I am uncertain, I can just imagine President Obama, he is far more thorough in his reasoning than I am, therefore I am expecting him to come up with a plan that makes me strike my forehead and say, that makes so much sense, why didn’t I think of that? So many times during his campaign for The Presidency and since he’s taken office he has done just that, naturally I still like to speculate, I still get anxious for him make decisions and get moving, but darn if I don’t have confidence in his leadership.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 12, 2009
at 5:09 AM
I am willing to bet it is more than one person using one name.
good nite all.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 12, 2009
at 1:44 AM
Judith,
“And the troll will revert as soon as he feels secure enough, while claiming that we’re objecting to his opinions rather than his behavior. Possibly he can’t tell the difference.”
I really haven’t nailed down which it is but there you have it.
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By: farsight Δ on October 11, 2009
at 9:11 PM
Δ¥Tine, you can have the last one. I chopped and roasted some of them tonight with garlic, salt and olive oil (and celery and onions). Served them with meat loaf. I kind of liked them, especially since I do this all the time with peppers and green onions. I won’t be planting them next year, (unlike red chard, which was a revelation this year and will get garden space), but they were ok. Definitely edible, IMO.
My husband’s opinion was 180 degrees. There will be a mutiny if I ever do this again. Oh, well.
And the troll will revert as soon as he feels secure enough, while claiming that we’re objecting to his opinions rather than his behavior. Possibly he can’t tell the difference.
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By: judith on October 11, 2009
at 8:55 PM
Holy crap!
Enjoy…
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By: farsight Δ on October 11, 2009
at 8:47 PM
No one’s puppet,
“By dang. didn’t our troll throw us a bone to chew on?”
You see, this is the part of the troll that is reasonable, though not necessarily in agreement with the majority, and somewhat disarming. If this were the way it stayed all would be fine. However, I will wait and bide my time and try not to point out the obvious when it happens. Maybe lessons have been learned…
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By: farsight Δ on October 11, 2009
at 8:39 PM
Judith, pay no attention to all those delicious-sounding turnip recipes. I’ll be over to pick them up shortly. 😉
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 11, 2009
at 8:30 PM
Hi gang,
The debate (or beat) goes on about how to deal with Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.
The Khyber Pass between the two countries has been CONTROLLED by outside forces for a time; going all the way back to Alexander the Great and up to the British Empire and Russia. However, NONE have ever been able to subdue the tribal peoples of that rugged area. I don’t know why we think we can. By military force anyway.
……..“All this time, Ben-Ladin had been busy, busy, busy building an organization called Al-Qaeda. His number two-in-command henchman was and presumably still is Aymen Al-Zawahiri, (not to be confused with Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the Iraqi insurgent leader killed in a United States aerial strike in June of 2006.)
Al-Zawahiri is from a privileged, prominent Egyptian family. By profession, he is a medical doctor and a surgeon. He and some of his cohorts were imprisoned in Egypt for fourteen months and presumably tortured. While in jail, he became the spokesman for the group of his fellow prisoners, although he is reported to shun the spotlight.”
……..”Egypt and Saudia Arabia consider them to be common criminals. At the very least, they are an embarrassment to their native countries. They are hardly “Worthy Adversaries in War!”
These are two quotes, copied and pasted from Chapter 13, “Mohammed”, of my web-site. For those of you who have endless leisure time to spend on the computer, it might be an interesting overview of Islam, Mohammed, Ben Ladin, et al. Heaven know there is PLENTY of OTHER material available! I haven’t edited or updated it very much in the past 3-4 years. However, I did do considerable research from a variety of sources: newspapers, TV news and documentaries as well as historical books.
Chapter 13 is somewhat longish. You can scroll down about halfway and pick up on the background of Ben Ladin. Right now, I personally would rather be spending time with my friends on M&H than messing with my website.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 11, 2009
at 7:48 PM
Belated condolences to you HRH Sophia EQ on the loss of your friend, I know that is one blow, actually two blows, that with stay with you forever.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 6:09 PM
I often rush and don’t proof read, but it is unforgivable that I misspelled Obama.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 6:02 PM
I for one am very glad that President Omaba is reviewing the Afghanistan situation, and defining what our mission is in that country. Are we there to fight the Taliban as well as El Qaida? I don’t know enough, at least not yet to hold an opinion. By dang. didn’t our troll throw us a bone to chew on?
US: Taliban has grown fourfold
Extra US troops are needed for combat and to train Afghan army units, McChrystal has said [AFP]
Taliban-led forces fighting US and Nato troops in Afghanistan have increased nearly fourfold since 2006, according to a US intelligence estimate presented to the US president.
The report says that the number of Taliban fighters has grown to 25,000, from 7,000 four years ago, the officials said on Friday as Barack Obama convened a fifth cabinet-level meeting on his country’s military strategy in Afghanistan.
The US president is considering whether to agree to a request by the senior commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan for up to 40,000 extra troops to be deployed.
General Stanley McChrystal has warned that the US mission in Afghanistan risks failure unless more troops are sent to combat the Taliban and provide training and support to Afghan government forces.
Officials said on Friday that Obama – who agreed early in his presidency to send 21,000 extra troops to Afghanistan – has not made any firm decision in regard to McChrystal’s request.
Support dwindling
Should Obama decide to send more troops, they would join a US military force that is already scheduled to reach 68,000 personnel by the end of the year. There are also about 39,000 troops serving in Afghanistan under Nato.
But the US president also has to consider a drop in US public support for the war, amid a dramatic rise in US military casualties this year.
Only 40 per cent of Americans support the presence of US troops in Afghanistan, a poll released on Wednesday by the Associated Press and GFK said.
Obama is facing pressure from his own party over the rise in US military casualties [EPA]
Obama is also facing pressure from within his Democratic Party, with several senior members understood to be in favour of pulling forces out of Afghanistan.
One of the options being looked at by the White House is to engage with the Taliban, while taking the war to al Qaeda, whose fighters are understood to be based around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.
Peter Baker, a writer with the New York Times, said that Obama had to assess whether sending extra troops would be actually be conducive to improving US security.
“They are trying to evaluate the threat to the United States and, in this evaluation, al-Qaeda aspires to attack the American homeland, whereas the Taliban has generally not been vocal about attacking the US directly,” he told Al Jazeera.
“So, to the extent that the Taliban is a threat to American interests, it is a threat in that it might provide safe haven for al-Qaeda.
“The question [the cabinet-level team] is grappling with is, Does it make sense to send 40,000 more troops and spend a lot more money to fight a radical group that may not even be the main threat to the US?”
‘Rough estimate’
The US intelligence estimate that 25,000 Taliban forces are ranged against the US and Nato presence in Afghanistan includes associates who are less committed to the fight, officials said.
A US counterterrorism official said the figure was a “rough” estimate because it is difficult to ascertain the size of armed opposition groups that tend to operate in small units.
“You’re not talking about fixed formations that rely solely on full-time combatants. Numbers ebb and flow. Bands of fighters appear and vanish,” the official said.
A US defence official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the size of the Taliban force is far smaller than the combined US and Nato presence, the fighting methods they employ help overcome the asymmetry.
“By the very nature of insurgency, you do not need a lot of insurgents to inflict a lot of damage, because they are able to choose the time and the place to engage,” the official said.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 5:59 PM
And then Craig said (and I don’t mean to pick on Craig, it’s just that he says the darndest things)
“Pat Tillman I believe was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.”
And that would be correct. The problem is that the generals first felt they should USE the death of this well know person as propaganda. If you are interested, read an early report of the story at the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/03/AR2005050301502.html
As a complete aside, I don’t know how old you are so I don’t know if you were around when we began “training” the Vietnamese military of South Vietnam. Maybe you’ve heard how well that one came out. In retrospect, maybe we should have never become involved. I know almost to the minute, when I turned against the Vietnam War. I had met a young man who had been working on the DEW line in Alaska and was therefore exempt from the draft. He had traveled to Boston to see his dying Mother and within a couple of days of arriving, his local draft board caught up with him and signed him up in the Army. I met him in San Francisco as he was being shipped out. We corresponded for a month or so until my last letter was returned to me, rubber stamped with the words “Verified Deceased Return to Sender R.A. KOLIN Capt. AGC Asst Adj Gen” A couple of years ago I read on a veteran website that he had been killed by “friendly fire.” It became really personal for me. In my defense, I was pretty young and he was a really cute guy. I’ve always been sorry he didn’t have a chance to grow up.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 11, 2009
at 5:45 PM
The production of medical morphine is not dependant on the crop in Afghanistan.
—
Q&A on the News COX NEWS SERVICE
Question: A recent article about the opium poppy crop in Afghanistan made me wonder about the source of morphine often prescribed to relieve pain. Are opium poppies legally grown for medical purposes in this country? If not, what is the source of opium for medical morphine?
Answer: No opi…
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/mailstory-clickthru/147458.php
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 5:44 PM
TOO GOOD. Have to share.
Published on Sunday, October 11, 2009 by The New York Times
Two Wrongs Make Another Fiasco
by Frank Rich
Those of us who love F. Scott Fitzgerald must acknowledge that he did get one big thing wrong. There are second acts in American lives. (Just ask Marion Barry, or William Shatner.) The real question is whether everyone deserves a second act. Perhaps the most surreal aspect of our great Afghanistan debate is the Beltway credence given to the ravings of the unrepentant blunderers who dug us into this hole in the first place.
Let’s be clear: Those who demanded that America divert its troops and treasure from Afghanistan to Iraq in 2002 and 2003 – when there was no Qaeda presence in Iraq – bear responsibility for the chaos in Afghanistan that ensued. Now they have the nerve to imperiously and tardily demand that America increase its 68,000-strong presence in Afghanistan to clean up their mess – even though the number of Qaeda insurgents there has dwindled to fewer than 100, according to the president’s national security adviser, Gen. James Jones.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 11, 2009
at 5:09 PM
Craig said “As an aside…
What would anyone think as to spraying the poppy fields in Afghanistan?”
Whenever I hear someone talking about the “poppy fields in Afghanistan,” I think of the phrase, “ what goes around, comes around “ and remember that it was the British, looking for a new source of INCOME, who encouraged the Chinese to mix OPIUM with tobacco and smoke it. It was a cash crop and they really didn’t care if those dogs, the Chinese, became addicted. It was a business proposition, don’t ya see? (all others except Craig, please excuse my snarkiness)
And please don’t forget that Morphine is made from opium poppies. It is an extremely effective pain remedy, helpful especially for those dying from cancer and other diseases since dying CAN be painful. I know I was grateful for it the day after my hip replacement. They let me control the amount but they took it away after 24 hrs and I’m not sorry I used it and I’m not sorry they took it away.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 11, 2009
at 5:02 PM
poolman I did not see your comment about the poppy fields and agree 100%
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 3:48 PM
well, if it comes to making a choice between killing a plant or killing people…
hitting them in the pocket is always the best option
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 3:45 PM
The point about spraying the opium fields is well taken, Europe and Asia as well the western hemisphere is awash with addiction. Guess who are acting as the middle men getting the opium out of Afghanistan and who are dispersing it globally. You got it, the Taliban and El Qaida, opium is Bin Laden’s principle source of income since his share of the family business has been frozen, as have radical Muslim charities. Therefore some method or means of stopping Opium production is essential to fighting El Qaida where ever we find them. Again I suggest reading The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century by Steve Coll. .Originally, Osama’s personal fortune was grossly overestimated, and has never corrected in the press; most of El Qaida’s funding was coming from radical Muslim Charities. This book is available in paperback on Amazon, but I am sure your library can procure the book for you. If enough of you read it I am sure we will have an interesting discussion here. It is as interesting a read as a thriller, but with footnotes. I’m waiting to read his previous book, Ghost Wars: The secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001, the book that earned Mr. Coll a Pulitzer Prize.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 3:19 PM
“What would anyone think as to spraying the poppy fields in Afghanistan?” – Craig
We do already burn the poppy fields. This is their cash crop. Mostly we are hurting local farmers and communities when we do this. There IS a demand for the drug. If the demand went away, the drug would fade. But I don’t see the demand going away. I also don’t think this is how we should be conducting ourselves in other countries, although we have been for decades.
The US both funds and fights drugs. We work on both sides of the drug situation. This is another big area of corruption in our government. On the surface we are against all illegal drugs. Behind the scenes, we benefit greatly from the drug trade. We have no real interest in eliminating these drugs. There are big bucks involved and a huge drug enforcement bureaucracy that has no desire to shrink in size or budget. So we keep this “war” going.
Since most of these “illegal” drugs are natural and God-ordained products, I feel they do serve a purpose. Many of the cultures that use and produce these drugs have done so long before America was a nation. Many of these cultures include these drugs as part of their life and religion. It would be similar to them making hamburgers illegal and coming into our country to destroy all our hamburger stands.
If abuse is the problem, and we say that is why we “protect” our people from these things by making them illegal, then making criminals of the users is counter-productive and takes our focus and resources away from the real threats to our society. We would be better off educating the people and promoting alternative lifestyles. But that is another discussion for another day.
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By: Poolman on October 11, 2009
at 3:13 PM
“Can Barney be dancing on both sides of the aisle?” – Craig
I think what BF is saying is that the marches do not do much to change laws. He is sympathetic to the cause, but feels there are better ways to effect change. He is saying the more productive avenue would be to lobby the lawmakers. BF is openly gay and not ashamed of it. He does not force his beliefs on anyone, but also takes no crap from anyone.
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By: Poolman on October 11, 2009
at 2:45 PM
Barney Frank is half right – marches, per se, don’t affect policy – but they do enable networking and provide a unified voice that leads to the ability to affect policy.
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 2:44 PM
“Now I would really like to know where and when Bin’s training was done. Thats a new one to me.”
Craig, there is a lot of info regarding the US and bin Laden’s relationship. Search with google for yourself and pick the source. Here is one that outlines much of our involvement with the taliban and bin Laden in the past:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2001/465/25199
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By: Poolman on October 11, 2009
at 2:36 PM
its official, craig has tourettes
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 2:33 PM
who gives a flying rats ass who BF sleeps with?
is it time to return you to ignore mode?
my switch is wearing out
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 2:18 PM
“Rep. Barney Frank, an openly gay member of Congress, said the marchers should be lobbying their lawmakers. He said the demonstrations are simply “an emotional release” that do little to pressure Congress.”
“The only thing they’re going to be putting pressure on is the grass,” the Massachusetts Democrat said Friday.
From Yahoo…
Can Barney be dancing on both sides of the aisle?
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By: CraigΔ on October 11, 2009
at 2:10 PM
FYI the unofficial estimates for the National Equality March in Washington DC stands at about 100k and that’s WITHOUT the backing of any major media outlet.
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 1:56 PM
about my statement ‘put man power in preventing product from entering country’
not that I believe that would solve the drug problem completely because I dont believe anything really will and I have a big problem with the drug laws in this country, too many people locked up for stupid marijuana BUT I do believe in the creation of jobs.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 1:31 PM
‘As an aside…
What would anyone think as to spraying the poppy fields in Afghanistan?’
NOT
we dont have the right to meddle
put the manpower where it counts in preventing the product from entering our country
period
end of story
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 1:15 PM
If anyone is so interested…I would recommend this site for an up to date pictorial review of the war in Afghanistan. Its updated every three to four days.
Some images may be graphic and others reflective.
http://cryptome.info/afpak-archive/afpak-archive.htm
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By: CraigΔ on October 11, 2009
at 12:56 PM
Pat Tillman I believe was was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.
“The US trained Bin Laden.”
Now I would really like to know where and when Bin’s training was done. Thats a new one to me.
Of course with respect. Elvis is still alive.
As an aside…
What would anyone think as to spraying the poppy fields in Afghanistan?
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By: CraigΔ on October 11, 2009
at 12:49 PM
I love, love, love this site! Helen you just tell it like it is. Straight talk and no BS. Did I mention I love Margaret and Helen? I will gladly catch up on your other posts and will happily anticipate your next one. OMG You are simply the Best!!
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By: CharlieO on October 11, 2009
at 12:34 PM
Craig, you’re right, it does go both ways. But we don’t need to allow it and let it flourish.
Ever since the beginning of our constitutionally-founded roots, we have had differing opinions because we knew we could. How those opinions get expressed is a topic that drives the discourse even further. Political cartoons and articles in print have ridiculed presidents for decades.
The right to a particular form of speech does not come without a sense of responsibility. Do we wish to have a country that embraces inhumanity or humanity? After all, you and I both breathe the results of our founding fathers (and mothers, my students pointed out last week).
If the Constitution is truly meant to live up to its Preamble, then the ability for this country to continue discussing what a more perfect union should be is front and center. I know one thing. The equality of its’ citizens is expanding as it should. We now know why the writers of the Constitution created this country as a way to have humanity figure out how to govern ourselves.
I can’t stop someone from poking fun of Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, Ford….and on and on. But–
I can make a plea in this discourse to respect the office. Someone decided to take the bull by the horns and put themselves in front. We’ve had 44 presidents and each one saw that leading a nation with this many opinions will not be an easy ride.
My last thought is something I tell my students many times……
“Do we want to see more hurt in the world or less hurt?”
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By: vgmanΔ on October 11, 2009
at 12:21 PM
in fact Craig, I would call the IRA & the Orangemen terrorists
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 10:43 AM
In re to Northern Ireland – oh yes, I would definitely call the IRA fanatics as well as the Orangemen.
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 10:40 AM
You need to read, “WHERE MEN EARN GLORY – The story of Pat Tillman”
Iraq was a war which lies got us into! (I still respected the office even when liars found war after war to sink our economy!)
The US trained Bin Laden.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 11, 2009
at 10:37 AM
“Perhaps we should think about changing the word “Terrorist” to “Criminals”. Civilized countries, including Muslim countries, track down criminals with law enforcement. You know, such as the FBI, Interpol and other international agencies – not bombs and M-16s.”
First of all I think we have sold F-16’s to India and Pakistan. I know we have also sold helicopters
and other arms to other muslim countries as well.
I think a drone attack or guided bomb down your dirt chimney will get ya 30 or so virgins and possibly get your attention so that maybe you should consider another business than terrorism.
Political fanatics? Thats anybody with a religion and a gun. I guess that makes Catholics and or Protestants in Ireland Fanatics.
I guess we can put Canada and England in there as well with the US. So far I do not think Canada has suffered a major blow. But ask the tourists on the london busses how they feel about retribution.
I guess we should just suck it up like Spain did after the bombings in Madrid. They quickly pulled their troops out of Iraq.
What about Indonesia and Pakistan where continued bombings of civilian populations continue. Seems their respective muslim investigators cannot keep up.
And how many times should we turn the other cheek. Kandahar towers, Marine barracks in lebanon, Bombings of embassies in Africa, 1st attempt of bombing the Trade Center, U.S.S. Cole and 911 to name a few.
And apparently they are still wanting more American deaths..and possibly yours if the FBI
cannot keep up with their monthly discoveries of bomb plots.
I’ve Been to Singapore..Now that is one paranoid and clean country. Of course they cane you there for chewing gum..naw.. just spray painting cars.
My son, Poolman made two tours to The Gulf.
He got out of the Navy as a Lt. in June, and signed up for Reserves.
He graduated from a State university with a large cadre of military ROTC graduates.
He has lost one friend due to a bomb hidden under the mans clothing. The 2ndLt. or kid just happened to be at wrong place and wrong time.
He had been in country 5 weeks in 2006.
Another Marine buddy escaped with just minor eye injuries from a roadside bomb.He had been in country 5 weeks in 2006.
He has at least 6 other close immediate college friends in the Marines and Navy.
Poolman,
“Our original goal was to go after Bin Laden and Al Quaeda, before we were side-tracked by the crusaders in the last administration.”
I agree..we did not keep our eye on the ball.
VGMAN..Δ
“You called him the Supreme leader and President of the United States. But your sarcasm was dripping from the sentence–as if you don’t believe he is our duly elected President. You may disagree with political views, but at least respect the office.”
I have seen Bush and Cheney written with much more disdain and sarcasm than what I said.
Again ..Respect the office…goes both ways.
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By: CraigΔ on October 11, 2009
at 10:30 AM
In case you missed it:
Obama’s HRC Speech (VIDEO):
President Obama Says He Will End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
http://bit.ly/yJ8NL
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 9:12 AM
… and the same process is great for potatoes… sweet potatoes (use canola oil), all squashes…. and most any root vegetable…
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 11, 2009
at 9:06 AM
Judith…. turnips are great….. healthy and very easy to prepare:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Wash and peel turnips… use a carrot peeler…. then dice into half-inch cubes and place in a gallon-sized zip-lock…. adding carrots is great…. add enough olive or canola oil to coat…. season with salt, pepper, garlic… rosemary and thyme are nice additions…. seal bag and toss to coat…. place in sprayed baking dish… I prefer glass…. and bake (roast) until they begin to brown (carmelize)…. time varies according to the amount in the pan.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 11, 2009
at 9:05 AM
Turnips are great with potatoes, onions and carrots in a cornish pasty. Delish.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 11, 2009
at 7:36 AM
One hard and fast rule when we were children was that we were to at least try the cuisine of wherever we happened to be. . . we weren’t required to be members of the clean plate club, but we were required to be charter members of the polite table manners club. Needless to say, given the amount of travel our family did, my siblings and I tasted some rather interesting foods. My parents themselves set the example, gamely tasting chicken heads in China, river eel in burma, etc. . .always polite always with graciousness and a genuine interest in the people & the culture. So on a trip to Nepal where my parents was helping set up a school, the students; families had set up a communal dining hall to feed the folks building the school & training the teachers. As we walked into the dining hall, my mother stopped, took one whiff and with shoulder visibly sagging, let go of a deep shuddering sigh. My dad was immediately alarmed thinking maybe the high altitude was causing some illness…She assured him she was fine and sighed again. She then leaned into my dad and whispered ” rutabagas, damn rutabagas”.
We all started laughing – my mother, a Depression era kid had survived on a diet of rutabagas and hated them. She had vowed to never eat rutabagas again – and until 1968, in a small Himalyan village, she had kept that vow.
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By: Greytdog on October 11, 2009
at 6:30 AM
Judith,
I salute you; your preparation for your family’s changed circumstances reminded me of a story told to me by a college friend. Her grandfather bought several rabbits with his last paycheck during the Great Depression, he fed them grass and vegetable scraps, in no time he had protein for his family and he also sold the meat and hides. Right about now, you might be thinking, turnips would be good rabbit food; but I concur with Jean, they are quite good raw, cut them into matchsticks and serve them with a little salt or perhaps a dip. Possibly mash some with potatoes; I make a simple version of garlic mashed potatoes, I boil one peeled garlic clove to every potato in the same pot, drain and whip with fat-free cream cheese, add milk as needed for the right consistency, and season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. The amount of potatoes you replace with turnips is up to you, but personally I wouldn’t use more than half, I think I would cook the turnips in a separate pot from the potatoes, since I am not fond of the flavor of cooked turnips.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 11, 2009
at 5:16 AM
Craig,
You can also drop the sarcastic reference to the President.
You called him the Supreme leader and President of the United States. But your sarcasm was dripping from the sentence–as if you don’t believe he is our duly elected President. You may disagree with political views, but at least respect the office.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 11, 2009
at 1:42 AM
warning rant ahead
Long long ago I learned no one’s religion or culture is better and that we earn more allies by not by blowing people up.
Our poor and homeless are suffering, the middle class in this country is disappearing, too many of them now qualify for food stamps, I drive by our shelters and food banks and see the lines growing longer every year…and its not your average homeless man…it is people with jobs and without homes, people living in their cars.
Dont believe me? this past summer I did a little experiment, I joined a few travel trailer forums, you would be amazed at the amount of homelessness in THIS country.
So, I am for fixing us first and gaining friends in the world. We will only do that by setting an example. Im going to be patient and have faith in this president that he will do what is right, he’s got a hell of a lot to carry on his shoulders.
I feel like 90% of the criticism I hear/read against Obama are people talking out of their ass with almost zero personal experience dealing with international politics.
And I may sound heartless when I write this but in my honest opinion, if a grown adult woman in another culture is beaten and she and other adult women allow it, that’s their business and not ours to intervene.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 11, 2009
at 1:40 AM
Hi gang and Craig,
When was the last time you personally visited a PREDOMINATELY Muslim country, Craig? In the past fifteen years we have been to five. Two in Southeast Asia, two in North Africa and then Turkey. (Geographically, Turkey is 5% in Europe and 95% in Asia, or as some would say, more correctly, the Middle East.)
The United States is a PREDOMINATELY Christian country. How many in our population are politically religious fanatics?
Perhaps we should think about changing the word “Terrorist” to “Criminals”. Civilized countries, including Muslim countries, track down criminals with law enforcement. You know, such as the FBI, Interpol and other international agencies – not bombs and M-16s.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
P.S. I like your “Wedge” by your name. That indicates you want to understand and belong.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 11, 2009
at 1:21 AM
Craig, here is an Afghanistan update, Jon Stewart style. Everyone has a different opinion of what it is we should do there. General Stanley McChrystal is who Obama has put in charge right now. I know you said you had a son in the military, but I don’t recall whether you said he was there or not.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-october-8-2009/afghanistan–the-graveyard-of-empires-strikes-back
If you listen to Alan Grayson, we should just get out of there and leave them alone. We have been messing in that zone for decades now as it is. Our original goal was to go after Bin Laden and Al Quaeda, before we were side-tracked by the crusaders in the last administration.
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By: Poolman on October 10, 2009
at 11:34 PM
Hi gang and Judith,
Judith, glad to hear you are hanging in there during tough times. That’s the spirit!
My mother used to slice raw turnips just like carrots or celery. Nice and cold they are pretty good and nutritious. Sort of tangy.
Regarding the troll discussion. I think we democrats, progressives or whatever we want to call ourselves were way to polite and civil for too long. Some might interpret that as “wimpy”. But look what that got us, and the world for that matter.
War, economic chaos, inequality in one of the most basic of human rights – care for our health; injustice for citizens of a different racial, gender or sexual orientation. The laundry list goes on and on.
Well, whether the “trolls” like it or not, we will no longer always stand still being polite, civil or “wimpy”.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 10, 2009
at 9:57 PM
Raji ……
Never have read the Huffington Post and do not have what 8 ideas or quotes the Huffington has proposed.
“As an aside, I’ll bet that when Craig isn’t able to hide behind the anonymity of the internet and is one on one in person, for the most part, he is a decent person.”
Just because I disagree with you does not mean that I would not save you from drowning or a fire.
And that goes for the color of your skin, religion or heritage. Thats the way I was brought up.
But because I disagree with you politically gives you a reason to hate me, yet not know me.
I don’t wear a robe and hood.
I love my country and would not want to see our President harmed.
The fact that I do not like his politics and question his motives should not have me wear a scarlet letter.
As you have read and watched the various media over the weekend..I’m just one of a few who question the motive for the award of the Nobel Prize.
If it helps to make peace then fine.
But I do not think the people who killed 3000
Americans and want the Great American Satan
to be destroyed would recognize a Noble Peace Prize as a reason to stop killing.
The same people who whip women in their country for not wearing the appropriate clothing.
The same people who kill their own innocent people including children who only want to learn.
My only wish at this time is that President Obama would listen to his commander on the ground.
That he would send the troops to train the military of Afghanistan. That he would send the troops that would help to protect and reinforce the men and women who are there fighting for their lives
while the President thinks.
I would hope he would go into the Lincoln bedroom and pray for the courage to do the right thing as Lincoln did during the Civil War.
I’m not a rabbid right wing nut.
I’m an American with a different point of view from yours.
I may live next door to you..but I doubt it as I know most of my neighbors. They are the same ones who put out their American flags on appropriate dates.
I do not come here to incite..and I’m sure that will promote a heckle…but since this is a public thread..I have stated before..that I have as much right to state my thoughts and beliefs as yours.
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By: CraigΔ on October 10, 2009
at 9:46 PM
Donna,
Ok, so he would be on better behavior and more guarded in what he said, but that doesn’t necessarily make him more decent. I think that is your point, and I think I have to agree with you. Thanks.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 9:20 PM
IMO, the way people act when there will be no consequences is their true nature. The public facade is, well, just that.
The young ones at my work insist on discussing their dating lives. I’ve advised a couple of them to watch for this, as it’s a clear indicator of how they’ll be treated once the guy is no longer on his best behavior. Especially to be discarded is the road rage type, aggressive when safe inside his steel shell. Another real gem is the kind who like to scare their date by driving dangerously – you really want a guy who’s happy when you’re screaming, don’t you?
I’d say trolls are also to be avoided. Imagine how he behaves at home when he’s frustrated or upset. I’m sure he treats those around him with the utmost respect and consideration. Not.
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By: judith on October 10, 2009
at 9:09 PM
I certainly hope Margaret and Helen find all this off thread posting acceptable if not entertaining.
Now for you viewing pleasure:
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/daily-show-playing-race-card
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/daily-show-healther-skelter-obama-death-pa?highlight=%22john+oliver%22
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 9:07 PM
farsight–think I disagree with you. I don’t think decent people act that way, regardless of anonymity. Do you go to opposing sites and act like a turd? Of course not.
If, in fact, he acts differently when he’s “known,” that simply means he’s showing his true self.
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By: donna on October 10, 2009
at 8:43 PM
Judith–they are delicious. You can roast them in a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Or you can slice them very thinly and do them like potatoes Anna.
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By: donna on October 10, 2009
at 8:40 PM
kitkatΔ,
There you said it more succinctly than I did. Thank you. You said,”I have enough stress and negative energy”. There it is negative energy; 2 words that really say it all!!! There are energy givers and energy takers (I suppose that there are those that are relatively neutral). Guess which one a troll is.
I hung around on Ann Coulter chat for a while. I was mostly a lurker without a lot of posts. NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART (or probably for someone without a masochistic streak, or a half a brain for that matter). The difference is amazing in how they dealt with people of differing opinions vice how the folk here deal with them. Even the people who were looking for a legitimate debate (not truly trolls) were absolutely smacked down, ridiculed and called the most disgusting of names. It was true shock and awe. The people here try to reason and politely convince until it is apparent someone is truly a troll and even then a lot of times we persevere.
helenandmargaretFan,
You should scroll back and see the post James made in this thread. Not a very reasonable response. I think he had on his asshat.
Yeah, sometimes I lurk and don’t have a lot to contribute. Other times I spew. Currently I am in spewing mode.
You asked, “Do trolls do what they do …”. I think it is a some of both and depending on the individual generally more of the vitriolic. If they really wanted to change minds they would go about it differently. For instance, my father-in-law would think he is doing the right thing by rubbing his dog’s nose in his own siht to keep him from doing it again (this, by the way, is not an acceptable training method by any reputable dog trainer). I don’t think most trolls give any thought on how to best present a position in order to gently persuade and bring someone to their point of view. All this being said, I would certainly like to have a chance to rub Rush’s nose in a big pile of dog doo but not because I thought he would learn anything from it; it is the amount of pleasure I would get from doing it. On the plus side I think it would give me alot of energy and an overabundance of energy to him.
Grandma Katie,
You have absolutely no reason to apologize to us. Craig’s little guilt trip deserves absolutely no credence whatsoever.
As an aside, I’ll bet that when Craig isn’t able to hide behind the anonymity of the internet and is one on one in person, for the most part, he is a decent person.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 8:40 PM
Off topic, scroll on if you wanna……
We got lucky, my husband was only unemployed for 6 months. His first paycheck, still to come, is only for 2 1/2 days, so we’re on layoff mode till the end of the month and it will be months before we’re out of the woods, but we’re keeping the house.
1st thing we did to survive was to use a credit card to sign up for a CSA – a box of organic vegies, pre-paid, once a week. Already had a small veg garden ourselves & expanded it somewhat.
Weekends are for putting up anything we didn’t eat and the freezer & cupboards are full. This week, between the box and the garden, I had 6 pounds of green tomatoes to deal with. We’ve got pickles and relish galore already. I found an old recipe for green tomato mincemeat and it’s just about ready to go in the jars for processing. The house smells like Christmas & there’s going to be plenty of pie for all. Pumpkin (home-frozen) for mincemeat non-fans.
The problem is, the CSA box gave us turnips this week. Turnips. I’ve never cooked a turnip and the only time I ate one was not a success. It keeps reminding me of the scene in Gone With The Wind, where Scarlett takes a big chomp and declares “As God is my witness, I will never be hungry again.” Not a ringing endorsement.
It’s food. It’s paid for. We’re eating it.
But how?
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By: judith on October 10, 2009
at 7:31 PM
Do trolls do what they do , that is to say, throw out vitriolic (you really are right, Kate), incendiary, and, let’s face it, inaccurate comments … for what purpose? Just to stir the pot? Just to get a rise out of people? Or are they on some (ill conceived) campaign to show everyone on such blogs how wrong they are? that we are going read their outrageous drivel and then smack our palms on our collective foreheads and say “my God, he’s right! Being open minded and inclusive is so wrong. Racism, sexism, pandering to the corporation, xenophobia — THAT’s the way to go….” (because, you know, it’s worked so well so far). Trolls don’t take into consideration that liberal thinkers are more likely to consider both sides of an arguement than are conservatives (they just are) and therefore not likely to let other people tell them how to think, i.e. drink limb-o injected kool-aid.
That must frustrate the Cr*p out of trolls.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on October 10, 2009
at 7:28 PM
Helen. Nice to see your succinct comments and this blog get a little boost in PR (not that you needed it) from Bill in Portland ME on the Daily Kos. Cheers to you and Margaret. Love from Alaska. Yes, health care is about all the real people with real needs.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/10/9/791243/-Cheers-and-Jeers:-Rum-and-Coke-FRIDAY!
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By: A Nana Moose on October 10, 2009
at 5:56 PM
Perhaps vitriolic was a bit too much, but my t.emper was at the boiling point. I aplogize to all of you (except the troll) and true to my word and scrolled on by.
And as for Miss Americal, I wll watch something ellse so as not to see Limbaugh’s face. What in the world were they t hinking? Probably all his fans, Yuk
Thanks to the Nobel Prize Committee for understanding what Obama is all about.
Congratulations Mr. President.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 10, 2009
at 5:53 PM
I recommend the book, The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century by Steve Coll, for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Osama Bin Laden.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 10, 2009
at 5:40 PM
The Taliban have always been funded by the Saudis. Al Quaeda was initially funded by bin Laden’s Personal fortunes.
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 5:22 PM
Craig, I would like to politely disagree with you but you didn’t give me your opinion so there is nothing to discuss.
I could have just as easily given the 8 outrageous quotes from Huffington Post now being polled as the information you quoted.
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By: Raji on October 10, 2009
at 5:17 PM
Greytdog, was their funding from the Saudi government or from Bin Laden’s fortune? He left Saudi because of his supposedly upset with the Saudi’s allowing infidels on his soil during the Gulf War. Not too sure of my history on this.
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By: Raji on October 10, 2009
at 5:10 PM
Farsight, that wasn’t a smiley that was Laughing out Loud!!!! The Miss America committee actually said it was because Rush has 2 million followers.
Farsight, I “get” what you are trying to express. I view that as constructive criticism versus negative criticism. My Mother taught us that if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say anything but that theory went out with the Golden Rule. The trend that has developed with the internet is quite frankly rudeness and that trend is overlaping into our daily lives.
I feel someone like Craig enjoys stirring the pot. I’ve said in previous posts that he is having way too much fun. Someone like this really doesn’t state their views just throws out controversy to see what reaction results.
As to the Nobel Peace Prize, I bet 95% of the population has no idea of the criteria behind the decision of the committee much less who is awarded this prize year to year. I certainly didn’t! However, even though I was surprised at the news as President Obama has not accomplished enough in my mind to be a candidate, it did make me research the criteria which I had never done before. With that in mind, I feel the NNP Committee was making a statement “Welcome Aboard POTUS” and we give you this prize in the hopes you will continue to promote global peace.
If that was their point then I agree with their decision. If nothing else, I learned something in the last two days.
With regards to the white house and the media, I often follow the press briefings with Gibbs. Many of the “good ole boys” from the Clinton and Bush era have been removed but not all. There are fresh faces such as ones from HuffPo that would have never been included. I think they have been cleaning house long before they made the statement regarding Fox news. Sometimes turning the other cheek just doesn’t work anymore.
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By: Raji on October 10, 2009
at 4:58 PM
‘….I for one don’t understand the desire to go where I wouldn’t be comfortable or wanted. Not because I can’t take the heat or am afraid I’d change my beliefs, but because I have enough stress and negative energy in my life, that I don’t want to invite it in….’
kitkat, that’s exactly the way that I feel
another appropriate quote from Mad Men fitting to the uninvited
‘Stop barging in here and infecting me with your anxiety!’
🙂
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 10, 2009
at 4:41 PM
farsight, what I’m reading into what you’re saying is that there is an enjoyment and even contentment of coming together and discussing things with like-minded people. That it helps clarify and understand where we are and where we want to go. I for one don’t understand the desire to go where I wouldn’t be comfortable or wanted. Not because I can’t take the heat or am afraid I’d change my beliefs, but because I have enough stress and negative energy in my life, that I don’t want to invite it in. Just as I have decided to not engage those family members who I know do not think as I do. Life is too short to sit and argue with a family member who thinks I am evil for being a democrat.
Funny enough, I’m agnostic but was raised Methodist too.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 10, 2009
at 4:24 PM
Bin Laden was with the Taliban in Afghanistan. We armed and trained them. . . I suspect that despite the movie Charlie Wilson’s War, our “advisors” believed that theTaliban were merely primitive fighters. . . they failed to take into account their funding from the Saudi government and their adherence to an uber conservative/fundamentalist interpretation of Islam.
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 4:14 PM
farsight, yes, you’re right. better to just not engage unless productive thought and comments are put forth. But “Snide” just makes me want to smack someone upside the head. At least James used to post with some sensiblity, misguided tho he may have been.
FYI – I’ve been a regular vistor and a sometime poster for some time, but you all say everything so well, i just sit here and nod my head.
I’m eagerly awaiting our girls’ next installment.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on October 10, 2009
at 4:07 PM
Sorry folks.
Sometimes I get going and…
Think I’ll go swim a mile.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 3:59 PM
Raji,
I read about Limbaugh this morning. 10 years ago they never would have dreamed of doing this. You put a smiley at the end of your post, but I think you hit the nail on the head. Viewership has definitely diminished, but what is really surprising is that this is what they decided on in their desperation.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 3:57 PM
Just a thought here:
I am agnostic. I’m sure some would say pagan. However, when I was young I went to the First Methodist church and was indoctrinated into their ways and beliefs. Which, to my way of thinking, was not so bad.
I don’t remember the main reason for going to church being a desire to become embroiled in debate or controversy. Seems like the main reason for attending was to bask in or re-affirm one’s faith. I certainly don’t begrudge them this, and I certainly am not going to go to their church and rain on their parade.
If I were to try and debate my differences, you can bet that I would be hypersensitive to the thoughts and feelings of the opposing faction. I would go overboard to not offend when not on ‘home turf’.
I’ve got more to say along this line but it’s not totally formulated. It’s like you want to refine your thoughts/beliefs by coming together with others, and you’re firm enough in your beliefs that you’re not looking for a reversal. You’ve got a foundation of belief that is not looking for or going to be change(d). You are in search of more information to build upon your foundation.
I see this as flying in the face of the typical troll premise that a gathering of like minded folks just want to “preach to the choir”.
Or…
Maybe you have an acquaintance who comes by and ridicules your choice of building materials making snide asides or even espouses that you should rip out the foundation and start over. All you want to do is pick out the carpet and drapes, paint your front porch and invite your friends over to partake in your new porch band.
As you can see, I am struggling with analogies and getting my thoughts out, but hopefully my point has been made.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 3:50 PM
Greytdog, correct me if I am wrong. Didn’t the turn around with the Taliban come after Bin Laden’s arrival? Without him they would probably still be pawns.
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By: Raji on October 10, 2009
at 3:50 PM
News Flash
Limbaugh will be one of seven judges for the 2010 Miss America contest.
Hmm, they must be desperate 😆
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By: Raji on October 10, 2009
at 3:43 PM
Secret Talker, when the US chose to arm the Afghanis and consequently the Taliban, it wasn’t because we felt their cause was just or right. It was because we wanted the USSR defeated. We thought the Taliban were mere pawns in a game of our choosing. . .and now it turns out they are more dangerous to our wellbeing than the USSR. That’s what I was referring to . . .
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 3:15 PM
helenandmargaretFan,
It has pretty much been established that a certain someone doesn’t want to engage in legitimate debate but would rather stir up controversy and cause disruption. There was one short period of posts that lasted for a 1-3 days when, it appears that, a false sense of trust was being established. Most here were lulled into this false sense of trust and were soon disheartened. My best recommendation is to not engage.
Oops, you may already know the history, but I didn’t find any posts submitted earlier in your name.
Just for the record, I totally agree with you! (:->
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 3:00 PM
Is it not fascinating that 98% of those campaigning against healthcare reform and specifically universal coverage would label themselves “Compassionate Christians”? All that “I’m my brother’s keeper” and “Do unto others….” is just more rhetoric.
Talk about oxymoronic terms, Christian Right!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 10, 2009
at 2:53 PM
no one’s puppet,
Not so much “A” zero as the quantity of response that is warranted.
Poolman,
Sorry about your senator. To borrow a term, Senator Kyl is an asshat; I certainly don’t hold you responsible. My state is relatively well off with Cantwell and Murray. I have small gripes occasionally, but at least I’m not diametrically opposed.
Don’t you find it interesting that someone can have so little self awareness that they don’t understand why someone might take umbrage. It is almost like a child that is misbehaving and is oblivious to the fact that the behavior is socially unacceptable. Then again if he/she understands the ramifications of the behavior, what does that say about them.
I hope it’s not catching, and if it is that there is a vaccine for it, and if there is a vaccine that my health insurance covers it and if not that there is access to death panels. If there were access to DPs, I would probably realize that all is not lost and seek help.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 2:41 PM
Craig, re: grandma katie, perhaps vitriolic wasn’t the right word. But even you have to admit, your comments were snide and petulant. Obama didn’t campaign for the Nobel Prize, for cryin’ out loud. Why does the right BLAME him? Even Pat Buchannan said as much.
I was curious how Fox Noise was going to spin this and they did not disappoint…or surprise.
And, as an asside, Craig, I think it’s okay for the right to finally admit the Rush Limb-o has gone as far off the rails as he possibly can and openly concede they are embarrassed by him.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on October 10, 2009
at 2:36 PM
Rep Grayson is the example of where our leaders need to be!
PalinShutUp: “…GOP hates everything except gay bathroom sex.” SSSSShhhhhhhhh
Secret pleasures are not to be revealed also the millions gotten from big business is supposed to be hush hush too.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 10, 2009
at 2:31 PM
pssst!
It appears the GOP hates everything except gay bathroom sex
😀
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 10, 2009
at 2:18 PM
I fixed the video thingy 🙂
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 10, 2009
at 1:49 PM
BEAUTIFUL! – This one made my day.
We can make noise too 🙂
Operation Hey Mackey! – Whole Foods, Oakland
John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods has argued that American workers do not deserve a health care system. We believe that heath care should be affordable for everyone, not just rich people. So Mr. Mackey, this video is for you!
Operation Hey Mackey! – Whole Foods, Oakland from Jamie LeJeune on Vimeo.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 10, 2009
at 1:45 PM
You really have to understand what President Obama stands for in the first place, to understand why he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The right does not understand why he stands for health care for all, why he’d rather discuss with Iran rather than bomb first and then ask questions second. The reaction of the right does not surprise me in the least. However, the rest of the world took notice that inspiring instead of defeating spirits is a worthwhile cause. Bravo to the Committee for recognizing this.
Like my husband just told me, he was supposed to have fixed all problems facing this country, resolved all conflcts the day after his inauguration. Therefore, how could he, ten months into his presidency, justify that we still have unresolved issues? Shame on him for accepting the prize! LOL. Congratulations Mr. President!
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By: Easier on October 10, 2009
at 1:30 PM
I saw Rep. Grayson’s speech on Keith Olberman’s show last night. I was alone and I applauded. I am so impressed with him. Wouldn’t it be encouraging if more of our congressmen would follow his example and work for the benefit of the American people they are sworn to serve. What a great country this would be. Hooray for Representative Grayson.
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By: sunshine on October 10, 2009
at 12:41 PM
I’d just as soon open a joint bank account with Jon Gosselin as debate a troll or what farsight has termed a ZERO.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 10, 2009
at 12:39 PM
Greytdog–beautifully put.
I think that this simply emphasizes how badly the world viewed Bush and, by extension, this country. To me, the award was as much for America as for the individual recipient: congratulating us for selecting an intelligent, articulate president who focuses on diplomacy and attempts to understand other people and cultures. Thankfully, this is now not a country in which a Cheney would say “So?” when confronted with the disagreement of its citizens with his administration’s foreign policies.
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By: donna on October 10, 2009
at 12:15 PM
Auntie Jean
I hate to bring this up but from our prospective, everyone less than 80 looks like a 13-14 year-old. And 13-14 year-olds look like babies. Right now our circle of friends includes only one “old” person. She’s 96.
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By: jsri on October 10, 2009
at 12:12 PM
What I’m surprised at is that everyone on this thread takes posts so personally..its amazing as if I were pointedly calling you all names.
From GrandMa Katie….
‘I am not surprised at your vitriolic spewing of h ate against our President.
Face it -your side lost.”
What words in my last two posts were vitriolic or hateful GRANDMA KATIE?
Then again we did win one….you all have Pelosi and Reed to deal with.
So I think thats a win for us.
Its amazing all any of you want to hear is your own voices in harmony.
Do you not read and watch tv other than FOX, to see how Americans and people worldwide are amazed at Obama receiving the award for What?
I guess your blinders work all too well.
At least Fox congratulated the President and said anytime such an award goes to an American its a good thing. What fault can you find with that?
Hi Jesri!..I appreciate your humor.
and …to farsight Δ..”Hey, these bastards just never seem to shake our low expectations.”
Now why do we have to use filthy language in our posts?
At least I knew my father.
Poolman your such a history buff.
Yep when they awarded the Nobel to Arafat..that was kinda strange.
Who knows maybe next year
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for Nobel…
Big Day for football guys and ladies.
See ya…….
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By: CraigΔ on October 10, 2009
at 11:46 AM
Shorter Alan Grayson (D-FL)
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 10, 2009
at 11:17 AM
Rep. Grayson must not have got the memo about losing touch with the people. All I can say is — keep it up. He’s definitely saying what needs to be said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33249445
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33249516
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By: kitkatΔ on October 10, 2009
at 10:50 AM
Happy Saturday everyone!
Lori, I think it is a good thing that they are dispelling the garbage Fox puts out. Unfortunately, those who dislike and distrust the president see this as more of a reason to think the way they do. My mom doesn’t trust anything from Whitehouse.gov. I cannot get her to go there for information.
Greytdog, I love the going Rouge coloring book. I hope it becomes a best seller too! 😀
Craig, get over it. Obama did not “try out” for the Nobel Peace Prize, and the dems didn’t award him with it. It has been given out questionably before. Check your history and ask yourself why you think it a bad thing.
http://hellodollyllama.blogspot.com/2009/10/but-obama-didnt-accomplish-anything.html
farsight Δ, Sorry about our asshat senator Kyl. I hope we can get him out. He doesn’t respond to my letters. He is out of touch and full of himself.
I am about to embark on my Sat morning bike ride with my wife. We are getting a late start, but it is so wonderfully cool out today. I hope you all have a good weekend.
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By: Poolman on October 10, 2009
at 10:32 AM
In the 60’s we lived in the suburbs oof DC. WAy back then I formed the opinion that those elected to Congress lose touch with the rest of the country once th ey are installed inside the Beltway. Therefore I arrived at the opiniion t hat the area could be sawed off, floated out to some remote area of the ocean and forgotten. No one would miss them.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 10, 2009
at 9:55 AM
Some levity to brighten your day (and to chase the shadows of the nattering nabob Craig away)
Going Rouge http://bit.ly/eR0M5
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 9:53 AM
I still believe that Zero is an acceptable response to one who has so exceedingly earned it.
Hey, these bastards just never seem to shake our low expectations. If it weren’t so sad and sick I’d say it is a relief, because if they ever did what was right, I’m afraid I’d go into cardiac arrest:
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/sen-jon-kyl-r-az-holds-unemployment-e
I’d tell them what to do, but I’m pretty sure they’d miss the donut.
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By: farsight Δ on October 10, 2009
at 9:53 AM
Craig – I am not surprised at your vitriolic spewing of h ate against our President.
Face it -your side lost.
Start ing with REagin,Both Bushes, our country has been in the pits of world opinion. The previoius 8 years were the absolute bottom of the pits.
And where is Georgie and his comments?
The next time I see your name on a post, I shall give it the troll treatmennnt and scroll on by!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 10, 2009
at 9:40 AM
Craig:
Until you can come up with some worthwhile comments – take a hike!
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By: jsri on October 10, 2009
at 9:33 AM
Obama Inauguration: 20 Jan 2009.
Closing date for nominations for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize: 1 Feb 2009.
Its remarkable that the world and national news sources are stating the obvious.
That what has Obama done to justify the Nobel award.
I’m sure many of you had to watch the many national news sources..not even counting Fox , which were all stunned that he would win such a prize.
Even the man on the street was confused by this one.
I guess St. Peters is next. If the Chicagp mob can win the Nobel they can get their man into anywhere.
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By: CraigΔ on October 10, 2009
at 8:42 AM
lori
I love the principle (and challenge) of “waging a war of ideas against Fox”” and their smear tactics as one White house spokesperson (I don’t know if it was Anita Dunn) described the WH new stance against Fox. If the WH tack comes from a place of anger or pettyness, the lower energetics that Fox perpetuates in the world, it will backfire. But if instead the WH stays with the spirit and heart of its message, without rancor or malice, I believe more people will look up from their helplessness and rage and turn away for the brittle, unthinking hate Fox promotes. The smallest candle (of hopes, truths, inspirations) glows in the darkest of pits.
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By: Pameal on October 10, 2009
at 8:39 AM
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Amazing, after all the things he did for human rights and in a non-violent way, he was never recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize.
If only he had lived a little longer he could have been as great as the Supreme leader and President of the United States,
Barrack Hussein Obama.
But then Ghandi did not come from Chicago nor knew the ways of community organizing.
The Nobel has shown itself to be a sham.
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By: CraigΔ on October 10, 2009
at 8:28 AM
This is pretty damn funny, IMO. A comment from someone in the US Dept of State on Obama’s NPP:
“Certainly from our standpoint, this gives us a sense of momentum — when the United States has accolades tossed its way, rather than shoes.”
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 7:22 AM
A note of congratulations to Pres. Barack Obama on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, from French President Nicolas Sarkozy: “Finally, it sets the seal on America’s return to the heart of all the world’s peoples.”
I don’t think any of us realized just how reprehensible America had become to people of the world. When Obama was elected the world rejoiced – not because it was Obama, but because of US – you and me – standing up and saying no more. This is not who we are as a people. This is not who we are as a nation. He became the embodiment of that which is good, and right, and moral, and forward looking in this country. And the Nobel Committee recognized that – it’s not just a prize for Obama, it’s OUR Nobel Peace Prize. It’s recognition that we are coming out of the darkness and into the light again.
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By: Greytdog on October 10, 2009
at 6:41 AM
Bill Moyers Journal
Essay: The Health Care Lobby
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 10, 2009
at 6:24 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 10/10/09
New Momentum
for Health Reform
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 10, 2009
at 6:18 AM
Hey gang, I was wondering what yinze think about the White House’s public condemnation of Fox news?
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1929058,00.html
It is a risky strategy for the White House to employ. Conventional politics suggests you leave the dirty work to the DNC or a PAC. You are never suppose to “piss” the press off because after all the pen is mightier than the sword! It has also been considered “beneath” the office of the president to engage in petty nit picking, it is meant to be perceived as whining and weak.
On the other hand wisdom tell us not to let the enemy define us. Offense wins the game, and enough is enough!
What do you think? Will his backfire in the Presidents face? Are you, as progressives happy that the President has decided to “call em out’? Do you think it will matter in the long run?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks in advance.. namaste
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By: lori on October 10, 2009
at 5:17 AM
I thing etiquette books should come back in vogue, people don’t seem to know proper form when anyone wins something, Brazil the Olympics, President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize, it is congratulations. Too many people rant on and on, disparaging the recipient or the award, and others rationalize the why. Whatever happened to “keep it simple stupid,” just say congratulations and move on.
Jean, no plans on my part to displace you or anyone else, unfortunately I think my idea is a pipedream. No remote uninhabited piece of land of significant size and climate, to relocate the dregs of society exists anymore.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 10, 2009
at 5:14 AM
Congratulations President Obama!
I have faith this will give you renewed strength to keep pushing to do the right thing for the American people.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 10, 2009
at 1:34 AM
Hi gang,
This has been a Red Letter time for me. This is ONE advantage to aging! I had a routine eye exam with my Ophthalmologist/Eye Surgeon. I have been myopic (near sighted) right along. Apparently, as one ages the natural progression is toward presbyopia (far sightedness.) You know, when your arms aren’t long enough to hold a book far away enough to read. It’s a lot more complicated than that but the upshot is that my myopia has been cancelled out by presbyopia and now at age 80, I have normal vision without glasses! I think my bifocals were very close to window glass anyway because I could always see without glasses to read the fine print; the phone book, newspapers, the computer and the piano keyboards as well as the music on the music stand. Stuff at a distance tended to be a little blurry though. (I do have one lil’ ole cataract that has been growing for a while but it’s not ready to be removed yet. I’ll cross that bridge if or when I come to it.)
The eye doc gave me a form signed by him. I hotfooted it (more like hobbled) over to the DMV, paid my six bucks and got a new driver’s license that took OFF the “Needs Corrected Vision” requirement. I didn’t even have to take the eye test or anything. Unfortunately the picture on my new license isn’t much better. I can’t drive very far on an itty-bitty island only 35 miles in diameter with mostly only two lane highways. But I get to wherever I want to go and driving is a sit-down activity for my crappy back.
My last pair of glasses cost me $400.00. Now, that’s money in the bank! I rounded up several old pairs of glasses including some prescription sunglasses along with some of my husband’s too. We took them to Long’s Drug store where they have a box sponsored by the Lion’s Club. They collect them for recycling and redistribution.
I feel so liberated!!! No more smudged or fogged up glasses. No more laying them down and forgetting where they are.
My eye doc and I are good buddies. Besides being a fine doctor he is an accomplished pianist. So after a thorough eye exam we sit there for a while and talk music. Naturally, he and his staff carefully check for those nasty eye diseases that are insidious because they are initially and usually painless. Of course, pain or an injury will send people scurrying to the eye doc. Even dry eyes can be painful, but easily taken care of with over the counter artificial tears twice a day.
Serious eye diseases like cancer, glaucoma, torn retinas and histoplasmosis require the expertise of a qualified ophthalmologist. I had a dear friend with histoplasmosis who lost chunks of her field of vision before it was treated with a laser to prevent further damage. (HISTOPLASMOSIS is caused by an air born fungus prevalent in the Deep South, not to be confused with LEPTOPLASMOSIS, caused by a bacterium in fresh water streams here in Hawaii.)
I said my eye doc is a pianist. (He is probably approaching middle age even though, to ME, he looks more like he’s 13-14 years old.) Sometime when I get around to it, I’ll tell you what he and some of his other medical colleagues do. It is a heartwarming story.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 10, 2009
at 12:53 AM
Wow, what an awesome, beautiful and to-the-point rant. My husband is in the background cheering at you. Thanks for saying all this, so exactly on target.
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By: Valerie in San Diego on October 10, 2009
at 12:50 AM
Anne
No need to get testy yourself.
I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on Obama’s statement when he said he didn’t deserve the prize. He was simply being self-deprecating. That’s just the way he is.
Greg Mortenson is an exemplary individual. Unfortunately he does not have the international recognition or political stature to change the basic culture of any nation. He may change the lives of the girls going to one of his schools, but nothing will get resolved in Afghanistan until people learn that Al Qaida and the Taliban are not the main enemy. It is the tribal chieftans protecting their drug routes and control over their local businesses who are the genesis of the country’s problems. And Afghanistan is not the only culture that needs changing.
We need someone who can work with and influence the leaders of other countries, friends and foes alike, before we can begin to approach solutions. And there is no instant fix in all of this. This process will continue far beyond my lifetime. After all, it took hundreds of years to get us to this level of disagreement but we have to start somewhere. Obama is inaugurating the first change of direction by an influential leader of the international community we’ve seen in several decades.
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By: jsri on October 9, 2009
at 9:17 PM
Jean
Your little patch is safe.
I was thinking of something a little farther south like the South Georgia or South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic. It would be okay for the penguins to continue leaving their calling cards there.
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By: jsri on October 9, 2009
at 8:44 PM
Please, please PLEASE write a book!! I want to read
more of your intelligence, common sense and wit!!
Thanks.
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By: mitch eales. on October 9, 2009
at 8:19 PM
I just want to say that I agree, and I love you. You remind me of my Mom.
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By: Thomas Raymond on October 9, 2009
at 7:51 PM
Well, just when I think we are moving forward… sometimes there is a step back. Along with good news, unfortunately there is also bad…
“Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to reauthorize three expiring provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act.”
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-harris/obama-versus-obama-on-the_b_315638.html
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By: Poolman on October 9, 2009
at 7:00 PM
Hi gang, jsri and Anne,
Hey! Now wait just a damn minute! I’m on a itty-bitty island in the middle of the Pacific.
But the Atlantic has nice islands too, ergo, the Azores. Lets try the Indian Ocean. Nope. Good people there too. Arctic or Antarctic? The penguins wouldn’t want their habitat messed up.
I guess we will just have to put up with some strange thinking people until they ever, or maybe never, shape up.
In the meantime, I’m basking in the reflected glory of OUR president being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 9, 2009
at 6:50 PM
[…] Helen: I am not sure when it happened but the base of the Republican party either got lazy or stupid or both… or maybe they always were. It took me only a few minutes of research on the internet to learn that America spends more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation and yet we don’t live longer or have better health outcomes. So unless we just enjoy making health insurance companies rich, all those tea party morons need to use the internet for something other than ordering their penis enhancement pills. […] […]
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By: Cheers and Jeers: Rum and Coke FRIDAY! | Second Reagan Revolution on October 9, 2009
at 6:49 PM
Donna says – “To me, the award is an indication of how dreadful America’s reputation was in the world and an acknowledgment of hope that this is a new approach and time.”
I think that is it. You could be glib and say that he got it for being Not Bush, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But it is about hope.
Now, I had hope during the Bush administration. For 8 years, I woke up every morning and hoped desperately that those lunatics wouldn’t pick today to blow up everything, just because they could. Hoped that the Congress, the courts and the Constitution could hang on to at least a few of our rights. Hoped we would know when paranoid became realistic. We apologized to our friends abroad and hoped someday we wouldn’t have to. Hoped we could hang on long enough to get rid of the bastards. That’s not the kind of hope this is.
This is good. We’ve joined the world again and the world has noticed. We’re no longer a global gangster and we’re working to make coalitions so together we all can keep the other global gangsters in check. No more gang wars with the intended goal of leaving us the last, biggest, bad guy on the planet.
This is an honor that will have to be lived up to, rather than one that has already been earned. I believe and hope that Obama understands this. More precisely, I believe he wants to and can. This guy came to play – no, actually, he came to work. That’s a big enough change right there to get your hopes up.
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By: judith on October 9, 2009
at 6:43 PM
Andrew Sullivan sums Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize: Know Hope.
http://bit.ly/3TWO8E
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 6:28 PM
Greytdog and Donna Thank you for putting so eloquently into words what I have been feeling about the Nobel Peace Prize.
AS you said it was not so much what he has done but the HOPE that he has givien us and the world.
So far from the REpugs, I have heard nothing positive for fixing the mess we were in.
I’m with y ou about not listening to any of them.
Twice this week I have passed Glen BEck wh ile channel surfing. The first time I lasted aboutmaybe 20 seconds, the second even less.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 9, 2009
at 6:24 PM
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for this!
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By: Gita Rau on October 9, 2009
at 6:07 PM
Oh and in the excitement of the NPP and the banality of the day. . .let us not forget the importance of today’s date:
IT’S BO OBAMA’S BIRTHDAY!!!! YAYYYY BO!!!
Happy birthday to you!!!
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 5:15 PM
Greytdog Thanks for the linkto sotto voce.
VEry good.
I would b e ashamed to call myself Republican as they are nothing but negativity and hate. How do they live withthemselves?/
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By: Grandma Katie on October 9, 2009
at 5:03 PM
oh, and jsri: I have maxed out. I forced myself to listen to talk radio so that I would hear other points of view. I have decided that it’s not worth hearing. I know that these people will say anything regardless of its truth or merit. I know they are cruel and crude and venal and without any redeeming qualities. And I am DONE.
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By: donna on October 9, 2009
at 4:53 PM
Anne–I am a big Obama fan. To me, the award is an indication of how dreadful America’s reputation was in the world and an acknowledgment of hope that this is a new approach and time. But you are correct–it is not a result of anything in particular that he DID. It is what–at least in my opinion–he REPRESENTS.
And jsri–I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Or that Anne was not appropriate in her comment. Actually, I think you both are correct. I don’t disagree with the award to our president, I am thrilled that our reputation in the world is being restored, but I do believe the award is an expression of hope as opposed to an acknowledgment of current achievement.
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By: donna on October 9, 2009
at 4:50 PM
Sometimes, the Nobel Peace Prize is not given for what a person has accomplished, but for what they have inspired others to accomplish, to strive towards…
I think that’s what the Nobel Peace Committee was alluding to – that the election of Barack Obama not only inspired this country, but inspired the world. His campaign, his election to the Presidency of the United States of America, echoed throughout the globe – his campaign motto of Yes We Can is the thread that binds us. Because we recognize that the problems facing this country, facing this world cannot be solved by one man, or even one nation. They can only be solved by people around the world who say and live their life as the answer of Yes We Can.
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 4:49 PM
*or hear it
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By: lori on October 9, 2009
at 4:37 PM
I am sure many of you received this e-mail but for those who did not… here ya go.. 😉
I love my President..
lor —
This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I’d been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.
To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize — men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.
But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I’ve said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won’t all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it’s recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.
This award — and the call to action that comes with it — does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.
So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we’ve begun together. I’m grateful that you’ve stood with me thus far, and I’m honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
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By: lori on October 9, 2009
at 4:12 PM
Jsri, I am chuckling about your solution to isolate right-wing-dingbats to their own island, for a long time now, I have been telling my husband, we need to send child molesters to their own islands. Males on one, females on a different island, give them seeds and implements so they can survive, but not let them breed their own victims. I think your idea and mine could be combined, ignorant people really shouldn’t reproduce and instill hate into impressionable young minds.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 9, 2009
at 4:04 PM
jsri:
No need to get testy. Obama himself said he doesn’t deserve the prize. Having a positive tone is not enough to merit a Nobel Prize. It is not my responsibility to suggest who should win one. However, if you’d like an example of someone who is deserving, I’d nominate Greg Mortenson, who has risked his life to build schools for girls in Afghanistan. Future Al Kaida suicide bombers come out of schools run by religious fanatics who indoctrinate school children into believe the US is bad. This American has spent his own money and risked his life several times to build schools to give girls a real education. I’d say that’s something tangible a person is doiing to promote peace.
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By: Anne on October 9, 2009
at 3:57 PM
Anne on October 9, 2009 at 2:47 PM
I’m not mystified by the award at all. I believe that the committee was well aware that in order to change the direction of history, there must be changes in the underlying culture and to change the culture requires a change in attitude on the part of those in leadership positions. After all, we have plenty of examples to show that belligerence simply begets more belligerence and we know well how that worked during the years of the GWB administration.
If you believe that President Obama is so undeserving of the award, perhaps you could name someone somewhere else in the world who has the respect, the influence and the potential to change the culture. Or would you prefer that we go back to the world threatening posture of the previous administration?
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By: jsri on October 9, 2009
at 3:24 PM
“Top 50 Conservative Websites Reveal Alarming Patterns”
http://newsjunkiepost.com/2009/10/07/top-50-conservative-websites-reveal-alarming-patterns/
“The next time you run into someone on a forum board or social media website that starts going off about how Obama has a fake birth certificate, the health care plan is to euthanize the elderly, or other nut-flavored conspiracy theories, you can bet they just came from one of the following places.”
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By: Poolman on October 9, 2009
at 2:53 PM
I cannot believe they awareded Obama a Nobel Peace Prize. I mean, I like the guy. I voted for the guy. I despise the Republican party right now. I admire what he’s trying to do as far as health care, improving international relations, refocusing our efforts on Afghanistan, global warming, renewable energy, ect. But a Nobel Peace Prize??? He was nominated for it only a couple of months into his presidency! It seems as though he’s won on the basis of what he says he wants to do, rather than what he’s actually acomplished. It seems he’s won simply by being not-Bush. Not-Bush is not an accomplishment. I could see it after his first term, after we’ve seen results, but I don’t think setting a new tone really qualifies for a Nobel Prize. I’m stratching my head over this one.
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By: Anne on October 9, 2009
at 2:47 PM
Fascinating news! But I fear it will only make President Obama’s life more difficult.
The escalation of apoplectic comments by Faux news groupies and mindless Limbaugh acolytes is truly scary to the point that I am really frightened by the possibility of action by some umhinged follower. The comments have sunk to a venomous depth that in my lifetime I would never have believed was possible.
I just wish there was a remote island somewhere in the South Atlantic where we could ship them all and simply label it according to the mindset they represent, Berserkistan
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By: jsri on October 9, 2009
at 2:39 PM
kitkatΔ and Δ¥ Tine, You’re probably right about that being bogus. I can find 3 sources, but can’t find a credible source that agrees with it and like you said no article in the Aug 3rd from the Daily Express. Whoops, my bad. I wish I could pull that comment with the link. I should have done more research first. I guess I jumped the gun. Happens sometimes. I don’t like to be the one helping to spread any rumors. Sorry! 😦
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By: Poolman on October 9, 2009
at 2:37 PM
VEry best congratulations to President Obama!
The proclamation issued by the Nobel Committee says it all !
I had lost all hope the past 8 years and Obamas’ election brought it all back. And n ow the Nobel Peace Prize!
Wonderful!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 9, 2009
at 1:34 PM
I had the same reaction, Kitkat. Though I dislike Jindal, I find the details of that story rather outrageous.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 9, 2009
at 1:27 PM
Poolman, I think that Jindal story is totally made up. There is no article in the Daily Express about Jindal on August 3rd or any other date. It smells fishy to me.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 9, 2009
at 1:21 PM
“Prominent Republican Allegedly Scratches out Passages of Bible, Claims Jesus Would Deny Health Care”
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By: Poolman on October 9, 2009
at 12:57 PM
Only through dialog can we understand others, whether it is on this blog or other countries and cultures. We need to be willing to risk talking because living in blind fear is more of a risk. It is so much easier to label someone a “bogeyman” if you know nothing about him.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 9, 2009
at 12:44 PM
Hi gang,
I am SO proud of our President Obama and how he has lifted the stature of the United States around the world.
Congratulations to him and to all the other reciipients who have worked so hard and dedicated their lives to science and the humanities.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 9, 2009
at 12:24 PM
I have health insurance, good health insurance. And if I found out I had cancer tomorrow, it would be a hard choice for me to make whether I wanted to go through treatment and be in debt for the rest of my life, working and struggling to pay off my cancer treatment, or live whatever time I have left in peace with my family…and I’m 30 years old. No one should have to make that choice. Cancer or any other disease would ruin me financially for the rest of my life, and like I said, I actually have “good” insurance.
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By: Jenni on October 9, 2009
at 12:12 PM
Greytdog- sadly I think that I am the enemy of your enemy which puts me in a bind.I choose life.
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By: Secret TalkerΔ on October 9, 2009
at 11:56 AM
Congratulations President Obama!
The wing nuts must be gong crazy! They are crazy – nothing new there.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 9, 2009
at 11:37 AM
Folks, here’s another worthy blog; Sotto Voce.
Her post today:Nobel Peace Prize Winner Barak Obama « Sotto Voce http://bit.ly/LmosQ
A remarkable person. Really.
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 11:03 AM
Here’s Your Real Death Panel: CIGNA Employees Flip Off Mother Of Nataline Sarkisyan:
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/heres-your-real-death-panel-cigna-employees
The clilp of FOX defending the insurance company’s decision to deny the liver transplant is sick! It’s exactly the death panel they rail against!
Then they go on and say denial of coverage doesn’t mean she couldn’t have gotten the surgery. They could have found the money some other way. For a liver transplant?!? There are doctors who won’t even SEE an uninsured patient!
Obviously I don’t know if the procedure was the right thing for this girl or not, but am just outraged at the hypocrisy over the death panel argument! Hide your grandma, folks… we have death panels TODAY!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 9, 2009
at 10:42 AM
Thanks for the incredibly groovy clip, Greytdog.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 9, 2009
at 10:10 AM
Had to share this with you all:
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 9:59 AM
Rush Limbaugh is seeking to buy the St Louis Rams NFL team.
Many black players say they would not play for him. I’m impressed! Good for them!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 9, 2009
at 9:53 AM
Outspoken critics of Obama’s Nobel Prize award:
Hamas
Hezzbollah
Taliban
Al-Quaeda
GOP
Limbaugh
RNC Chair Michael Steele
Well water seeks its own level, IMO.
President Obama is on TV right now – points out that his kids put things into perspective: “Daddy you won the Nobel Peace Prize, it’s Bo’s birthday today, and we have a 3-day weekend coming up!”
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 9:18 AM
I went cruising around to see how the right wing reaction is shaping up. It is actually worse than I expected. Aparently my brain just can’t go that low!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 9, 2009
at 8:50 AM
Congratulations, Mr. President!!!!
(I wonder how FAUX is going to spin this one.)
And well said, Greytdog!
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By: Claire on October 9, 2009
at 8:16 AM
Secret TalkerΔ :”We can be hopeful but we must not underestimate others whose culture & outlook is quite different from ours.”
Good point. At the same time, we must not allow those differences to blind us from seeking out and upholding the commonalities between us. It’s a fine balance between the two, and we have to further understand that the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend. He may end up being a more dangerous enemy.
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 8:13 AM
This is the kind of thinking we need now… for those who shun exercise…
I love this idea. I would even travel to go to a place where they had this as a permanent installment.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 9, 2009
at 8:09 AM
http://www.jihadwatch.org/
Words can slip easily from the tongue. Political Islam is waging a war from within that achieves concessions for their beliefs in Europe but is not liberal in return towards other beliefs; and with a belief also that they are at war and anything and everything is fair…such as lying to achieve Jihad; and pretending to work for a peace that includes all people.We can be hopeful but we must not underestimate others whose culture & outlook is quite different from ours.
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By: Secret TalkerΔ on October 9, 2009
at 8:08 AM
And I first heard of it here! I opened the comments this morning and found a couple of congratulations, not knowing what they were for. I was very pleased when I immediately found the story on Raw Story. This news gave my mood a wonderful lift for a gloomy, rainy day. It also helps that I’m forced to take a day off since we landscapers don’t work in heavy downpours, just light drizzles. Even if Obama accomplishes nothing more in his term, he as changed the way the rest of the world sees us. It feels good!
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 9, 2009
at 8:07 AM
mmmm sometimes GOOD does win.. 😉
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By: lori on October 9, 2009
at 8:04 AM
Peace on Earth….
and always believe in good will!
Congratulations, President Obama!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 9, 2009
at 7:53 AM
The citation from the Committee awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.
Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the United States is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.
Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.
For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world’s leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama’s appeal that “now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.”
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By: Greytdog on October 9, 2009
at 7:07 AM
I hope he is not innocently facilitating The Third Jihad. Congrats?
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By: Secret TalkerΔ on October 9, 2009
at 6:36 AM
Woooo hooo, President Obama, you rock!
In Taoist principles of yin and yang, it is seen that when either force goes to its extreme, it becomes its opposite and complimentary force. It appears that we now have that opposite and complimentary force in our President and the world is so quick in recognizing it. You gotta love the miracle of hope and its restorative powers.
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By: Pameal on October 9, 2009
at 6:10 AM
What a surprise! Wow.
And now, let us put in our earplugs to ignore the collective cow-having of the right-wingnut media.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 9, 2009
at 6:02 AM
Congratulations President Obama.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 9, 2009
at 4:32 AM
Congratulations Mr. President!
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By: lori on October 9, 2009
at 3:54 AM
Lots of interesting comments. However, I’m ready for another post…
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By: Dawn on October 8, 2009
at 11:26 PM
thymeCher- just read the Times ar ticle. Wow. He doesnt pull any punches does he. T hanks for sending the link.
Glad to see you back. Have missed seeing you Posts during the summer.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 8, 2009
at 5:07 PM
thymeCher – T hanks for your info about Whitman. WE do not need her as governor. The one we have now is no picnic.
Googled her this morning and got a lot. Interesting how many companies she has bounced around!!
You B&B slower down a bit?
Missed the LAT imes bit . Going to read it now. Thanks again.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 8, 2009
at 4:56 PM
@ Grandma Katie on October 7, 2009
at 9:48 AM
This article ran in Monday’s LA Times. You may want to rethink Meg Whitman as gov…
“California’s political graveyards are littered with wannabe governors who fantasized about using their vast fortunes to buy the top job without first paying any dues.
And not only did Whitman shun the political ladder, she has hardly ever used the ballot box. Or the convenient absentee ballot. Now 53, she didn’t even register to vote until 46, the Sacramento Bee reported. She didn’t become a Republican until two years ago.
An “atrocious” record, Whitman now admits. “I was focused on raising a family, on my husband’s career, and we moved many, many times. It is no excuse. My voting record . . . is unacceptable.”
Yes. And this is what the record indicates: Whitman felt she had more important things to do than participate in democracy’s most basic civic duty. She couldn’t be bothered. Had little interest in public policy.
Now she wants to be governor. Is that arrogant?”
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cap5-2009oct05,0,7546787.column
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By: thymeCher on October 8, 2009
at 1:20 PM
Where have you two delightful ladies been? I’ve been checking at least 3 times a day since 9-23. I sure hope you are both well…………please write again soon…………missing your wonderful commentary on life in this world!
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By: crafty lady in illinois on October 8, 2009
at 11:12 AM
This has information on the Blue Dogs obstructing Health care reform.
http://progressiveblueprints.tumblr.com/
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By: Greytdog on October 8, 2009
at 9:27 AM
If you didn’t watch Keith Olbermann last night, please follow Whirled Peas links. Definitely must see. I also like the idea of the free clinics in key states to try to wake up these clueless Senators. Thanks also to Lori for the links — I’ve signed up and passed them on.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 8, 2009
at 6:58 AM
Thanks again KO!
National Association
of Free Clinics (NAFC)
PEACE ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 8, 2009
at 6:25 AM
Olbermann’s Special Comment:
The Fight Against Death
10-07-09 Part One
&
Parts 2 thru 5
Must see TV ~ Thanks KO! ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 8, 2009
at 5:27 AM
lori,
Thanks for signing our petition asking the Senate to pass The Kennedy Bill. We’ll deliver all signatures this coming Monday to Sen. Harry Reid and other Senate offices. We’re at 74,557 signatures. Can you help us reach 100,000 by Monday by telling others?
If you’re on Facebook, click here to share the petition. http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://honorkennedy.com/p-2m1-fb-auto
If you’re on Twitter, click to automatically Tweet this message: RT @BoldProgressive Tell Senators: Pass the Kennedy Bill on health reform, NOT the insurance-industry written bill http://bit.ly/RcglI #p2
Or simply forward the below email to your friends.
Thanks for being a bold progressive,
–Stephanie Taylor, PCCC co-founder
——————————————————————————–
Hi. Senators will soon choose between passing the Kennedy health care bill with a public health insurance option or another bill written by the insurance companies.
I just signed this petition telling senators to honor Ted Kennedy by passing The Kennedy Bill. http://honorkennedy.com/p-2m1-auto
It has over 74,000 signatures and progressives are trying to get 100,000 by Monday — when it will be delivered to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Will you sign the petition? You can sign here.
The petition says: “Ted Kennedy was a courageous champion for health care reform his entire life. In his honor, the Senate should pass the Kennedy Bill that passed Kennedy’s health committee — and nothing less.”
Thanks!
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By: lori on October 8, 2009
at 3:31 AM
hey guys please take a minute to sign this:
http://boldprogressives.org/majorityvote/p-e-typ
hopefully it will give these people the kick in the ass they need.
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By: lori on October 8, 2009
at 3:22 AM
jsri,
When a loved one dies, it leaves a void that is not pleasant or desired, and what you do with your grief helps to define who you are. You have an incredibly positive attitude which will see you through this time, and the fact that you used this experience to praise your mother and her influence is heartwarming and quite telling. You have my warmest thoughts.
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By: farsight Δ on October 7, 2009
at 10:21 PM
Dear jsri–you are in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing your situation. I admire you very much.
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By: Donna on October 7, 2009
at 8:22 PM
Sorry about your loss jsri. Your brother is in the best place there is. May he rest in peace.
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By: Easier on October 7, 2009
at 8:12 PM
jsri, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother. Even though he had “been gone” for a year, it’s still hard to grasp when death occurs. This is from Helen Steiner Rice
Into the darkness and warmth of the earth
We lay you down
Into the sadness and smiles of our memories
We lay you down
Into the cycle of living and dying and rising again
We lay you down
May you rest in peace, in fulfilment, in loving
May you run straight home in God’s embrace
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
We let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
We let you go
Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the star maker
We let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home
Peace unto you and yours.
Greytdog.
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By: Greytdog on October 7, 2009
at 7:29 PM
http://bit.ly/njVt3
QUickTime Clip of that song, Tine.
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By: Greytdog on October 7, 2009
at 7:25 PM
Red State’s Dublap has the solution to healthcare: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nc8krJThLo&feature=player_embedded#
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 7, 2009
at 6:47 PM
jsri, so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, however, as you said he had been gone for the past year. I do feel that Alzheimers must be the worse disease to befall a family. I have seen the early stages and the person is so angry for the beginning of the loss of memory. It seems you have a very loving family who were able to cope with this dreadful disease.
Namaste’ Δ
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By: Raji on October 7, 2009
at 5:49 PM
Helen is a good writer and all, but Margaret is the true back bone in this dog and pony show. I do worry about her so…
Drop us a line, Margaret dear! 🙂
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By: Shirley on October 7, 2009
at 5:49 PM
My sympathies to you and your family in the passing of your brother. Bless you all.
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By: sunshine on October 7, 2009
at 5:45 PM
Jsri, my condolences to you and your family.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 7, 2009
at 3:14 PM
Hi gang and dear,dear jsri,
My heart goes out to you and your family with the loss of your brother. You are a man with thoughtful wisdom.
My only brother was killed at age 24 at the Anzio Beachead in Italy during WWII. I ALWAYS choke up when I hear “Taps”.
Death is inevitable, we all know that. But even one unnecessary death is unconsciousable.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 7, 2009
at 1:34 PM
yw Grandma Katie.
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 1:06 PM
I want to thank all the H&M contributors who offered condolences and gentle thoughts on the death of my brother. It is this considerate family-like atmosphere that keeps me coming back to H&M’s website.
Our family is comfortable with my brother’s passing probably because he has been gone from us for the past year despite the fact that he was still physically present. I think most people would agree that Alzheimers is harder on the family than it is on the affected individual.
Every family has its ups and downs, agreements and disputes yet my brothers and sisters and I as a family tended to concentrate on the positive influences each member brought to the party, a trait we learned from our mother. By focussing on the good that each person has shared, we are better able to treat death as merely the end of a physical presence but not an end to the influence of that person.
My oldest sister was my first guiding light. She taught me the value of education. She also taught me how to read long before I got to school. And she had a quirky sense of humor that she often used when things went bad. My oldest brother was always in trouble for pushing the envelope, always trying something different. I learned that when things were not going according to plan, try something else. My next brother, the one who just passed away, had a powerful work ethic. Whenever he took a job, he’d examine and test every facet of the job until he had it mastered. And my little sister, the caring and compassionate one became a nurse. Sometimes you don’t need outside influences to guide you.
So, do I agree with everything each one did in life? Not at all. But in different particulars, they were my role models.
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By: jsri on October 7, 2009
at 12:49 PM
jsri – my heartfelt sympathies go to you and your family.
WAtching decline into altzheimers is painful. Now he is in Peace.
Lori – after rereading your comments os Whitman – she is definitely NOT what CAlifornia to run this state.
Thanks a lot for the info.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 7, 2009
at 12:41 PM
Thank you, Poolman. I’m not getting a video, but that’s definitely the recording I was looking for.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 7, 2009
at 12:28 PM
jsri, I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family peace
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By: kitkatΔ on October 7, 2009
at 12:27 PM
Δ¥ Tine, here is the video:
http://www.myspace.com/Pathumphries
jsri, God Bless you and comfort you in your loss.
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By: Poolman on October 7, 2009
at 12:08 PM
You’re welcome, Pamela. I wish I could find a YouTube clip of Pat Humphries herself singing this song. The lyrics alone don’t quite do it justice; it’s a lovely piece. (Some amateur clips are available, but they’re not so good.)
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 7, 2009
at 12:01 PM
jsri, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Peace to you.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 7, 2009
at 11:43 AM
Tine, thank you …. that was soooo beautiful it made me cry. I’ve cut and saved it to send to my aunt Trish whose true love (and my favorite uncle) passed a few weeks ago and I pray she’ll find comfort in this as I did.
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By: pamela Δ on October 7, 2009
at 11:11 AM
Jrsi, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 7, 2009
at 10:52 AM
jsri, may you and your family be lifted up with love that eases the pain and sadness of your brother’s passing. May peace embrace you.
This is what I was trying to post and it originally had Louis Armstrong singing “Its a Wonderful World” though this version is beautiful as well. jsri, I hope it brings a smile to your face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco
Darn, I think you’ll have to cut and past it. If nothing else, go to youtube and type in cat and deer. Enjoy
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By: pamela Δ on October 7, 2009
at 10:52 AM
Jsri, I’m sorry for your loss. Godspeed to your brother and peace to everyone who loved him.
This isn’t exactly a hymn, but I thought of it in your brother’s honor:
Swimming to the Other Side
by Pat Humphries
We are living ‘neath the great big dipper
We are washed by the very same rain
We are swimming in this stream together
Some in power and some in pain
We can worship this ground we walk on
Cherishing the beings that we live beside
Loving spirits will live forever
We’re all swimming to the other side
I am alone and I am searching, hungering for answers in my time
I am balanced at the brink of wisdom
I’m impatient to receive a sign
I move forward with my senses open
Imperfection, it be my crime
In humility, I will listen
We’re all swimming to the other side
On this journey through thoughts and feelings
Binding intuition, my head, my heart
I am gathering the tools together. I’m preparing to do my part
All of those who have come before me
Band together and be my guide
Loving lessons that I will follow
We’re all swimming to the other side
When we get there we’ll discover
All of the gifts we’ve been given to share
Have been with us since life’s beginning
And we never noticed they were there
We can balance at the brink of wisdom
Never recognizing that we’ve arrived
Loving spirits will live together
We’re all swimming to the other side
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 7, 2009
at 10:51 AM
Dear Jsri,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother.
Maybe we can all sing a hymn for him.
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By: Claire on October 7, 2009
at 10:39 AM
May the white light of the holy spirit surround you and your family in this sorrow filled time Jsri
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 10:36 AM
Two days ago my brother passed away. He was a WWII submarine service vet who quit school when he was 17 to join the Navy. The WWII vets in my family rarely brought up war experiences except when talking to one another. Even then they provided few details of their worst adventures. My brother fit that mold.
He was an enlisted seaman on the USS Queenfish when it was involved in one of the most controversial ship sinkings of the war, that of the Japanese relief ship the Awa Maru in 1944. Missed communications, an altered course and a dense foggy night sealed the fate of the doomed ship. So for many years my brother offered nothing about his duties of that night until about a year ago when he agreed to sit down and tell about it.
Unfortunately, his short term memory was beginning to fail although he had better recall of much earlier life incidents, – classic Alzheimer’s symptoms. From there it was a rapid descent into dementia. According to my sister-in-law, his private insurance balked at attempts at new medications declaring first that he had a pre-existing condition and that the treatments offered were experimental.
Their last alternative was to turn to the VA for help, that damned “socialist” entity created by the government to drain money from hard-working, god-fearing American taxpayers. For his last two weeks my brother was treated with great compassion and respect by a caring and competent staff. As a consequence, his passing was much less stressful, even a relief for his wife and children.
And I have missed an opportunity to learn a little more about a historic incident that has become almost as much a fable as a fact. While I suspect that there would be no earth shattering revelations it would have been nice to be able to hear the perspective of yet another participant who was on the scene when the controversial event took place.
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By: jsri on October 7, 2009
at 10:33 AM
LOL Grandma Katie, I am not sure she is as loony as Palin and Bachman, but she is pretty conservitive. I THINK she is pro choice (if my memory serves me correctly, and that’s a BIG if..LOL ) but she was in favor of having parental consent for teens.
She is VERY pro business and anti green though.
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 10:31 AM
Thanks Lori. You have told me all I want to know! So one is crossed off my list and relegated to the heap with Bachman, Palin etc etc. Just what we don’t need in California.
Just read in paper that McCain’s bill to dismantle Boeing in Long Beach failed!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 7, 2009
at 10:25 AM
http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFq_y/zJUk/pbIf
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By: Claire on October 7, 2009
at 10:19 AM
*economic advisors
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 10:12 AM
Grandma Katie, Whitman is a conservative best known probably for her business prowess. She was CEO of e-bay for awhile. It is a mixed bag when it comes to people’s opinion of her successes in that arena.
On the political side she endorsed Romney until he dropped out of the race, I believe she was one of his economical advisors. After he dropped out she supported McCain and was meant to be on his short list for vp and treasury. She is against gay marriage and was a supporter of prop 8. She has suggested that if she is elected gov she will suspend the restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. She is one of those who doesn’t “believe in global warming”.
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 10:07 AM
I would like to know more about Meg Whitman. At least I think that is her name. She is running (already) for CAlifornia Governor. I have heard a little about her.Ex head of Ebay and a few other companies. She caused money problems acording to what I heard. Anyone else know anything about her? CAlifornia definitely needs a new voice as Governor.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 7, 2009
at 9:48 AM
Pamela, just copy and paste the URL (website address) from the YouTube clip in the comment box. The YouTube clip will show up automatically.
Hiccup apparently missed the key fact that millions of people ARE PAYING and are NOT PERMITTED TO PLAY. What part of “consistently expensive, sucky health insurance” do these fact-challenged people not understand?
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 7, 2009
at 9:34 AM
To: judith on October 7, 2009 at 6:10 AM
I suspect Grandpa has been kicked to the curb because he is either already gone or about to go, thanks to our current healthcare system (or lack of it).
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By: jsri on October 7, 2009
at 9:12 AM
Good morning all. Can anyone guide me in how to post a youtube clip here?
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By: pamela Δ on October 7, 2009
at 8:05 AM
Delurker–they typically stay gone. I can think of maybe one time when I needed to repeat the sugar and that was it.
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By: Donna on October 7, 2009
at 7:58 AM
Donna, thanks for the tip. Do the hiccups stay gone when you do that? I do the upside down water trick and it works well but the hiccups don’t stay gone for me. Just hate hiccups!
Judith, I think using grandma is a recommendation from marketing. Grandpa’s are so often crabby (or dirty) old men, yanno. Well, except for most of the grandpa’s I know!
Lori, I sing like you. I’m asked to sing ‘so low’ rather than ‘solo’.
No one’s puppetΔ, I read that the passwords were actually collected via a fishing (phishing? pfishing????) scam and that the actual email providers themselves were not hacked. That makes sense – that was an awful lot of companies to get hacked simultaneously! It’s good practice to change your passwords periodically though, and not have the same password everywhere. Beware of anyone who asks for your password to anything. 🙂 Make them hard to guess, different everywhere, include upper case, lower case, numbers and special characters. And don’t write them down. In other words, impossible to remember so you have to ask for a password reset every time you access a site, LOL. I think it’s a vast tech wing conspiracy to provide entertainment for system administrators!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 7, 2009
at 7:18 AM
Yesterday one of you kind folks let us know about changing our passwords for hotmail accounts that has been expanded. I heard on the news this morning, there was a breach of security last Sunday and numerous email passwords leaked, so it is a good idea to reset your password. This applies to hotmail, yahoo, gmail, etc, so you may want to pass this message on to all your friends.
I hate to be a spoil sport, but I’m not coming to your musical recital. I’ve raised three children, and also had a sister who never did master the clarinet, my nerves are shot. I’ll be there later for some pie though.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 7, 2009
at 6:57 AM
Congratulations, farsight Δ!
I was thinking the same thing last night–Katherine Harris and Michelle Bachmann,
two plastic peas in a pod! You know, like those plastic vegetables my school has on top of the lunch cart. Not too inspiring.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 7, 2009
at 6:29 AM
Well I can’t carry a tune in a bucket but I listen well! All performers need an audience… I’ll sign up for audience committee.. ;-O
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By: lori on October 7, 2009
at 6:19 AM
So now it’s not the Bible that’s inerrant, it’s them.
I always suspected as much.
My husband pointed out this AM that nobody’s concerned about killing Grandpa. WTH? What did Grandpa do to get kicked to the curb like this? He’s taking it quite personally.
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By: judith on October 7, 2009
at 6:10 AM
aha! I can be useful here. This is directly from my husband’s residency. Take a spoonful of sugar and let it dissolve on the back of your tongue. No more hiccups.
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By: Donna on October 7, 2009
at 5:51 AM
Forget Helen…where is Margaret???
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By: Lorena Middleman on October 7, 2009
at 5:27 AM
Farsight, happy anniversary. So why were you on the porch playing the banjo instead of celebrating 😉
Ugh, Katherine Harris definitely has an aura and it smells.
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By: Raji on October 7, 2009
at 5:05 AM
Hey, it’s 10:41 PM my time so it is still my wonderful wife’s and my 18th wedding anniversary.
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By: farsight Δ on October 6, 2009
at 11:43 PM
Alaskan,
Looks like they may be about ready to fix some of those pesky little problems Jesus has caused:
http://rawstory.com/2009/10/conservapedia-rewrite-bible/
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By: farsight Δ on October 6, 2009
at 11:40 PM
kitkatΔ,
I didn’t like Betsy McCaughey the first time I saw her and I like her even less now. She is disingenuous at best, and I think they went easier on her in the interview than she deserves.
As far as I am concerned, you could take all the best qualities of McCaughey, Palin, Harris, Coulter and Bachmann and it wouldn’t even be enough to make one decent human being.
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By: farsight Δ on October 6, 2009
at 11:17 PM
I hate hiccups. I always get those really violent kind that hurt really bad. I also notice they always come in batches and I get them constantly for several days.
One of my kids had them all the time when I was pregnant with him too. It was funny watching my belly hiccup.
I definitely believe in paying my own way, but would never fault someone for hard circumstances. That is just human kindness. Jesus was a socialist. You didn’t see him asking for people’s HMO card before he would make them walk or heal leprosy.
He also gave loaves and fishes to everyone that came. Share with those less fortunate. I don’t remember the part of the story where he says “get your hands off my fish and go get your own.”
Since when did Christianity become so “unChrist like?” Very disturbing and sad too.
It is ok for C Street to have affairs and not be subject to the same rules. It is ok for Palin’s daughter to have babies out of wedlock. But just try to show compassion and concern for fellow human beings as shown by Christ and all of a sudden you are a socialist and a commie. I seem to remember that Jesus was a teacher; teaching us a new way of being and acting with one another.
Go ahead and raise my taxes some if it will benefit the status quo of everyone. I am not that selfish that I will say “I got mine, who cares about yours.”
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By: Alaskan on October 6, 2009
at 11:00 PM
Bending over forward and drinking upside down always works for me.
You can sit on the porch, but don’t feed the critters.
I think the aura of Katharine Harris (think Florida) is very similar to that of Michelle Bachmann.
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By: farsight Δ on October 6, 2009
at 11:00 PM
Maybe if we hold our breath.
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By: Poolman on October 6, 2009
at 10:34 PM
BOO!
Just trying to scare the hiccup away.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 6, 2009
at 10:31 PM
You people are full of shit. Single payor healthcare will bankrupt this county. Like everythiing else in life – if you can”t afford it, you should have it. Pay to play. Survival of the fittest.
The bloom is off the rose. Obama is a loser.
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By: Hiccup on October 6, 2009
at 10:24 PM
farsight, thanks for the doo whop horses… listened to every imaginable combination for an extended time … evidently much needed after seeing Craig cut and snip my extended hand out to help him and turn it into some smear… wth. Is that what you were up to Craig? Were you listing all those pastes as evidence of attacks on you from the friendly folks on the porch? Do you not remember how many people reached out to you and offered suggestions and care and concern over your health and well being? Is it possible I’ve misunderstood?
Do any two people ever see anything in the same light? It’s so easy to assume what people are up to and caste judgements. Much harder to listen and stay open in heart and mind.
I’ve got a didgeradoo and a rainstick and some drums and can definitely carry a tune though I don’t feel much like talking. I will say that from my research and imho, the vaccination is a very dangerous thing and that’s all I’ll say.
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By: pamela on October 6, 2009
at 10:16 PM
before you put the cap back on that superglue stick dont forget palin
😀
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 6, 2009
at 8:46 PM
watch Rep. Weiner take on Betsy McCaughey — she might be wishing for one of the death panels she is so happy to talk about.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 6, 2009
at 8:43 PM
No, it’s Twinkie night! Yay Twins!!!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 6, 2009
at 8:35 PM
I took conducting class in college while a member of the Concert Choir. And I’ve directed a church choir for two years in my very distant past.
I would love to direct this porch ensemble–or maybe it’s a full-fledged symphonic orchestra by now!
Right now, I’m directing my kids in 7 songs to sing for their parents at a performance coming up. Nothing like children’s singing to make ya happy!
And ah one and ah two and away we go!
I’m thinking Tuesday is burrito night.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 6, 2009
at 7:40 PM
Farsight, that link was fun. Thanks. A stress relief is always good. However, the latest posts are also funny with good humor. Hurry back Helen, the porch is sagging with the waiting souls playing the various instruments. Might be fun to have a M&H band.
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By: Raji on October 6, 2009
at 6:15 PM
Grandma Katie, that was a good one :lol:Rush have children, OMG
Keith in NM maybe it is time the rest of us, the middle majority, to start yelling!!! Beware of drinking the water as apparently it has strange effects or at least boil the water 😉
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By: Raji on October 6, 2009
at 6:06 PM
Oh you girls stop with that. Always ripping each others’ looks or style. And we men are accused of only being interested in the physical. She is not unattractive physically. It is her mental state and ideology that is funky.
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By: Poolman on October 6, 2009
at 6:03 PM
You have that all right, Maybe we should take away all government employees their free lifetime insurance and their pensions and make them pay the “real” price of insurance and see how long they last in their homes….
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By: chuck in MN on October 6, 2009
at 5:51 PM
Daffy Duck with a canned tan. Ever notice she has the oddest coloring? She has a terrbile aura.
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By: lori on October 6, 2009
at 5:49 PM
I only wished a very small bad thing – that someone would superglue Michele Bachmann’s lips together. She does look like Daffy Duck, ya know. . .
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By: Greytdog on October 6, 2009
at 5:44 PM
Children? Are you talking about Rush and some of his ilk? Heaven help us if they produce any!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 6, 2009
at 5:04 PM
Funny how the entirety of the GOP forgets that they, yes they, not the Democrats are the party that began the modern progressive movement in this country via Teddy Roosevelt.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 6, 2009
at 4:46 PM
You know, I welcome an honest debate. It’s how I explore other’s ideas and beliefs. I certainly don’t see myself as infallible or anywhere close to being any sort of an expert on anything. And I’ll admit to not being pleased with the direction our country was headed during the last administration, but I was never ugly, nor did I ever wish bad things for or to happen to any, I mean ANY elected official.
But what the hell has happened here. Where the hell is the well that these idiots drank from so that I can make sure I avoid that crap?
Screaming the kind of BS that these idiots are spreading on the air-waves (Rush and his ilk) makes them the laughing stock of the world…. what a legacy for their children and grand children. Can you imagine what it’s like for one of these kids in public school? Not that any self-respecting Republican would allow their children to attend school with the ‘unwashed’.
Pretty soon the rest of us, the middle majority are going to be yelling out our windows, something like that movie a couple of decades ago, “I’m mad as hell and I just can’t take it anymore, shut the hell up!”
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 6, 2009
at 4:34 PM
By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 6, 2009 at 1:39 PM
There’s another Carly Simon number that reminds me of H&M’s website
Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, you’re the best
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/bridgetjones-theedgeofreason/nobodydoesitbetter.htm
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By: jsri on October 6, 2009
at 2:44 PM
You’re so vain, you probably think this blog is about you, don’t you, don’t you, don’t youuuu….!
Thanks, DeLurker Girl!
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 6, 2009
at 2:07 PM
ImaginistaΔ, you made me think of this!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 6, 2009
at 1:39 PM
Even when you don’t name names, trolls think you’re talking about THEM! Too funny and the perfect illustration of my point.
I hope Helen posts something new soon. But meanwhile, I’m enjoying the banter and the recipes!
I think we should change the name of the “scroll funtion” to “troll function” since that is what it is used for most! Hee hee.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on October 6, 2009
at 1:17 PM
You gals are a hoot!
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By: Ruth Hightower on October 6, 2009
at 1:00 PM
Well, for sheer annoyance, nothing beats the concertina, according to my husband.
Also have a trumpet, cornet, keyboard, 2 bodhrans (drums – 1 is broken), a couple pennywhistles, 1 cheap guitar and I’m just starting on the harmonica.
I also sing. Loudly.
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By: judith on October 6, 2009
at 12:52 PM
Oops!
Double post. Is it me or the computer? Probably me.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 6, 2009
at 12:43 PM
Hi gang and farsight Δ,
Panic time! The computer/TV/phones crashed last night. But everything is OK this morning.
Farsight, I’m working on my husband and his hearing aids. He is amenable now to at least looking into the digital ones with the latest technology.
We are having so much fun with our growing porch band I almost decided not to put this up. Almost.
I think Craig might consider changing his blog name to GrudgeCollector. He seems to be so proud of the fact that he has learned to ‘cut and paste’. It makes me no never mind one way or the other what or if he says anything about me, but I look askance at a young whippersnapper taking pot shots at my friends. Whenever he gets dry behind the ears, I hope he will join in the band, singing perhaps, even off key!
I have sung in a number of a cappella choirs and chorale groups but my ego took a beating. (I always wanted to be the glamorous soprano who got the guy or died pitifully trying.) Unfortunately, my natural voice is alto or contralto so they stuck me in the TENOR section, mostly because I could carry a part in harmony. There are never enough tenors. We need more tenors!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 6, 2009
at 12:37 PM
Hi gang and farsight Δ,
Panic time! The computer/TV/phones crashed last night. But everything is OK this morning.
Farsight, I’m working on my husband and his hearing aids. He is amenable now to at least looking into the digital ones with the latest technology.
We are having so much fun with our growing porch band I almost decided not to put this up. Almost.
I think Craig might consider changing his blog name to GrudgeCollector. He seems to be so proud of the fact that he has learned to ‘cut and paste’. It makes me no never mind one way or the other what or if he says anything about me, but I look askance at a young whippersnapper taking pot shots at my friends. Whenever he gets dry behind the ears, I hope he will join in the band, singing perhaps, even off key!
I have sung in a number of a cappella choirs and chorale groups but my ego took a beating. I always wanted to be the glamorous soprano who got the guy or died pitifully trying. Unfortunately, my natural voice is alto or contralto so they stuck me in the TENOR section, mostly because I could carry a part in harmony. There are never enough tenors. We need more tenors!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 6, 2009
at 12:32 PM
Salon fixes the Bible’s liberal bias –
http://bit.ly/iQqJN
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By: Greytdog on October 6, 2009
at 10:37 AM
One of my modern theological heroes is Dr. Martin E. Marty http://bit.ly/UCfCe
Here’s his response to the Conservative Bible Project: “It would be an assault on their own view of “inerrancy” etc. Quaint and paradoxical!”
So much for the infallible Word of God. (snicker) And for real snickers, go to twitter and search #conservativebible – you’ll laugh!
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By: Greytdog on October 6, 2009
at 10:26 AM
This is just too funny not to share. Is saw it breaking the other day and knew it was gonna get BIG!
The Conservative Bible Project
The eager young men at Conservapedia are p.o.’d that the Bible might be seen as too liberal. So they’ve come up with the Wiki-style Conservative Bible Project, to make sure the Lord doesn’t go all wobbly on us.
.
I’m sure Bachmann and Palin are all for it! Watch for this story. It’s gonna go huge. Click thru or look on other blogs, read the comments (make sure you’re not drinking or eating). Better yet go visit some RW blogs for some real laughs.
Cuz we all know..
…Jesus was a Republican! 😉
PEACE ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 6, 2009
at 10:14 AM
whoa, Farsight Δ, that might be the totally coolest sight I’ve seen in ages. I’ll just ship it off to several choice correspondents of mine. My husband requested a copy, just by sound (he’s in another room and wanted it immediately) No wonder Kyle loves it.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 6, 2009
at 6:05 AM
Helen, your writing ranks right up there with my favorite Texan, Molly Ivins. Like her, you cut through the b.s. and tell it like it is. Thank you.
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By: Martha on October 6, 2009
at 6:03 AM
That should have been post vice most.
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By: farsight Δ on October 5, 2009
at 10:44 PM
In addition to my last most and for a little late night entertainment I bring to you the Doo-Wop horses:
Click on the link below and wait for the entire screen to load up with all four horses and a fence in front of them.
Then click on each horse. Make sure your sound is on.
Re-click on any horse to make it turn off or turn it back on again.
Somebody did some real wizardry of programming to coordinate this!
Try clicking on the horses from left to right then right to left then just one or two at a time… It’s fun and a good stress reliever. Have fun!
http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf
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By: farsight Δ on October 5, 2009
at 10:39 PM
kitkatΔ,
Sounds like your husband is another one of the good ones. Hooray for him.
JeanΔ ¥,
Just remember that the ones at Costco aren’t the Oticons. For the Oticons, you will have to go to another hearing aid dispenser or to an audiologist who carries them. If his last hearing aids were purchased 6-7 years ago, a tremendous leap in technology has happened since then. His are about 2-3 generations old. Hearing aid technology has advanced at a very fast pace. I do hope that if he gets some new ones that he appreciates them as much as I do mine.
Judith,
Your chow would be what my wife and I call a heart dog. Our heart dog is 11 and still doing pretty well. He is a very large Belgian Malinois. His biggest noise related trauma is thunder. We leave him and our younger Malinois in a Kennel in our garage during the day. One day I came home to find him loose in the garage and upon further inspection, I found that he had ripped the chain link fence away from the horizontal bar. There was a bunch of blood and I immediately took him to the vet to see if there were any teeth broken or gum damage. He was fine. It even cleaned his teeth a bit. (:->
We leave music playing when we think it may rain. They really like Classic Rock Oldies. That’s what we tell them anyway.
One of my favorite things to do is to bring up the Doo-Wop horses on the computer. Kyle comes running and starts barking, howling, mooing and moaning. It is really good for what ails one. I have damn near fell out of my chair laughing. I just went off in search of it again and when I started playing it Kyle was here in about 7 seconds from a different room in the house and joined in. I think he might actually be a good addition to the porch band, but mostly if there is singing.
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By: farsight Δ on October 5, 2009
at 10:35 PM
“Returning both trolls to *ignore mode*” PalinShutUp, priceless!
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By: Easier on October 5, 2009
at 9:01 PM
Spoons! That’s right up there with the saw and washtub! Fabulous.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 5, 2009
at 8:59 PM
I learned how to play spoons when I was in college. . . that was fun!
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By: Greytdog on October 5, 2009
at 8:54 PM
Anyone who plays the washtub bass and/or the bassoon is welcome in my porch band. You can never have too much bass.
I spent years trying to talk a friend of mine into learning how to play the saw. (I even had the proper saw!) She stuck with the guitar. Wimp.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 5, 2009
at 8:43 PM
Hi gang,
I play classial piano, pipe organ, most percussion instruments and was pressed into playing the f**king bassoon in my high school marching band.
The past few years I have plucked away on a washtub/stick/rope bass viol with a group of friends for Christmas Carols. Do I qualify to join in on M&H’s musicale? Please say yes.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 5, 2009
at 8:38 PM
OK, I’m exaggerating a *little* about the bagpipes. I do own a chanter, and have tried to learn how to play it (I am fairly proficient on a couple of other wind instruments), but I can’t make anything nice come out of that sucker. It sounds like a dying duck.
We do own quite a lot of instruments though. That’s no exaggeration; nor is the annoyance factor. We used to have a band together. Now, instead, we have a whole room full of stuff (dozens of percussion instruments, numerous guitars, a banjo, a mandolin, a fiddle, etc.)…only about half of which we would ever dare to play in public. None of it’s gathering dust, however. The kids use it all regularly. I’m sure the neighbors just *love* us! 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 5, 2009
at 7:57 PM
Only instrument on which I am proficient, is….. wait…..the kazoo!!!!! I have several in the attic left over from my now grown son. (Do you suppose there’s a collection of musical instrument icons we could use?)
Now that’s interesting, I’m on Firefox right now which underlines spelling errors as I type, took me 2 tries to figure out it’s not atic. I find my spelling has become atrocious lately. I bet the instant correction is good for one’s deteriorating memory.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 5, 2009
at 7:26 PM
Tine, you bring those bagpipes girlfriend! I love bagpipes. . . Scotland the Brave is my ringtone. . . I love the bagpipes and the uileann pipes too!
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By: Greytdog on October 5, 2009
at 7:10 PM
and I can bring my drums 🙂
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 5, 2009
at 6:26 PM
And Craig needs a Time Out.
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By: AmericanΔ on October 5, 2009
at 6:26 PM
Wow-what the heck happened here today?
We are a little snippy aren’t we?
Maybe Helen and/or Margaret needs to post a new topic? Maybe we need to find our manners and USE them when visiting other people’s porches?
Helen’s porch needs some cleaning up; we really should tidy up a bit. It’s quite rude to leave crap laying around when someone invites you over. If we all pitch in together, we be finished faster.
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By: AmericanΔ on October 5, 2009
at 6:25 PM
Please tell me we aren’t going to be dissing the banjo now. Because if that’s the case, I’m bringing my bagpipes along too. Don’t think I won’t do it!
(And I’ve got more annoying instruments where those came from….)
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 5, 2009
at 5:59 PM
HRH Sofia EQ – thank you. I’m more than bit doped up right now. . .but that’s no excuse for my mistake.
But you made me giggle over my mistake because my stepson plays banjo and that’s become a joke around here,.
yes folks my own little juvy has landed on a instrument he loves – to the point where I want to run screaming from the house whenever I hear a banjo now. . .but he’s practicing about an hour or more a day. . .so. . .no real complaints here.
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By: Greytdog on October 5, 2009
at 5:54 PM
Have banjo, will travel. 😉
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 5, 2009
at 5:42 PM
minor correction, Greytdog, I know you meant STURM and were not talking about banjo playing, though today, here on the porch, most any instrument might improve the humour.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 5, 2009
at 5:32 PM
Here’s your mirror…”Soundin mo like Jesse than hiself.” – Craig after he was invited to sit at the table for a slice of pie.
Craig, I think it is this type of statement that gets you slapped. This isn’t civil and especially not acceptable in this forum. When in Rome…
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By: Poolman on October 5, 2009
at 5:05 PM
Craig, you did a nice job of copying words there… but did you go back and review the things YOU said? Really do you not see the responsibility you bear for the things that are said back to you? You provoke people, then get a reaction, then cry foul.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 5, 2009
at 4:52 PM
Craig – did you read my rant? I rant a lot. I think everyone gets to a point where they have to rant & rage. . . it’s just that here on the porch, someone will invariably rage back – that’s part of the whole kit & kaboodle or perhaps strum und drang
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By: Greytdog on October 5, 2009
at 4:21 PM
That pretty much sums up the recent spate of keyboard vomit that’s been messing up the porch here of late. Moral of the story, as always, DON’T FEED THE TROLLS! If you really want to piss them off ignore them completely. No matter how well reasoned your argument, all they see is that they managed to get you to type their name and give them attention. I cannot stress this enough. It is NOT ABOUT DEBATE with these people! They are peckerwoods looking to wood their tiny little peckers by getting a reaction. ANY reaction. And as soon as they get one they are like junkies looking for the next fix. Imaginista_
Starve the bastards.
This friendly reminder has been brought to you by the official Margaret and Helen Blog troll dietician!
Craig, forgive my reluctance to jump back into this fray…. and I will tell you that if you throw it back in my face, don’t expect me to offer you further suggestions…. burn me once, shame on you kinda thing… by Pamela
Thank you, Craig, for volunteering in an elementary classroom. Special education students are very special to me as well. By Vgman
Craig, welcome to the pie club!..by _¥ Tine
Craig, you’re not getting it. Pie isn’t about conservative or liberal, it’s about friendly & respectful companionship. Remember to put down your fork & slice should you choose to go back to your old ways. Delurker Girl _
Craig, our viewpoints about gay marriage almost dovetail, I only differ about the married man who turned gay, I suspect he was always gay and his wife was a cover, otherwise known in the old days, as a beard. That is such a sad situation for everyone involved, I am so glad that so many gay people decide to be out of the closet. By no one’s puppet_
And Craig. Dear Craig. Dear kool-aide-drinking Craig. “Csars,” for pete’s sake. It’s a colloquial term, not an official title. Nixon used it. Reagan used it. Bush used it. It’s slang. Get over it. But more important, you come to this blog, write unsubstantiated incendiary things, you bash the people on it, but when you request help, you get a multitude of kind, helpful responses. Doesn’t this tell you something about the people who come to this “liberal” blog? That the like-minded people here think the right thing to do is to help those in need – unlike the “I’ve got mine, screw you” Republicans? (I always find it amazing that these right-winged “Christians” are so hell bent against helping those less fortunate… where’s the Christianity in that?) The point is, these bloggers still found it in their hearts to help you even though you have been quite nasty to them thus far. I’m just sayin’. helenandmargaretFan
OK, my bad, I’m obviously a northerner. When someone tells me I’m wrong and calls me sweetheart, I’m offended. Craig, bless your heart. Delurker Girl _
Ho la la! Been gone for a while! I am still wondering what is going on with our newfound friend Craig. I was like is Craig a convert to our ideas on this site? Maybe not? Still trying to figure it out. I do think it is a good sign that the discourse coming from him has turned more civil. by Easier
I agree Easier. Craig has shown a willingness to really discuss issues and not drop the partyline “speak” so much. Really, it comes down to informed citizens discussing what matters most to us. In this case, it’s a HUGE national discussion trying to fit on a porch. Vgman_
If you are half as smart as you pretend to be, you should have realized by now that most posters here have a more liberal political bent that does not agree with yours, have a much broader view of the world and are far more generous and more tolerant of alternative views than you appear to be. If you think that you can influence the H&M fans by simply repeating tiresome and banal bumper sticker talking points, you are mistaken and perhaps should post on sites that are more aligned with your ideas. It would be less annoying for all concerned. : jsri
Do you all see what it happening here…two different mindsets, different opinions being discussed. I think that we need to sort of chill on Craig. He’s entitled to his opinions. We can listen politely, and then go on with our discussion of why we think he’s wrong. We don’t have to get our shorts in a knot over it, encourage him to take a hike, or basically boo and hiss him from the ‘room’. We can respond rationally._We don’t have to be angry when someone doesn’t think as we do. debby
Craig posts earlier in this thread as though he had heard references to James but never read his posts. They were both posting in the comments of “A Buttload of Moolah!” and I guarantee you that Craig was reading/typing closely.
I have to give it to him that he is very good at engaging others and gaining trust then spewing all over everyone… manipulative little shit that he is.
It is my thought that even when he appears to be acting in a reasonable and rational manner it is a deception. He is a troll and best responded to with silence… farsight _
JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE LEFT HAND ..RIGHT HAND
I THINK MIRRORS WOULD BE GOOD FOR ALL.
I CAN LOOK AT MINE AND I HAVE NO ILL WILL TOWARDS ANY OF YOU.
WE ALL ARE A PRODUCT OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
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By: CraigΔ on October 5, 2009
at 4:21 PM
CONSUMER REPORTS supports health care reform.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 5, 2009
at 4:14 PM
You know this thread and blog have some interesting and varied views.
While I ranted a couple of days ago…I just blew.
At one turn someone offers me a “pie”..and or “fork”..
The next thing I’m being attacked for being on the site or for agreeing with someone who has a different view than most on this thread.
The invites for setting a spell, then being attacked make one wonder what is the right answer?
You either want to share recipes, exchange the latest “You Tube” that rails against your favorite
villain or pick out someone to be punked.
On one hand I see people who are genuine in their invites..then there are the ones who want no one of another color. I picked that because you are just as prejudiced as if that person were of a different ethnicity.
Yes I railed against people of various beliefs..But I was railing out to those who on one hand are so pious that “they” exert their views as being better and are more educated because the web pages they view are the “politically correct” ones.
Forks, pies, tater salad , whatever.
There seem to be different camps of believers on this site.
Some are more acceptable.
Others just want it to be their personal clique.
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By: CraigΔ on October 5, 2009
at 4:13 PM
Helen – I love you. And for all those so-called Christians I give you a very small but accurate definition of a Christian – “Someone who lives their life Christ like.” Living your life like Christ does not include hate, prejudice, intolerance, bigotry or ignorance.
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By: kacee on October 5, 2009
at 3:59 PM
Thank you Delurker Girl.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 5, 2009
at 3:17 PM
Hotmail users may want to change their passwords:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10367348-2.html
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 5, 2009
at 2:37 PM
Don’t know if others have seen this, but this is a blog by a woman who has been denied insurance payouts even though she has insurance with CIGNA. She has written to CIGNA repeatably and for this final letter, she is asking others to sign her letter in support. She will blog as she travels to NY to ask in person why they won’t pay to treat her treatable brain tumor.
http://www.itcouldhappentoanyone.com/
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By: kitkatΔ on October 5, 2009
at 2:06 PM
Hi gang and farsight Δ,
Thank you so much for the tip about the new hearing aids!!! You are the soul of tact.
My husband is about due I think. His are Belltones and are 6-7 years old. I’ll wait until he is nice and mellow after we have a lovely dinner of Moussaka this week. Then I’ll tell him all about the digital Oticons and let’s check them out at Costco.
Thanks again.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 5, 2009
at 1:08 PM
Farsight – “Shortly follows a semi shock and awe.”
Maybe shock, in the sense of ‘shock when a child throws a really bad public tantrum, or starts biting other kids on the playground’. Bad manners are always a little shocking.
Awe? You’ve got to be kidding. Bullies are lightweights, and internet bullies are the biggest featherweights of all, since they don’t even have to stand toe-to-toe with their intended victims.
Fireworks and animals – I currently live with a bomb-proof terrier who thinks she’s immortal. However, one of my previous dogs (a rescued abused chow chow, who was the great dog of my life) was petrified and we live 5 blocks from a park with firework celebrations at all the major summer holidays. Not to mention the large number of people in our neighborhood who simply disregard the regulations.
It came down to our own tradition – Bedroom, doors and windows shut. A/C running full blast and a couple fans, regardless of the weather. TV or video, full blast. And a huge bowl of buttered popcorn.
I know it’s not good for dogs, but 1 kernel at a time worked wonders. She’d be up on the bed with me. White-eyed, just starting to shake, then “Mmmm, popcornnnn……….” Over and over.
That was Autumn Bruin, Beta Extraordinare and nurse-chow to the world. Heart ten times the size of her brain and a completely unexpected sense of humor. God, I miss that dog.
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By: judith on October 5, 2009
at 12:15 PM
A vidieo about private health insurance and how they are just in it for the money.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 5, 2009
at 11:55 AM
I really like that Alan Grayson. I think he is a keeper, and would like to see more like him in our government. I wondered where he came from, so as I was researching, I ran across this article from Vanity Fair from Nov 2007. This will give some insight into some practices of our private contractors in Iraq:
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/11/halliburton200711
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By: Poolman on October 5, 2009
at 11:12 AM
Joe Pa (Penn State) doesn’t even allow the players to have their name on the back of their Jersey.. 😉 I love Joe pa… and Pa Folks.. 😉
there is no I in team.. 😉
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By: lori on October 5, 2009
at 10:20 AM
farsight, your wife has the right idea and is a great example. One of my husband’s teams is a high school girl’s team and they rarely win (they need to drop down a level but the State won’t let them). But they have a great time on the field and still learn so much about the game. When they’ve had a good game together, they come off the field in a good mood, regardless of the score.
jrsi, your son sounds wonderful and his approach to coaching sounds like my husband’s. You should be so proud of him. This is the type of coaching that should happen. My husband tries to give equal playing time and sometimes plays players out of position to develop them into better players. That is his focus. The parents are focused on time played and what position they think their son should play. I really think he would love to ban several of the parents from watching the games, esp. the ones who yell and “coach” from the sidelines. He confronts these folks too. Parents want their son to be the star, and don’t realize it is about the TEAM.
When my husband first started with this club they paired him with a head coach that yelled and screamed and belittled the kids. My husband couldn’t take how the kids were being treated and told the director of coaching to move him to another team and why. The screaming coach is no longer with the club. You wouldn’t believe how many parents were angry about this as the screaming coach had a winning record. They didn’t care how their children were treated as long as the team won.
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By: kitkatΔ on October 5, 2009
at 7:08 AM
heh, watching Mad Men tonight there was a line that went something like this ‘in politics there is a game we play if we cant get something done we delay it for a long long time’
sound familiar folks? things haven’t changed.
About those fireworks they are not only dangerous to pets and children but often set off by drunks who aim them at home roofs. We usually have a couple of devastating fires in the city because of them.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 5, 2009
at 4:31 AM
jsri,
If I had had a coach like that, I would have learned to love team sports. My dad certainly wasn’t a problem in this area as he was going to love me no matter what!!! As it is, I tend to gravitate towards sports like running, swimming, circuit training and horseback riding. I really have never even liked to play volleyball as some participants take what is supposed to be a fun game and make it way to serious.
I don’t know whether your family is the hugging sort. But you could give your son (and even Mick, if the relationship allows) a great big hug from a guy that would have appreciated someone like them back in the early 60s. They are doing exactly what it should be about for that age group.
I am agnostic but I think the way I feel about your son, Mick and your sons past coach is best summed up by saying, God bless them every one!
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 11:36 PM
JeanΔ ¥,
Concerning hearing aids:
My hearing aids are of the new digital behind the ear variety. Most people can’t even tell that I am wearing them. The tube going from the top of the ear into the canal is so fine you must be very close to see it. They are top of the line digital Oticons and they very nearly replicate natural hearing. I am amazed!!!
They are also very expensive (around $6000). All is not lost though because you live in Hawaii, and you have Costco. They have there own brand (I do believe they are Kirkland Signature) that are about half that amount. I think they very nearly replicate mine and the reports I get from my friends who have them are that they love them.
While I am going to say that hearing aids are one thing that you really can’t scrimp on features/latest technology, you don’t have to buy the name brand to experience the upside of some of the latest improvements.
Tell him that he can still turn them down or take them out when communication causes more stress that the lack thereof. (:->
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 11:23 PM
Hi gang and jsri,
There is lots of good advice here on flu and about taking care of ourselves and each other.
jsri, like you, we are all set with Medicare and our supplemental insurance except for dental, vision and of course hearing aids.
After a blizzard of paperwork, we got the final bill for my series of Prednisone Epidural Shots in July at the hospital. I think the original bill was somewhere in the neighborhood of five grand. We pay, $15.02. Whew! The hospital made an ‘adjustment’ somewhere along the way and I seriously doubt it’s because I am a ‘Sweet Little Old Lady’ they like. You don’t suppose the message about Health Care Costs is being heard do you?
Now if Obama can just get medical records and the insurance people to clean up their act and digitize, the paper from millions of trees could be saved. I guess the billing would still have to be mailed though. If that were eliminated, between the junk mail and those bills, the United States Post Office would fold……Another ‘Socialist’ government bureaucracy would bite the dust.
On to hearing aids. My husband has a hearing loss similar to yours, jsri; mostly from the roar of B-47 jet engines in the Air Force, 1953-56. He has worn hearing aids for 25+ years. They are not all they are cracked up to be; batteries, adjustments, cleaning and sooner or later, replacements. $$$$$ There is an up side however.
Any time I have a screechy operatic soprano going on the stereo, he just turns his hearing aids down. If I get after him nagging about something, he glares at me, reaches up, takes them off and puts them in his pocket. End of discussion. His hearing aids have not made it through the washer-dryer cycle – – – yet. If there is the least little unfamiliar noise in the night, you have to peel me off the ceiling! He blithely snoozes away.
As we all know, if one sense is diminished or lost, the others compensate. He has learned, probably unconsciously, to read lips very well. IN FRENCH, no less! Sheesh. Recently the President of France, Sarcozy (?), was speaking on TV in French about the current Iranian crisis. (I don’t know how to spell the man’s name.) A translator was giving a simultaneous English translation. My husband blurted out, “That’s NOT what he said!” Huh?
Small nuances in language, both spoken and written can have quite different meanings.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 4, 2009
at 10:10 PM
farsight Δ on October 4, 2009 at 9:02 PM
For almost 40 years I paid for health insurance that I rarely utilized. But when I retired about 15 years ago I was able to add Medicare to the list. They ten years ago, I had a number of issues that without these coverages, would have put us in the poor house.
Like you I have always had good relationships with my health care providers especially those over the past 20 years. Interestingly, the very best among them are the females. They listen.
I just wish everyone could have the same level of services that I have used over the years and anyone who has read previous postings I have made on this subject know that I would be happy to pay more into the system if it meant that every one in the country could be treated the same way.
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By: jsri on October 4, 2009
at 9:57 PM
KitKat and Farsight
When our son played Little League baseball 40 years ago, he had a coach who never yelled at his players. And no matter how well or how poorly a kid played, the coach always had something complimentary to say by way of encouragement. Now that our son is a coach and manager of a Little League team, he runs the ship in pretty much the same way. But unlike some coaches who think that winning is the only reason for playing, our son’s philosophy is basically, that we are nor here to create winners, we are here to teach kids how develop their talents and to work as a team. Once they understand those concepts, the wins come naturally.
And he has some inflexible rules. Every kid who comes to play gets to play. The league has limits on the number of pitches a kid can throw so that he is not in danger of harming his arm. This drives some go-go type parents bonkers when he has to take a player off the mound but he ignores them. Also, he allows no trash talk or dugout bitching, and an umpire’s decisions are not questioned.
A couple years ago, he teamed up with another coach, Mick, who once played AAA ball but had a rotator cuff injury that ruined his throwing. Like our son, Mick loves to teach kids strategy and when positioning players on the field, he not only tells them what to do but also why they are doing it. When I questioned Mick about doing that (because the opposing team can also hear the strategy) Mick’s answer was that he was there to teach kids how to play the game and that included the opponents as well. Sometimes even the umpires get into the act.
Their biggest problem is mouthy parents, especially those sitting on the sidelines telling their own kid to do something that may be contrary to what the coaches are teaching. Mick is not beyond challenging parents who do this because the tension it creates in the kid’s mind can sometimes be paralyzing. It is interesting that when they have a dropout, it is most likely one who had a helicopter parent in the stands. Yet these are the parents who bitch loudest about the coaching but when asked if they would like to participate always have something better to do.
For me it has been a treat watching these kids as they progress through the various levels and how they develop into competent ball players each with their own strengths. But more important, it is a pleasure watching them work as a team.
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By: jsri on October 4, 2009
at 9:41 PM
AmericanΔ,
You said, “The only reason I get the influenza shot is because of Mitral Valve prolapse. The rest of my ‘issues’ are structural. I have to pre-med before dental procedures.”
I can relate. I have had to take prophylaxis before dental procedures (and others) since about 1987. I was diagnosed with a stenotic aortic heart valve when I was 33. Never had a murmur before that and I had had work related physicals every year. My valve was bicuspid and the echo cardiograms indicated that I would be having a valve replacement within 3 – 10 years. Closer to 3. I had my valve replaced in 1991. Thank God for Group Health Co-op of Puget Sound. I am very fortunate to have had a good job and excellent insurance.
My cardiologist wants me to have the flu shots. There is another shot that was mentioned earlier in this thread or the previous one that is good for several years that he wanted me to get (pneumonia maybe).
I love my health care providers and my insurance provider, and I wish that all could have the same. Hey, I’ve got mine. Wish everyone else could have the same. I do not understand greedy selfish bastards that are jealous of anyone maybe getting something more than they are getting or begrudging them even getting something comparable.
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 9:02 PM
Troll plays pity card. The reasonable side I pointed out. Shortly follows a semi shock and awe. Not much of a shock and awe unless you consider the general forum sensibilities.
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 8:34 PM
kitkatΔ,
You said, “As a soccer coach, my husband deals with parents who think that unless the team wins, it was all a complete waste of time. This idea gets passed on to the kids. No one always wins, and some people sure are poor losers.”
This made me think.
I have got to be married to one of the best women in the world. She trials our dogs in rally, obedience and agility. There are many times when she and her dog do not qualify (Q). However, she is mostly into it for the fun of it and the love of her dogs loving what they’re doing (and believe me they love it, especially agility – like an amusement park for dogs). There are many times when she and her dog doesn’t Q, but she could care less because she felt so in tune with her dog and if felt so right. Conversely, there are times they don’t only Q but take first in their class and she doesn’t feel as good about it because she and her dog just weren’t ‘on’. Not to say that she doesn’t mind winning but it is not her highest priority. I see this as a strength of character!
I am somewhat the same way in my endeavors and am not that competitive (probably due to peewee league baseball as a kid and all the ill behaved parents). My wife, however, has brought it home by example and living with that has made me a better person.
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 8:27 PM
Delurker Girl Δ
More like the letter from the doctor says my
Thyroid has shut down..thus the weight gain
lethargy..and even though I do two miles a day
and therapy for back pain to boot.
So I will see Doc sometimes this week.
Need no fork as appetite is down
thanks anyway…I understand message.
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By: CraigΔ on October 4, 2009
at 8:12 PM
When I was growing up overseas, we lived next door to an agricultural research station (this was during the Green revolution in Asia). Near our land were lots of young coffee plants that were being grown to see if coffee could become a viable cash crop in the Philippines mountains. . . 4th of July is not a big holiday there but new year’s is HUGE. And everything goes. My brother & I were awful delinquents. . .we strapped bottle rockets to about 20 young coffee plants. . . and whoosh! coffee beans rained down from the sky. . . just as my dad walked outside to make sure we weren’t having sparkler fights. . .omigod. the wrath of god descended with a swift and mighty hand. . . we spent several weeks atoning for our sins by helping pick strawberries (another experimental crop) and planting rice terraces (backbreaking work that one). . . sigh. We also had to pay for the plants which meant months and months of cleaning chicken coops & the goat pens. . .
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By: Greytdog on October 4, 2009
at 7:44 PM
Sa3w “Invention of Lying” which had me laughing out loud about the Big Man in the Sky! Hit the nail on the head in several areas. I won’t say any more until others have seen it.
As far as the resident FUX trolls, I don’t hear anything new, but I sure do smell something foul..
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By: Claire on October 4, 2009
at 7:42 PM
Greytdog,
I’ll give you Halloween, but for the all time holiday that I hate the most, it has to be the 4th of July. It’s not because of what it stands for; I love that. It is the way it is celebrated.
My county allows the purchase and firing off of fireworks. Our 2 dogs and cats are relatively OK with it (our 11 year old dog is showing a little more fear but a couple of Benadryl fix that) and our horses, where we have them boarded, do alright. We have many friends with dogs they love as much as we do ours. It is just heart wrenching to see how these dogs react to the fireworks. I would be willing to pay $1000 of my own money to make personal firework displays illegal in this county. I have felt this way for many years, but this year was the clincher.
One of our neighbors caused about $10,000 worth of damage to our property. Their were witnesses but offending neighbor(s) never would come out and admit to it. They said enough to peg them but just wouldn’t own their stuff. Thank god for homeowners insurance.
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 7:04 PM
I love Halloween and hate the scum of the earth that abuse animals using any excuse, including Halloween
vgman you cracked me up, somehow I pictured you a, well, a man and if you are a man and you dressed up like palin that’s even a bigger hoot! LOL!!
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 4, 2009
at 7:03 PM
My daughter just informed me she is being deployed for an animal rescue mission for four days. She is certified as an animal rescue volunteer. Interesting that they now do not tell them where they are going just the climate and time so they can pack accordingly. She also does “leg transport”for animal rescues. Way too many sad stories.
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By: Raji on October 4, 2009
at 6:47 PM
Greytdog, growing up our doctor always prescribed tea, honey and brandy. In fact he made up his own brew and dispensed it in case some parents were not into drinking.Hope you feel better soon. I rely on my Jewish friends to send me chicken soup and matzoh balls. Usually have it in my freezer. One friend arrived on the plane with two frozen packages.
Tamiflu will work on H1V1 but not on the regular flu.
I also had the the Hongkong flu in 1968 and since then I have never had a case of the flu or a flu shot. I have many allergies and stay away from any vaccine. Check out latex allergies and mercury reactions with the flu shot. Yes there are needles without latex but you have to ask for them. My side effect is serum sickness which results in crippling joint pain. Frankly I would rather have a case of the flu than serum sickness which is only cured by long term treatment of predisone. Bad news is I have the same problem with antibiotics so I just have to live a healthy life 😉 Zinc and vitamin C work wonders on me. Does anyone else use “Coldeeze” (sp)
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By: Raji on October 4, 2009
at 6:38 PM
Drat, Halloween is on a Saturday this year, that usually means more pranksters. My cats are housecats and will spend the evening sleeping on a climber in the cat room, with the door shut.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 6:30 PM
AmericanΔ
You are correct. You’re supposed to write it the way you see it in this sentence.
Greytdog,
I’m sorry for the dastardly deeds some idiots put you through on Halloween. Cruelty to animals escpecially hits home when you love pets.
Kind of like on the Fourth of July–our two dogs hate that night and we are usually gone. They get extra treats for a few days.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 6:15 PM
oh–Delurker: Oily Taitz filed the most incredibly nuts response to Judge Land’s order to show cause why he shouldn’t sanction her. She claims he needs to recuse himself (a largely verbatim motion she’s filed already against another judge who disagreed with her–dismissed out of hand there and won’t fare any better here). Judge Land will deny her motion to recuse, give her a very short time to response to his previous order to show cause, and sanction her sorry ass.
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By: Donna on October 4, 2009
at 6:14 PM
Or man boobs, Delurker Girl.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 6:12 PM
Greytdog–you are so right. I am involved with a breed rescue but also give as much as I can to other rescues. Every night I tell my dogs and cats that they are loved and appreciated and that they will never be hurt or lost or scared.
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By: Donna on October 4, 2009
at 6:12 PM
Gotta watch when you take a bite of pie around here–almost choked with laughter on that one, Delurker!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 6:10 PM
Craig, you should put down that fork & slice. I hear eating in an irrational state makes it go straight to your hips.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 4, 2009
at 5:42 PM
vgmanΔ-I did use that correctly, didn’t I? LOL
I had to go back and re-read my post.
When I receive email at work from ‘professional’ co-workers and I cringe hoping they don’t converse with outsiders the same way they do internally-especially our Customer Service and Marketing reps-egads!
The only reason I get the influenza shot is because of Mitral Valve prolapse. The rest of my ‘issues’ are structural. I have to pre-med before dental procedures.
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By: AmericanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 5:40 PM
Greytdog, I like Lori’s advice. I hope you’re on the mend soon!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 4, 2009
at 5:35 PM
I hate Halloween. I usually spend my evening responding to vet ER calls of abused black cats & dogs. . .not pretty. last year some village idiot set the tail of pretty black arab filly on fire. . .luckily she literally dropped & rolled putting out the fire but we still have months and months of rehab and bandage changes before she was healed. She’s still skittish with a lot of folks. I hate Halloween.
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By: Greytdog on October 4, 2009
at 5:32 PM
vgmanΔ,
I am still brushing up on 9/11. There is much coming out due to the Freedom of Information Act. There are a lot of credible sources organizing efforts to get a new investigation.
I am familiar with David Ickes, and have his site bookmarked. Most folks think he’s a loon. He has an interesting perspective and is very intelligent. He is well-versed in the the Illuminati and tracing the bloodlines of the bluebloods and royals. The alien/shapeshifting/lizard/ thing is interesting. I do believe in the supernatural. The bible does say that angels had sex with human women. That is all I will say on that.
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By: Poolman on October 4, 2009
at 5:26 PM
PSU–you gave me a laugh because I imagined Sarah Palin spraying her nose in public and shouting, “get outta my way, rogue comin’ through!”
Not that you resemble her or anything…..I wouldn’t know.
She was my inspiration for Halloween last year. What a hoot! I kept running away from McCain all night! And I carried an oversized stuffed moose.
I leave the last hours of this weekend with a loud
“YOU BETCHA!”
(I can’t believe I just stated that Sarah Palin was my inspiration…..but you know what I mean in a strange, peculiar way)
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By: vgmanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 5:07 PM
I keep saying Im going to get the flu shot but never do, last year was the first time I came down with norwalk
https://www.google.com/health/ref/Viral+gastroenteritis
but I feel that was because I let my guard down, I was not taking care of myself
If Im eating right, doing my yoga, walking, drinking lots of fluids, taking zinc and C
I also have a ritual where I spray my nose with saline while in public…I never get sick
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 4, 2009
at 4:26 PM
AmericanΔ
Just a note on your use of “supposed to”.
Whenever I see my students write “suppost to”
I drop everything immediately and go to the whiteboard!
Greytdog
Besides the miraculous pho soup (which I actually seek out by shopping around for it–so many pho restaurants in Seattle), I also drown myself in a few gallons of orange juice. After a few days, I feel like a citrus fruit with a straw in my ear!
Hey Poolman,
Your new avatar photo is the spitting image of one of my colleagues. His thinking seems similar to yours as well–he spent a few years in the Peace Corps. Do you have any new conspiracy theories to chew on? I always enjoy your posts and links. Did you ever hear the one about Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip being aliens?
Was it David Ickes?
Am invited to a dinner tonight, so I’m off to make some ham, cream cheese, and pepper wraps!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 4:01 PM
I hope everyone that goes for these vaccines is aware of the potential consequences that do occur. My wife always goes for the flu shot and I never do. At least in my state, they are not mandantory yet. I rarely get sick. She used to all the time. But now we eat much healthier and she rarely gets sick. This site is dedicated to awareness. It is important to be informed.
http://www.nvic.org/
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By: Poolman on October 4, 2009
at 3:55 PM
pardon the momentary recap
james first comes claiming over and over how ‘fabulous’ and smart palin is, how much better than Obama and how wrong I was when I posted about the bigots, hate…spewing out of those tea parties
notice how he seemed to ignore that little tid bit
he starts making small talk/chit chat, trying to be-friend some and tries splitting the group of folks who regularly post here by telling some ‘how wonderful they are’ and insulting others
divide and conquer much?
after Ted Kennedy dies he posts umpteen times flogging Ted Kennedy for something that happened decades ago (parroting Rush…) as if ‘he’ has the right to judge TK at the heavenly gates
sigh
now he comes back periodically peeing all over M&H to gloat and goad every single time he finds fault in Obama, how ‘right’ he is, how fabulous palin is…
what ever dude, kiss my ass
returning both trolls to *ignore mode*
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 4, 2009
at 3:51 PM
And Greytdog,
If I wasn’t deathly allergic to your 20 lb cat, I would trade you for our gassy dog who INSISTS on laying next to me on the floor.
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By: AmericanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 3:36 PM
NOP-that’s OK-no big deal. I don’t freak out or anything. I was really just curious how the two illnesses became interchangeable. They have different symptoms and the duration of each illness varies.
Greytdog: hope you feel better soon. I remember when I was little; I had the “Hong Kong” flu. I have no idea what that was supposed to mean. I think it was in the late 1960’s. I know I was pretty sick and I missed school-which I hated, so I was probably glad.
vgmanΔ-just so you know: I feel your pain with the homophones, grammar, spelling and punctuation. I see it all the time on Facebook, here and other blogs I follow.
PEOPLE: Life is not just one big run-on sentence. Use a comma, semi colon and a period!! Use spell check! Use the correct spelling, correct tense of a word; learn to type. It is not that difficult. I mean it. REALLY!
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By: AmericanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 3:29 PM
Kitkat – you are so right about “Damned if you do…” If Obama had NOT got to Copenhagen, the right wing would be “screeding” about how he’s not willing to go the extra mile for our economy or some such. We all know that’s true. but the fact that there were cheers here because Chicago did not win the bid – This is disgusting. it’s just sickening how many people subscribe to the Limb-O ‘I hope Obama Fails’ way of thinking. Never mind how much the country lost because we did not get the Olympics, never mind if Obama ‘fails’ the country is the worse for it…’Our guy didn’t win so let’s be sore losers and do everything we can to undermine the winner.’
And I’ll just bet these people call themselves patriots.
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By: CIty Girl on October 4, 2009
at 2:49 PM
today’s menu: homemade chicken matzoh ball soup, & yes, I did order in the hot & sour soup too! I may go for the lemongrass pho from the vietnamese restaurant tonight. . .
no one’s puppet – my cardiologist said absolutely no to both the regular flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. My heart condition is such that he’s worried I would be in the miniscule percentile of folks who would have a fatal “adverse” reaction. . . right now, I’m willin’ to chance it. . . instead though I am following his recommendations and boosting up antioxidents and vitamins. Go in tomorrow for bloodwork – yeehaw. At least I’m fully resting my knee. . . which is no longer really hurting except for periodic twinges when my 20lb cat decides to drape himself across it while watching TV with me. What a monster boy he is – meaty, beefy, would make a great linebacker.
Okay I have 5 more NCIS episodes to watch before I am all caught up. See you folks later!
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By: Greytdog on October 4, 2009
at 2:45 PM
Greytdog, sorry you’re feeling poozley (always liked that word but have no idea how it might be spelled) I recommend Hot and Sour soup from your local Chinese restaurant. I find it helps when I’m congested. I often ask for a little extra “hot” please.
My local uses hot chile oil for the hot part.
Thank you Kitkat for your news of word sanity. I should shop at your grocery.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on October 4, 2009
at 2:24 PM
If I don’t get a job, I will enjoy being without work.
I happen to be able to maintain without a job for a year or so if I need to.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 4, 2009
at 2:22 PM
The virus is dead in the flu shot so you should be okay, I had a sore arm for a day though. I plead guilty, past tense, to committing your pet peeve.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 2:18 PM
whoops! should have said:
One of my pet peeves: I really hate when people refer to a stomach/GI virus as ‘the flu’. How did the term become interchangeable?
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By: AmericanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 2:11 PM
We are having our annual ‘Flu Fest’ on October 15 at work. They are not inoculating us for the H1N1 flu; just the plain old seasonal influenza flu. Our employer provides for employees at no cost (one of our many perks). So far (knock on wood) in all the years of getting the flu shot, I haven’t gotten the flu. I just hope I’m just as lucky this year.
One of my pet peeves: I really hate when people refer to a stomach/GI virus as ‘the flu’. How did the term has become interchangeable?
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By: AmericanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 2:10 PM
Greytdog, did you mean Tamiflu, not Flu vaccine, was counter indicated for heart patients? I hope everyone here gets their seasonal flu shot soon, I got mine a couple of weeks ago, and I should have antibodies by now. Sorry there is nothing we can do for dear, get well soon.
Good luck on the job search JuneauJoe.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 1:52 PM
Donna,
I agree with you – ignore.
Let a dead dog lie. Republicans lost the Presidential Election….
I do smell the stink on occasion though – I scroll fast on two people.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 4, 2009
at 1:26 PM
Hey Donna you spouted that two weeks ago.
Come up with something new.
Just click your heels dorthy..I mean Donna.
TOP TEN REASONS CHICAGO LOST OLYMPICS
10. Dead people can’t vote at IOC meetings
9. Obama distracted by 25 min meeting with Gen. McChrystal
8. Who cares if Obama couldn’t talk the IOC into Chicago? He’ll be able to talk Iran out of nukes.
7. The impediment is Israel still building settlements.
6. Obviously no president would have been able to acomplish it.
5. We’ve been quite clear and said all along that we didn’t want the Olympics.
4. This isn’t about the number of Olympics “lost”, it’s about the number of Olympics “saved” or “created”.
3. Clearly not enough wise Latina judges on the committee
2. Because the IOC is racist.
1. It’s George Bush’s fault.
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By: CraigΔ on October 4, 2009
at 12:51 PM
Hi gang and Greytdog,
Sheesh! And now the flu. This has been a bitch of a summer and fall for you this year.
Hang in there.
Love ya,
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 4, 2009
at 12:47 PM
Wow, go away for a few days and all H#@& breaks loose. Don’t know where all the negativity came from, but I just finished a 5 mile Ovarian Cancer walk and am feeling amazing, so I’m going to ignore it. IMO, we shouldn’t waste our time and energy fighting those who will not change. Let’s put our energy where it can do some good. But I must say, I thought Craig was here to listen and learn. Boy, was I wrong.
As for the Olympic bid and the R-W, Obama was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. But it also shows how there is a focus on winning in the US. Somehow it isn’t enough to participate, learn, and risk but we must always win. As a soccer coach, my husband deals with parents who think that unless the team wins, it was all a complete waste of time. This idea gets passed on to the kids. No one always wins, and some people sure are poor losers.
Greytdog, hope you feel better soon. I always have hot lemon water with lots of honey (you can make it a toddy if you want, as per lori’s suggestion).
And HRH – my grocery store has a “10 items or FEWER” lane”. Makes the word nerd in me happy!
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By: kitkatΔ on October 4, 2009
at 12:44 PM
my vote: ignore Craig and James. Simply disregard their posts. They add nothing, they are a waste of time. There are people like HappyConservative who are worth engaging and who have something to say. If Craig and James get no response, they’ll move on.
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By: Donna on October 4, 2009
at 12:28 PM
for a change of pace ~~ how about a history/civics lesson from indian country : )
ever wonder why the bureau of indian affairs was transferred to the dept. of the interior ?
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2009/10/chief-red-cloud-to-obama-black-hills.html
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By: gramma rock on October 4, 2009
at 12:04 PM
I wish you were my grandma. I love you!
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By: Eva on October 4, 2009
at 11:49 AM
I will be in San Francisco Friday but then have to drive to Portland. I am looking at jobs in SF and Las Vegas so I might be in the neighborhood in a month or so. I am also looking at some stuff in Alaska.
I am kind of liking this looking for a new place to check out.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 4, 2009
at 11:04 AM
Greytdog – try putting some cayenne in that matzoh ball soup. Do you have a good recipe? My balls are like lead shot. (And no cracks from the peanut gallery).
From the takeaways – any spicy brothy soup with lemongrass should give some relief. Not a cure – only time and rest can do that.
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By: judith on October 4, 2009
at 9:59 AM
JuneauJoe – welcome back from the snow! Any time you make it too SoCAl you will welcome!!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 4, 2009
at 9:37 AM
Vgman, as somewhat a deist/agnostic myself, I certainly have no problem with your improvising. I think a lot of people don’t realize there is a difference between faith and morals. In addition, in my opinion a true patriot attempts to change the wrongs they perceive in their country through lawful means. You sound like a great teacher.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 9:29 AM
When first arrived..not on this thread,
Everyone was talking about James…but there were no “james” postings.
So no dick tracy here, figures the guy must have offended everyone..or at least the people who count on this thread and travel back and forth.
Hey at least I got ya discussing and cussing again…till the next tablet falls from the mountain top.
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By: CraigΔ on October 4, 2009
at 9:22 AM
no one’s puppetΔ —
Your thoughts on “exclusive rights” to God, country, and family values prompted me to do some reading on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Granted, it was from Wikipedia, but I think I did learn something new.
Teaching children to love their country will never be attained through the repeating of a pledge.
I hear and see students say this pledge in my classroom.
It is one of the most difficult tasks of any teacher to help students learn about our history, learn from our mistakes, and appreciate what we share in common.
Love of country is not wrong in itself. But often the methods to reach that passion can lead to division. This country was based on dissent. That should be the first lesson on the road to loving our country.
So….I teach my students by example. Sometimes, I say “under God”. I also say “under the sun” or “under the sky”. I’ve even said “under Buddha”, and a host of other religious deities.
Why? Because the idea of a pledge began with one man. Some didn’t like it, some did. The words “under God” began with an organization. Some didn’t like it. Some did.
True love of country comes from a deeper understanding of the freedoms we have.
So…when my students ask me why I switch my words, I reply, “Because I can. Now let me tell you why.”
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By: vgmanΔ on October 4, 2009
at 8:59 AM
It is snowing in Northern Nevada.
I like snow.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on October 4, 2009
at 8:20 AM
I am too NOP
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By: lori on October 4, 2009
at 7:52 AM
I don’t like how I stated, “God Bless America and President Obama”, it comes across as a demand and not a prayer. But I am so tired of the Republicans thinking they have a exclusive rights to God, country, and family values.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 4, 2009
at 7:50 AM
Sorry bout your flu Greytdog … I hear a good strong hot toddie can’t hurt! Not that I would know from personal experience mind ya 😉
RE: Rabbit Ragu Democrats…. yep the time has come for public funded elections… past time!
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By: lori on October 4, 2009
at 7:35 AM
It’s official. I have the flu. Not H1N1 but definitely the flu. ugh. Can’t have the vaccine because of my heart condition, shouldn’t be taking Nyquil for the same reason. Oh joy. Oh well – it’s back to the tried and true – Chicken Matzoh Ball soup.. .yummy. . . & fruit & liquids. yay me. I also have three menus from three different takeways – Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese – to see what soup offerings might be interesting. . .
And for your reading pleasure, here’s this from Frank Rich of the NYTimes:
The Rabbit Ragu Democrats – http://bit.ly/3wX0l5
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By: Greytdog on October 4, 2009
at 7:24 AM
Did you guys see this in the dailykos.com ? I thought it was perfect!
_________________________________________
Sunday Talk – We Got Spirit, Yes We Do!
by Silly Rabbit
Share this on Twitter – Sunday Talk – We Got Spirit, Yes We Do! Sat Oct 03, 2009 at 09:46:05 PM PDT
Much to the shock and dismay of the America-hating left, Chicago was eliminated in the first round of IOC voting.
Much to the joy and delight of the America-loving right, Chicago was eliminated in the first round of IOC voting.
If the IOC’s decision were viewed in the context of a sporting event, clearly the GOP would be seen as the winner. Which would make America the loser.
Silly Rabbit’s diary :: ::
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By: lori on October 4, 2009
at 6:49 AM
Poolman on Oct. 3 at 1:20 PM “Truthfully we all keep score. Some just announce it, while others keep it to themselves. But we are all looking for approval, whether we admit it or not.”
Perfectly said, Poolman.
Greytdog, the point James is trying to make is the same point that he is always trying to make that he is always “Right”!
With regard to the Olympics, President Obama looses bid for Chicago Olympic hopes makes for good faux news. The ongoing revenue sharing battle between the IOC and the USOC does not make “good news”. I agree with Greytdog, that the Olympics have lost their original concept and is just now big business as usual.
Of course no one in the media is interested in the issues of politics and money that govern the actions of the IOC. China swept it’s streets clean so I imagine Rio will do the same.
Unlike James who has an agenda, I find Craig quite amusing as he just has fun stirring up the pot like any good Troll 🙂
Someone please enlighten me as to when and where Palin became the “Warren Buffet” for the wingnuts. Granted I don’t follow her but WTH.
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By: Raji on October 4, 2009
at 6:22 AM
ewwww James is back? Craig forgot his meds again?
………dusting the crud from my shoulder………..
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By: lori on October 4, 2009
at 6:03 AM
Craig posts earlier in this thread as though he had heard references to James but never read his posts. They were both posting in the comments of “A Buttload of Moolah!” and I guarantee you that Craig was reading/typing closely.
I have to give it to him that he is very good at engaging others and gaining trust then spewing all over everyone… manipulative little shit that he is.
It is my thought that even when he appears to be acting in a reasonable and rational manner it is a deception. He is a troll and best responded to with silence…
He will do one of four things: try being reasonable/rational, leave (not likely), use shock and awe as he has in the past or post under a different name.
He kind of reminds me of a dry drunk. Of course, he might not be so dry. craig = one sad sack
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 3:09 AM
No one’s puppet,
I believe your math is incomplete. While 1 + 1 = 1 is most assuredly correct, 1 + 1 = 0 as well.
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By: farsight Δ on October 4, 2009
at 2:30 AM
Hi gang and Greytdog,
Greytdog, there is ABSOLUTELY no need for you to apologize for speaking your mind. Sometimes it is necessary to speak the language people understand in order to get your point across; such as “trou’ du cu”, pronounced “troo’ja’ coo”. It sounds so much nicer in French that the English equivalent of “asshole”. (But not always to French-speaking people, even with a smile on one’s face.)
I grow weary of those citing polls and statistics with what they think is profound authority. According to a recent insurance actuarial statistic, at age 80, I am 2.7, that is, TWO POINT SEVEN years dead already.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 4, 2009
at 1:20 AM
Hi gang and judith,
Thank you so very much for the Moussaka recipe!
I printed it out and sounds like we are gonna have a feast one day next week.
I presume it will be somewhat like other dishes I make for just the two of us. I divide it up into appropriate portions and freeze them. Then we are all set for several other meals without much fuss.
Thanks again.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 4, 2009
at 12:50 AM
Hi gang and PalinShutUp Δ,
Pretty new avatar!
Aloha! :_)
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 4, 2009
at 12:31 AM
PSU, I learned long ago to read (or listen) to what people say – then determine why they chose those words and look to the meaning. Most will try to throw you off the path with reassurances. The fact that James says he will NOT be here to read what people say tells me he most assuredly will be. Why else would he even offer that? His type personality would not be able to stay away – it would eat at him until he knew the reactions. Remember, he keeps score. Kind of hard to keep score if you don’t watch the game, eh James?
happyconservative seems more secure with himself, and has kept civil with all posts. I enjoy his comments and perspective. I just have little respect for Obama bashing for the mere sport of it.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 11:53 PM
poolman, happyconservative, I think, is about the only one I can recall
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 3, 2009
at 11:36 PM
james claims he doesnt ‘read’ our posts yet he knew about ‘craig’
LOL!! he really thinks we are THAT dumb
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 3, 2009
at 11:34 PM
PSU, we have had a few that were reasoned and not beligerent. A lot go through phases of calm and intelligent discussion for one post and full-blown looney tunes the next. I don’t know if they’re following a moon cycle or Beck’s mood cycle, but we’ve all seen most of them fly off the handle on occasion. Either way, it is interesting to see the same common synthetic threads unravel at the seam.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 11:31 PM
I found it interesting that Craig would comment this morning to James, “JAMES..I guess your the long lost James that some have referred to on the thread or blog site? JAMES..I guess your the long lost James that some have referred to on the thread or blog site?” I don’t recall anyone referring to James, not even once on this thread. If Craig knew anything about James, then he read James’ comments from a past post, so his comments made no sense at all. I know Craig sounds like a hick compared to the “infallible” James, but his timing and comment this morning were just bizarre. So why would he address James thus:
“From all indications you are or were a pariah for your beliefs and postings. I for one..and probably the only one, thought your summation was on target. Stay tuned for the critical debunking of your posting. I will also take abuse for agreeing with you.”
That is why I posted the 1+1=1. And since I refuse to edify people who denigrate people, “This thread/blog is nothing but a “joy fest” for the left, liberal, gay and dare I say Ayers agenda,” maybe someone else will educate Craig about ellipsis. I have zero tolerance for haters. As a proud American I support Constitutional rights for all my fellow citizens. God Bless America and President Obama!
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 11:25 PM
maybe someday we will have a nice intelligent right wing person we can actually discuss politics with
till then…
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 3, 2009
at 10:59 PM
james bores me with his blather
craig bores me period.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 3, 2009
at 10:57 PM
….blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
‘But I failed to take Obama’s executive inexperience into account. Sarah Palin would not have made such a mistake.’
BWWAAAAHAAAA!!!!
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah….
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 3, 2009
at 10:44 PM
“This thread/blog is nothing but a “joy fest” for the left, liberal, gay and dare I say Ayers agenda.
Mothers and single women wishing to be, with too
much time and wanting to participate in the “change”. ”
Uhmmm, what?
Again, I’ve no problem at all discussing different viewpoints. It’s not the viewpoints, it’s the attitude.
Name-calling, put-downs….I don’t like it when we do it, either. But I can’t help but notice that whenever Craig wants to trivialize us, he refers to women.
What is your problem with women, Craig? Why do you have to pretend we have no brains worth considering? Does it make you feel better?
I spent a small amount of time this morning with a (very) small number of men who feel that they can’t compete if the playing field is level. Does this apply to you? If it does – this is Not My Problem.
Go work it out on your own time.
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By: judith on October 3, 2009
at 10:41 PM
Sorry vgmanΔ, I meant etiquette. I always misspell that. With these teachers around, I got to watch my p’s and q’s. 😀
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 10:28 PM
Here is an interesting article from last year while W was still king regarding what the president actually does.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/28/ST2008042801564.html?sid=ST2008042801564
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 10:24 PM
Why does the “everyone who is without sin” have to be a “him”, Craig?
Now, THAT’S the experiment that ruined America.
Your perspective comes flying through!
May Colorful say a few nonsense words for you.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 10:22 PM
“This thread/blog is nothing but a “joy fest” for the left, liberal, gay and dare I say Ayers agenda.
Mothers and single women wishing to be, with too
much time and wanting to participate in the “change”. Unfortunately they will realize too late that this “change” was a political experiment that ruined America.”
Wow Craig, you found us all out! What a Dick Tracy you are. Sums it all up nice and neat. How astute. And you can prophesy, to boot. I’m sure with all that knowledge you could school us in the proper presidential edicate and even have an example of someone who better fits that ideal. Please enlighten us as we are enamored with your brilliance.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 10:20 PM
Well, well. Poor little Cragie seems to see himself as some sort of provocateur and that H&M are just waiting to be prodded by him for a response.
Poor delusional little twit. I’d bet that H&M have no idea who or what he is.
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By: Anonymous on October 3, 2009
at 10:05 PM
“Well until Helen or Margaret give us a new post, we are all biding our time here on the porch. We get visited by new people and old, all nationalities and political camps. Some will leave their comments, while others will read without commenting. Some will say things expecting to get slapped.”
Bring it on.
Everyone who is without sin, let him throw a stone.
Evidently James was right.
This thread/blog is nothing but a “joy fest” for the left, liberal, gay and dare I say Ayers agenda.
Mothers and single women wishing to be, with too
much time and wanting to participate in the “change”. Unfortunately they will realize too late that this “change” was a political experiment that
ruined America.
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 9:22 PM
Well I knew this thread needed a little boost.
Now yall chew on this for a while.
Some one earlier had posted that they were waiting for the next pontification from the mountain to come down so they could rally another blogofest.
Jus thought I’d get it started.
Appears I did..
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 9:10 PM
Damned if you do….you know the rest. We finally have a president that acts like a president and they bash him for being presidential. I read the job description and he fills it. And what a fun job it is, too. And sooooo much easier to do when your fellow countrymen (and women) support you and respect your authority.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 8:45 PM
vgman, tell your mom that quote is awesome and I’m stealing it. . . and thank you (& to no one’s puppet) for your encouragement. I am now wandering off to bed with my bottle of Nyquil and a DVR full of NCIS episodes that I MUST watch.
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 8:28 PM
Thanks for the counterprotest report, Judith. I’m glad you made it and equally glad that my presence wasn’t required. The tiny spaces between flu shot, soccer game, lunch, and gymnastics today didn’t allow for much political action from our family.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 3, 2009
at 8:19 PM
Greytdog,
Don’t apologize. Re-energize!
I always appreciate your posts.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 7:48 PM
Thank you for standing up for our country Greytdog.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 7:44 PM
Good point, HRH Sofia EQ,
I’ll write it up as a lesson in this week’s plan book and then at least my 30 students will have been exposed (and hopefully understand) the difference.
Sarcasm creeps into my voice/statements in class a few times a week. I’m trying to lessen my sting.
Ten year olds are easily impressed.
THEY’RE THERE to learn so THEIR future will be the most it can be. YOUR’RE right about YOUR observation on “news” people. We want to hear worthy news items that are well-written and well-spoken. Is that too much to ask of a journalist?
When the media became saturated with opinion/spinion, we started down a dark hallway.
Saturated….not sprinkled. Saturated.
I just received an email from my 75 year old mom. She sends me stuff, you know. I liked one quote:
“Worry is the darkroom where negatives can be developed.”
Good News! I have 14 out of 30 students running in a primary election for class president! Their weekend assignment is to write an introduction speech which connects with the voters, provides an opportunity for developing a slogan or message, and thanks the listener.
Two days later……our primary debate focused on the topic of LEADERSHIP.
Have a good Saturday evening, ya’ll!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 7:42 PM
One of my favorites is when the people at my work report that a pet after surgery is “doing good”.
Adopting stray kittens? Sharing food and toys? Helping old ladies cross the street?
Me, I’m just happy if they’re recuperating and doing well.
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By: judith on October 3, 2009
at 7:36 PM
I thought about apologizing for my rant. But then I decided nope, not gonna apologize. I am tired of constantly hearing no no no from the toddlers in the Republican sector. I personally think they need a serious time out and a nap. They can rejoin the national conversation when they grow up.
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 7:36 PM
wp said “slow down you are posting too quickly” I said “Am not” I hit stop to try to correct a typo and I learned it’s not possible to correct once you hit “submit,” but it will post twice and chide you for doing it too quickly.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 3, 2009
at 7:25 PM
Hey vgmanΔ, how about a lesson in LESS and FEW. Fewer than 2% of the population understand
the difference between these two words. I’m getting more than a little tired of hearing “news” people say we have less jobs now.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 3, 2009
at 7:21 PM
Hey vgmanΔ, how about a lesson in LESS and FEW. Fewer than 2% of the population understand
the difference between these two words. I’m getting more than a littler tired of hearing “news” people say we have less jobs now.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 3, 2009
at 7:20 PM
It seems so strange to me, when the wingnuts try to frighten us with verbal garbage.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 7:19 PM
This is equally traditional with eggplant or potatoes. I’ve never used potatoes, but presumably you’d have to at least mostly cook them first. Like lasagna, it’s a biggish production, but can be made way ahead. That way, you can have a nice break with your feet up and a glass of wine, listening to the dishwasher run and thinking how good dinner’s going to be.
Moussaka A 9X9 pan, filled deep. Double the recipe for a 13X9 pan
1 large or 2 medium eggplants, about 1 ½ to 2 lbs. Or an equivalent amount of boiled potatoes
Olive oil
1 lb ground meat of your choice – I use lamb
2 cups jarred or homemade meatless spaghetti sauce with garlic & onions – with roasted garlic is really good.here.
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 ½ Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp white flour
1 cup milk
Pinch grated nutmeg
¼ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for on top)
1 small egg or ½ jumbo egg, lightly beaten
Slice the eggplant ¼ inch thick. I like peel, so I leave it on, but this is up to you. (If the eggplants are old and bitter, there’s a salt & rinse step, but don’t bother. Pitch them and make something else.) Arrange the slices on cookie sheets, brush lightly with olive oil and brown them lightly under the broiler. Turn them over, oil and brown the other side. More traditional is browning by frying in oil, but they soak it up like a sponge.
Meat sauce – brown the ground meat, break it up fine and drain off the grease. Add the spaghetti sauce and season subtly with cinnamon. Simmer briefly to blend flavors.
White sauce – Melt the butter, stir in the flour and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to make a light roux. Stir in the milk and beat smooth. Add the nutmeg and bring it to a boil; lower the heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese. Stir a little of the hot sauce into the egg, then stir the egg back into the rest of the sauce. Do not put back on the heat at this point.
Assembly – In an oiled pan, put a little of the meat sauce down, followed by a layer of eggplant. Make 3 layers of eggplant with meat sauce between but not on top. Top with the white sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
You can bake it at this point (350 degrees 45 minutes) or put it in the refrigerator and bake it later for a bit longer. Like lasagna, let it sit for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven, so it slices easier without falling all apart. Opa.
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By: judith on October 3, 2009
at 7:04 PM
They’re.
I mean, there. I said it.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 6:37 PM
Their their their their their their their their their their their their their their their their their their
There there there there there there there there there there there there there there there there
WOW! They REALLY ARE spelled DIFFERENT!
AND I’ll bet they have different meanings, too!
We could be so lucky……
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 6:36 PM
Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your Your
You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re You’re
WOW! They REALLY ARE spelled DIFFERENT!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 6:31 PM
Anonymous=dirtbag
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By: Anonymous on October 3, 2009
at 6:30 PM
And Criag, we have you and “Faux” News as well. What a wonderful state of affairs.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 3, 2009
at 6:18 PM
Here’s what “real” americans look like
http://bit.ly/9Am6V
Doesn’t it just make you proud, Craig?
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 6:05 PM
Craig=asshat!
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By: Anonymous on October 3, 2009
at 6:03 PM
here’s what cheap – when asshats go running around celebrating because an American city failed in its global bid to host the Olympics; when people go to Washington and scream at the govt to keep their socialists hands off Medicare; when someone tells me that they don’t want govt in their lives, but boy oh boy, let a natural disaster occur and boy & howdy FEMA better get its ass there with checks at the ready, when someone loses their job and the first thing they do is run down to the unemployment office all the while yakking their asses off about Obama leading this country to ruin, and cheap are people who hoot and holler about wanting THEIR country back and declaring anyone who doesn’t look like them, think like them, believe like them is unAmerican and that “those people” better watch their back cuz the real Americans are armed and loaded and ready to take back their country. That’s cheap. That’s disgusting. And that’s good old American Nationalism roaring into our democracy.
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 6:02 PM
Craig your psychobabble is boring . . .and your post is racist, IMO.
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 5:57 PM
“Marketing in America has been very successful. Now we have faux values, faux grassroots movements, faux protests, and faux heroes. We can turn on the TV or the radio and listen to faux patriots spout their faux concerns while promoting division, hatred, and ignorance.” per Poolman.
Imagine that.
I guess that applies to all those peoples who stand in the background and shout out like there in a southern church revival.
Have ya noticed when “HE” gets his groove on “HE” goes into revival time!
Soundin mo like Jesse than hiself.
Almost sounds like that Reverend in Chicago..whats his name..?
You know the one he gets “HIS” spiritual guidance from.
Thats what cheapens the Presidency. He never stops campaigning. I just wish he would try for a week to be President and not try and be on Letterman and maybe give more time to what matters. He wants to be liked more than he wants to be President.
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 5:30 PM
White folks don’t have a patent on crazy.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 4:59 PM
Move over Keith Obberman…
the Right has it’s own “Jerrimia Wright”
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By: uaw tradesman on October 3, 2009
at 4:28 PM
Jean – I’m thinking the Greek dish you’re looking for is pasticho, not moussaka or spanikopita:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1635,155190-248193,00.html
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By: Hallie on October 3, 2009
at 3:53 PM
So I just don’t get James’ post. . . what was the point? Am I just so tired that I’m missing something here? Let’s see. . .
nope.
I find the manufactured brouhaha over the IOC decision to be just that – manufactured. Excuse my french, but since when is it an unf*&#$ingpatriotic thing for an American President to tout one of our cities? The IOC is normally a EuroCentric, patriarchal organization that can’t see past their colonialist noses. . .and considering that the former IOC President from Brazil made the appeal (his “death” speech) made it highly likely that IOC would choose Brazil. Frankly, I don’t care. Ever since the IOC caved in and allowed professional athletes to compete in what is supposedly an amateur athletic event, the Olympics have sucked. My first thought upon hearing the decision was how was Brazil going to “clean up” Rio? How many displaced people? How many more homeless street kids will fall victim to roving vigilantes? How many sex-tours will be booked just from the US? How many young kids will become prostitutes to service these wonderful foreigners coming to Brazil? And will Mark Sanford offer to “escort” an American team. . . after all, Rio is for “lovers” and it’s just a short plane ride from Argentina. . .
But to celebrate the fact that an American city failed to win the Olympics? Oh please. Shove your damn American flag up your ass and rotate a while. What’s next? Celebrate the next IED attack? F&*#wads
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By: Greytdog on October 3, 2009
at 3:48 PM
Palin’s book is a best seller before it even hits the bookstores. Coulter’s was too. What constitutes a best seller? It just has no real meaning anymore. In a society where we PRODUCE “best-sellers”, “classics”, “limited editions”, “collectables”, and “prize winning” things, value has been compromised. I remember a day when things stood the test of time and scutiny of the public to EARN a special title or place. Alas, those days are gone. Now if it doesn’t have a special something in name or rating, it is considered mundane. We even give prizes to ALL contestants anymore. No winners and no losers. How boring is that? What incentive do we have to excel?
We are a society that wants all the glory without the work. You can buy your pre-worn and pre-faded jeans now. We used to have to start with new and actually wear them over time to make them “cool”. I think it all started with the “fake” antiques. Where there is a market…
Marketing in America has been very successful. Now we have faux values, faux grassroots movements, faux protests, and faux heroes. We can turn on the TV or the radio and listen to faux patriots spout their faux concerns while promoting division, hatred, and ignorance. The more obnoxious they are, they increase their own ratings and thereby their net worth. BS and greed are the new guiding principles of America.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 2:54 PM
You are so right Grandma Katie. and ..Politically speaking, it doesn’t make a bit of difference. The voters who would vote for Obama will still vote for Obama, the ones who didn’t still won’t. People don’t vote on Olympic pitch speeches for heavens sake! LOL And when it comes to politics the only people that matter are the voters. The same goes for his world appeal. I seriously doubt NATO members would care one wit about a speech the POTUS made in favour of his country to the Olympic committee. The shock jocks who think otherwise are allowing their ignorance of politics show.;-)
I love sponokopita too, spinach is my favorite veggie but that dough is a bugger to use IMHO. Much easier buying it already made ! LOL
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By: lori on October 3, 2009
at 2:50 PM
Poolman,
Yep ever since we were sent to our first day in school we all seek approval.
That is a common denominator.
left or right
blue or red
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 1:56 PM
No matter what President Obama does , he is critized. If he hadn’t gpne to Copenhagen and Chicago lost, it’s h is faullt. So he went and chicago lost, it’s h is fault. don’t you supppose all the hours on the plane he was working?Yuk. Can’t please some people any of the time.
And Mccain has introduced a bill to close Boeing in Long BEAch, CA. That is one of Long BEAChs biggest employer.
Suppose his action has anything t o do with his losing in CAlifornia?
Just thinking.
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By: Grandma Katie on October 3, 2009
at 1:49 PM
Hi gang and avotresante Δ ,
Moussaka it is! Thanks everybody. Now I’m intrigued by ‘sponokopita’. Gotta try that too.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 3, 2009
at 1:47 PM
The Desperate Blogger’s DU Journal
An Open Letter from Alan Grayson’s Mother
Posted by The System Stinks in General Discussion
Thu Oct 01st 2009, 02:30 PM
(SATIRE)
Dear Parents of Republicans,
As so many of you contacted me regarding Tuesday’s incident, I hope you don’t mind my responding to all of you at once. I understand that you are very upset – no parent wants to see their child sad or distraught, and I hope you will forgive me for not getting back to you until today. I didn’t want to respond without first giving my son Alan a chance to tell his side of the story, and as I’m sure you can understand, he has not only been very busy with his homework, but as one of the new kids in school, has also been trying to meet his classmates, get acclimated, and make new friends. Now that he and I have had a chance to talk, I can respond to your concerns.
First, speaking parent to parent, I truly am sorry that Alan’s presentation at Show-and-Tell made your sons and daughters cry. That being said, after discussing the matter at great length with my son and others, I think that perhaps many of you weren’t getting the whole story.
When Alan told people that your children’s plan for health care was “die quickly”, he was, for all intents and purposes, saying the same thing that the Grassley boy said about him and his friends. Let’s face it, “pulling the plug on Grandma” is, in every sense, making Grandma die more quickly. So you see, our kids are 99% in agreement on this. The only difference is that Alan and his friends want every Grandma to have access to a plug in the first place.
Some have told me that their child wasn’t so much upset about what Alan said or how he said it, but that making people afraid that the other kids want their loved ones to die is the Republican kids’ favorite toy, and they didn’t like the idea of my son playing with it, especially since he’s new and didn’t ask permission first. Some pointed out that for many of the more unfortunate, it’s the only thing they have. Please don’t blame Alan, this is my fault. You see, when he was young we taught him to share, and he sometimes forgets that other people weren’t brought up that way.
Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you how to raise your children, but even Alan noticed many of them are having problems, so, again parent to parent, I want to share a couple of our concerns with you.
Depending on how involved you are, you may or may not have noticed that the Republican kids have a lot less friends than they used to. Maybe it’s because they throw a tantrum and start name-calling when they don’t get their way. Maybe it’s because they’re idea of working together is for the majority to give them what they want but not vice versa. A lot of people say it’s because if they don’t do what they’re told, they’re allowance will be taken away. Personally, I think it’s because they don’t understand what sharing is all about. Anytime Alan or one of his friends brings it up, they call them ‘Socialists’. Well as I understand it, a large majority of people in this country say they’d be willing to pay a little more if it meant that everyone’s Grandma would have access to that plug so many people are fighting about pulling. That’s not ‘socialist’ – sharing everything is ‘socialist’, sharing 10% is ‘religious’, and sharing a few percent or less is, well, just sharing.
Also, I don’t know him but maybe some of you do. Back in June, one of the Republican boys said that they had a comprehensive health care plan and were just putting the finishing touches on it. I’m sure you know who I’m talking about – the dark kid – I think his name is Johnny Boehner or something like that. Anyway, if you know him or his parents, please find out when he’ll have it finished because my Alan is very worried that more people have already died while holding their breath waiting for it than will die this year because they don’t have health insurance.
So, again, while I’m sorry my son made your children cry, I think there may have also been an overreaction or misunderstanding on their part. I think a lot of it was just a case of a new kid in school trying to fit in and speak the way he heard the other kids speaking. In his case, he was just talking like the wrong kids.
As I said earlier, I never presume to tell other parents how to raise their children, but maybe if more of you made your kids spend more time on their homework and less time sticking their ‘doo-dads’ in staff members, foreign ladies, and the butts of every man, woman, and child in the United States, we’d all be better off…
Respectfully yours,
Alan’s Mother
Discuss (0 comments) | Recommend (+154 votes)
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 1:43 PM
Hi gang,
Nostradamas aka James is back.
Ho-hum.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 3, 2009
at 1:39 PM
Happy Saturday, gang. You are making me hungry with all this talk of food and recipes. I love Greek food. I was raised on Italian food, as my mom is full-blooded Italian. Some of that rubbed off on me as I love to cook. I just don’t do it that often. It still amazes me how so many of my friends have to cook lasagna for me and want me to critique it. Don’t they realize I grew up eating homemade that my grandmother, mother, aunts, and other relatives made? I have a difficult time letting them know there is little comparison. I wish they would try some other cuisine. I like all kinds of food. Mmmm. Now I will have to fix something to eat.
Well until Helen or Margaret give us a new post, we are all biding our time here on the porch. We get visited by new people and old, all nationalities and political camps. Some will leave their comments, while others will read without commenting. Some will say things expecting to get slapped. I used to enjoy provocation. That was my way to get attention. Now I try to find common ground. Truthfully we all keep score. Some just announce it, while others keep it to themselves. But we are all looking for approval, whether we admit it or not.
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By: Poolman on October 3, 2009
at 1:20 PM
1+1=1
Must be code..?
Greek Lasagna..Looks like ground beef substituted for Italian Sausage? Other than feta cheese used instead of the Italian cheeses ..
So is this Moussaka..? with Eggplant and other
vegetables?
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 1:13 PM
If anyone is thinking 1+1=1. me too.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 1:05 PM
Jean, I managed to google a variety of recipes for Greek Lasagna, just go to google and type in Greek Lasagna recipes. Most of the ones I found used lasagna noodles, others a different pasta. I hope you find the one, your taste buds yearn for, I know I want to try a couple of the recipes.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 12:27 PM
JAMES..I guess your the long lost James that some have referred to on the thread or blog site?
From all indications you are or were a pariah for your beliefs and postings.
I for one..and probably the only one, thought your summation was on target.
Stay tuned for the critical debunking of your posting.
I will also take abuse for agreeing with you.
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By: CraigΔ on October 3, 2009
at 10:35 AM
ACT BLUE: The Clearinghouse for Democratic Action.
http://www.actblue.com/
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 3, 2009
at 10:33 AM
Former GOP leader Frist says he’d vote for healthcare bill…..
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2009/10/02/frist/index.html?source=newsletter
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 3, 2009
at 10:31 AM
Jean, are you thinking of sponokopita? (Not sure of the spelling). It’s layers of phyllo dough and feta cheese. OMG it’s so good. Last time I even thought about it was close to 15 years ago; now you’ve got me digging for a recipe I had once upon a time….
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By: avotresante Δ on October 3, 2009
at 10:30 AM
Tried to copy and paste a recipe for Jean, but it didn’t go through.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 10:22 AM
Hi Margaret and Helen….sure do love your posts!
Looking forward to the next one!
Anything I can do to help bring it along??? Bake a pie for you? Make tea?? Send cash??? 🙂
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By: Shirley on October 3, 2009
at 10:08 AM
Well, back from the rally already. Good thing I planned to get there early.
Apparently, the Neos had the same thought. There were six when I got there, but two melted away fairly quickly – I don’t believe they were among the organizers. This left four bullies, one with a bullhorn.
The counter-demonstrators numbered, by my most conservative estimate, 150 or slightly more. With police & reporters, the Neos may have been surrounded by nearly 200 people. Some with tomatoes, I was sorry to see.
A lot of shouting and chanting got done by our side and the Neos didn’t get much of a chance. I’d have been willing to let them say more, because much of what they did say was along the lines of “You can’t have love without hate.” Silly and easily answered.
In any case, by 10:01 they gave up and started for their car, which they’d conveniently parked at least four blocks away (Plan ahead, much?), escorted the whole way by the entire crowd. The police made sure they could actually pull away. A few tomatoes hit the car, but no real damage or violence.
I was back in my car and driving home by 10:12.
The Greek lasagna-like dish is, I believe, moussaka. I have a killer recipe I’ll post later.
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By: judith on October 3, 2009
at 9:33 AM
The Wizard of Beck
By David Brooks
So what is the theme of our history lesson? It is a story of remarkable volume and utter weakness. It is the story of media mavens who claim to represent a hidden majority but who in fact represent a mere niche — even in the Republican Party. It is a story as old as “The Wizard of Oz,” of grand illusions and small men behind the curtain.
[…]
Just months after the election and the humiliation, everyone is again convinced that Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity and the rest possess real power. And the saddest thing is that even Republican politicians come to believe it. They mistake media for reality. They pre-emptively surrender to armies that don’t exist.
They pay more attention to Rush’s imaginary millions than to the real voters down the street. The Republican Party is unpopular because it’s more interested in pleasing Rush’s ghosts than actual people.
[…]
The rise of Beck, Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and the rest has correlated almost perfectly with the decline of the G.O.P. But it’s not because the talk jocks have real power. It’s because they have illusory power, because Republicans hear the media mythology and fall for it every time.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 3, 2009
at 9:32 AM
high five to your last two posts no one’s puppet.;-)
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By: lori on October 3, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Congratulate Brazil and move on.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 9:16 AM
I keep score. I have to because bad decisions cost my wife and me money. I also predict the weather for the neighbors, and my credibility depends on being right more often than not. People give me advice directly or through articles I read. I also remember when and how they are right or wrong. Thus, when I offer an opinion, I am pretty sure I will be proven right.
One of my favorite moments here was when Lori tried to prove me wrong with a line from fact check.org when it in fact proved me right.
So far, my record here is pretty good as polls continue to show independents and even some Democrats deserting the Democratic agenda. Moreover, Fox is still more popular than the other news dealers, Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin and other conservative writers write best sellers. Beck helped get another official fired. Sarah Palin’s book hasn’t even been released yet, and it is a best seller.
One of the largest demonstrations in recent history was peaceful and cleaned up after itself. I don’t believe the Washington DC police reported any damage. In contrast, a relatively paltry group of 2,000 protesters caused about $80,000.00 worth of damage during the GT 20 conference in Pittsburg.
Obama’s major legislation is foundering in Congress because Congress people are beginning to fear the backlash. It is why the government option was voted down in the Senate finance committee. The stimulus bill and Cash for Clunkers are proven failures by the administration’s own admission. Note the September auto sales figures and economists who say money spent in August is money gone from Christmas shopping.
Obama will probably get versions of his bills, but the Democrats will have to circumvent up and down votes via reconciliation or other measures.
Foreigners like the French and British mock Obama for his weakness. Sarkosi was so angry his speech referred to the president’s “virtual reality.”I read Obama didn’t want to call out the Iranians nuclear operations in his UN speech because he didn’t want to tarnish the mood of his hope and change speech. Obama has also so angered the Poles they plan to pull out of Afghanistan according to what I read. Granted they represent only a small percentage of the total troop force, but they have eased the load a bit.
By my recollection, the only major thing I predicted which has not come to pass is inflation, but it is on its way. We have a few years left, I hope.
I was a campaign coordinator for two years, and when Obama and his onterage flew to Copenhagen to lobby for the Chicago Olympics venue I was certain Chicago would be the site. No politician in his right mind would risk the humiliation by investing so much of his prestige into something of uncertain outcome. But I failed to take Obama’s executive inexperience into account. Sarah Palin would not have made such a mistake.
Moreover, because of her business background, she would not have plead our case with sickening personal manure. Such self centered narcissm had no place before a group of business people who were interested in profits and losses. Representatives of very city and the committee can produce compelling stories. Inspirational stories don’t pay the bills.
Obama should have stayed home and sent Michelle with her chat buddy Opera.
Someone predicted after Michelle’s speech there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the house. There were tears all right, tears of laughter. “Some of my best memories are sitting on my dad’s lap, cheering on Nadia, Carl Lewis, and others for their brilliance and perfection.” Ewww! Michelle was twenty years old when Carl Lewis first competed in the Olympics in 1984. Is this the first hint of a black version of Deliverance?
Yes she remembers it well. Michelle had just heard about the black churches being burned which when her parents were inspired by marches in 1965 to get married in 1961. The memory inspired her when she spent Christmas in Cambodia. Carl Lewis victory was especially memorable because she and her father had to duck behind the couch as they evaded sniper fire.
The Wall Street Journal wrote “If Mr. Obama and the White House made a mistake, it was in their apparently boundless faith that somehow Mr. Obama’s personal popularity would carry the day. As if , merely by seeing the rock star in person, the delegate from say Egypt would abandon his simmering dislike for America, forget all the dinners and deals cut with the Rio Committee and reward Chicago. in the sense,the Olympic defeat is a relatively painless reminder that interests trump charm or likeability in world affairs. Better to relearn this lesson in a fight over a sporting event than over nuclear missiles.”
Rio celebrants chanted “YES WE CAN!” It was beautiful irony.
Lets hope the administration learns its lesson.
We few contrarians are no smarter than anyone else. Unlike some of those here, our common sense is not hidden in Al Gore’s lock box. My habit is not to say “I told you so” but the way some people posting on this site are insulted for their beliefs makes it a special case for schadenfreude. I love that word.
An e friend on Janeane Garafalo’s forum told me she couldn’t understand how I could make friends with liberals and people as far left as 911 truthers. I replied they were just people like us. After visiting this message board, I think I was wrong. How many of you who insult Craig or others who don’t parrot the current orthodoxy would say those things to their faces? No doubt annoniminity makes a few of you much braver than you are in real life.
Yes, shadenfreude is a wonderful word, and shabby treatment here by a few makes it even more delicious.
“Just listen to the reasons
and the hints I’ve been giving
to the thoughts of my imagination.
You’ve got a lot to tell me
but you don’t think anyone can say it better
You’re bringing up times I can’t recall
And I’m sure they made your point’
But I just can’t seem to remember.
I know you’ve got the feeling
And I can’t say I’m agreeing
with the topic of your conversation.
Your good at trying
to make me feel small”
Maybe I will return, and maybe I won’t. I don’t know. I do know like last time, I won’t read what you will write about me. So, be as nasty as you can or ignore the post if it makes you feel better. Schedensfreude.
Have as great a Saturday as mine is. namaste.
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By: James on October 3, 2009
at 9:00 AM
I was just flipping channels in the kitchen; the History Channel has a program on the history of the Ku Klux Klan. I had a weird thought, but also obvious, racism was once considered disrespectable; they weren’t wearing those hoods because they were afraid of being arrested. The local lawmen ignored their activities at the very most and in some cases they were a part of the group. Those racists, ashamed of their behavior, did not want to be rejected by polite society; the same can’t be said today.
The Glenn Beck’s, Rush Limbaugh’s of this world have given “teabaggers” and “9-12ers” license, this isn’t free speech, this is yelling, “fire in a crowded theater.” When did this become socially acceptable? These people need to be marginalized from polite society. As far as I am concerned, anyone attending “tea parties” is an ignorant hater, lacking pride. If they had any pride, they’d wear a hood, so the neighbors wouldn’t look down on them. Don’t tell me, “I was protesting government healthcare or taxes”, bull shit, even if they read no better than they spell, they are just as immoral as the person with the hate sign. The Glenn Beck video says it all; he should be unwelcome in anyone home, in person or on television.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 3, 2009
at 8:53 AM
Poolman: Thank you for that link!
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 3, 2009
at 8:49 AM
When did “The Right”…
…go SO WRONG?
The wingnuts that think lost our bid for the Olympics because of crime in Chicago…have never been to Rio. 😉
We, and I mean ‘U.S.’ we, got BOYCOTTED by the world community because of our restrictive travel requirements. It takes literally months to get clearance for some countries, costing hundreds in actual fees and then some. US athletes will have to jump thru whatever hoops (reciprocal visa policy) Brazilians have to to get into the US.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 3, 2009
at 8:28 AM
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell sounds like a small child whining while playing a boardgame like Sorry!
“I’m not going to play because I don’t get to have the red game piece!”
His quote on Friday was “We’re not in the majority. The majority has the responsibility to move forward.”
The party of no whines again.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 3, 2009
at 8:04 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 10/03/09
Why health insurance reform is needed not just for long-term economic stability, but in the immediate future.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 3, 2009
at 7:34 AM
Debby, good to hear your reasonable thoughts.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 3, 2009
at 7:02 AM
Debby, thank you for your reasonable voice.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on October 3, 2009
at 7:01 AM
easier, we are so lucky aren’t we? 😉
vgman, I agree. CNN use to be my fav “news” channel, and I still do watch them for election returns and breaking news. But in their effort to appear fair and balanced and compete against FOX, I think, they started giving the loons equal air time. SEll outs! Consequently I have changed my viewing habits! LOL
Judith that is just craziness…… makes my stomach turn actually. If you and Tine decide to go… be careful! I like te shirt two tooo! 😉
Have a great Saturday all. ! namaste
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By: lori on October 3, 2009
at 4:54 AM
Jean, does the dish you are thinking of have egg plant in it? If so, I think it is Moussaka (sp?) . I do make that dish, but I will tell you, I got the recipe I use now off of the food network (Tyler Florence) It might be easier if you print the recipe from there.. It is yummy!
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By: lori on October 3, 2009
at 4:36 AM
Hi gang, Debbie, Kitkat and Lori,
Debbie, I hope you continue to keep your faith in the basic kindness and goodness of people. Everyone has a quirk of two, (including me!) but we all are trying our best in life.
Kitkat and Lori, have wonderful, wonderful visits with your daughters! We didn’t get a girl so I just borrow one whenever I can. We did get three terrific sons though.
OK, so we didn’t get the Olympics. How many times have we hosted this INTERNATIONAL affair? North America has had Atlanta and Los Angeles, Mexico City and I’m not sure about Canada. No South American country has ever had one. I think it’s only fair to spread the games around the globe.
We bought a beautiful wheel of assorted Bakalava at Costco. So we will be taking a break from our current kick of one brownie and one scoop of butter pecan ice cream each for dessert. The Bakalava gave us a hankering for Greek food, but there are no restaurants on our island that serve it.
There is a Greek dish that I can’t remember the name of. It is similar to lasagna in a way, without the tomatoes. Anybody know what I’m talking about? Better still, does anyone have a recipe for it? I’ll swap my Chili Cheese Pupu recipe for that Greek dish.
CHILI CHEESE PUPUS
350 degrees oven
9 X 13 pyrex dish, greased with oil or Pam
2 cups finely chopped chilis, (small hot and/or sweet red, yellow, orange and green peppers for color. Jalapenos are a bit much for us but adjust for the degree of hotness you want. )
I ½ lbs. Jack Cheese, grated
2½ cups milk
3 eggs (You can use “egg beaters’” to cut down on cholesterol.)
1 cup Bisquick
Spread chilIs on bottom of dish. Cover evenly with grated cheese. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over all.
Bake 55 minutes or until it has a nicely brown crusty top.
Cool and then chill in refrigerator. When cold, cut into 1 inch squares. They may be served hot or cold. To warm up, microwave 20-30 seconds.
Enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone. I’m off to beddie-bye.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 3, 2009
at 12:45 AM
Happy weekend everyone! TGIF 😀 This is a pretty interesting read from Brian Elroy McKinley. Some ammunition for those confronting the fundamentalists:
“How to Fight the Religious Right –
A guide to defending yourself against Fundamentalist Christians”
http://www.elroy.net/ehr/fighttheright.html
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By: Poolman on October 2, 2009
at 11:10 PM
Lori and kitkat, my daughter too worked for Barack Obama’s campaign. I was very proud of her too. Unfortunately, mine is not coming home this weekend. Sigh! It is heartwarming to see the next generation being so engaged in what would really matter to their lives in the not too distant future. Decisions being made today would definitely affect theirs and their children’s future. That is why it is so important that they and us not give up and remain engaged in the political process.
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By: Easier on October 2, 2009
at 10:37 PM
Palinshutup,
Right on. Ignore the noise coming from FOX and report on some real issues for America without the personal attacks. I’m so tired of media personalities and pundits attacking each other.
Come on, CNN. Where’s your backbone?
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By: vgmanΔ on October 2, 2009
at 7:25 PM
I can’t believe I actually watched the whole video of Glenn Blechh forcing his tears for a photographer. He had tears up here in Washington state last week as well. He received the keys to the city of Mt. Vernon (his hometown).
Believe me, this was not condoned by the city council–it was solely the mayor’s idea.
I wonder if he very slyly rubbed his finger in the Vick’s under the podium and gently rubbed his eyes as he complained of jetlag or something.
I’m halfway through a deep red merlot. Happy Friday everyone.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 2, 2009
at 7:21 PM
amen PSU…
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 7:14 PM
‘….So what is the theme of our history lesson? It is a story of remarkable volume and utter weakness. It is the story of media mavens who claim to represent a hidden majority but who in fact represent a mere niche — even in the Republican Party. It is a story as old as “The Wizard of Oz,” of grand illusions and small men behind the curtain.’
‘In 2008, after McCain had won his nomination, Limbaugh turned his attention to the Democratic race. He commanded his followers to vote in the Democratic primaries for Hillary Clinton because “we need Barack Obama bloodied up politically.”
But this is not merely a story of weakness. It is a story of resilience. For no matter how often their hollowness is exposed, the jocks still reweave the myth of their own power. They still ride the airwaves claiming to speak for millions. They still confuse listeners with voters. And they are aided in this endeavor by their enablers. They are enabled by cynical Democrats, who love to claim that Rush Limbaugh controls the G.O.P. They are enabled by lazy pundits who find it easier to argue with showmen than with people whose opinions are based on knowledge. They are enabled by the slightly educated snobs who believe that Glenn Beck really is the voice of Middle America.
So the myth returns. Just months after the election and the humiliation, everyone is again convinced that Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity and the rest possess real power. And the saddest thing is that even Republican politicians come to believe it. They mistake media for reality. They pre-emptively surrender to armies that don’t exist.’
I have to wonder what would happen if msnbc, cnn…would ignore them? take away their noise and thunder?
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 2, 2009
at 7:02 PM
Would love to see some big old Minnesota Vikings head down there and ask those racists asshats if they’d like to come get slam-danced for awhile
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By: Greytdog on October 2, 2009
at 6:57 PM
I love t –shirt #2!! When I first saw that I broke out laughing and got out pencil and paper to write it down!!
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By: Grandma Katie on October 2, 2009
at 6:42 PM
Ok, that was me. I don’t know what happened.
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By: judith on October 2, 2009
at 6:39 PM
Saturday, October 3rd.
10am – 1pm (vigil 1pm-5pm)
Midtown YWCA (2121 East Lake St, Minneapolis)I
Apparently 25 Neo-Nazis are expected. 40 people are signed up for the seminar, so they’re outnumbered even before any counter protesters show up.
The only real concern seems to be that if this is ignored, they’ll feel more secure and cause more of a fuss next time. I’d really like to help drive them back under their rocks for a while. I wish they’d go away for good, but I’m not holding my breath.
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By: j on October 2, 2009
at 6:38 PM
Video reveals Glenn Beck using Vick’s Vap-O-Rub to induce fake tears for photographer
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 2, 2009
at 6:21 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, Judith. I found the news report on MPRNewsQ, but can’t find a time or meeting place listed for the counterprotest. Do you happen to know any details?
I vote for T-shirt #2. 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 2, 2009
at 6:20 PM
Hey, Minnesotans This from MPR……
Minneapolis — A group of neo-Nazis plan to protest an anti-racist workshop Saturday at the Midtown YWCA in Minneapolis, sparking plans for counter-protests from community members.
Forty people have registered for the workshop, titled “More Than Skin Deep: Uprooting White Privilege and White Supremacy One Cell at a Time.”
The white supremacist National Socialist Movement announced the protest on its Web site. The posting said the group’s local branch “plans to take action, by defending the rights of Whites not only in Minnesota but nation wide.”
Anti-racist community members have organized a counter-protest at the same location.”
That’s tomorrow, Oct 3. Practically in my neighborhood, I don’t see how it could be more convenient.
My only decision – should I wear my Obama t-shirt, or the one that says “Ladies Sewing Circle and Terrorist Society?
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By: judith on October 2, 2009
at 5:41 PM
“This Hitler Parody borrows heavily from the actual Harper Collins press release. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about Sarah Palin and Nazis that just goes together like peanut butter”…
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By: thymeCher on October 2, 2009
at 5:39 PM
LOL Kitkat mine would have liked an apple pie too, but mamma isn’t the best baker all I can manage is cake, so she will have to wait until the apple festival and snag a pie off of the church ladies who always sell them to raise money for their missions!
Enjoy your weekend all.. 😉
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 4:42 PM
75,000? There were close to 90,000 people at the Giants Stadium to watch U2 play. That was only the first night.
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By: ramble_on on October 2, 2009
at 3:52 PM
ok my turn for a new avatar// testing
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 3:11 PM
lori, mine requested french toast with fresh strawberries and apple pie. I made 3 pies, so enjoy everyone 🙂
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By: kitkatΔ on October 2, 2009
at 1:48 PM
God bless you Helen and Margaret. You are the real America! I absolutely love your blog. Keep telling the truth. You remind me of myself and my girlfriends of over 40 years and counting.
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By: Arlene on October 2, 2009
at 1:46 PM
My daughter is not coming home, but her friend is, and I am currently baking cookies to go back to school for her.
My church is full of older people. Like I said, this is backwoods. But I had cancer and was awfully sick for a while. Do you know that there was supper brought to us every evening, until we told them to stop. I received so many cards, I can’t begin to tell you. After my husband lost his job, people tucked money in anonymous cards, and it made me so embarrassed, even though it is the sort of thing that I would not have hesitated to do for anyone else. I have learned that it is just as faith growing to be ministered to, as it is to minister to others.
In short, my church is full of frustrating people who love God dearly. They love me dearly. We don’t agree politically. I don’t know anyone else within the church who thinks as I do, but really, I’m not offended when people think differently. It bothers me a lot though when I think that they’re being intolerant. I try to be a good example, and to be the ‘other view’. I shocked them all spitless one time in Sunday school. There was huge outrage about the newly opened Lowes, the fact that the signs were in Spanish as well as English. There was indignant threats to boycott the store. I said, “Why does it bother you that other languages are spoken?” Outraged glares. An older lady (dear to my heart) snapped, “Should we pledge allegiance in Spanish as well?” I said, “Well, Jean, as long as they’re pledging allegiance, I don’t care what language they do it in.”
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By: debby on October 2, 2009
at 1:35 PM
Here is a new one on health .
The FDA has ordered all companies making
dessicated (natural) thryoid to cease and desist producing same. This has ben produced for almost 100years. I have been taking either Armors or WEsthroid for over 30 years. Now I am being told I must switch to a synthetic! I am panicked and frustrated. There are thousands of us taking these products. Also, the products cannot be patented as they are natural. Does that statement tell you anything?
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By: Grandma Katie on October 2, 2009
at 1:21 PM
kitkat MINE is coming home too! how cowinky! Mine asked for spags and choclate cake. What was your daughters request?
It seems we have lots in common..;-)
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 1:17 PM
I think it is human nature to label things, not just each other, but it is labeling that causes the problems. I don’t consider myself just one thing and I hate being stuck in a category. My mom (a Repub all her life) always introduced me to her friends as her Democrat daughter (I was the black sheep). I would say, “Hey, I’m independent.” but it usually fell on deaf ears. There are issues where I’m very progressive, and there are issues where I’m fairly conservative. I’ve voted for Democrats and Republicans throughout my life, often during the same election. I think we need to stop pigeon-holing people and realize that one size definitely doesn’t fit all.
Lori, my 19 yr old daughter also worked for the Obama campaign, worked at a polling site, and went to the Inauguration. I bet she’d hit it off with your daughter. (I think my girl walks on water too 🙂 She’s coming for a visit from college today and I’m super excited).
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By: kitkatΔ on October 2, 2009
at 12:46 PM
Poolman, they also insist that Jesus was white. lol
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By: Claire on October 2, 2009
at 12:07 PM
Debbie, I know how important it is to most people to derive a sense of community from their church family, but you sound frustrated. Unless you live in a one church town, you have other options, have you considered visiting other churches?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 2, 2009
at 11:45 AM
Hi Claire here, had to change my name because there already was one (me?). I did an avatar, too, thanks for the info.
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By: clayo on October 2, 2009
at 11:34 AM
Thanks for the link, Poolman.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 2, 2009
at 11:20 AM
debby, I know your pain. Though I am not a democrat, as I am a registered independent, I do share your frustration. I have actually met democrats and independents that feel the same way. I think this health care debate will be helpful in making many question their allegiances. It is also good to find more liberals that profess to be Christian and can refute the bogus claims of many of the fundamentalists. Here is a good source of non partisan scriptural information regarding the events we face today. I have found many gems here to share with some of the most stubborn of my rw Christian friends who think Jesus has to be a republican.
http://blog.sojo.net/
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By: Poolman on October 2, 2009
at 11:13 AM
Vgman, thank you for the kind words about my daughter!
Of course, I think she walks on water and the super kicker is…. I would like to hang out with her even if we didn’t share DNA!
However, as much as I’d be honored to take credit for this lovely young lady, I can’t.. I think that is just who she is… in spite or because of me and my husband.. 😉
When it comes to the nature vs nurture debate I side on the part of nature! 😉 namaste!
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 10:46 AM
I will say, as a Christian Democrat, that it is discouraging to me to hear the complaining in our church. I am a minority here, and a lot of people do not believe that it is possible to be a Christian and a Democrat. There are people who believe that Barack Obama is just one more sign of the apocalypse. I am just too weary to even listen to their reasons.
I believe that there needs to be a separation of church and state. I believe that we all need to learn tolerance. I believe that we need to look at each other and see goodness.
I believe.
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By: debby on October 2, 2009
at 10:18 AM
to Whirled Peas of your 2:05PM post…
I break my lurking to thank you for the information on right wing trollers! I didn’t know I was a left wing troller. I knew what I was doing, I just didn’t know the proper terminology. I’m the grumpy old troll/who lives under the bridge… For those who do not have the joy of living with a preschooler, the grumpy old troll is a nemisis of Dora the Explorer. Have a woderful day dear gentle people.
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By: geezer mom on October 2, 2009
at 10:14 AM
I like Barack Obama’s bipartisan approach, at least in theory. But I must admit how frustrated I am when the other party doesn’t respond in kind. Karl Rove? More like Newt Gingrich. And let’s get religion out of politics!
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 2, 2009
at 9:23 AM
Do you all see what it happening here…two different mindsets, different opinions being discussed. I think that we need to sort of chill on Craig. He’s entitled to his opinions. We can listen politely, and then go on with our discussion of why we think he’s wrong. We don’t have to get our shorts in a knot over it, encourage him to take a hike, or basically boo and hiss him from the ‘room’. We can respond rationally.
We don’t have to be angry when someone doesn’t think as we do.
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By: debby on October 2, 2009
at 8:51 AM
No one’s puppet, that was before the days of FUX News and Karl Rove…
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By: Claire on October 2, 2009
at 7:51 AM
Craig, you are welcome, we liberals used to have a great deal of respect for our fellow Americans labeled conservative, William F. comes to mind. If memory serves me right, there was a time, when both Political parties identified problems and wanted to solve those problems. It was rather interesting time, because neither party was dogmatic; there were liberal Republicans, moderate Republicans, and conservative Republicans, as well as liberal Democrats, moderate Democrats, and conservative Democrats. The discussions were not cheap shots all around, and the minority party had a lot of influence on government, and I personally think we had better governance then.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 2, 2009
at 7:07 AM
OK, this morning I’m seeing Mr. Squirrel. Maybe it was just a matter of needing to shut down the ‘puter (which I did overnight) and restart it (which I did this morning).
Is anyone else getting a request to enter a password whenever you visit M&H? It started happening to me yesterday. I ignore it; doesn’t seem to matter — but I’m wondering if some hacker’s stuck his snotty little nose in the parlor or something.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 2, 2009
at 5:58 AM
Lori,
Your daughter sounds like the sort of young adult I am wanting my students to grow up to be–thinking and engaged! Kudos for raising her to be informed and motivated!
Congress seems to sit complacently in their seats (which they want to KEEP at all costs) with an eye always looking toward the next vacation, the next perk, or the next lobbyist’s donation. The health care issue, which has turned into a fiasco, didn’t just pop up over night. They’ve been allowing this to get out of control for years.
And what seems most inappropriate for the conduct becoming of a representative?–They’re more concerned about KEEPING their seat in Congress than truly tackling the problem.
When they view health care reform as a “victory lap” for their team and the other team says they won’t let that happen (again, at any cost)–then we know that they do not have the citizens’ interests at heart.
Lori, thanks for having our “back” for a while. I need it! Back in August, I lifted a landscape stone and my back hasn’t been the same since.
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By: vgmanΔ on October 2, 2009
at 5:25 AM
Poolman, I understand your frustration concerning, what appears to be, the slow meat grinding process of making “law”. It is not for the weak of heart that’s for sure. I think that is due in part to the daily score keeping. Our 24 hour news organizations make everyday a contest between the two “teams”.
When my oldest daughter was approaching her 18th (2006) birthday she decided she was going to take an active role in politics. She began researching the candidates (even before I did) and announced to me she was backing this little known guy named Barack Obama. “Good Luck”, was my response. She worked like a dog for that man for 2 years.
Our family is also huge Steeler fans, and we are Rabid when it comes to cheering our team to victory.
Last year after we won the election, and of course our beloved team not only went but WON the super bowl my daughter had logged lots of HOOTING hours for her respective teams.
When the healthcare debate started to heat up last spring I asked her (now a 21 yo) if she was going to attend a ” health care block party” being hosted by the democratic party. She sighed a big sigh and said to me “Mom I just don’t know if I have any more “hoot” left in me. I am all hooted out! I don’t think I can DO healthcare!” Of course we laughed and I said “Not to worry KC, I have found this blog and I am pretty sure there are lots of people there that have your back”. You rest and get your Hoot back, and join us for education!”. 😉
So Poolman, I (M&H fans) have your back, you rest your hoot a bit, we will need you in the home stretch. (You are really good at details)…;-) Don’t lose faith!!!!!! namaste’
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By: lori on October 2, 2009
at 3:32 AM
eww, Meg Whitman, wish I had something nice to say but every experience since she took over ebay and left is fake who did a pretty good job pretending thrust into politics after leaving a company in shambles. This woman basks in the glory of underseved credit time and time again and Im absolutely not surprised about her non registered voter status till 02
Going Rouge should be Ghoulin Rouge, wish I could take credit for it 🙂
thanks for the control f5 tip now I see the new avatar
jean, I believe cache is the memory thingy in your browser
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on October 2, 2009
at 1:25 AM
Hi gang, Bruddah Peas, and no one’s puppetΔ,
What the hell is a ‘cache’? I had an awful time with that word when I was trying to put up my avatar. I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Somehow it worked.
By the way, you didn’t really think an 80-year-old woman was going to ‘crop’ to a close-up head shot did you?
Sure, I’ll make tons of Chili Cheese Pupus when we get a decent Health Care Bill and SIGNED. I’ll even share the recipe.
Here’s to finishing your fall housekeeping! I’ll hoist my White Zin to that too.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 1, 2009
at 10:30 PM
Here you go Tine,
Safari: To reload a page
and bypass the cache.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 9:48 PM
No squirrel. Maybe because I’m a Mac gal? Control-F5 does nothing. 😉
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 9:24 PM
no one’s puppetΔ
Thanks.
I’m on this blog to learn.
If I’m here its because I want to know more about all sides of an issue.
I have openly said that I lean to the right.
I do not endorse Obama..but he is my President.
I do not have an agenda.
Evidently I threaten some.
I’m just enjoying communicating and learning about what others think about our country,government and future.
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By: CraigΔ on October 1, 2009
at 9:16 PM
Christopher Walken morphed into a cute little squirrel, Whirled Peas Δ latest avatar. Try a refresh, as suggested.
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By: Poolman on October 1, 2009
at 8:24 PM
Saw the kitten, but only squirrel I saw was when I clicked on “THE SQUIRRELIZER.” The avatar I see for Whirled Peas now is not a squirrel, but a clean shaven man with a white collar and he looks familiar to me. Is anyone else sharing my hallucination? I may have been on the computer too long today.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 8:16 PM
To: CraigΔ on October 1, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Thanks for your comment.
You have given me a great idea.
Craig. Take a hike.
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By: jsri on October 1, 2009
at 8:15 PM
Δ¥ Tine,
Try ‘Ctrl’-‘F5’ at the same time.
*(hard refresh)
My ‘lil’ guy should appear.
What a ham!
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 8:02 PM
Craig, yup. Factcheck.org is my fave for anything gov’t/politics/policy-related. And yes, I do hear those dang Annenbergs were Republicans. But the Annenberg Center has a pretty good reputation for unbiased research.
I mentioned Snopes because sometimes that’s the only place one can doublecheck the fluffy stuff. Not every mass e-mail I get is serious business that Factcheck would cover.
OK, Poolman, I see Whirled Peas’s kitty avatar next to the comment you pointed out. But I’m still not seeing any stinkin’ squirrels! (*scratching head in puzzlement*)
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 7:32 PM
Hi gang,
Here’s a little story of how and where science/medicine – politics – and ORGANIZED RELIGION intersect. I think there is a vast difference between what is probably INNATE SPIRITUALITY and ORGANIZED RELIGION.
There is a nasty little bacterium out here that is found in SOME but not all FRESH WATER streams. It does not survive in the SALT WATER of the ocean. There is a definite ‘salt line’ where the fresh water from rivers and streams empties into the ocean. The tide and waves back the salty ocean water up into the rivers and streams somewhat.
This bacterium can enter the body through the eyes, mucous membranes, open or unhealed wounds on the skin, causing a disease called LEPTOSPIROSIS. The little bastards set up housekeeping in the body and are extremely hard to get rid of. Although the disease is treatable, it can re-appear throughout a lifetime. We have a friend, born and raised on Kauai, who contracted it a long time ago. He has wound up in the hospital, sometimes for several weeks at a time.
The state has posted signs throughout all the islands warning about LEPTOSPIROSIS near those monitored fresh water streams. The signs clearly say DO NOT swim or wade in that water.
Now, I am painting a word picture here so you can visualize the scene. We like to go out from time to time and play tourist driving around. We were driving slowly on a little bumpy road along side one of the LEPTOSPIROSIS streams with the prominent warning sign posted. We noticed a couple of ‘Haole’ men dressed in the usual tee shirts and shorts, the same attire for local people and tourists alike. A middle-aged man was robustly striding along but stopped from time to time to look back and wait for the other man to catch up. The younger man was probably in his 20’s, excruciatingly thin, and quite pale even for a ‘Haole’. He was struggling very slowly along on crutches.
A little later we came to the end of the road and turned back to go home. Both men were in the stream. They HAD to have passed SLOWLY by the sign only a few feet from the edge of the water. The older man was thigh deep in the water. The younger man’s crutches were leaning against a tree and he appeared to be on his knees in the water with his head and shoulders above. The older man had an open book in his right hand and his left hand on the top of the younger man’s head.
Now, I don’t know for sure, but it looked very much to me like a full body immersion baptism going on.
Oh, shit.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 1, 2009
at 6:51 PM
. . . or maybe that’s “hear, hear!” Both look kind of silly right now.
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By: Joni Δ on October 1, 2009
at 6:48 PM
I’m with you, no one’s puppet! I’m raising a wine glass with you for the public option . . . here, here! : )
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By: Joni Δ on October 1, 2009
at 6:47 PM
Every news item out there has a “rest of the story” that can be tracked down. Of course, 99% of what is tracked down will be from your personal bias – that is, a person is more likely to link to those bylines that favor their own bias, whether intentional or not. Just sayin’. . . factcheck.org is pretty reputable though & they are one of few sources that I trust. Another thing I like to do is learn more about the writer him/herself. So I will often dig into archives and such trying to discern a bias. . .but then I’m nosy that way. And I’m an insomniac so I have time during the wee hours of the morning to do that. . . 🙂
So, if you’re all a-wiggle with anticipation over Palin’s book, here’s the cover:
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/
Buyer beware – Crayons not included in purchase of book.
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By: Greytdog on October 1, 2009
at 6:40 PM
Craig, I’m glad you vote. I was really puzzled by your saying you’d only voted one time yet showed such strong opinions about things.
I’m even gladder than you’re willingly being exposed to thoughts that challenge things you might have considered absolute truth before.
It would be nice if anything in politics could be taken at face value, but it takes effort and an open mind to find ‘the rest of the story’.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 1, 2009
at 6:06 PM
Yep, the Annenbergs were quite the Republicans…. great friends with the Nixons….. the Nixons stayed at the Annenbergs California estate quite a few times, during his presidency I believe. But they are also very interesting in the respect that they, through their charitable giving, are/were huge supporters of public television…. one of the last bastions of the truth.
I’ve received countless forwarded emails from a variety of friends making all sorts of claims citing “I looked it up on Snopes and it’s true” as though that made it gospel. I prefer to do my own reading and research and have found that most of the time Snopes is BS and I mean complete BS, about as trustworthy as wikipedia….. where any fool can make a contribution that’s regarded as fact.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 1, 2009
at 5:20 PM
Δ¥ Tine
Thanks for your suggestion.
So you prefer Fact check? as your main source for
checking e-mails and data?
I looked at the Annenberg story and their data.
Looks like they were Republicans..could that be right?
I also had heard at one point a couple weeks back that snopes was run by a little ole couple and that is was not that reliable and was left leaning.
Hard to imagine a search engine that large could be run by any one couple.
Have a good evening.
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By: CraigΔ on October 1, 2009
at 4:44 PM
To Delurker and Poolman.
I do vote and vote every time.
I meant to say Jimmy Carter is the only democrat
that I voted for…
Other than that..I also voted for Ross Perot, because I use to work for him.
Republican otherwise.
Did not vote for Tricky Dick.
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By: CraigΔ on October 1, 2009
at 4:37 PM
JSRI,
Good evening.
If you wanted, you could have just cut your comment to..
” Craig Just take a Hike”
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By: CraigΔ on October 1, 2009
at 4:34 PM
Whirled, I love that squirrel. He’s a rascal, that one!
And is now the Banff Parks Squirrel!
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By: Greytdog on October 1, 2009
at 4:20 PM
Okay everyone, remain calm, remember the old saying about “watching sausage and legislation being made,” sure the Public Option went down in the Finance Committee, as expected. Remember it needs 60 votes to pass in the Senate, so their, version is going to be as innocuous as possible. The House of Representatives will pass a bill containing the Public Option, and then representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives will meet to reconcile the two bills into one. After that the House of Representatives and Senate will both vote on that final bill, at this point, the bill only requires a majority to pass in the Senate, that would be 50 votes with Vice-President Biden’s tie breaking vote. Hooray! I wish it was Medicare for all, but I’ll settle for the Public Option. Champagne for all and some of Jean’s hors d’oeuvres, if we can persuade her make more. I am celebrating today; my fall cleaning is done, six weeks earlier then usual. I am definitely going to lift my wineglass this evening.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 3:49 PM
Δ¥ Tine, Whirled Peas Δ on September 29, 2009
at 6:51 AM shows a kitty face. The rest of the postings are squirrel-faced. I was curious how that could be. 2 different email addresses is the answer. My mind needs to know how these things work. I was wanting to find a way to keep my same avatar for all my past posts and when I create a new one, have that one take effect from the new post forward. Right now it changes everything in the past to the new avatar. Email address may be the key. I have 4 different email addresses right now and the ability to have hundreds more, if needed. So, I’ll have to play around with it in the future.
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By: Poolman on October 1, 2009
at 3:34 PM
Hi gang,
Did anyone catch Stephen Colbert last night? His guest was the distinguished British Evolutionary Biologist, Richard Dawkins who coined the terms “Memes” and “Memetics”.
I am about finished with an entertaining book: “Virus of the Mind” – “The Revolutionary New Science of the Meme and How it Can Help You.” by Richard Brodie. (You can get it from Amazon.) Brodie is best known as the original author of Microsoft Word. He has been on a number to TV shows including Oprah.
This book would be a fine introduction to Memetics for anyone interested in learning about it and it’s place for understanding the confusing world we live in. It is hilariously funny in some places. Then you could move on Dawkins’ books, which are well written but more scientifically technical.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 1, 2009
at 3:18 PM
Craig if you are trolling, ditto what jsri said, regardless I am too busy to look up sites for anyone, I have a life. That said, if you are looking for reliable information on any subject, websites that end .org or .gov are the most reliable. I hope you are trying to broaden your world view.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 3:04 PM
Greytdog…. what a price…. my parents with Medicare, a Medicare supplement and Medicare Part-D pay more than that amount on a monthly basis… yet most of the rhetoric you hear is about how Medicare is a free ride and is bankrupt…. this coming from the morally bankrupt.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 1, 2009
at 3:01 PM
AMEN! jsri
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on October 1, 2009
at 2:55 PM
Has anyone else noticed a certain ‘polish’
about Michele Bachmann lately?
I think it’s due to her
new advisor: Dan Tubagoo
*Ex-Speechwriter
for Palin ’08
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 2:29 PM
Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 2:13 PM
http://cfscapecod.jalbum.net/Open-Oct%2006/slides/Hirtz-Open-4-Open%20House.html
My wife and daughter-in-law make up large buckets of flowers for the front steps every year only to have them kicked to pieces by squirrels burying acorns.
The lady who took this one above had to be fast on the trigger because the little beggar was gone a couple minutes later.
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By: jsri on October 1, 2009
at 2:29 PM
Squirrels? Kitties? WTH are you talking about, Poolman? I get the feeling I’m not seeing something….
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 2:17 PM
Hey Poolman,
different emails.
Don’t you love that squirrel?
Have you seen this?
THE SQUIRRELIZER
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 2:13 PM
Ooops..
LINK
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 2:07 PM
When someone hits it
on the nail, I take notice.
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2009/09/19/beck-stamp-smear/#comment-5810149"Birth* of a WingNut Talking Point**
`My title & I’m starting
with my personal favorite. 😉
STEP SIX: Individual right-wingers troll left wing sites repeating the lie in comments even on posts where the lie has been explicitly debunked.
*See top of page for steps 1-5
**Replace CleanEnergy w/ HealthCare Reform
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 2:05 PM
Whirled Peas Δ, How can you be a squirrel and a kitty at the same time? Are you set up with more than one WP profile? just curious….
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By: Poolman on October 1, 2009
at 1:59 PM
jsri…
…well said.
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on October 1, 2009
at 1:39 PM
Craig
Lately I haven’t had a lot of time to contribute to this blog so most of my time here is spent skimming through the posts. For the life of me I can’t understand why you insist upon posting stuff that is simply a regurgitation of crud that has already been thoroughly debunked.
If you are half as smart as you pretend to be, you should have realized by now that most posters here have a more liberal political bent that does not agree with yours, have a much broader view of the world and are far more generous and more tolerant of alternative views than you appear to be. If you think that you can influence the H&M fans by simply repeating tiresome and banal bumper sticker talking points, you are mistaken and perhaps should post on sites that are more aligned with your ideas. It would be less annoying for all concerned.
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By: jsri on October 1, 2009
at 1:30 PM
Mageen, I am in total agreement with what you wrote, do we actually think doctors will or should take the time to explain living wills or end of life care and not be paid for their time. Their time is valuable and most of us realize that.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 1:19 PM
This is for Craig and all others confused by what they hear about Health Care Reform and are unable to get their own copy of any one of the proposed bills:
Hey, I read the first House version, the one that is supposed to be so scary and guess what! I not only survived, I couldn’t find anything that would get my knickers in a bunch. That jive about funding “end of life” counseling that is supposed to inspire old people to commit suicide, is pure bunk. Its about living wills and stuff that hospitals ask you about even if you go in for outpatient surgery. Hospitals really, really want to know about this stuff and sometimes they even advise you to get a living will and carry a copy in with you when you need surgery. Are they supporting suicide? Nope.
The only way anyone could read this proposed bill and have a Bachmann reaction is if they were chewing on some strange mushrooms!
What we are hearing and seeing from the opposition is nothing but pages straight out of the Karl Rove Handbook! And its financed by the insurance industry! (You mean there is gambling in this casino? I’m shocked, shocked I tell you!)
By the insurance industry’s own admission, it is uninsured and underinsured people who are ramping up your premiums when they go into the ER for their medical care. Ergo, we need to have them covered and pronto! Not matter what the opposition screams!
Really! I mean it!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on October 1, 2009
at 12:58 PM
Tom, if you’re reading this, I beg you and your peeps: get that crazy lady out of Congress!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 12:32 PM
Sex clinics in schools, says Bachmann.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/01/bachmann-sex-clinics-will_n_306292.html
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 1, 2009
at 12:00 PM
I just love reading Margaret & Helen! You ladies certainly tell it like it is & hit the nail right on the head!
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By: KansasMomOf4 on October 1, 2009
at 11:47 AM
Meg Whitman, GOP candidate for Governor of California was Too busy with family to vote http://bit.ly/Nc3JE
uh huh.
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By: Greytdog on October 1, 2009
at 10:40 AM
Our local pub’s resident gasbag didn’t vote, but sits there watching Glenn Blecch, etc. and spews any anti-Obama crap his little mind can think up (and boy, some are really DOOZIES!). If you didn’t vote, then you have NOTHING to say for the next four years as far as I am concerned.
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By: Claire on October 1, 2009
at 10:18 AM
Δ¥ Tine, I think we have had others post that same list Craig posted here before and we debunked it then. I was ignoring it, since it seems counterproductive when people keep regurgitating the same bs over and over again. I don’t have much patience for that.
Delurker Girl Δ, I saw that line from Craig re: Jimmy Carter too, and wondered the same. I have always been schooled that if you didn’t vote, you have no right to complain about the outcome. Though sometimes I feel my vote doesn’t count for much, I still do vote. I haven’t always been totally informed who or what to vote for, but I always make the effort. I think it is sad how apathetic many people are. Our voter turnouts are notoriously low in this country. And we are not under the threat of death if we get out to vote. I have rw friends that were not fans of McCain or Palin that just did not vote this last election.
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By: Poolman on October 1, 2009
at 10:12 AM
Craig, is it true what you said? (Ref: comments on 9/17 9:56pm on ‘A Buttload of Moolah!’)
“Jimmy Carter is “The first and only President I voted for.”
You really don’t vote?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on October 1, 2009
at 9:24 AM
P.S. Craig, you might want to check this out. The e-mail in question looks a lot like the one you got. Here’s a point-by-point analysis of the claims:
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/twenty-six-lies-about-hr-3200/
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 9:01 AM
Gramma Rock: Spoken like a true Minnesotan. Thanks for the hot-dish giggle. 🙂
Craig: My personal rule of thumb is to ignore all such forwarded/chain/spamlike e-mails, regardless of their content or source. If one catches my attention, I always check it against Snopes.com or Factcheck.org. I’ve discovered that mass e-mails are almost never true. Such a waste of time!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on October 1, 2009
at 8:30 AM
Well-written editorials to national media magazines are another way to shine a light on this ignorance.
Sometimes, you just wish you could stand up on a TALL mountain and say, “Ahem….excuse me, America, could I please have your attention? Thank you. It seems that in the state of Florida there is…….”
“Now, if we could all……”
“Thank you, America. Your consideration for this is greatly appreciated. While we’re all on the same page, could we discuss……”
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By: vgmanΔ on October 1, 2009
at 7:53 AM
http://www.redstateupdate.com/video/is-it-racist-to-hate-obama
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 7:35 AM
Jackson Memorial Hospital was bound by Florida Law. Circumventing that law would have created undue hardship for their patients through the loss of state-funds. Jackson Memorial treats primarily low-income patients. I think blaming the hospital for this event is not a good move. If anything, contact Sen. Bill Nelson, Rep. Kendrick Meek, & Rep. Alan Grayson (their contact info is on line) and let them know that due to this incident Florida will not be part of your family vacation plans.
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By: Greytdog on October 1, 2009
at 7:26 AM
Florida Dept of Tourism (aka VisitFlorida.org)
The offices share a common Fax # 850.201.6906
1.Dir. Public Relations & Communications
Lillian Spencer PH 850.205.3805
2.Jay Schleuning APR Public Relations Manager
PH 850.205.3862
3. Public Affairs Manager
Dia Kuykendall MSJ
PH 850.205.3863
Central Florida hosts one of the largest Gay-family weekends in the world – GayDays. You may want to consider contacting your local LBGT chapter and ask them to not participate based on Florida’s anti-gay record. Disney has been very accommodating but from my understanding the turn out for Gay Days has started to fall off a wee bit. Could just be the economy.
My sense, as a Floridian, is that the bulk of tourists are Europeans/SouthAmericans, and they head to WDW and/or South Beach. Perhaps there would be some way to let European LGBT communities know that if they come to Florida & something catastrophic happens, they would lose the right to be with their loved one. Just thinkin’ out loud.
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By: Greytdog on October 1, 2009
at 7:24 AM
Thanks, Pamela, for the revelation of Jackson Hospital’s ignorance. I will try to make those calls today. My SO and I will not be going to Florida any time soon.
This is really my most frightening scenario. That I will not be able to be with my SO when the time ever comes. We’re fighting a referendum, right now, to keep this relationship benefit here in Washington state. But there are those “Anita Bryants” who wish to take your pain and stoke it with their hatred until it hurts even more. Damn those who don’t see we’re all humans breathing on the same planet!
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By: vgmanΔ on October 1, 2009
at 6:18 AM
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/250614/september-30-2009/send-your-medical-bills-to-max-baucus
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By: no one's puppetΔ on October 1, 2009
at 5:51 AM
Seems its time to call the department of Tourism in Miami, and let them know I don’t vacation and spend money in anti-gay city and states. I just read of the federal judge dismissing the case brought against Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami by Janice Langbehn for being denied the right to be by her partner’s (life partner of 17 years) Lisa Pond, side as she died, as she was not ‘family’. Their three children were also not allowed to be see their mom before she died. The hospital would not recognize Janice’s power of attorney and reportedly told her that they were in an anti-gay city and state. What kind of inhumanity is this?
Jackson Memorial hospital phone numbers
Customer Service 305-585-5300
Public Relations 305-585-7213
Patient Relations 305-585-7341
I have to get out of here to a meeting but will post the Department of Tourism number later. And I do think its worth a protect call.
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By: Pamela Δ ¥ on October 1, 2009
at 5:07 AM
Hi gang,
My head is spinning after a busy day and now after reading each and every comment. I think it is a good thing for everyone to get their thoughts off their chests and into writing. It helps to sort out our thinking.
That said, I now at long last have my avatar! I spent the better part of the morning off and on messing with it. It was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HARD, for me anyway. Thanks so much to those of you who helped me.
Afterwards, I had to go lie down for a while. Then I got up and made a big batch of “Chili Cheese Pupus” for you. Please help yourselves and take some home with you. You can eat them hot or cold. Just nuke them for 20 seconds or so.
We are overdue for a new post from Helen and Margaret, don’tcha think?
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on October 1, 2009
at 1:02 AM
Alright, we ABSOLUTELY need to have M&H on Oprah, etc. Let’s all make it happen.
It’s about time the country had a dose of freakin’ tell-it-like-it-is COMMON SENSE! (I mean besides PRESIDENT Obama.) Sorry about my earlier OT rant about racism, but it is so in my face and upsetting that I think you all should know what is happening. (Yeah, right, Ed Rollins-DUH!)
Enough out of me,
G’nite.
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By: Claire on October 1, 2009
at 12:21 AM
Not sure, but is this Craig the troll?
” I guess we all know that there will be a trough for all the special interests groups..Insurance for sure to profit from.”
D’OH! Do you NOT think (okay that part was rhetorical, lol) the health insurance industries are holding American’s health insurance HOSTAGE? THEY are the ones calling the shots.
And damn those Socialists on Medicaid!
Honestly, stop listening to FUX News and pull your head out of your behind.
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By: Claire on October 1, 2009
at 12:15 AM
I believe our friend ShutupPalin discovered a comment on Palin’s face book that it basically boiled down to, the Repugs will shit a brick if the Dems push through affordable health care and take the (WELL-DESERVED!) credit for it.
Those of you who know me on this board know that I have exposed rampant bigotry and hatred for Obama strictly for his race (or one half of it!) and have now stopped calling him “socialist, marxist, communist, racist” and are now just plain all talking about “N(&)^*%’s, even IN FRONT OF MY BLACK FRIENDS WHO GO THERE. DIS-freakin’-disgusting!! I am talking about white wealthy mostly retired Repugs who meet to listen to Glenn Blecch.
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By: Claire on October 1, 2009
at 12:05 AM
Yes, vgman, this issue will need to be resolved, somehow, hopefully, in the not too distant future. Decent healthcare for all should not have anything to do with capitalism or socialism. Too much attention is being paid to labels. Capitalism does not work with every situation, nor does socialism. We just have to put labels aside and think this through. This is what I personally think. Preventative care goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy population. My grandmother died in her late forties of a stroke. Knowing my family history was helpful. At the first sign of trouble, I went to my doctor. I take my statins regularly, so far no ill side-effects, I take my high blood pressure medication. I am approaching my mid-fities and at my last check up all my numbers were really good. I have insurance, I am on preventative care. I wish everybody in a situation such as mine gets what I get. Giving medication, when indicated to help maintain good health is good for everybody. I daresay my tax dollars would go further, if prevention were emphasized over reaction to an advanced case of any illness. Prevention also helps keep costs down. A healthier population is a more productive one. So the capitalists win here. It would be a win-win for everybody, if we could all bring the discussion down to very simple concepts. Why all the drama?
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By: Easier on September 30, 2009
at 11:16 PM
I agree Easier. Craig has shown a willingness to really discuss issues and not drop the partyline “speak” so much. Really, it comes down to informed citizens discussing what matters most to us. In this case, it’s a HUGE national discussion trying to fit on a porch.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 30, 2009
at 10:08 PM
Ho la la! Been gone for a while! I am still wondering what is going on with our newfound friend Craig. I was like is Craig a convert to our ideas on this site? Maybe not? Still trying to figure it out. I do think it is a good sign that the discourse coming from him has turned more civil.
GreytDog, I mam people all the time! Thought it was a sign of respect! Now I feel bad. Sorry about your dog.
All kinds of interesting posts lately. Keep it up all.
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By: Easier on September 30, 2009
at 10:03 PM
Actually, Delurker Girl, Pennsylvania has a program, Adagio Health Care, which guarantees coverage to women being treated for cancer. I ended up with better insurance than we had while my husband was employed. Interesting thing: it’s a state funded program. I was enrolled at no cost to myself. Taxpayer based socialized medicine. Don’t you think it would be great if that could work on a national scale? Nah. It couldn’t. Could it?
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By: debby on September 30, 2009
at 9:45 PM
Mmmmm……Tater Tot hotdish…..
take me back to Iowa years ago……
I have to get my two dogs in an avatar. They are so cute. Their names are Leo, the Loverboy and Tasha the One Who Must Remain in Complete Control of All Situations Both Living, Unliving, Confusing, and Understood or Otherwise Known As Miss Queen Mama.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 30, 2009
at 9:37 PM
WTG Grayson!
later in the Rachel Maddow show he called them
“foot dragging, knuckle dragging neanderthals”
EXCELLENT!
we need more like him
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 30, 2009
at 9:30 PM
Poolman @ 6:46 pm
Thanks for the link. I only wish it would make a difference. The foxsuckers will believe what they want to believe. Truth & facts have absolutely nothing to do with how the wingnuts view things.
This is an excellent article from today’s 9/30 NYTs
very powerful comments, especially #14 @ 6:33 am.
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By: thymeCher ¥ on September 30, 2009
at 9:11 PM
did you hear ~~ minnesota’s michele bachmann is miss november in new conservative women calandar ~~ she’s half a package of tater tots short of a hot dish, too !
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By: gramma rock on September 30, 2009
at 8:10 PM
Oh and yes. I screamed WTF!?!?!!! at the TV several times during that broadcast and ended with a rousing battle cry of “F&@#Wads”. Scared my dogs.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 7:55 PM
yeah. $503 annual cost. WOW. Almost makes me want to run for office. Cuz after 6 months on the job I can quit and still get great healthcare coverage at half the cost out on the private market. WOW.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 7:53 PM
Craig, I suspect like most voters, I include myself, your tie to a particular political party is hereditary. It seems to me you are very open-minded, perhaps for the first time in your life no party can automatically count on your vote. Good for you, I am not going to try to persuade you believe one party over another, both have scoundrels who will say anything to get elected or reelected, do your own investigations, check the candidate and their supporters’ motivation, and use your critical thinking muscles. Look out for your own and your family’s interests.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 7:05 PM
I’ll post this again. You can contact every Senator on the finance committee who voted yesterday. I just wrote to them all again, letting them know my outrage.
http://www.keystoneprogress.org/page/speakout/papubopt2
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By: kitkatΔ on September 30, 2009
at 6:56 PM
Craig, another problem with Medicare is its pool, we are all, or nearly all, sixty-five over over. We go to the doctor oftener and take more medication than younger people. Even so, the premiums are quite low. If a bunch of healthy twenty-somes were in the pool with us, there would be no talk of Medicare going broke.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 6:49 PM
The WH is getting proactive against Beck’s BS
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Reality-Check-Turning-a-Point-of-Pride-into-a-Moment-of-Shame/
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By: Poolman on September 30, 2009
at 6:46 PM
Debby, I hope that you were able to continue your treatments and that they were successful. I’m so sorry you were kicked while you were down like that!
I didn’t know COBRA didn’t kick in if a company went under. I bet that has messed up a LOT of people!
I don’t know how people without a job can afford COBRA. Last time I needed it, family coverage cost almost as much as unemployment pays. When it comes down to choosing between insurance and rent, what can you do?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 6:34 PM
Yep ..on ABC National News.
They showed the Office of the Intending Physician
They would not be interviewed..and had the door shut on them.
But a Congressman did an interview and confirmed that there is always a nurse a primary care physician and if needed any specialist on call for anybody on Capital Hill as long as they pay the Annual fee of $503.00
And they are debating what we should have..????
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 6:16 PM
Craig, from what I understand, many of the problems w/Medicare are due to inefficiencies and waste as well as large subsidies paid to insurance companies and big pharma. Medicare cannot negotiate for lower prescription rates, thanks to Congress. Many of the problems w/Medicare are being addressed in several of the bills to fix this program to make it more efficient. I know there is much more I don’t know about this and hope someone else will chime in.
Greytdog — $503 a YEAR?????!!!!! WTF! excuse my language, but really? What is wrong with these people. I have been stating in each letter to Congress members that if they didn’t have taxpayer provided insurance, they would fix this problem. Now I have some numbers to add to my letters — and some outrage.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 30, 2009
at 5:38 PM
I want what Congress has – access to primary care provider whenever needed, PT, pharmacy, minor surgery, specialists as required – for an annual fee of $503.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 5:14 PM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall. I had two chemo treatments when my husband’s company went out of business. Did you know that there is no COBRA when a company goes out of business. Moreover, the insurance company told my husband ‘Our contract was with your company, not with you. We don’t even have to talk to you.’
On top of it all, after assuring us we were still covered, we were canceled retroactively.
I keep getting e-mails from insurance companies blasting national health care. I wonder why.
Final note: It seems like the people who object most vehemently to national health care are the folks who have insurance. It’s easy to bitch against national health care if you don’t need it. You don’t see anyone without insurance objecting, do you?
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By: debby on September 30, 2009
at 5:14 PM
Good for you! I lived for 60 years under that “horrible” National Health system in Britain. I am 82 yrs old and I am still here !!!
I never had to wait for treatment – my mother suffered 25 yrs with heart disease and had wonderful care. Please don’t misunderstand me, I love this country but it would be nice not to have to pay through the nose for prescriptions!!!
Keep up the good work and maybe someone will come to their senses before it is too late.
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By: Mary Lemons on September 30, 2009
at 5:06 PM
Palin ..Got the video to play.
It said only 2-3% of dollar goes to medicaid to make it work and the rest goes to care giving.
Did I hear that right?
Then why is there always a commotion about
medicaid as to its funding?..or lack therof..?
Will they start to take more?
And is “medicaid” essentially what they are going to provide everyone..that is, if they ever can get their act together?
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 4:16 PM
Craig, first, breath in and out into a paper bag, second, look for the name of organization (probably in the small print) that authorized this material, third, Google the organization, fourth, ask yourself if they have a stake in frightening you.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 4:16 PM
As a Floridian, I must say that Alan Grayson’s comments in the well of the House helped to rid the foul taste in my mouth after Sen. Bill Nelson’s caving in to the insurance industry. As the former Ins. Commissioner for the State of Florida, Nelson owes his career to the Insurance industry so I’m not at all surprised that he is championing their cause – not his constituents. So thank God for Grayson.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 3:16 PM
I guess we all know that there will be a trough for all the special interests groups..Insurance for sure to profit from.
I see the news..and it has shots or stories of our representatives on both sides of the aisle having golf outings or attending fancy parties in Washington D.C.
So I cannot see this ending well.
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 3:11 PM
The video played for me – thanks PalinShutUp! Very good. I don’t think the fire insurance example is exactly perfect, but overall it was right on in my view.
Craig, to evaluate comments like that, you’d have to have the actual document they were commenting on and read it for yourself… Which bill and which version? I agree with your perception that they are biased interpretations. I’d further that and say that they are intentionally inflammatory interpretations designed to manipulate people into a specific reaction. For example – government intervenes in your marriage? By covering marriage counseling?
Beyond that, except for the statements that are flat out wrong, you could substitute ‘insurance company’ for ‘government’ in most of those statements and it would describe what we have today. Meaning, it’s not shocking that government would put a value on doctor time – insurance companies do that today. And medicare does that today. I won’t go as far as to say the government has YOUR best interests at heart, but insurance companies have interest in the bottom line only.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 3:00 PM
As with most that are vocal foes of healthcare reform, there is a financial connection:
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/09/30/rick_scott_one/?source=newsletter
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on September 30, 2009
at 2:54 PM
I have a little brother named Keith.
So I will disregard your comment.
Thanks otherwise.
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 2:39 PM
Craig: what part of all that do you not think is already part of what we have at the present…. get your head out!
Delurker Girl: Medicare Part D is a public/private plan…. basic guidelines by the gov’t, paid for by the gov’t and the monthly premiums of the insured, but administered by private insurance…. so they get a piece of the pie, and it all began with multi-BILLION dollar up-front payouts to the drug companies. This was a bill written by the drug and insurance companies to benefit themselves, not the insured.
What part of the fact that EVERY other industrialized country in the world has universal health care….. as a basic human right, not merely a privilege enjoyed by those who can afford it.
It gave me quite a laugh when John Boehner said that the public didn’t want this and that was why the Democrats weren’t on board. Hell Yes we want this…. the Democrats in Congress that don’t want it, don’t have a damned thing to worry about as THEY HAVE INSURANCE paid for by who? Us…. what, we don’t derserve the same?
I say BULL SHIT.
Keith in NM
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By: Keith in NM on September 30, 2009
at 2:34 PM
Palin lady..I tried and could not get it to play
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 2:31 PM
Well sorry..
I think this is definitely got an agenda.
The give away..is the page 425 comment about ending your grandmothers life..?
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 2:29 PM
I never posted a video here so lets see if this works
Why We Need Government-Run Universal Socialized Health Insurance
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 30, 2009
at 2:28 PM
Hey I’m clueless here..but then most of you know that.
I received the following e-mail. Of course it states several comments regarding certain points in the
health care ..Any of this accurate?
And I also realize its got some jabs at Acorn..but that aside..are these comments for real?
***************************************
Highlights from the FIRST 500 PAGES. What do you think the other 600 or 700 pages do to us.
A few highlights from the first 500 pages of the Healthcare bill in congress
Contact your Representatives and let them know how you feel about this. We, as a country, cannot afford another 1000 page bill to go through congress without being read. Another 500 pages to go. I have highlighted a few of the items that are down right unconstitutional.
• Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!
• Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!
• Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process)
• Page 42: The “Health Choices Commissioner” will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None.
• Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free healthcare services.
• Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID Health card.
• Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
• Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community organizer health plans (read: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)
• Page 72: All private healthcare plans must conform to government rules to participate in a Healthcare Exchange.
• Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in the Healthcare Exchange (i.e., total gove rnment control of private plans)
• Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for services; translation: illegal aliens
• Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan.
• Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically enrolled: you have no choice in the matter.
• Page 124: No company can sue the government for price-fixing. No “judicial review” is permitted against the government monopoly. Put simply, private insurers will be crushed.
• Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set wages.
• Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the government-run public plan. No alternatives.
• Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time employees AND their families.
• Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll
• Page 150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll
• Page 167: Any individual who doesn’t’ have acceptable healthcare (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
• Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual taxes (Americans will pay for them).
• Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will have access to ALL American financial and personal records.
• Page 203: “The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax.” Yes, it really says that.
• Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and the poor most affected.”
• Page 241: Doctors: no matter what specialty you have, you’ll all be paid the same (thanks, AMA!)
• Page 253: Government sets value of doctors’ time, their professional judgment, etc.
• Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private healthcare industries.
• Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven wheelchairs.
• Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of rationing!
• Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems preventable re-admissions.
• Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial admission that results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the government.
• Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited for owning and investing in healthcare companies!
• Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals cannot expand without government approval.
• Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on “community” input: in other words, yet another payoff for ACORN.
• Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures: i.e., rationing.
• Page 341: Government has authority to di squalify Medicare Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc.
• Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS individuals.
• Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee (healthcare by phone).
• Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult: Senior Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?
• Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory. Appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time.
• Page 425: Government provides approved list of end-of-life resources, guiding you in death.
• Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment; government dictates how your life ends.
• Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to dictate treatment as patient’s health deteriorates. This can include an ORDER for end-of-life plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.
• Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments you may have at end-of-life.
• Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN.
• Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for ACORN.
• Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy. Government intervenes in your marriage.
• Page 494: Government will cover mental health services: defining, creating and rationing those services.
======================
On page 425 it says in black and white that EVERYONE on Social Security, (will include all Senior Citizens and SSI people) will go to MANDATORY counseling every 5 years to learn and to choose from ways to end your suffering (and your life).
Health care will be denied based on age. 500 Billion will be cut from Seniors healthcare. The only way for that to happen is to drastically cut health care, the oldest and the sickest will be cut first. Paying for your own care will not be an option.
Now, CALL YOUR PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell them to read page 425 if they don’t read anything else. Surely some of them have parent
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 2:24 PM
I don’t actually know – are medicare prescription plans managed & administered by the government, or are there private insurance companies involved? Are these like supplemental insurance, or entirely part of medicare? (I should know this… sorry!)
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 2:14 PM
‘So that if you choose wrong, your stuck with it for a year?’
sort of like the medicare prescription plan Im guessing, you choose it and you are stuck with it
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 30, 2009
at 2:10 PM
I understand what you’re saying, Craig. It’s not any different than my employee health insurance open enrollment, IMO. I get plans I can’t read, and I get handouts & cheat sheets to compare the options. Mostly I get stuck ad “it’s going up 20+% AGAIN??? How many years in a row can they do that???” Legal documents require lawyers and ‘wicked smart’ people to write them, read them & understand them.
Counselors, advisors, and materials would have to be provided if something were rolled out. Mistakes will be made, and legislation will be amended as time goes by. It’s just sort of how that stuff goes.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 2:09 PM
I went to this page after I had googled Health Care Bill in Congress…
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text
H.R.3200 – America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
I can only state that this particular page provided the text and a place out to the side where you could make comments as to thumbs up or down.
And you could open forum ask questions.
But if you need a lawyer to explain it to you..
How are we going to be able to decide if its what we want?
I’m not on medicare or medicaid but from what I have gathered..there are so many pitfalls as to which program you pick that at the time you choose what options you want…
You could easily screw yourself up when it comes to medications provided and or not provided.
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
But if whatever they pass and when they pass it..
Are “WE” going to be able to decipher what we will want… if there are options ?
So that if you choose wrong, your stuck with it for a year?
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 1:58 PM
Craig, which *proposed* health care bill are you quoting? Where are you reading it? It’s hard to accurately process it without the context around it.
The legalese can be a nightmare. I bet much of it has been borrowed from insurance contracts, which have evolved over the yeras to cover every square inch of their… uh… substantial… uh… assets.
Writing by committee is also a problem. By the time everyone throws in their stuff, and adds/cuts wording to clarify points being debated, the result is a mess. It’s not unique to this administration, or even to government.
Once a bill passes committee, it should be cleaned up before a final vote. Still, I acknowledge that nobody will read & understand every bit of it. A little less than half won’t bother to read it at all as their minds are already made up. They’ll only read exceprts fed to them by agenda pushers!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 1:24 PM
Hi gang,
I too found the word “sweetheart” condescending and rude. Here’s why. Each of us has our own personal space surrounding our bodies and identity. There is some scientific evidence of this as a small electrical field, sometimes known as an “aura”. This has been recognized by human beings since probably time immemorial. In art, holy figures with halos.
Anytime another person invades that personal space without invitation, perception on both sides the can be anywhere from offensive to hostile. This very much goes for names, which are just about as personal as you can get in speech or writing. How we address each other denotes a hierarchy from superiority, to respect to familiarity. As an ‘elder’ I expect younger people to call me Mrs.________, until we get to know each other and I grant them permission to call me otherwise. In the work place it is relatively the same. The boss is called by his/her title or Mr./Mrs./Ms. Subordinates are generally called by their first names. For sure, your wouldn’t call your boss, “Yo, Pal!” or “Hey, Babe!” You get the picture I hope.
Isn’t it interesting that the honorifics for guys are just plain “Mr.” For we gals, “Miss”, “Mrs.” or “Ms.” denotes something about the status of a woman’s virginity. Except for “Spinsters”, “Old Maids” and “Nuns” who have never been married or anything!
Having lived in the South, I know that even within the family, “Sir and “Ma’am” are common terms used well into adulthood toward ‘elders’, no matter the age or family status. The use of terms of endearment such as “sweetheart”, “honey”, “darlin’” can be construed as condescending and even sexist if the lady has not indicated that she has invited that kind of familiarity into her ‘space’. This is particularly true if a man automatically assumes that he will be addressed more formally.
Here in Hawaii, the word for family is “Ohana”. That includes immediate family as well as extended family, with “Bruddas” and “Sistahs”, “Aunties”, “Uncles”, cousins, and the “Keiki”, (children). If you are close enough friends to eat together out of the same bowl, a “calabash”, then you are considered “Calabash Ohana”, entitled to all the privileges and familiarity of blood relatives. This includes nicknames.
On a blog like M&H, we come to know each other by how we identify ourselves, thus granting privileges of how we wish to be addressed. I try to carefully type in the names as presented here, (my typos notwithstanding.) With some people I have gotten to know well, I use Hawaiian endearments. If they are offended, I would hope they would tell me and I would immediately cease.
My name here is “Jean” or “jean”, uppercase, lowercase, doesn’t matter to me. “Jean” happens to be my given middle name and I have always been called “Jean”. (It’s a family story from birth.) If someone calls me by my first given name, my reaction is usually, “Oh, yeah, that’s me!” Or, “that person doesn’t know me from Adam”. There is an advantage however. It works great on the phone when a cheery voice calls me by my first name. It’s a tip off, a sales pitch is coming and my red flag goes up.
Of course, talking about someone behind his/her back is not invading his/her personal space DIRECTLY so anything goes.
Aloha! 🙂
You can call me Auntie Jean or Tutu Jean anytime.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 30, 2009
at 1:10 PM
I just checked in to read part of the Health Care Bill.
The following is just the part that describes what they are going to try and do to have parity of Mental Health Care.
Now if you read it to the end…can anyone tell me that “THEY” understand it and that there are several hundred more pages with the same verbiage.
Who would be the commissioner that the Bill keeps referring to? Is this a Czar?
I cannot see how our congressmen or senators are knowledgeable enough to say this or that about this Bill
And I don’t think anybody has read the whole thing and say they understand it. This is insane!
SEC. 114. NONDISCRIMINATION IN BENEFITS; PARITY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER BENEFITS.
5
(a) Nondiscrimination in Benefits- A qualified health benefits plan shall comply with standards established by the Commissioner to prohibit discrimination in health benefits or benefit structures for qualifying health benefits plans, building from sections 702 of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 2702 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9802 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(b) Parity in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Benefits- To the extent such provisions are not superceded by or inconsistent with subtitle C, the provisions of section 2705 (other than subsections (a)(1), (a)(2), and (c)) of section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act shall apply to a qualified health benefits plan, regardless of whether it is offered in the individual or group market, in the same manner as such provisions apply to health insurance coverage offered in the large group market.
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By: CraigΔ on September 30, 2009
at 1:04 PM
John Perry invites discussion of a military coup of the US Gov.
excuse me? isn’t that treason?
http://mediamatters.org/blog/200909300012
Tell me again. Why exactly aren’t these people being hauled in and questioned by the FBI/Secret Service – whatever?
My understanding has always been that mention of assassination or speaking of a coup against the government is grounds for something???
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 30, 2009
at 12:49 PM
I think that women who ever were waitresses tend to tip well. I know I do.
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By: Donna on September 30, 2009
at 12:35 PM
imho no one’s a puppet’s question was never answered September 29, 2009 at 8:18 PM
poolman than you for that most excellent link explaining what is going on
back to your regular scheduled programming 🙂
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By: palinshutup on September 30, 2009
at 11:33 AM
KitKat, you are never old enough to be ma’amed, what are we the Queen of England?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 11:19 AM
I think I’m a better tipper than my hubby. He’s got all kinds of bizarre little rules on tipping. It’s simple for me: good service = good tip, bad service = adequate tip.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 30, 2009
at 10:46 AM
My pet peeve is waiting on the check. My husband and I are both good tippers, I disagree with you though, I think a lot of women are lousy tippers.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 10:42 AM
being ma’amed is tough, as in my head, I’m not old enough yet. The endearing terms are a midwest thing too, but probably not on the same level as the south. I find myself doing it with waitresses, clerks, customer service people, etc. Is it a way to connect? Not too sure.
In England, of course, they call everyone “Luv”, but in Yorkshire, they call everyone “Duck”. As in “Do you want chips with that, Duck?” By the time we leave my inlaws, I feel like I waddle.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 30, 2009
at 9:59 AM
When I was a waitress in college, a veteran waitress pulled me aside -set down some worthy rules: 1) when waiting on a couple, always always defer to the female even though the guy might be paying. the female decides the tip – so NEVER FLIRT. 2) when dealing with a table of men, be professional, not overly friendly, but keep their drinks filled. #of refills = better tip. 3) you’re their server, not their friend. Your job is to take their order, get it to the table, and ensure they have a pleasant meal.4) After serving the meal, wait about 60 secs then check to make sure the meal is satisfactory. If not, take care of it PRONTO 5) Never ask if they need anything – anticipate and just do it. 5) remove all dirty dishes immediately. When you bring them a new drink, take away the empty glass. 7) Always thank them and invite them back. & now that I no longer waitress, I still follow those rules – to determine the tip. I never blame the service staff for poorly prepared food. In those cases, I always request a manager. I’m a tough customer, but I tip over 25% when the service is outstanding.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 9:36 AM
Loved this. Jon Stewart: Target America
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/daily-show-america-target-america
About yesterday’s bill that was voted down – was it really the right bill for the country? Are alternative proposals coming that would be better anyway? I’m not familiar with the specifics on that particular one.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 9:13 AM
Oh yes…I’ve been ma’amed aplenty, and I’m younger than Greytdog. (At least I think so…judging from the life experiences she’s described here.)
I’m snickering because I think the expression “you’ve been ma’amed” is hilarious! 🙂
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 30, 2009
at 8:55 AM
And you haven’t Tine? If a waiter calls me miss, they get a larger tip.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 8:49 AM
Ooooh!! That was not good! Spent part of yesterday watching CSPAN televising the debate in the Senate Finance Committee. The Republicans voted down public option twice largely because . . . get this . . . in Charles Grassley’s own words . . . it would be popular and it would work. Even more incomprehensible are the 5 Democrats who voted against it because in their estimation it wouldn’t stand a chance in a vote by the Full Senate on the Senate floor.
Not once a mention about suffering people! Everything went the way the health insurance companies prefer! And Senator Bunning, the reason why there are so few competitive health insurance companies in Kentucky is not because there are so few people in Kentucky but because there are so many, many poor people in Kentucky who can’t afford the high rates and the whopping deductibles! Your state, Senator, has a high rate of poverty. What have you done in your years in the Senate to alleviate it?
(Just a tad of background: yes, he started out as a baseball player but later became an investment broker. This just might explain something.)
I mean it. Really!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 30, 2009
at 8:47 AM
Ladies.. thank you soo much for saying what I could never articulate. LOVE LOVE LOVE you two!!!!
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By: dc in buffalo, ny on September 30, 2009
at 8:39 AM
“You’ve been ma’amed”! (*snicker*)
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 30, 2009
at 8:30 AM
About the “sweetheart” comment: it’s a southern thing really. At times I find it annoying, especially when it’s a younger female waitress calling me sweetheart when she brings me my food. And I really hate it when a male calls me “baby”. But the worse? :::Shudder::: is when a young person calls me Ma’am. The first time it happened, my friend turned to me and yelled out “You’ve been ma’amed”. Lord did I feel old. Now I try not to grit my teeth when it happens. I’m learning to accept the fact I am no longer a chirpy 20 yr old but a bedraggled middle-aged going gray curmudgeon struggling to keep my sarcastic tongue from slaying simpering idiots who get in my way.
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 8:15 AM
oohhkay. My brain is just so not engaged this morning, and apparently it’s all over the place. Poolman, I always forget the most essential part of Mudflats URL. But this really really is the right url now: http://www.themudflats.net
(‘the” is the operative part that my brain ignores, of course)
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By: Greytdog on September 30, 2009
at 8:09 AM
The South does have different traditions for communications between the sexes. Ran slightly afoul of one several decades ago….
I was working for an insurance company at the Minnesota branch and, when they asked for volunteers to go process claims in Meridian MS after a large hurricane, I volunteered to go. We were warned before leaving to try to avoid stepping on any toes.
A supervisor came into our area and asked me to be sure a certain check was processed and placed on his desk by noon. I looked up, smiled, said “You got it” and went back to work.
Several long minutes later, I felt eyes & realized he was still looking at me – with a very confused expression. I asked him nicely if there was anything else and there wasn’t, so he left after another minute.
I commenced to watching how the Meridian office women acted to their (all male) supervisors. Apparently, the first request is to be addressed with slight confusion, requiring further explanation. Then further details are sweetly requested. Maybe another exchange after that, and a final promise to ‘”try real hard”.
No wonder he was confused. I’m just glad I’m little and (at least then) cute, so he wasn’t offended. I wonder if the guys were aware that the Meridian women all understood what they wanted on the first exchange, if not actually before they entered the room.
And you know that check was on his desk at 11:35AM. Of course, he’d already gone to lunch.
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By: judith on September 30, 2009
at 7:27 AM
OK, my bad, I’m obviously a northerner. When someone tells me I’m wrong and calls me sweetheart, I’m offended. Craig, bless your heart.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 30, 2009
at 7:23 AM
Joni, I saw that link to Palin’s book also 🙂
Delurker, thanks for the tip. I haven’t seen the new avatar’s either.
Craig, I have to side with you on the “sweetheart” thingy. It is such a Southern thing. I get called “Hon” or “Sweety” all the time by men and women.
Whirled Peas, love your new avatar but you really shouldn’t put such adorable kitties on the blog. Temptation!
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By: Raji on September 30, 2009
at 5:26 AM
I’m not offended Craig, most of the time, I have a sweet heart, making me a real sweetheart.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 30, 2009
at 4:43 AM
Tutu Jean,
Mahaolo for the info; We were in Hawai’i in March 2008 for a 12 day cruise through ‘dese Islands’ and fell in LOVE!! Thank you for all of the very helpful suggestions; right now, I don’t have time to go through the itinerary from the cruise because I’m getting ready to leave for work (it’s 5:24 am in MO) but I will catch up with you later this evening.
Thanks to Raji and Greytdog for your advice for the canine accupuncture info as well. I do want to follow up more on that info. I have to play catch up later. I go to bed rather early and then play catch up the next afternoon.
Have a great day everyone!
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By: AmericanΔ on September 30, 2009
at 4:26 AM
no one’s puppetΔ
Please except my apology if I offended you with my”sweetheart” comment.
This am at Gym I happened along a 83 yo lady who talked my ears off..
And I walked with her around the gym for 30 min.
At the end I hugged her. Called her a sweetheart and said I would se her tomorrow.
We both had been in the gym for some time.
But today we shared a table mat for stretches.
So now I have a new buddy. And do you know.
Not once did we ask about politics.
We talked about her partial hip replacement in 06,..her husband who she married right out of WWII and the child care she operated out of her home for more than 34 years.
I still don’t know..if she’s a republican or democrat.
I’ll ask tomorrow and report.
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 10:04 PM
Poolman I like your locker room comment.
We’re not in the back rooms of Washington
politics, where a politician trades his votes for amendments.
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 9:56 PM
Delurker..I thought about the “sweetheart” comment..but
Here in the south I call ladies Hun, Mam
and open doors for both ladies and men.
But mostly ladies.
I said I thought about it and thought I should go back and amend it..but, I figured we’re adults.
If I had wanted to and I did not..I could have been much more condescending.
I was just throwing myself in with the pack.
We’re sweetheart,..just voters at the hands of the political waves.
They will ebb and flow.
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 9:54 PM
Poolman I said you could google it.
Same diff.
And I said both parties have their benefactors.
And Yes Warren did contribute to Shwartz..but which
is Warren connected to more lately?
Obama.
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 9:48 PM
Again Craig, you are not divulging complete truths. From the same wikipedia article about Penny Sue Pritzker you copied and pasted:
“Pritzker contributed some $493,174 to numerous campaigns and political action committees since the 2000 election cycle. Among the recipients have been the presidential campaigns and exploratory committees, including those of George W. Bush, Joe Lieberman, Bill Bradley, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain (2000), Al Gore, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.”
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 9:47 PM
Craig, when you quote wikipedia, you should acknowledge it. Also from the same paragragh in wikipedia: “Buffett was also finance advisor to California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during his 2003 election campaign.” This you ignored.
Most of the wealthy contribute equally to both sides of the political spectrum. They do not really care which “team” is in power, as long as their agenda isn’t compromised.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 9:41 PM
Why are we still playing teams in this game of politics. The democratic base is just as much a problem as the republican base. Both are in bed with corporate America. Look to those that are swimming against the flow to support. It doesn’t matter what color their shirt is, look to the person rather than their affiliation. I guarantee the shirt comes off in the locker room and you can’t tell them apart. Let’s put the division where it should be. Let’s separate big business from our legislators. We need to call them all out.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 9:14 PM
Craig, calling an adult you don’t know ‘sweetheart’ is condescending and rude. Just sayin’.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 29, 2009
at 8:54 PM
But my point is, Craig, our poor people and our rich people are in favor of higher taxation of wealthy people. I wonder if we, Democrats, can trade Bernie Madoff for Chuck Hagel?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 29, 2009
at 8:51 PM
Hey Poolman,
I like your perspective as it relates to the scripture verses you post. Long ago, I recapped the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, here, on the porch. I think this illustrates a very stark difference between Christians in action and Christians in name only.
I also remember singing a song when I was young……..
“They’ll know we are Christians by our love”
And I love this quote from John Quincy Adams–
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, and become more…you are a leader.”
Maybe the crowd that protested in DC recently could learn a lot from those words.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 29, 2009
at 8:38 PM
To: no one’s puppetΔ
You asked the following last night.
“I will ask you a question I asked my Republican nephew recently, I asked if he was a Republican because both he and his wife made large salaries. He responded, yes they did pay a lot in taxes. Okay, I said, I can respect that, because you are voting your own interest, but I don’t understand why so many low income, family value voters vote Republican.”
I don’t think you should paint the entire republican party and the people carrying TEA signs with the same brush..
Just my opinion.
But how many people do you know that can afford a $28,000.00 per plate dinner for Obama?
..and these are democrats that ate big. These are not your auto worker, nurse or Joe the plumber.
But I think there are more wealthy democrats than Pubs. Pelosi is rich beyond all of us and represents one of the richest areas in California.
Then you have Bernie Madoff
Madoff and his wife gave about $240,000 to federal candidates, parties and committees since 1991 including $25,000 a year to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee between 2005 and 2008.
Baba Striesand
Oprah
Bill and Hillary
Al Gore
Bill Gates
Ronald Wayne Burkle is an American business magnate. Listed on Forbes magazine’s 400 and known as a major political fundraiser, his present net worth is estimated at $3.5 billion.
Burkle is a well-known Democratic supporter and fundraiser who has raised more than $1,000,000 for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.
Penny Sue Pritzker (born 1959) is an American business executive, and a member of the Pritzker family of Chicago, one of America’s wealthiest business families.She is the founder and current Chair of Classic Residence by Hyatt, a chain of luxury senior living communities spread throughout the United States, and the national finance chair of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. In 2007 the Forbes 400 list of “America’s wealthiest” showed her as the 135th richest person in the U.S., estimated net worth of $2.8 billion
Warren Buffet
Buffett formally endorsed and made campaign contributions to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. On July 2, 2008, Buffett attended a $28,500 per plate fundraiser for Obama’s campaign in Chicago hosted by Obama’s National Finance Chair, Penny Pritzker and her husband, as well as Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett.
These are just a few..and I know you can google rich republicans and find them as well.
But sweetheart..when it comes down to it..I don’t think we’re feeding from the same trough as our representatives and senators..whether they be
Blue or Red.
And finally what is considered rich?
…and What is defined as middle class..?
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 8:18 PM
“Democrats are arguing that today’s result wasn’t that bad – we got more votes than expected on the public option, the public option is on the march, it hasn’t lost any ground, the floor bill will still have the public option, and we have 60 votes for cloture and 51 votes, easily, for the public option, etc…”
http://hellodollyllama.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-to-watch-for-in-health-reform.html
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 8:14 PM
‘If the insurance and pharmaceutical companies are doing everything they can, spending millions upon millions, to prevent a healthcare reform, isn’t that indication enough that we need healthcare reform? Do you honestly think they are working so hard to stop this bill because it’s in the best interest of the people? SERIOUSLY???’
AMEN!
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By: PalinShutUp on September 29, 2009
at 8:11 PM
woohoo! 🙂
its my family values image
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By: PalinShutUp on September 29, 2009
at 8:09 PM
greytdog, the link is taking me to that “happy place” motorbike page once again. RM interviewed AKM on her show I just watched a few minutes ago.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 8:02 PM
for cryin’ out loud, I leave you people alone for a few weeks and it’s absolute hell to catch up! Gawwd, i luv you guys! Indulge me while i catch up:
Jane: your daughter’s story breaks my heart. If this doesn’t tell the story of the need for healthcare reform, nothing does. i wish her well.
Jsri: yes, diet and lifestyle absolutely plays into future health issues and let’s not forget that we all are paying for these people who did not choose to take care of their health.. But it is also why it makes me nuts that our own government allows things like high fructose corn syrup into our foods, the introduction of which oddly coincides with the increase of obesity in our society. For the love of God, if you eat everything out of a box or a bag, exactly why do you wonder why you have a weight problem? But don’t ya just love our poster boy for stupidity, Rush Limbaugh, saying ON THE AIR, that it’s the people who exercise who are causing the healthcare problem because of all the sports-related injuries? Let’s compare: what did my very healthy, fit, health consious husband’s meniscus knee surgery (due to tennis) cost compared to the cost of the on-going treating obesity related diabetes, smoking-related lung cancer, all of Dick Cheney’s heart surgery do to life style choices…. I’m just saying.
Graydog- your account of your trip to DC is stunning. I agree-NO MEDIA COVERAGE????
I don’t remember who said it but someone here mentioned the Right and the right-wing media feeding people “a diet of hate and fear.” all quite true, but does anyone on the right make the connection to another political movement that came to power using the EXACT SAME TACTIC? Think Hitler. Why doesn’t this scare the crap out of people?
regarding indocrinating our students. The song about Obama may not have been the wisest choice but it was one class, one school, in one town. What does that amount to? – 20 or 30 kids? Is that any worse than having Chuckles-the-clown Bush reading to our kids – one class, one school, one town – indoctrinating them into thinking, No matter how stupid you are, if your daddy is rich and can bail you out of one failed business enterprise after another, you can become president of the United States.”? I’m just sayin’.
Happy Conservative: the health care status quo is not working. The healthcare status quo is not working. The healthcare status quo is not working. Argue all you like. the healthcare status quo is not working. And if this doesn’t convince you (why should it?) just consider logic: If the insurance and pharmaceutical companies are doing everything they can, spending millions upon millions, to prevent a healthcare reform, isn’t that indication enough that we need healthcare reform? Do you honestly think they are working so hard to stop this bill because it’s in the best interest of the people? SERIOUSLY???
And Craig. Dear Craig. Dear kool-aide-drinking Craig. “Csars,” for pete’s sake. It’s a colloquial term, not an official title. Nixon used it. Reagan used it. Bush used it. It’s slang. Get over it. But more important, you come to this blog, write unsubstantiated incendiary things, you bash the people on it, but when you request help, you get a multitude of kind, helpful responses. Doesn’t this tell you something about the people who come to this “liberal” blog? That the like-minded people here think the right thing to do is to help those in need – unlike the “I’ve got mine, screw you” Republicans? (I always find it amazing that these right-winged “Christians” are so hell bent against helping those less fortunate… where’s the Christianity in that?) The point is, these bloggers still found it in their hearts to help you even though you have been quite nasty to them thus far. I’m just sayin’.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on September 29, 2009
at 7:41 PM
If you haven’t yet, please go to http://www.mudflats.net & read AKM’s post about Palin’s new book. Puts a not so cutesy spin on the title. It’s a real slap in the face for Alaskans
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 7:06 PM
Raji, Thanks for the info & link. As usual the people on this site keep me informed.
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By: Pat Δ on September 29, 2009
at 7:01 PM
Hi gang,
I sincerely and humbly apologize for my little temper tantrum last night. I do thank all of you for your help. I can see this is going to take me some time and figuring it out. When I get my avatar up and running, I will make a HUGE batch of “Chili Cheese Pupus” to go with our wine, beer, coke or lemonade as a peace offering and “mahalo.” For all you mainlanders and a few “haoles” out here, who don’t know, “Pupus”
are “hors d’oeuvres”.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
P.S. I’m not ever on the computer at 1:00AM. There is a big time differences between Hawaiian Standard Time and everywhere else. We never go on Daylight Time.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 29, 2009
at 6:54 PM
Tina Fey wrote a book?
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 29, 2009
at 6:37 PM
PSU, I’m seeing your new avatar. Try doing what Delurker Girl Δ said @ 1:34.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 6:29 PM
very interesting, old image still there. Palin doesnt wanna leave LOL!!!
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By: palinshutup on September 29, 2009
at 6:16 PM
I agree, maybe she will read
Palin’s book for us 🙂
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By: palinshutup on September 29, 2009
at 6:15 PM
Aargh . . . Raji, I just checked out your link for Pennsaid (hope I spelled that right) and saw a link to an article that Palin’s book will come out November 17. Helen, I hope you are brave enough to read it for us! Titled something like “Going Rogue: An American Life” or some sort of mavericky thing like that.
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By: Joni Δ on September 29, 2009
at 5:55 PM
Greytdog,
So sorry to hear about your pupper. I’m a little late in catching up on the comments. Hopefully, you will buy all kinds of time with your furkid. I lost one of my dogs last May literally overnight because of liver failure that was asymptomatic until the night before I lost my girl. She would have been 10 in November. It is very hard to lose our best friends . . . so what did I do? Went and rescued a new boy named Bart. So we are back up to 3 dogs and a big lady in my household. I will keep good thoughts for your little one.
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By: Joni Δ on September 29, 2009
at 4:19 PM
1) MSNBC will have an Alaskan Blogger Double Header tonight…http://bit.ly/36AO8k
2) all tsunami warnings and advisories have been cancelled for Pacific Rim. Am. Samoa reporting injuries/fatalities. . .
3) Please take the time to get your Senators/Reps names, addresses, fax, phone, email, etc. information and contact them concerning the public option. I’ve already yelled at Bill Nelson, faxed him, emailed, & tweeted at him. Now I’m turning to the other Dems who voted down both the Rockefeller & Schumer amendments. As a registered member of the Democratic Party, I do expect elected Dems to at least LISTEN to me rather than kowtowing to special interests groups all the time. Unreasonable expectations? Starting to seem that way.
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 4:01 PM
I really wasn’t yelling – that’s from a cut & paste on twitter. Sorry.
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 3:44 PM
THE TSUNAMI WATCH IS CANCELLED FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII AND A TSUNAMI ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT. http://bit.ly/13oFSU
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 3:43 PM
The God I serve breathed the breath of life into mankind. God allows each and every one of us that same life-giving breath. We can take that for granted, or choose to acknowledge and be thankful for it. I pray that with every God-given breath we take, we use it for good. That would glorify God.
If we are God’s children, we should look and act like our “parents”. Bless one another, instead of cursing. Lift each other up, instead of putting each other down. Much healing could be accomplished by this alone. Help each other in need – back to the golden rule.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 3:41 PM
Lori, let’s see how it plays out. Make sure we aren’t merely being pacified. Why would they really NOT want to allow a public option? Otherwise, why even bother?
How come these public servants we got can’t figure out how to serve the public? Oh, that’s right – they’re politicians. The American royalty.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 3:40 PM
LOLsorry for all the typos I am terrible at texting!
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:38 PM
poolman I would say just the opposite. when we went to recess there was NO senator for public option and the bluedogs were steadfast against it as well.
now we have VERY strong chance of it passig the house, and are hoverving around it in the seate.
the people are winning… albeit slowly
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:36 PM
*rockefeller received 8
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:32 PM
I got a twitter saying schumer got 10 vote and rockefeller got ? can anyone see any confimation of that? I am on my blackberry and m having a hard time finding any info! 😉
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:31 PM
Insurance companies are winning this battle. It is a pitiful day for we, the people.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 2:30 PM
ty tine, well the good news is I think Lincoln and Nelson are weak and can be picked off. It’s tough sluggin getting an amendment though when the chair/people dont support it. But maybe with enough pressure.
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:28 PM
Huh, weird…I can’t see the whole article either when I click that link. But when I click thru to the article from the Google news page, I *can* see the whole article. Here’s the full WSJ text:
By Patrick Yoest
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–The Senate Finance Committee rejected an amendment Tuesday that would have created a government-run health insurance plan, but debate over a proposed public plan is not expected to end at the committee.
By a 15-8 vote, the Finance panel rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., that would create a public health insurance option. Under Rockefeller’s amendment, a government-run plan would inherit Medicare’s network of doctors and hospitals and pay them based on Medicare payment rates for its first two years.
All Republicans on the panel voted against Rockefeller’s amendment, in addition to Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Thomas Carper, D-Del.
Rockefeller argued that a public option is necessary to hold costs down and provide ample competition for private insurers, which he said engaged in “banditry.”
“I feel so strongly about this because it makes so much sense,” Rockefeller said. “The people who I represent need this…because they’re helpless in front of the insurance companies.”
Democrats supporting the Rockefeller amendment pointed to several states in which only a handful of insurers – sometimes as few as two – provide insurance coverage for the majority of those covered. The public option, they said, would guarantee a low-priced plan for consumers.
Republicans lambasted the amendment as an attempt to expand the federal government’s reach and eliminate private insurers. A public plan would “crowd out” private insurers with artificially low prices, eventually forcing private insurers to absorb unpaid costs within the U.S. health system and charge their policyholders higher premiums.
“I think it is a slow-walk toward government-controlled, single-payer health care,” said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
Baucus has said that a bill that contains a public option would not garner 60 votes in the Senate, which is the total needed to avoid a filibuster. He pointed to provisions in his bill that would impose new regulations on insurers, such as one that would bar insurers from excluding potential policyholders if they have a pre-existing health condition.
“I think it’s important to explain that the bill is not easy on insurance companies,” Baucus said.
While President Barack Obama has said that he would prefer that health-care legislation contain a public health insurance plan, he has also said that he is open to other ideas that increase choice and competition.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., will offer another amendment Tuesday that would create a public health insurance option, but which would pay doctors and hospitals at negotiated rates, rather than Medicare rates. Many health-care providers complain that Medicare pays too little for procedures, physician and hospital visits, and equipment.
Schumer’s amendment is also expected to fail, but in prepared remarks, he indicated that he would offer it as an amendment when the full Senate considers health-care legislation.
“It is important to continue to work with our colleagues to bring this issue the Senate floor, and all the way to conference if we have to,” Schumer said in the remarks.
The Finance Committee bill is the only health-care legislation considered by a House or Senate committee this year that omits the public health insurance option. It would devote $6 billion in start-up funds for health insurance co-operatives, which would be non-government entities operating within states.
Three committees in the House have approved health-care bills with some type of public health insurance option, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has publicly advocated for a public plan to be part of health-care legislation. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has also approved a bill that include a public health insurance option.
Insurers are strongly opposed to a public health insurance plan in any form. Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the America’s Health Insurance Plans trade group, said in a statement that a public health insurance option “would dismantle employer coverage, bankrupt hospitals, and add to the federal deficit.”
Members of AHIP include leading insurers such as Aetna Inc., Humana Inc., Cigna Corp. and UnitedHealth Group Inc.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 29, 2009
at 2:18 PM
Gretydog where did you find that?
Tine, I don’t subscribe, coudn’t see the whole article… does it say anything more?
I can’t find anything! lol
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:10 PM
*thought she was going to go for it
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:08 PM
I’m surprised about Lincoln… thoughthe wasgoing to go for it.. shit…
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 2:05 PM
Rockefeller Amendment in SFC committee today fails on 15-8 vote. Dems against it: Baucus, Conrad, Lincoln, Nelson, Carper. Ds kill it. and of course, no Republicans voted for it. Nelson (FL) did say afterwards that he would support the Schumer Amendment.
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 1:42 PM
FYI folks – a Tsunami warning has been issued for Pacific after 8.3 magnitude earthquake off coast of American Samoa. Samoa has been hit with 10 ft Tsunami already. Tsunami warnings issued for Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand & HAWAII
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 1:39 PM
Kitkat, your new avatar wasn’t appearing for me, but I did Ctrl+F5 (a forced refresh of the whole page in Internet Explorer) and there it was! I had to do that to see Poolman’s new picture yesterday, too. Just thought I’d point it out in case anyone else is still seeing old instead of new pictures.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 29, 2009
at 1:34 PM
Lori, here’s a WSJ article that give some details on who voted how:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090929-712129.html
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 29, 2009
at 1:32 PM
[…] 29, 2009 by Erin From Margaret and Helen, one of the best posts I’ve seen in awhile: Honestly, if I could , I would put the entire […]
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By: Couldn’t Have Said it Better « Mamadance on September 29, 2009
at 1:25 PM
Greyt,
So sorry to hear about your dog. My avatar is my 15 year old mutt who is just the sweetest dog ever and I know at 15 he’s pushing the envelope. Every day is a gift. Just try to manage his arthritic pain for him and make sure he’s comfortable.
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By: KitkatΔ on September 29, 2009
at 1:12 PM
Testing new avatar thanks to everyone’s help.
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By: KitkatΔ on September 29, 2009
at 1:10 PM
Hi gang, Whirled Peas, palinshutup and Poolman,
Oh.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 29, 2009
at 1:09 PM
I don’t know the vote count yet, but I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 1:07 PM
P.O. voted down in the SFC.
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By: lori on September 29, 2009
at 1:01 PM
Thanks for the link, kitkatΔ. These guys are going to get tired of seeing my name. I am sure they roll their eyes and get a kick out of some of my rants. I get responses from my district representative explaining how his plan is what is best for all and how we don’t want government involved, blah, blah, blah. I’m in a red state that is turning more purple everyday. Good ol’ boy John Shaddegg is not for my best interests. He either needs to change his ways or hopefully we can change him out on this next go round.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 12:55 PM
One of my most favorite Gandhi quotes is:
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. ”
One of my most favorite bumper stickers is:
” I believe in the separation of church and hate.”
Most avid Christians I know do not have the self awareness to recognize themselves in either of these quotes. Poolman absolutely excepted, of course!
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By: ImaginistaΔ on September 29, 2009
at 12:52 PM
thanks poolman
I also forgot to click on the ‘update’ profile at the bottom
I just did it so we’ll see how long it takes
see jean, this internet stuff takes a lot of patience, hope today is a better day for you
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By: palinshutup on September 29, 2009
at 12:38 PM
PSU, It is taking several hours on the avatar. I changed mine yesterday and it was about 3 hours before it showed up. I cropped my new one again this morning and it is still not changed.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 12:35 PM
Here is a way to write a letter to everyone on the Senate Finance committee. You can write your own message. Have fun!
http://www.keystoneprogress.org/page/speakout/papubopt2
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By: kitkatΔ on September 29, 2009
at 12:35 PM
testing
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By: palinshutup on September 29, 2009
at 12:33 PM
Certainly of interest to many here on the sp watch….
http://www.reuters.com/article/sarahPalin/idUSSP10658620090929?rpc=60
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 12:33 PM
I raised my son with an open door policy to any religion he chose (if he chose one) as he grew up he was baptized in almost every religion, I think he is covered 🙂
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 12:27 PM
oops, not yet I guess
wordpress must be busy
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 12:23 PM
testing my ‘new’ gravatar
jean, I also noticed that once you download your image wordpress will ask you to crop your image, just click on the edges of the square you see until you get most of your image inside that square then click on crop and in a few minutes you will have your very own gravatar
good luck!
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 12:22 PM
PSU, that’s why I usually head into my office area whenever these “friends” come over. Oy! But I do make sure the Harry Potter books are prominently displayed along with all my quantum physics, theology, & politics books. . .hehehe. Passive-aggressive maybe but they are less likely to engage me in conversation. I have no problems with SO & stepson hanging out with them – that’s their choice. Stepson comes home, asks me about a scripture, we discuss it and then he goes back ‘armed w/ knowledge’. I did once have a theological discussion with these friends – but they quit discussing religion with me after that. Wonder why? Maybe because every point they were making I was able to bring up a coinciding point from mythology and/or more esoteric belief systems. . . oh yummy 🙂
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 12:16 PM
Thanks Raji. I’m still have much to learn and I stumble often. Debating these people motivates me to research and learn.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
There are so many that call themselves Christian that scare and embarrass me. That is what prompted me to first comment on this blog many months ago. The best examples of Christians that I have seen are not very outspoken or judgmental. They work behind the scenes to bring glory to God, and not themselves. Those that publicly condemn others and mete out judgment do more harm than good, IMO. Those that “hear” from God are the ones we should watch the closest. We are told to test the spirit.
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”
1 John 4:1
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 12:08 PM
My prayer for them is simple, that God open their hearts and their minds, so they will no longer be afraid.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 29, 2009
at 11:39 AM
Poolman, I wish all the soldiers of Christ could interprete the scriptures as you do.
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By: Raji on September 29, 2009
at 11:18 AM
Pat, medical grade DMSO was approved in 1978 as the prescription drug Rimso for interstitial cystitis. You are correct that in this country it is only approved for one use. You might want to check out the relationship between DMSO and MSM. There have been some studies that DMSO/MSM has proven effective in pain management and other countries do use it to treat arthritis.
Check out Pennsaid, a combination of DMSO and a topical NSAID which may soon be available in the US.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS140436+19-Feb-2009+PRN20090219
Might be worth checking into for all of us aging souls.
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By: Raji on September 29, 2009
at 11:12 AM
that should have been ‘pushing their moral values’ down my throat.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 11:07 AM
Im not judging anyone, just speaking for myself. I cant be friends with anyone who is constantly telling me Im going to go to hell because I dont believe in their religion or pushing values down my throat, the relationship usually dissolves when I tell them I dont want to hear the preaching anymore
a buddy of mine did the same thing with a group that kept coming to his home so one day he answered the door fully in the nude, that did it 🙂
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 11:06 AM
Greytdog, I feel your frustration with the fundamentalists. I have many friends that act the same way. I debate with them, too. My wife just gets frustrated with them. I don’t see how they claim to have faith and yet cling to worldly means for their security. How can God be glorified in these practices. It is like saying, “God we know your word says you will protect us, but we got a backup plan just in case you can’t.”
“Those who use the sword will be killed by the sword.”
From Matthew 26:52. If guns were invented at that time, we would see the same principle apply. Jesus was never armed with man-made weaponry. He never told anyone to stockpile food, that I can find. As a matter of fact, He used what was already on hand to provide for the needs of those with Him. He told us to travel light and to not acquire “treasures” here on earth. If we are walking in faith, He protects us and directs our path.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2nd Corinthians 10: 3-5
If those people have a problem with Obama, they should be lifting him in prayer. That is how we are told to handle our leaders. That is how we are told to handle our enemies. That is how we are told to handle our brothers and sisters. In all things – pray.
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By: Poolman on September 29, 2009
at 10:48 AM
no one’s puppet: I couldn’t do it with a straight face. I can deliver a rousing, even moving, prayer when needed (as the child of ministers) but with these folks I’m afraid I’d just come all apart and start channeling Robert Tilton or something. . .shudder
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 10:16 AM
Affordable health insurance and equal access to health care should be available to all citiziens, regardless of relationship status. One should have nothing to do with the other.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 29, 2009
at 9:56 AM
Has Obama or any of the Democratic party leadership made any legislative endorsements
that would bring the “same sex” marriage issue to the house floor, thereby initiating a national debate vs. a states rights issue ?
I would think if we are going to vastly overhaul healthcare..then one of the blockades to these couples having insurance would be to recognize their union and thus grant them these rights.
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By: CraigΔ on September 29, 2009
at 9:25 AM
Raji,
It is my understanding that the DMSO sold at the animal supply centers is not the same as the medical grade we get at the clinic in Mexico. Not as pure or something. I don’t believe it is to be taken internally.
BTW – when I said my f-i-l was cured, I meant his pain was gone, not that his arthritis was cured. He still had it, just no more excruciating pain & he was able to resume all his normal activities.
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By: Pat Δ on September 29, 2009
at 8:20 AM
Thanks, Craig, for your response. No matter what our preferences, many of us face the same stuff that all of us face. That’s life.
But life would sure be easier if the state recognized us all as equals. Out in the west, we have that independent spirit that sometimes manifests itself with inititiative sponsored legislation. The equality and benefits granted last year with civil unions is being threatened by a referendum.
Off to work now…….
Everyone have a good day!
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By: vgmanΔ on September 29, 2009
at 8:05 AM
Greytdog, I am so curious what their reaction would be if you, early in their next visit, initiated your own intercession prayer for them.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 29, 2009
at 7:41 AM
We are “friends” with some very conservative, (okay rabid) frothing at the mouth Evangelical Christian/Republicans. Who now own who knows how many guns, have stockpiled tons of ammo, and are collecting “gear” (MREs, water, etc) for the day when, in their words, “Obama declares the USA a dictatorship”. SIGH. Honestly whenever these folks come over to visit, I come into the office. I refuse to expend any energy even being moderately polite enough to listen to their rants and stupidity. SO enjoys “talking” with them & asking them rather leading questions just to get a rise out of them. But that type of “sport” annoys me. And after every visit, they want to pray for us. I finally told them that God put a “blocked call” on my name and not to bother. I despise intercessionary prayer
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By: Greytdog on September 29, 2009
at 7:14 AM
I’m so sorry 😦 Jean,
I’ve been busy and haven’t had much computer time. I know that’s no excuse but I’ll try and make it up to you. I see PSU gave you directions for WordPress, so I’ll tell you about Gravatar (LINK)
Make sure you know where you picture is located on your harddrive. Have an email address ready. SignUp and follow the directions.
When you’re done, put that email address in the box here under your ‘Name’ and you pic will popup shortly, usually not more than a day.
Good Luck ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 29, 2009
at 6:51 AM
I agree with Greytdog about being skeptical of a “cure”. I am also skeptical when I am told an animal will need X amount of treatments. You can not tell in advance how many treatments will be needed. Each individual responds in a different manner. Greytdog, your greyhound was indicating he didn’t need any more treatments so you figured correctly that it would be counterproductive.
A cute story regarding my wolfhound. She loved her treatments and would get upset if she was at the barn and “her” vet was treating other animals, not her. One night as we were leaving, she jumped in the car and yipped as in pain. I had the vet/acupuncturist come over and check her out. Nope, nothing but he did a placebo and she was happy 🙂
My vet certainly didn’t “lose” any needles in wiry coat of a wolfhound so I think that was a way for someone to CYA. The acupuncturist puts in needles and takes needles out and he/she should certainly know how many were used!
Greytdog, I do not do equine massage but have worked with several. The good ones have told me because of the large muscle mass of the equine, it takes hours to be effective. I never had the hand strength. I am like a physical therapist who works with the doctors.
DMSO is available at any animal supply store or catalog. It has been used for decades.
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By: Raji on September 29, 2009
at 4:51 AM
thymeCher, loved the Betty Bowers video lol!!
Jean, last time peas posted was the 26th
if your image is in your computer make sure you size it small then like I mentioned in my previous post
then
sign in to wordpress
click on ‘my account’
then on ‘edit profile’
‘My Gravatar’
when you click on ‘edit gravatar’ it is going to give you an option to dowload an image from your computer
good luck
ok, gotta go nite nite now
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 4:13 AM
Jean, take a sip of that wine, put your feet up and chill out for a bit
you have a couple of options
next time you get your photos processed you can ask the photo place to put them on a computer disk or you can take photos to the photo place and ask them to put them on a disk
or if you have a scanner you can scan a photo
after you load the image to your computer
you need a program like
http://www.irfanview.com
so you can size your image nice and small like the avatars we have here, mine is 48 X 48
once you get your image sized you can download it to wordpress
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 3:50 AM
Hi gang and Whirled Peas,
OK. I’m in a snit now.
Bruddah Peas, I asked you NICELY not long ago to help me put up my avatar. You said all I had to do was ask. So I did, dammit. I had scanned the picture, put it in an e mail to myself and waited for the next step of detailed instructions from you. What am I around here, a Troll to be ignored?
We don’t own a digital camera and wouldn’t know how to use one if we did. Our kids and grandkids do, but that’s no help. We get along fine with the little throw-away cameras you point, shoot and develop at Wal-Mart.
I WANT MY AVATAR! I’M NOT COMING BACK UNTIL I GET IT! THAT SOUND YOU HEAR IS THE DOOR BANGING SHUT AS I LEAVE! SLAM!!!!!
Aloha! 🙂
Sistah Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 29, 2009
at 1:06 AM
Pat, you can get dmso on the internet right here in the states.
My beef with conservative politicians are those who are hypocrites, they vote against basic human rights for all, preach family values on one hand and on the other cheat on their wives with men or call girls.
I lived near the capitol for a couple of years, had an apt facing a park where there was some shady stuff happening, I couldn’t believe the amount of gov license plates that cruised around that park every night looking for a good time.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 29, 2009
at 12:12 AM
Craig, our viewpoints about gay marriage almost dovetail, I only differ about the married man who turned gay, I suspect he was always gay and his wife was a cover, otherwise known in the old days, as a beard. That is such a sad situation for everyone involved, I am so glad that so many gay people decide to be out of the closet. I became aware of such shame marriages in the small town I grew up in when I was a teenager, I always hoped their children weren’t hearing the same stories I heard. I never choose to be heterosexual; I just was and still am, same for you no doubt. I have known several gay people well enough to have discussed some personal issues with them. One young man, I used to work with, told me, he was dead to his parents, because of their religious beliefs. The same fellow told me, for seven years he tried an alternative lifestyle. I must have looked puzzled, he explained, he had been married to a very nice lady during those seven years, because he knew that was what his family wanted, a nice straight son. Another friend, a particularly attractive lady told me, a male friend of hers suggested, it would sure be nice if she was bisexual. She told him that would be good for her as well, because if she could be bisexual, she could also be straight and her life would be a whole lot easier if she was straight. If one of my children, grandchildren, or friends out of the blue tells me they are gay, I am not going to feel any different about them. I want them to be comfortable with themselves and capable of establishing a loving relationship. You consider yourself conservative and I am very liberal, but we are both reasonable people and we know, people will be who they are and our approval or disapproval won’t change them. I don’t mind public affection, a hug, a kiss (no tongue), or holding hands, but I just cringe when a couple (heterosexual or homosexual) act like they are in heat. Get a room, already.
I will ask you a question I asked my Republican nephew recently, I asked if he was a Republican because both he and his wife made large salaries. He responded, yes they did pay a lot in taxes. Okay, I said, I can respect that, because you are voting your own interest, but I don’t understand why so many low income, family value voters vote Republican. Republican politicians demonstrate, through their actions all the time that they don’t live what they preach and they can’t (nor do they want to) deliver on their campaign promises to stop the rest of us from “sinning.” If, somehow tomorrow, abortion was made illegal, the law required prayer in school, the teaching of creationism was made legal, and there were no corporate taxes, the Republicans would have to legislate something that benefitted their constituents, something like stimulating the economy, improve healthcare, reverse climate change, and legislate money to fill potholes. If they did that, they would have to pay for it. And they would have initiate taxes on corporations and higher taxes on people, who make the big bucks, after all the middleclass and low income workers are already bled dry. Or I guess they could start an unprovoked war and continually frighten everyone. The other reason, my nephew told me, he was a Republican was because; his wife told him he was. I think, in the privacy of the voting booth, he might have voted for Obama though. He told me, Sarah Palin scared the crap out of him.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 28, 2009
at 11:36 PM
vgmanΔ ,
Insurance for the partner.
Ya know..that has probably been the tipping point of many of the conservatives angst.
That those who live in the conformist existence, believe that they have more of a right to these benefits.
That aside.
I believe that if thats your flag then so be it.
I don’t exactly condone it.
But I also have had the belief that if that is what floats your boat then so be it.
Ya know. What I don’t like and this is for both
conventional as well as non, is the public display of affection. My wife and I may hold hands. OK.
A gentle kiss. Ok.
But I have been in SFrancisco and other places such as Ashville N.C. and I would prefer if ya want to get laid..then go home.
Not on the street. And that goes for straight couples as well.
As for the benefits. If the company provides
benefits for one..It should provide them for all.
Simple. But thats in a state that has recognized it as a legal partnership or marriage.
I guess I’ve known at least two to three couples or committed partners in my life time..and even seen my former straight boss and his wife split as he decided he preferred the opposite sex.
I found that out when my son met their son in service school some 6 years after drifting apart.
He told my son that his dad had found someone else. This was after years of camping and dinners together as families. I wondered how the son felt when this happened as he was getting ready for college. That was two major events at one time
Make that three. His father is gay
His mother and father are split..and he’s going off to college.
That aside, the other couple were professional women I met in Santa Fe and were in love.
Perhaps a May/ December couple.
But after knowing them for three years..and knowing that their relationship had existed for more than twenty plus years..they drifted apart.
The next couple were another example of younger male and older male. One was in computer design..the other in dog showing and grooming. They have been together for years and seems that their communion is doing well after moving to Santa Fe from DFW area. Some twenty plus years as well.
So what happens in in relationships happens in both Straight and Gay lifestyles.
Stuff happens.
But to answer your question point blank.
If a person is in a “recognized union” then that company should offer a insurance package equal to that of any other employee who is married.
And as to hospital visits? Hey if they are in love.
And its “that time”…then, hopefully that couple would have a living will and the medical community should endorse it.
I don’t know if thats want you want to hear? But thats as simple an answer as your gonna get.
Yes..I’m straight. But as long as your happy
and thats your gig..then so be it.
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 9:56 PM
Hi gang and Sistah AmericanΔ,
Delighted to hear you care coming out! As you probably know, tourism is the lifeblood of our economy and we are hurting badly. So please, bring lots and lots of money and spend it lavishly. Gawd, I sound like Bush with his “Go shopping!” remark. Sheesh.
First off, pick an island. They are very different from each other. I can give you info on all of them. Everyone should ‘do’ Waikiki at least ONCE. Step over the bodies on Waikiki Beach going to the ocean and then getting kicked in the head with swimming fins once you get in the water. However, we have several favorite hotels on Waikiki where we stay whenever we are over there. It is only a 25 minute flight from Kauai to Oahu. (Two hours to get through check-in and security. Sheesh again.) Sistah HNL Sally is probably your best bet for recommendations anywhere on Oahu. There is plenty more to it that Waikiki.
Surprise! Surprise! The ‘Garden Isle’ Kauai is by far our favorite since we chose to retire and live here. Nearly circular, it is only 35 miles in diameter. We have three 5-star hotels; the Hyatt down at Poipu, the newly refurbished/reopened/can’t-remember-the-new-named-5-star in Princeville on the North Shore; and the Marriott in Lihue by the harbor. Lihue is the county seat and where the central post office, Wal-Mart and Costco, etc. are.
There are condos all over the place except few on the West Side. That’s because Waimea Canyon takes up most of it. It is exactly like the Grand Canyon but doesn’t cover three states. A must-see leisurely all-day trip.
1. Poipu is on the South Shore. In my estimation, pretty crowded, but it has some wonderful beaches, (monk seals lying around), whale watching, a natural sea turtle pond most people don’t know about, to name only a few attractions. Usually sunny.
2. North Shore, condos all over Princeville and Hanalei. Who doesn’t know about
The movie, “South Pacific” as well as numerous others filmed there. Whale watching, hiking trails, you name it. Drawback, it is a 30-40 mile drive to where some of the ‘action’ is in Kapa’a and Lihue. There is no such thing as a freeway here. Only two lane roads (but paved!!!) that widen to four lanes occasionally. So depending on traffic, who knows how long to go ‘South’.
3. East Side, Kapa’a/Wailua. Not as many condos as Poipu or the North Shore, but very nice ones, most right on the water. Near Safeway and Long’s Drug Shopping Center, a branch post office, etc.
ONE of our favorites where many of our friends have stayed is the ‘Pono Kai’ in Kapa’a right on the water. A big advantage is, it has ELEVATORS so you don’t have to schlepp your luggage up and down stairs. Most condos are two story.
So choose your island and if you decide to stay on Kauai let me know and I will try to give you more info. In some cases, if you have a name of the place, I could give you the local phone number to call direct rather than through – whatever. You might be able to cut a better deal. Although I understand there are quite a number of ‘package deals’ that include a rental car.
I’ll be happy to help any way I can with activities, where to go and just as important, where NOT to go!
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 28, 2009
at 9:41 PM
I take my dog(s) in for acupuncture & I used to work for the vet acupuncturist. IMO, if you plan to use acupuncture for your pets, be sure your practitioner is a vet & is certified in acupuncture. A well-trained vet acupuncturist isn’t going to “lose” needles in the animal. My greyhound went for awhile – used to snore during the sessions -but then he started to stress just going. So I figured we were being counterproductive. He doesn’t go anymore. My retriever goes mainly for chiropractic adjustments & of course my corgi for pain.
Honestly, though, anytime someone tells me they can “cure” something, I become extremely skeptical. Then it’s game on – and i put them through a wringer of questions, what ifs, and research the hell out of their credentials. I don’t like “promises” that can’t be kept and that will cost me an arm & a leg to disprove. arrggh. And yes, acupuncture & chiro for pets can be expensive.
Raji, do you do equine massage too?
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By: Greytdog on September 28, 2009
at 8:06 PM
Craig,
You stated that you lean conservative. I’m curious as to your views on the joining of two committed individuals. Call it what you want….
Marriage……civil union……partnership….whatever.
Should two people get the same benefits from the state as any other two people?
Hospital visits…..life insurance benefits….and a host of other plusses for taking the big step into
melding your life with another person.
Just curious.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 28, 2009
at 7:56 PM
Our vet has suggested acupuncture for our 10 year old Sheltie. My mother called the practitioner and it was going to cost $95 per visit and she recommeded at least 6 visits although she (our SHeltie) may be cured in 1-3 visits. However, it would be possible that the treatment may harm (kill) her due to a needle getting lost (inserted too deep?) or if she accidentally licked an area being treated and swallowed a needle. We decided it wasn’t worth risking our dog.
Greytdog-I’m sorry to hear about your Corgi.
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By: AmericanΔ on September 28, 2009
at 7:42 PM
I am a professional who specializes in the alignment of the equine and consequently the rider. I probably should say the misalignment of the equine as most of the equine’s problems arise from the misalignment of the rider. As a consequence of misalignment in the equine, many problems occur mainly neurological. The muscles and ligaments of the horse become inflamed and effect the nerves. Over the course of my studies, I believe this is the same effect humans have. Once I correct the rider I generally can correct the horse.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic procedures are very effective in the equine. However recently Veterinarians have become interested in the practice of acupuncture but as a method to provide more income. Veterinarians who approach acupuncture from an Eastern view are much more effective.
I do not know about human acupuncture requirements, but in the equine world a person can take a one month course and be certified to practice. Therefore, yes you will have those who can misplace a needle and cause nerve damage. The veterinarians that I use have trained in Chinese acupuncture for many years and also use the chinese herbs. Generally they are also trained in Chiropractic methods.
I would never go to an acupuncturist without studying his/her credentials. However, I do believe the Eastern method is very effective in the healing of the body. I feel many of our aliments are due to a misalignment in our bodies.
I having taught this method for so many years I failed to notice when my body fell out of alignment. I didn’t pay attention to the lack of flexibility in a hip or back just kept going and compensating. Now I am paying the price with hip and back problems with related muscle contraction.
Can one at 68 recover that flexibility. No I don’t think so but we can work at it on a daily basis because if you out of alignment you will be prone to other diseases.
I’m sure I should be backing up all this information with links but that is not my style so take the information for what it is worth. I currently see a physical therapist that practices trigger point therapy and zero balancing which is an osteopathic and acupressure approach to the body.
The main point I am trying to make is be aware of your body. It will speak to you if you listen.
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By: Raji on September 28, 2009
at 7:14 PM
Greytdog, my thoughts are with you. I lost my golden last year with osteoscaroma of the jaw which manifested it by seizures in the beginning. Acupuncture helped her during the period.
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By: Raji on September 28, 2009
at 7:11 PM
Ah, Greytdog,
I’m so very, very sorry about your little corgi. My heart breaks for both of you. At least she couldn’t possibly be in better hands. Take care of YOURSELF and your knee so you can take care of her. She needs you.
Aloha! 🙂
auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 28, 2009
at 6:56 PM
True, I do have pretty good insurance. On this particular HMO, we were encouraged to order our meds by mail with the authorized company. We get 3 months for the copay of 2 months. Must order through the preferred company and they happily bill the insurance Co and make out pretty well $$$… It’s painless for us and since this is what the insurance Co suggests, my Dr. prescribes for 90 days with refills depending on the medicine (he’s actually a Physician’s Assistant- I haven’t seen the ‘real’ Dr. for many years. I think the last time, he was on call on Sat and my son chose that day to get Strep, 30 yrs ago. And I’m very happy with Eugene, we tend to hug at the end of visits.)
I just realize it might be because our insurance is a plan similar to the Congersperson’s insurance. Gee, I wonder if that has anything to do with it.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 6:55 PM
Oops – refil.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 28, 2009
at 6:48 PM
my insurance ofers a 3 month reil by mail.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 28, 2009
at 6:47 PM
AS for drug refilling there has to be a better economic way for all of us who are on a continual
pharmaceutical program.
If our President could..I would hope that this is somewhere in a health plan that is approved.
Why not a flat yearly fee for scripts..especially if they are generic?
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 6:08 PM
As for GreatDog..I feel your pain.
All animal lovers who have a family thats built around your pet..and thats not even a correct description..they are family.
We have lost 4 in the past six years.
Currently sharing my bed 5 Yorkie boys.
Three -11month old brothers and two others
age 4 and 5 yo.
Now for something new on the terrorist front.
On CBS news tonight they give us something else to worry about.
So now the terrorists tried to take out a Saudi Prince with a similar trick that drug mules use, that is ingesting a bomb into their bowels and when the time is right..
a cell phone detonates the bomb.
This terrorists had tried to convince the Prince he was coming over to the “good” side from evil. The Prince was also a head of an Saudi anti-terrorist
unit.
It was demonstrated by cartoons but using the actual audio from the encounter and its explosion.
The Prince was only wounded.
I think the Terrorist now has 30 plus wives and a permanent bad case of indigestion.
The bomb demonstrated was on television and will soon be put on the internet with instructions from Al Qaeda will arm any lunatic with the capability to be a human bomb.
I would have preferred to be in the dark about this subject and let the professionals work it out
and thus not allow the media to be a training ground for some NUT.
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 6:03 PM
Happyconservative, you’re misconstruing my comment. The Jesus Camp folks say themselves that they are modeling their camp as such. I’m just reporting what I saw in the film.
Also, please don’t make assumptions about my spiritual leanings. If you think I am an Evil New-Age Hippie Wiccan Whatever, you would be dead wrong.
There are plenty of Christian zealots who are just as dangerous as al-Qaeda. I don’t happen to be one of them, and I doubt you are either. But the Jesus Campers are a little closer to the edge, IMO. So are folks like those in Operation Rescue and other extremist organizations.
I have no problem whatsoever with someone being a soldier of Jesus, so long as that soldier is fighting for what Jesus actually commanded. You know… love God, love one another, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren….and so on.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 5:58 PM
This nurse really loves your blog.
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By: ninjanurse on September 28, 2009
at 5:48 PM
happyconservative, as long as we are not training them for this. Then it is equal:
http://miscellany101.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/the-new-crusades-christian-mercenaries-war-on-islam/
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By: Poolman on September 28, 2009
at 5:44 PM
Tine,
Your comparison to Al Qaeda training camps is a little extreme. I don’t think anyone is being trained to hate the great Satan of Iran or any other country. If being a “Soldier of Jesus” bothers you so much, I suggest you find out a little bit more about what that means. Their zealotry is no greater than that expressed by many who follow the new religion of environmentalism.
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By: happyconservative on September 28, 2009
at 5:36 PM
kitkatΔ,
Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. I’ve been helping my Dad move from assisted living back into his own home (YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!), and I just got home. Spot on with your comment about the Bacuas bill requiring insurance on the 26th. That’s kind of my point. It puts an extra cost on you that you may not be able to afford. You are right to indicate that it is friendly to big insurance. I wish more people saw that. You either pay money to big insurance or big government, choose your don.
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By: happyconservative on September 28, 2009
at 5:35 PM
Craig, have you asked your doctors why they refill every month? They might think they are helping you budget for your meds.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 28, 2009
at 5:25 PM
Craig, I think the refilling every 30 days is an insurance company thing. My husband is also on cholesterol meds and when we tried to get more than a 30 day supply (we were traveling to the UK to visit family and would be gone just over a month). We had to arrange it with the insurance company — had nothing to do with the doctor. Doesn’t help that it isn’t a generic either.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 28, 2009
at 5:24 PM
I have been reading all the comments about herbal medicine, etc. with great interest as I am a big believer in alternative medicine. I have taken red yeast rice & Co Q 10 to lower my cholesterol for years & been highly successful with it.
The most amazing thing I’ve ever come across though is a wonderful treatment for arthritis – both RA & OA. It is safe, cheap & effective, so you know that big pharma has kept it out of the U.S. It is DMSO.
My father in law was totally crippled by RA & thankfully found out about a clinic in Mexico where he received DMSO treatments & was given DMSO pills to take home. Once a year he would make the trip to the clinic & receive the treatments By IV over a 3 day period & then get supplies to take home. He was totally cured! After a few years he didn’t need the 3 day treatment any more & just returned to get a supply of the pills once a year. He did this for over 27 years until he died.
When my mother developed OA so bad she could barely walk, we convinced her to go there & it was a miracle for her as well. It made the last year of her life much more enjoyable. And she was 88.
While there with her we talked to many patients as they came for treatments or refills & heard miracle story after miracle story.
If I ever get OA that starts to be too much for me, & I have some right now, I will be heading there.
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By: Pat Δ on September 28, 2009
at 5:23 PM
Greytdog, I am happy to hear that your vet is treating your little one, it will give you some time to cherish her a while longer,
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 28, 2009
at 5:20 PM
Craig, I think there’s at least a spouse or two thereof. There might be some lurking for all we know. I expect many more people read this blog than actually comment on it.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 5:01 PM
Greytdog, Sorry to hear of your Corgi’s diagnosis. It is so hard when a beloved pet is ill. Hopefully you will still have some quality time with her. Good luck.
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By: Pat Δ on September 28, 2009
at 5:01 PM
Have there been any Pharma reps or Insurers
on this blog site ever?
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 4:21 PM
Understood Delurker…
As for the therapists and their opinions..I asked her because she and her husband had both been to the same Acupunture therapist..she would not say who..But her husband evidently got a needle into a nerve and he has not been same since.
I don’t know…but I would think those needles are suppose to that far in? I realize there are Quacks in all fields. As to a herbalists..I guess I could google for someone in my area.
****OK..I have one for ya.****
Why is it my caregiver..My main Doc who treats me for hypertension, cholesterol only gives me a refill for a month..thus another co-pay each month. Same thing for my Surgical orthopedist concerning my back pains.
I realize their hands may be tied by the insurance companies..but there should be ways to work within the SYSTEM..?
In a perfect world..since my ailments are not going away..why not give me a six month supply?
Same for my pain meds. I could understand if they were triplicates or narcotics.
With chronic ailments or diseases..
Seems that would be a place where the average American could save a bundle each month.
):-)
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 4:19 PM
Greytdog, I’m really sorry your little friend is feeling poorly. Sounds like she chose the right person to take care of her, though. We should all be so lucky.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 4:15 PM
Craig: Yup, what Delurker Girl said. 🙂
Incidentally, your caregiver(s) sound…um…shall we say…medically challenged? What sort of idiot would avoid a treatment expressly because it addresses the *cause* of a problem? Sigh.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 4:05 PM
Sorry for the typos… shoudln’t answer the phone while typing!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 28, 2009
at 3:23 PM
Gretydog, it your fur baby is in excellent hands! I’m sorry about the diagnosis but I hope these therapies continue to be helpful.
Craig, you’re not getting it. Pie isn’t about conservative or liberal, it’s about friendly & respectful companionship. Remember to put down your fork & slice should you choose to go back to your old ways. 😉
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 28, 2009
at 3:22 PM
Oh, crap, Greytdog. I’m so sorry.
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By: judith on September 28, 2009
at 3:02 PM
Thanks TINE and GrandMa Katie,
Don’t know what I did to deserve a piece of pie..but its a welcome change.
You do know I lean towards the conservative side..?
Had my therapy for today..and all of them said no to herbals and accupunture.
Their reasoning was that those treatments were not working on a solution as much as they were
taking care of the cause..?
So they had me do crunches and stretching of the calves,thighs and Butt muscles.
Right now if it stops or delays pain, I’ll drink it
or smear it on.
Honolulu Sally..watch out for face book..in order to play those games you sometimes have to give them more information about yourself than you would like in order to play.
GrandMA Katie as to Doctors…I play the part of a patient every six weeks at the Medical school for the department of Psychiatry. Don’t ask.
I have worked during college as an orderly and married to Psych Doc.
But two weeks ago..A foreign med student was interviewing me about my scripted illness while a real doc watches.
He just stopped..Looked at me and said
“Would you consider yourself a white male?”
I about lost it.
I looked at him and then my arms and said what do you think..which is to point out that some doctors are on Autopilot.
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By: CraigΔ on September 28, 2009
at 2:48 PM
My little corgi just returned from the vet. She’d been a bit “off” – lethargic and not at all her bouncy self. Since she’s 12 I was very worried. Turns out she has hemangiosarcoma – a very small tumor located in her aortic valve. . .inoperable and always fatal. We are going a course of antibiotics to stem the infection around the heart. . .BUT in addition to that, her vet has her on blueberry yogurt (for the live “good” bacteria and the antioxidents), milk thistle to maintain liver function, AND Yunnan Baiyao which is a Chinese herb that has shown remarkable results with hermangiosarcoma cases. In the last 24 hrs, her mucous membranes have begun “pinking” back up, and on Friday we return to do another blood sample and ultrasound. We know that her time is coming closer, but as her vet said, we should be able to buy her some good quality of life during that time. I think her case is an excellent example of holistic & palliative care. Wish that kind of care was available for all of us.
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By: Greytdog on September 28, 2009
at 2:33 PM
Greytdog, I did paste the π sign. I found it on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi and on my computer it looks like it’s supposed to but when it transfers to wordpress it changes a bit and looks like n. I’m certainly no mathmetician (I can’t even spell it) but I do like the idea of all kinds of pi. (insert Sarah Palen’s eye twitch)
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 1:42 PM
Oh wow! HNL Sally, I didn’t think anyone else in the world walked with Leslie. My husband and I used to do the “walk for over 40s” or somesuch back when we were just 10 yrs or so over 40. Couldn’t stand so much bright cheerfulness while doing it and the music didn’t quite have a beat (you probably have a more up to date video) so we muted the sound and made up names for the exercisers and told stories about them and their lives while we stepped. I remember an older woman in the back we named “Nana” Have gone on to more challenging things since but we always got a good workout walking with Leslie. I think your reward system is great.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 1:36 PM
It’s great that from Helen’s initial post the conversation has moved on to alternative and/or modern therapies.
I just had my wake-up call. I joined FaceBook so I could play this ridiculously addicting 1 minute game of challenge with my friends – Bejeweled (switch gems to match and eliminate).
In the process I found an age test – RealAge.com. Quite flippantly, I decided to take it and figured I’d be young and hip.
Well! You could have knocked my socks off – I was scored 7 years older than my biological age! My terrible eating habits and total lack of balance/exercise were the main reasons. My athletic healthy friend scored 20 years younger!
So, now I follow some of the advice it gave, eat a bit healthier (just a bit for now) and I “walk” and “balance” with some of their video links on-line. I felt silly at first, but now I have fun moving and breathing and walking in step to the music.
And, after I do my 10-minute walk with Leslie, I reward myself with 5 games of Bejeweled.
Good health, spirit, and aloha!
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By: Honolulu Sally on September 28, 2009
at 11:48 AM
I’m loving my new computer glasses. Really helps with eyestrain. . .on the days I’m not swimming, I’ll be planted in front of the computer for up to 12 hours. . .(not all at once. . .)so these will definitely help.
Was released from PT today. Still have to be careful though – no jumping jacks, no ladder tumbles, etc. And no more leaping over reclining canine bodies in order to get to the bathroom. . .My retriever has appointed himself as my “bodyguard” altho he’s really more in the way than not. . . if I get up from the bed, the chair, whatever, he’s right there beside me, warning the others to back off. . .while the whole time he’s blocking my way. . .sigh.
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By: Greytdog on September 28, 2009
at 11:45 AM
HRH Sofia EQ Δ
Cut & paste the whole thing into the Name section when you comment. Right now it’s coming up as just an “n”. Not sure why. But try doing the whole line. . .
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By: Greytdog on September 28, 2009
at 11:40 AM
Ugh, how frustrating, jsri.
I know very little about all this. But I do hope you eventually find something that works well for you.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 11:15 AM
Grandma Katie on September 28, 2009 at 10:38 AM
When I retired 20 years ago, I had a similar experience with a non-listening physician. But a year later I came across a young woman who had recently gotten out of med school and was setting up her own office. She turned out to be an absolute gem.
Then when I moved a few years ago, I got a refereral from her to a new doc in the community we moved to. My latest doctor’s specialty is gerontology and she too is a good listener.
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By: jsri on September 28, 2009
at 11:15 AM
Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I keep hearing that the new technology is better. In truth, I’ve heard that before but the delivery has never equaled the hype. For the last pair I had, they spent so much time tinkering with adjustments that I was spending more time with adjustments than in actual use.
After they went through the washing machine accidentally, I finally gave up. And none of them were cheap.
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By: jsri on September 28, 2009
at 11:02 AM
Nice to meetcha, Poolman. 🙂
Jsri, your story sounds a bit like my dad’s. He’s a retired aircraft mechanic. 40+ years of snuggling up with jet engines has really done a number on his hearing. Back when he started (early 1960s) in the Air Force, ear protection was nil, according to Dad. He didn’t start wearing decent protection until about halfway through his career, by which time much damage was already done.
When Dad realized his hearing loss started in the military and researched enough to learn that loss of that sort is usually progressive (once some damage is done, it tends to get worse), he FINALLY agreed to do something about it. The VA is ponying up for some fancy-schmancy ear implants.
Jsri, you might want to look into the latest hearing aid technology. My dad said it’s pretty amazing — some hearing aids apply a technology that jet aircrafts use to zero out engine noise inside the cabin. This technology apparently helps the problem you described quite a bit.
I can ask Dad for more info if you like.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 10:54 AM
I find all your posts about reading glasses very amusingQ! My first glasses came when was about 24, bifocals appeared soetime in my 30’s and trifocalsin I think in my 50’s along with phot oogrey lens. First thing on in the am and l.ast ff at night. I oft en fall asleep withthem on.
Now on the subject of aging.
One of the most annoying th ings are drss. Some of them look at you , then your ch art and see your age and quit listening. You can almost see the switch go off in their head. They decide then and there that it is old age.
I now call the office and complain or even fire them. Just tell the clinic office I want another DR. Does wonders for my attiitude.
Craig, I see you have now figured out some of us and decided to join u s. Wonderful. Have a piece of pie, cup of tea and join the gathering on H elen’s front porch.
And as for exercise—when I was 61 I went to school and became a massage therapist, at 71 I began teaching it. Wewere taught that giving a massage is same benefit as weight training. Great deterent (SP) for osteoporosis.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 28, 2009
at 10:38 AM
To kitkatΔ on September 27, 2009 at 8:28 PM
I’ve been away for a few days and it looks as if the herbalists have taken over this site while I was away,
You are correct about balance and flexibility. And sometimes the loss of balance creeps up on you so gradually that it takes a stumble or a fall or two before you realize what is happening. But even walking regularly can help you maintain your balance. I don’t know about yoga but I suspect it is more than worthwhile.
But there are other loss-of-function issues to be aware of, – sight and hearing. Several people here have mentioned sight and I have had some pretty bad experiences in that regard.
Cataracts are an expectation of aging and when I had mine removed a couple years ago, the first lens implant worked well. The second one was a disaster and required three operations on my left eye to get the mess cleaned up. However today it is still not back to where it was before the operations.
But a note to the younger generation is in order here regarding hearing. In the 1970’s I did a lot of flying in airplanes that had very loud engines. Decibel ratings of +/-100db. At the end of a flight of a few hours, my ears would be ringing and I had headaches. Little did I know that the ringing in the ears was an indication that I was doing permanent and irreversible damage to my hearing. Worse still, I’ve had to resort to hearing aids that are expensive and essentially worthless. Despite all the hype about restoring your hearing, they still simply magnify the sound but can do little to effect discrimination.
So when I can hear music coming from the earbuds of an Ipod passing me on a sidewalk or can see and hear the pulsations of sound from the car passing me on the highway, I know that the person subjecting himself to that volume will be deaf by the time their thirtieth birthday comes around. I have a grandson, a HS senior, who is a drummer in several rock bands and I’m all over his ass to wear ear protection when he plays. He claims it’s not a problem but I know better based on my own experiences.
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By: jsri on September 28, 2009
at 10:32 AM
Δ¥ Tine, yes it is me at Cocos on the beach in HHI, SC, this past week. We enjoyed bike riding on the beach and made this a regular stop for refreshment. I will run with this one for a little while until I come up with another. I like to mix things up a little on occasion. 😀
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By: Poolman on September 28, 2009
at 10:16 AM
You missed:
A few ants short a picnic
Her peanut butter doesn’t spread to the corners
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By: Catherine on September 28, 2009
at 10:04 AM
Happyconservative, I agree with you that Jesus Camp is a different kind of “indoctrination.” But it’s no less scary. More scary than one class singing a song about Obama, if you ask me. The gov’t had nothing to do with that; it was a single class in a single school, and nothing about it came from on high.
If you watch the whole movie, or even the whole trailer for Jesus Camp, you’ll see that this is a widespread movement to train “soldiers for Jesus” in the mold of al-Qaeda and the like.
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 9:47 AM
Craig, welcome to the pie club!
Poolman, is that you in your new avatar?
Mnblue, thanks for the delightful news about Bachmann’s challenger.
And Jean, I’ll be right there. The weather just turned here in MN…Hawaii with Auntie Jean sounds lovely!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 28, 2009
at 9:38 AM
Was just reading this diary on Daily Kos and wanted to share, since many of the comment posters discuss getting ‘more mature’ and physical activity, etc.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/9/27/787080/-History-for-Kossacks-Greenroots-Special:-Long-Distance-Hiking-Trails
then I came upon this quote, listed with dsteffen’s comment and raced back here to tell you all.
“I guess the Americans with Disabilities Act needs to be revisited again to include “Republican” as a form of mental impairment …” — Helen Philpot
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 7:41 AM
Thank you Greytdog and Kitkat for the Δ !!! I think it’s probably my favorite, peach. So, being the ‘always a little odd’ person that I am, I used your method and found my own pi.
Jean, I also grow lemon grass, here in the much colder Northeast. It’s just growing in pots that I bring in in winter. Along with the fig tree. Now if I could just keep Thai basil growing over the winter I would be truly happy. Oh well, I would never give up the energy of Fall (gotta squirrel away the nuts) or the rush of Spring which is such a wonderful reward for putting up with Winter.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ π on September 28, 2009
at 6:14 AM
OH and my mother will be 72 by the time we get there, so I don’t think the Banyan tree is an option she will vote Yes to…
Mahalo!!
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By: AmericanΔ on September 28, 2009
at 4:25 AM
Jean,
my mother, my bestest ‘sistah friend’ in the whole wide world will be in Hawai’i in January 2010. It will be our second time visiting THE most BEE U TIFUL place on this planet. We are trying to decide which island to live on for the 7 days we are there. At this point, all we have are our flight plans. I said I didn’t care where we stayed. We could sleep under the Banyan tree with the Hippie as far as I was concerned. Any recommendations?
Thank you!!
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By: AmericanΔ on September 28, 2009
at 4:23 AM
Hi gang and Tine,
What a wonderful bunch of comments today! For now, that’s all I have to contribute to the spinal stenosis problem. For now. Except this.
Acupuncture – I don’t know. I have had three major surgeries in my adult lifetime, one literally life-saving. When I finally got the courage to have my ears pierced at age 60, (20 years ago) I wanted to have a general anesthetic. My daughter-in-law held my hand and I didn’t feel a thing. Maybe we are never too old to learn something new.
Here in HI there are at least 76 varieties of ginger from the spice root to flowers to Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo. (The Awapuhi is seasonal.) We grow our own in our Pitiful Little Patch. How many people do you know who grow their own shampoo? We also grow lemon grass that makes yummy tea. We have many kinds of exotic bromeliads. We don’t exactly grow the bromeliads. They are essentially air plants and grow themselves on trees, rocks as well as in soil – year round.
As a sort of “newby” to this blogging business, what’s a “thread”? Like changing the subject?
Did any of you take note this week of the BIG, BIG ANGLO-SAXON archeological find in England? This will take YEARS of course to unravel. Some would say, what’s the big deal about a stash of old gold and silver trinkets in some farmer’s field. I say it may very well change our perception of Western Culture as we THINK we know it.
This may sound like self-promotion. But if you go to my web site, click on Chapter 11, “Medieval Europe” and scroll down to the part about “CELTS” (in bold face letters), you can get a small overview of who the Anglo-Saxons were and where they came from. The whole web-site thingy of mine started out to be an easier way than letters and phone calls to share with family and friends, particularly regarding our travels. It sort of took on a life of it’s own from there.
This English Anglo-Saxon find may very well turn out to be as important as the “Xian Warriors” in China. (Again, somebody digging in a farmer’s field.) Xian is one of the most incredibly phenomenal experience to see IN PERSON we have ever had. We went on an extended trip and tour of China the week AFTER 9/11. At the time, we weren’t about to let what turned out to be the notorious work of 19 CRIMINALS change our travel plans or make us hide under the bed.
We have about 7½ hours of AMATEUR video, of China, from small towns and villages to Shanghai, to Suzhou to the well known Three Gorges Dam Site, Xian to Beijing and the Great Wall. (Also lots of footage of our feet when we forgot to turn off the video camera. We can fast-forward those parts though.) I have 23+ single-space typed pages from my illegibly scribbled notes and the books we picked up along the way to accompany the video.
Tine, how would you like to come out, help me clean up the typos and syntax and figure out a way to weasel around the personal names of people who might be offended or embarrassed by having their behavior spread all over the internet. Then I could get my computer guru ($$$$) to come help me incorporate it on to my web site. (Hey, he has mouths to feed too!)
Naw. Never mind. That sounds like too much time and effort. Just come on out and bring the kiddies, Tine. You can frolic in the surf and build sand castles with them. I’ll sit in my red canvas camp chair and enjoy watching you have fun together.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
P.S. In my next life, I think I’ll come back as an archeologist. I have plenty of experience in THIS life digging in the dirt and working with a camelhair brush.
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 28, 2009
at 1:24 AM
Thank you, Craig, for volunteering in an elementary classroom. Special education students are very special to me as well.
Last year, I helped an autistic boy recite a poem on the school stage in front of 200 people.
I shake another boys’ hand every day in the lunch room because he joined my classroom for one hour a week last year for the DARE program.
This year, we have a sweet little Downs syndrome girl who is going to be an Oompa Loompa in our drama club’s production of Willy Wonka. Her face beams with joy at every rehearsal.
Taking care of our kids is the most important part of being an adult. It’s not money, success, fame, fortune, material possessions, clothes, or any other thing you could add to the list–
Raising our children–there’s no greater calling.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 10:14 PM
When I was young, I accepted that I would die someday; it was more difficult to envision growing old and decrepit. I now glory in my advanced maturity, old, yes, decrepit, never. However I recall the exact moment I realized I needed reading glasses. I was driving at night and needed to check the map for my turn, my arms were perhaps long enough, but as I held the map away from me, it wasn’t under the dome light in the car. I got out of the car and held the map in front of my headlights. Dollar store specs solved the problem for awhile, but when I had to take them on and off just to shop, I got bifocals. I couldn’t comfortably read in bed with those nasty things, now I wear contacts. Love them; it is like looking at the world with young eyes again. And I can wear eye makeup, no more hunting and pecking with a mascara wand. If I put on any weight, it’s your fault Greytdog.
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By: no one's puppetΔ on September 27, 2009
at 10:02 PM
I’m a volunteer 2X a week with special Ed kids in an elementary school. Blind, drug children as well as Downs and other special needs kids.
It’s my time during the week that is most rewarding.
For two years before I had just assisted with 2nd graders in their reading skills.
Last year they asked..and I said sure.
It was a pleasant surprise. These children are so much more appreciative and demonstrate it as well. I’ll start my second year with them on tuesday.
Have a good evening all.
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By: CraigΔ on September 27, 2009
at 9:40 PM
WEll drug store glasses fell by the wayside two years ago at 56.
Time for the eye exam at the DPS office for state license renewal.
Could not use reading glasses so the gig was up.
I told them a stop sign is big and RED
And I could easily see the EXIT signs.
But none the less..I’m now perscription based blessed .
Positive note on this
The BIG SCREEN is sharper.
And for Pilates..HA!!!
The first Neurosurgeon I saw four years ago told me nothing could be done for my back.
Then he went into this thing about Pilates.
How it helped him in the surgery suite.
I told him..Hey..I’m 55 and your 35…
I don’t think I’m gonna regenerate a spine here fella.
He was the one who got me into the Gym on a regular basis. I was that pissed.
AssHOLe.
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By: CraigΔ on September 27, 2009
at 9:32 PM
Hello everyone. I’m back to reality after a very wonderful vacation. If you ever have a chance to go to Hilton Head Island, SC, take it. A most excellent spot, IMO. Anytime I get to be on a beach is a happy day for me. Mmmm… and real fresh seafood, to boot. This was extra nice as mom and stepdad footed the bill for all to celebrate their 75th birthdays. Much celebrating was had by all. So now it is time to rejoin the rat race. We need occasional breaks to refocus and gain perspective. If we don’t always plan them, sometimes they are arranged for us. We have much to do. We need good focus.
I am thankful for all who give of themselves here in an effort to benefit others. It is an act of love. We are a community here. Even the sour apples come around a lot of times. We all have difficulty with this journey of life and deal with it in our own way. Sometimes the lashing out is therapeutic.
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By: Poolman on September 27, 2009
at 9:07 PM
HRH Sofia EQ here’s your Δ . just copy & paste next to your name when you comment again.
Craig & no one’s puppet – help yourselves too.
As for teaching life-lessons – someone would complain. Inevitable. Shortly after college I worked as a career counselor for a local tech school. most of my time, however, was spent teaching my kids how to read and write. . .and some of these kids wanted to be scriptwriters. . .oy! Learning about the ancients may not seem important to us, but the lessons they learned and passed along are still in play today. We still ply similar trade routes, we still have the same sense of nationalism, conquering, etc. . .as for naming the Presidents in order. . . a lot of kids today can’t even name the first President of this country. How can they be informed voters when they don’t know or understand the history of this country? I agree that lessons like managing personal finances are important – as well as learning interpersonal skills. Even though I don’t “use” my degree (not too many dogs are really into learning Renaissance poetry) the discipline of learning and writing has helped immensely in my various activities and adventures.
As for glasses. . . i now have reading glasses everywhere – in the car (for when I go grocery shopping & have to read labels), in my bag (usually at the bottom of the bag, of course), in every room including the kitchen. . .and I just got my “driving” glasses and tomorrow I pick up my new”computer” glasses. . . sigh.
Craig, after you ease into yoga, try Pilates! (hehehe, evil snicker)
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By: Greytdog on September 27, 2009
at 8:35 PM
HRH Sofia EQΔ — there you go. Just copy and paste to your name.
I read somewhere that the two things we need to keep most as we age are flexibility and balance. Yoga gives you both. When you are young, you take them for granted.
And at 46, I have recently joined the $ store cheaters in every room club. I also had lasik – about 9 years ago. Best move I ever made as well, AmericanΔ. Frustrates me that I’ve had to use glasses again, but seeing distances has been huge. Just why did the need for reading glasses happen virtually overnight?
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By: kitkatΔ on September 27, 2009
at 8:28 PM
HRH Sofia EQ-You just made me LOL about your reading glasses. The Customer Service department at work has the highest population of 50 year olds in our company and they have a community basket of dollar store ‘cheaters’ with a sign that says something along the lines of the Take a penny, leave a penny… I think it says “Cheaters: Take a pair, leave a pair so everyone will have a spare”.
The Pain Management Doc has suggested Yoga-I just have to make time to take the class. You know moms always take care of everyone else first and when there might be a few minutes left in the day and only IF everyone else doesn’t need anything, then we might use one of those moments for ourselves.
And thank you for being the ONLY one recognizing my Pie. When I made up my name for this blog, the song “American Pie” was playing in the back ground on my computer and I thought it was kind of cool…plus it was the election year.
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By: AmericanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 7:37 PM
And as for reading glasses, I have about 15 pair of dollar store readers. I just keep them everywhere but they are mostly not where I need them. They seem to have a herd instict and gather on the microwave.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 6:44 PM
As for teaching the young uns, I don’t think they are able to believe they will get old. I remember that I was about 27 when I first realized I was no longer immortal. Until then, I just didn’t consider it. And since I didn’t trust anyone over 30 until I reached my 30th birthday, well…..
Back in college, I had a modern dance instructor who was 55. She was much more flexible than most of us 18yr olds. I decided that I wanted to be like her when I was 50 and although it took me 10 more years to do it, by 60 I was ready to begin working on it.
I do gardening for a friend (now 75) who started doing Pilates when she was 60. Also garden for a 94 yr old retired Veterinarian who goes to the gym 3 times each week. (then he comes home for a good long nap) I consider these people my shining examples. I agree with American p. and will do everything I can to live a healthy life.
I just wish my keyboard had a pi sign
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 6:43 PM
And, I have watched the ‘aging’ process of my mother, aunts (hers sisters) and co-workers over the years. I am TRYING to be pro-active by changing my eating and exercise habits. I do not smoke or drink alcohol; I have lost a significant amount of weight and will continue; up until a month ago, have been very faithful to my new exercise routine (back has flared up) because I DO NOT want their future to become mine. There are no secrets-just pay attention to your elders.
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By: AmericanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 5:57 PM
I too have ‘graduated’ to the reading glasses phase of life. I had lasik done about 7 years ago-BEST money I have ever spent. I was 39. Somebody told me I wasted my money. I said NO WAY! My vision was so bad and I had worn glasses or contacts for so many years, it was like a miracle to me. I cried the day after surgery when I could read something more than 6 inches in front of me.
Now, at 45 and soon to be 46, I only have one pair of prescription reading glasses but am considering investing in multiple OTC Dollar store pairs to keep in various places around the house. Might be as good of an investment as the Lasik…LOL
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By: AmericanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 5:53 PM
Agree with you, Craig, about the coursework in preparedness for what life will bring.
I now have reading glasses in my car, on my desk at school, near my reading chair, and downstairs on the piano.
Another teacher told me that one pair of glasses is needed to find the next pair.
I keep telling my colleagues that I “graduated” this summer with reading glasses.
I, too, wish the older would enlighten us 45 year old youngsters of everything coming our way.
By the way, I do try to find some time in the school day or week to teach at least a little bit of health.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 5:43 PM
Yep the stretches did not seem to be that bad I thought..then BAM
day four wake up call was achey breaky heart!
I want to again thank all…they have been great ideas and programs..but it got me to thinking..
Now I don’t want to step on any teachers toes here..
But I gotta rant.
Why didn’t we get these lifestyle messages in school.
Like drivers Ed.
I could have cared less about the Phonecians and the trade routs. As I know it they are not active anymore. Remembering by verse a Tennyson poem or giving in order the American Presidents.
Maybe a little nmore world history as to how we got ourselves into the messes we’re in…but
I just don’t see how these things could have been more important than educating us as to healthy lifestyle habits…such as diet , exercise
and the ramifications of growing older and the end results of
smoking
overeating
dental care
no daily exercise.
They should teach Managing a checkbook or just balancing monthly income with a wife and two kids.
How to invest your money wisely..
Of course all of us could go back fro that refresher.
How to write a resume or a business letter.
Maybe these things are covered in some private schools..
I’m sure these things are brought up here and there..but hey show the kids what we look like at 17 and then what we look like now at 50,55,60,65
I know I look in the mirror I’m still 18..but when I get up in the am with the aches and 30 min of walking around before I can be agreeable to be with..heh thats my rant.
I was an active and productive worker until I was laid off on 911. For over 24 years I carried bags of TV equipment and a tripod and a camera.
Probably I could go back and say here or there
was the reason I have issues now…But thats too late.
At least my son has seen his parents age and he’s 180 from his ole man. Thank God for that.
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 4:54 PM
Craig, I can vouch for the whole easing into yoga thing. I was introduced to yoga by a friend who happens to be very competitive (okay me too) and oh dear god. Bad idea. To this day when I see the down dog pose I just want to hike my leg! I hurt like the dickens for several weeks. . .but now my three times a week sessions have really helped – altho I’ve had to slack a bit with my knee issue. So just go slowly – and when the pose is a reaching one, it doesn’t mean grab and hang on . . .that’s definitely an OWIE moment you don’t want to have. . .
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By: Greytdog on September 27, 2009
at 4:11 PM
Craig, ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation and do find someone who works with herbs too. Gotta run, but I wish you the best tomorrow. Oh, and don’t do 1 hour sessions of yoga when you’re a newbie to it or when you’ve got special needs….. not to say you’re impaired but you do have some limitations with your back so work with someone one on one who has training with injuries. It’s not a competition. You just want to ease yourself into this, listen to your body and learn to move your energy gently, don’t force anything.
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By: Pamela Δ ¥ on September 27, 2009
at 3:43 PM
thymeCher ¥:
Oh, lawdy, honey, I know I’m gonna bih for rotfalol,
I’m off to the drive in for movie night, yip, yip, yippee.
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By: Pamela Δ ¥ on September 27, 2009
at 3:36 PM
It’s Sunday / America’s Best Christian Betty Bowers takes time to explain to less informed Christians the curious details of the Lord’s concept of marriage.
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By: thymeCher ¥ on September 27, 2009
at 3:22 PM
Thanks Americana..and Pamela will be doing some research here. As far as acupuncture ids concerned..Do I look for a particular brand or
type? or Certification?
I’ve had 3-4 years of injections. Approximately
every 6 months. The injections got down to a complete epidural block with steroid in early May.
They bathed the area with steroid…and no relief..just high blood pressure and headache for a week and no relief from last injection. Thus Orthopedic surgeon put in spacers L1-L5.
YOu know there are just days where ya wanta say chuck it!
More pills please……….
Take care you all.
Regards,
Craig
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 3:20 PM
Ummm, Craig, I didn’t answer your ? regarding use of the ear to help with pain. No, it is not like biting you lip to distract you from feeling pain, it literally helps relieve pain, as well as treats all kinds of issues. The ears are what we refer to as a ‘microcosmic system’ for treating the body. I won’t go into much here …. it’s too complicated but you can pretty much treat every aspect of your body through your ear. You are aware, no doubt, that your spine carries nerve impulses to the brain and maybe it’s because the neck is in such close proximity to the ears. I don’t throughly understand how I can treat prostitis with one point on the ear or why, thank God, you can pinch the cartilage just up from the lobe to ease neck tension and pain but it works. Usually takes about 30 minutes to kick in and lasts for several hours…. works even better with little ear needles, You’re in a great city to explore these modalities, go out and explore.
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By: Pamela Δ on September 27, 2009
at 2:56 PM
Before some of you ladies jump to the conclusion that I am insulting you, I consider you to be ‘crones’. Follow this link to understand my meaning of ‘Crone’ http://www.goddess-guide.com/crone.html
It is with great respect, believe me. I learn a lot from all of you-Margaret and Helen, first and foremost and then down the line.
I am not old enough yet, to be a crone. I am only 45 and do not have enough wisdom or life experience to be considered crone goddess material yet. But, I’m working on it!!
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By: AmericanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 2:47 PM
Craig: The therapists have offered stem and heat following
my therapy..but did not think it would do anything.
Start out with the Stim and heat and then finish up with ice treatments at PT. It helps IMMENSELY! You really will be surprised by the differences it makes. Just don’t over do it on the stimulator. Make sure you are doing your stretching exercises every day at home along with your core strengthening. Your body will let you know when you skip or cheat.
I was in PT and having Epidural injections back in Feb and March of this year for 3 bulging lumbar disks/degenerative disk disease and am working through a relapse right now. Followed doc and PT’s orders-Lose weight, exercise, build core strength.
I had 6 really great months of almost pain free and the pain/spasm reared its ugly head on September 6-UGH!!
Back to Pain Management doc for Epi injections; hyrodrocodone (low dose) at night to sleep; trying (with great difficulty) to keep up with stretching and strengthening exercises and orthotics insoles in my shoes now.
I have not considered acupuncture until today after reading all the posts and will be researching to find someone reputable in my area.
Good luck with your treatment and I hope you feel relief soon.
Take care and BE NICE!
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By: AmericanΔ on September 27, 2009
at 2:38 PM
Craig, I’m guessing just from your demeanor when responding to folks here, that you have a bit of heat already so I would not lean so strongly in recommending ginger to you. It’s gonna be fine to use as a tea as that’s a pretty diluted way to use it and for anyone fighting off a cold or flu: a couple of finger lengths, 1/4 ” slices of ginger simmered for 3 mins. in a covered pot with 2 cups water, turn off heat and throw in a couple of scallions, green and white parts, fresh mint and some lemon and let steep for 3 more minutes goes a long way to making you feel better. We have much stronger herbals for colds and flu, but these are some things you can get at any store….
see what I mean no one’s puppet??? I can’t help myself… LOL.
Craig, the curcumin will be more helpful for you and do please talk with an chinese herbalist as we have dozens of pain herbs that are very concentrated and much more effective than these suggestions I’ve made for you. I’ve tried to give you options that you can pick up in any health food store. Those of you with arthritis will likely benefit from something called Zyflamend and it may help you too, Craig.
Have you tried capsaicin lotion? The red pepper concentrate is very helpful in blocking the receptors for pain for hours on end. There are also a number of chinese herbal ointments that are used topically for blocking sensation of pain and some of them have healing properties as well. You mentioned having a community of Chinese folks nearby. Go into their stores and talk with someone about your pain: let them know if it is hot in nature, stabbing or just achy. Does it move around or stay stationary? Is it better after rest or is it giving you fits lying in bed? Does heat or cold relieve it….and I’m not talking about cold numbing it but does it actually seem to improve the pain for hours? All these answers will guide them in choosing herbs appropriately for you.
Bromelain is a natural, safe herbal from the pineapple fruit very helpful with pain caused by swelling and inflamation too.
Also try Arnica gel topically and pellets internally in a 30 C. You should be able to find this homeopathic formula for trauma and pain, bruising and swelling, in any health food store or go on line and order some. If there is nerve pain (signified by burning, tingling pain) use Hypericum in a 30 C.
These are safe, generic options for you to try and good luck.
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By: Pamela Δ on September 27, 2009
at 2:38 PM
Pamela, – thanks for your kind comment.
Ii too am prone to telling people about the effects of deep tissue massage. Have seen some remarkable thinkgs happen!!
I am recovering from a stroke 12/3/07
AFTER paralysis on right side, , I can nnow do very many things for myself. Partly due to oldest son and his discussion with dr. conseq uently h ad manyy different suppllents in addition to what the dr ordered.And for Craig – son is a doctor of Pharmacy so he is listened to!!and I have been a massage therapist since 1990 and taught it up until the stroke came along!
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By: Grandma Katie on September 27, 2009
at 2:37 PM
happyconservative sez: “A lot of our health care problems come from the way we live our lives. I know that if my father hadn’t smoked for the last 60 years, he would be in a lot better shape. Believe me, he has inspired me to take much better care of myself. Personal responsibility is the key.”
And it’s good that people are realizing that they have SOME control over their health’s fate. HOWEVER (and I’ve mentioned this before) we can’t control everything. I don’t smoke, I was in GREAT shape (3X at the gym per week), didn’t eat a lot of fatty or otherwise bad foods, and yet that drunk had the nerve to hit my car head-on with his huge van and send me to the hospital, a convalescent facility, and a rehab facility for a month each. Guess he didn’t check my gym membership.
I, like jsri, am one of the fortunate ones, with good health-coverage through my employment. If I hadn’t had that, I’d still be in debt 17 years later.
Yes we should take care of ourselves for many reasons. But (forgive the profanity here) shit happens. I could cite many other examples of “it” happening, just as I can cite my own father’s smoking and early death. But of course not everyone who smokes dies from it, and not everyone who dies from cancer has lived “badly.”
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By: Susan in CT on September 27, 2009
at 2:33 PM
That’s a new one for me..???
soo..I could construe that it would be good for Horse’s ass’s like me?
Jus kiddin.
🙂
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 2:13 PM
Thank you Pamela. Just a thought Craig, If acuputure is good enough for expensive race horses, it must work.
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By: no one's puppet on September 27, 2009
at 1:59 PM
Pamela,
I cannot say enough. I will print this off and take it with me tomorrow.
I looked back and maybe missed it but if I bashed you at some point in the past or argued with you..I could not find the post on this thread…
I know I did make some comment about herbology..But what can I say..
but that I was an Ass. Sorry. cruising San Francisco China Town, you cannot miss the herbs in the windows.
That aside..I do have a “tens” unit. I got it 5 or so years ago when I had broken my foot.
I did not think about it till you mentioned. The therapists have offered stem and heat following
my therapy..but did not think it would do anything.
I’ll check that tomorrow as well and try to do my two miles in before my therapy.
As to the ginger..Pills, powder?
My wife said she could steam some up as I had bought some the other day at grocery. On my husbands to do list.
As to the heat ..? indigestion?
That must be why the clerk checking me out made a comment about how much I was buying…
Its a root and wife said get some..So I had a fist full.
And as for the pinching the ear..I guess thats like wanting to go to the happy place when they start injecting your back. Or biting your lip as you have
hit your thumb with hammer.
And as for Acupuncture ..That will be another one of my to do list things tomorrow.
WE have a large contingent of middle eastern, Indian and some chinese student in our community..so surely they have one here..
Thanks again..you can rest.I’m sure everyone is tired of this and want to lay down..Me for sure.
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 1:58 PM
Craig, forgive my reluctance to jump back into this fray…. and I will tell you that if you throw it back in my face, don’t expect me to offer you further suggestions…. burn me once, shame on you kinda thing.
I will tell you that you can likely get much relief from pain and tightness in the back from acupuncture and you will likely want to consider getting a TENS unit (don’t spend over $80 to $100 on a unit . I have had some of my patiients have their doctors charge them $600 to $700 for a unit and that’s mostly just their profit markup, but do look for one that has lead cords that will reach from your ankles to your hands, they sorta ‘unzip’ and should stretch far. Your PT or doctor can order one for you if you can’t find one on ebay… lol
The TENS is an electro stim unit you can use at home to block the pain signals for periods of time. This is not the place to tell you how to use it….do some research on the internet and pick you PTs brain and again, I don’t know why acupuncture would be your last choice…. it doesn’t hurt and it is amazing for treating intransigent pains but well, whatever! I’m not here to push anything on anyone.
There are a number of effective herbals for pain though none will be as strong as drugs. The benefit is that they aren’t hard on the liver and kidneys and rest of the body like drugs.
For basic swelling and inflammation causing pain curcumin capsules are very effective. It is generally very safe and even beneficial to the liver, lowers cholesterol, aids in digestion and as far as pain goes, its a natural anti-inflammatory and inhibits the COX 2 enzyme. There is also much evidence (controlled double-blind studies) showing that curcumin is helpful with cancer treatment. This isn’t the place to go into all of that. I won’t recommend any particular brands but I’m sure if you go by your health food store they’ll have some options for you. Ginger would be a good herb to combine it with as it is also an anti-inflammatory but keep in mind that it is a hot, spicy herb and if you have a lot of internal heat, ginger may be too warm for you. My best words of advise are to find a knowledgeable herbalist (I’m biased to Chinese herbology) and work with them.
I will address those other questions of FDA oversights and purity of herbs in another note later as this is getting way too long and I have other things that need my attention, but suffice it to say for now that yes, Chinese herbology is very regulated, and like everything else out there, some unscrupulous companies slip some garbage in, some coming from China, and sadly, some coming from here in the US and most of the dangerous stuff is sold more through internet sales and somewhat through the health food stores. Most of us who have our masters in herbology are well schooled in what to look for in purity and which companies to work with. I work with five times concentrated herbal powders and have a pharmacy of about 1,200 herbal concentrates and so make formulas for the individual to treat their whole body and unique needs. This way, I can treat their pains, along with their hypertension and IBS in one formula for example.
Craig, I hope this was somewhat helpful … there were several posts suggesting that you strengthen your core and do stretching/yoga/tai chi exercises and they would indeed help you.
You can also alleviate much pain by pinching appropriate areas of your ears and I won’t go into that here as I can just hear you smirking from here. You can order yourself a chart of the ear and acupuncture/pressure points on the ear if you would like to explore that option…. its what I use when my neck is giving me fits and it does help my pain tremendously. Don’t scoff until you try it.
no one’s puppet, apology accepted. The only thing I can tell you is that I can’t stop myself from letting folks know there are alternatives to drugs….and I also do understand and respect that sometimes drugs are necessary and the only thing to use in the moment. Many folks don’t realize that hypertension, high cholesterol, IBS, ulcerative cholitis, asthma, and almost every other degenerative disease you can think of can be healed. I believe that a person can benefit by use of natural modalities to improve and restore their overall health while using medications as needed and I often find that the need for medications is greatly reduced and sometimes completely ameliorated once body health is restored.
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By: Pamela Δ on September 27, 2009
at 1:27 PM
Thanks to all…
To: ValleyIndependent, HRH and KitKat
“Do be careful, though. Some of the more common ab exercises can be very hard on the back and will make the problem worse instead of better. You may want to run what you are doing by your doctor and a good physical therapist.”
As I had said June 26th surgery 8 inches plus up mid-line lower back. Did not anticipate the issue that a lifetime of core muscle and ligaments would be lost. I am and have continued my
4 mph 2 miles a day..but obviously cut out weights.
The doctor sent me to the gym/therapy center
where he wanted me to learn core muscle strengthening last and next week. First thing on their list was to emphasize the belly, stand up straight and suck it in and hold the belly taught.
And KitKat, I’ve done a yoga type of sitting and as you had said the following as well..
“My chiro recommended stretches for the hip flexor and for the hamstrings. Tight hamstrings pull on the lower back.”
After three 1 hour sessions of various contortions on a mat and standing…I thought I was due for the operating room again. The pain returned after the 3rd and final visit for this last week. It could have been too much in a three day period.
I have a plethora of meds. But as I said they are a temporary fix.
Yep..I have a belly and as for comfort foods, it sounds as if I’ve got company. South Beach worked before, so I think that will be the next step.
Two of my therapist’s I have also have back issues. One a female slightly over weight and another early 40’s young man that thru football
messed his back up. The female said she had acupuncture as one of her treatments.
The male therapist told me that more hours of work are missed due to back ailments than any other issue.
I know one thing. I started exercising 2 years ago and hit the gym 6 days a week. Since my gym is connected to a therapy unit..The last thing I want is knee or hip replacement. I’ve seen enough of that recovery to make me a believer.
Thank you all. Tomorrow is day 4 of therapy.
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 1:04 PM
sorry, reformed smoker.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 11:15 AM
Kitkat, I wish your husband continued relief. My surgeon said “no restrictions” to almost everything I asked about and he was right. Of course, he didn’t mention that the thing restricts itself to a certain degree. I’m mostly pain free except when I overextend but it just gets a little sore and 20 min Tai Chi practice every morning loosens everything up. And when the garden season ends after Thanksgiving and I’m not out digging planting holes and all, I’ll return to the gym. I’m a little like a reformed smoked, I have trouble not talking about how wonderful it is.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 11:15 AM
my husband had his hip replaced in March. He’s a soccer coach and was back on the field a week later. He did great through PT. They told him that those who do well after replacement surgery are the ones who exercise and do the PT, as those muscles around the hip are weak. most wonderfully of all, his pain is gone.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 27, 2009
at 11:01 AM
Craig, a close friend had the surgery for stenosis about 3 yrs ago (he’s almost 70 now), he also lost his belly but found the exercising not to his taste. He has put the weight back on and his back now bothers him again. He gets comfort from comfort foods and pain meds.
I suspect it’s a lot like when I had the hip replacement, unless you exercise it, it doesn’t work as well. I ran into a friend at a party who had had a hip replacement a year before mine. She still walks with a cane but she never was one to exercise much.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 10:42 AM
Craig, don’t leave acupuncture till last. It really does work for many ailments. I speak from personal experience here.
I think building on what HRH Sofia said is working on the core muscles — abdominal and back together. This is part of our society of immobility and sitting (in front of the computer) as sitting stretches the lower back and tightens the hip/abdominal area as well as hamstrings. My chiro recommended stretches for the hip flexor and for the hamstrings. Tight hamstrings pull on the lower back. Yoga has some great stretches for these areas. Plank position, held for 2 minutes, is one of the best core strengtheners there is. Then try sideways plank, each side, 2 minutes.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 27, 2009
at 10:38 AM
Craig, I can offer you no medical advice, but from my own experience, when my back starts to bother me, I need to get busy strengthening my abdominal muscles. I have quite a bit of curvature in my spine, but otherwise it is healthy, so strong abs usually take enough strain off the back muscles to do it for me. Do be careful, though. Some of the more common ab exercises can be very hard on the back and will make the problem worse instead of better. You may want to run what you are doing by your doctor and a good physical therapist, and don’t forget to listen to your body. It will tell you things they won’t know. It sounds like you will need a combination of things, but your walking and core training should help. I wish you the best.
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By: ValleyIndependent Δ on September 27, 2009
at 10:36 AM
And to farsight and Pamela.
Whatever……………
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 10:10 AM
To everyone who had a rock to throw and to those who had an opinion.
I have been a frequent flyer at a pain clinic for streoid shots to back.
Surgery in June
Now trying to rehab at oacl therapy clinic.
Acupuncture was mentioned.
Thats the last thing on my list.
I walk two miles a day at gym and have had some CORE therapy for past week and week ahead.
Fortunately better living thru chemistry helps, but gets depressing when you realize you next comfort is coming from a bottle of pills.
Thanks to any body who had a suggestion.
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By: Craig on September 27, 2009
at 10:06 AM
a little late but about those with stenosis… My husband suffered from this problem, more before he had the stent put it than now. It seems when he dropped the 60 lbs he had gained over the years to improve his heart health, his stenosis stopped bothering him. I believe it was all that belly weight, making him swaybacked that caused most of the trouble. He also goes to the gym almost every day and does a series of back stretches recommended by his physical therapist. He no longer has back problems. I know not everyone has the same sort of condition or the same life style. I’m just saying that exercise and weight loss has done him a world of good.
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By: HRH Sofia EQ on September 27, 2009
at 9:33 AM
Margaret and Helen – I love you. I can’t post links to your website enough.
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By: Motherofthemonth on September 27, 2009
at 8:38 AM
Joni, most creationists don’t reject dinosaurs existed at all, just that those bones aren’t as old as scientists theorize. There are very interesting reasons they don’t accept the carbon dating methods as fact.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 27, 2009
at 8:12 AM
According to Helen: “Dick Cheney has had four heart attacks.”
xxx
Dick Cheney has a heart? Who knew?
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By: two crows on September 27, 2009
at 8:00 AM
Pamela, I have reviewed the comments you directed to greytdog and my own comments to you, and I owe you an apology. My only excuse is that I overreacted, because I know what happened to my dear friend when she abandoned her treatment and doctor. From what I have gleaned from the internet, the potency of herbals are not regulated, and in some cases, are not even the same substance as advertised. Jean’s question is very good, how do we know what we are getting is the real thing and its strength? I do hope you will accept my apology.
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By: no one's puppet on September 27, 2009
at 7:34 AM
Thanks Greytdog, I do/did find it interesting. Now lets get the representatives on board! LOL
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By: lori on September 27, 2009
at 7:02 AM
Lori, in re to the Patriot Act, Sen. Russ Feingold has introduced this:
http://bit.ly/SAna8
You will find it interesting, I hope.
Auntie Jean, thank you for the compliment. 🙂 I think you and my wundermom would definitely hit it off – she is the one who sparked my interest in quantum physics. . .and yesterday when I was talking with her, she started to expound on string theory. . .before bouncing over to the new Dan Brown novel whereupon she dissected the inconsistencies. Made my head spin!
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By: Greytdog on September 27, 2009
at 6:39 AM
Good morning all. In case anyone out there doesn’t know how to get in touch with their elected official you can go here http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/
and plug you zip code in and it will take you to a page that lists your representatives. You can go from there to their individual page and their contacts will be listed. THEY don’t make it EASY! Geeeze… But then again they only WORK for us! Why would it be easy to contact them???? grrrr
Poolman, I am sure you have noticed some of the sections of the Patriot Act are meant to expire soon. Our representatives have not indicated what they plan on doing. WE NEED TO LET our voices heard on THIS topic too.
We have lots of work to do people… Let’s get to gettin!
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By: lori on September 27, 2009
at 3:50 AM
Great post! As usual, you speak what I think.
Hmm, looks like we have a lost puppy in the comments who needs help finding his way back to FreeRepublic. Poor Craig must be one of that 27% who think GWB was a good President. Well, we all can’t be geniuses.
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By: Glix on September 27, 2009
at 1:36 AM
Hi Gang, Pamela, Craig and Greytdog,
Craig, welcome to the ranks of ‘Spinal Stenosis’. We are legion.
First off, Pamela, I would be interested to know to what degree herbal medicines are regulated by the FDA or other agencies for safety and effectiveness. From where are they gathered/manufactured, packaged and distributed?
I have had osteoarthritis in my spine, both hands, one hip and both knees for well over 30 years. Fortunately I do not have osteoporosis due, I think, to calcium as recommended by my internist and regular visits to my chiropractor in PA before we moved here and for the past 19 years in HI. Both were trained at the Palmer Chiropractor School in Iowa. My chiropractor here is Japanese, born and raised in Japan.
As many of you here know, I had a nasty bout with Sciatica in January. An MRI revealed SEVERE Spinal Stenosis, L-4 and L-5 and a squished out disc, but thank goodness, not TOO bad in the Cervical or other vertebrae. The MRI was shared with me, my chiropractor and a spinal surgeon in detailed consultations. All of them were very tactful in NOT using the word, “Inoperable”, but in my particular case, “Usually Not Successful.” I did have 6 weeks of Physical Therapy and three Spinal Epidural shots of Prednisone. We all know that Prednisone can be a very effective drug but it is also quite powerful and potentially deadly in some cases. The shots are not recommended more that once a year.
I came along nicely and we made plans for an international trip this fall, as well as hippity-hopping across to the West Coast and East Coast coming and going to see our kids and grandkids. The stenosis started slowly creeping back so that put a crimp in our travel plans. All of my medical people involved were hoping, as I was, that I would get more mileage out of the various treatments. C’est la vie. Still, I’m not into making a career out of whining and suffering.
I’m down to two Tylenol Arthritis Pain caplets (650mg each), morning and evening plus a prescription for Codeine 3 if I wake up in the middle of night, like your mother, Greytdog. Codeine 3 works for dental pain too. I am aware that it is a narcotic, mild as it is. I use it VERY judiciously. As we know, pain is subjective. Mine, at worst, is 3 to 4 on a scale of 10. Occasionally, 5. The pain is in my left buttock, down my left thigh and calf and has now developed in both feet.
I have reluctantly had to modify my lifestyle somewhat too. I tell myself, OFTEN OUT LOUD. “NO SUDDEN MOVES!” So far I haven’t had to break out the cane or walker. Also if I lie down flat on the bed for 45-minutes to an hour, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, the pain fades away.
Now, lying on the bed watching the ceiling fan go-round is my idea of nothing to do. So I read. I have been interested in the relative new science of “Memetics” for some time. I get into it so much that I have to set the timer to quit. If anyone is interested, start with the books by Richard Dawkins, the British Evolutionary Biologist.
Craig, I think we all know that chronic pain can make people cranky. In the case of women, bitchy. Maybe if Pamela or other friends here can steer you toward effective pain management, you might be able to get off your irascible “Czar” kick. The Romanov Czar Dynasty was one-by-one-at-a-time in Russia for over 300 years. That’s THREE HUNDRED YEARS, not a presidential term or two, a total of eight years at the most. In the here and now in the United States, would you approve of the terms “CEOs”, “Supervisors”,
“Overseerers”, or “Bosses”?
I was recently talking to one of our sons about my stenosis. I told him what I really need is a Spinal Transplant. He cheerfully volunteered his twin brother as a donor, a good genetic match. When I asked that other son about it he said, “OK, ’cause “bro” says I have always been spineless anyway.” He is more concerned about the Swine Flu in his age demographic.
My mother came down with flu during the “Epidemic of 1918” and survived! Two of her siblings died. I have very rarely gotten the flu or even colds. (I get my regular flu shots every year though.) My mother must have passed some potent antibodies on to me. I made a deal with my son. I’ll donate some of my blood with my and his grandma’s antibodies to him if he’ll give me his spine that he isn’t using anyway. We have a deal.
Greatdog, your Wundermom and I have a common bond, our loving affection for you.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 27, 2009
at 12:57 AM
“Sorry, Craig, but I’m in no mood to deal with you and I want no more attacks.”
I’m pretty sure you won’t get a choice Pamela. It’s this specific trolls nature. He makes a couple of fairly reasonable posts then turns on his full batshit troll act. His “facts” are generally wanting as well. At least Steve seems to have given up – if maybe only for a while.
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By: farsight Δ on September 26, 2009
at 10:44 PM
Auntie Jean: I always thought the Compassionate Conservative had as a mantra “I’m sorry – you’re screwed. But I am sorry.” (Hint – no, they’re not. They’re just being polite.)
It may have been to a previous post, but someone was defending his position not to have insurance by saying he would pay his own way, arrange a payment plan, do whatever it took, etc.
He’s totally trusting his luck. I believe he’s an honorable man and I’m very glad for him it’s worked so far, but I wonder if he’s ever done the research or the math. Does he know how easily a catastrophic accident or illness can add up to more than he can make in the rest of his lifetime? More than he owns? How many doctors accept payment plans? How many specialists? How many hospitals? How many of those will simply refuse to treat him because he has no way to pay, beyond what he can eke out of his earnings – and now he has no earnings because he can’t work?
His care would be severely rationed under the present system, and the costs of whatever care he does receive would be passed on to the rest of us by increases in our rates. An increasing number of people are falling into this situation and the cost is killing all of us. It’s a whirlpool and the current system is circling the drain.
You think we can’t afford universal health care? We can’t afford not to.
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By: judith on September 26, 2009
at 10:00 PM
no one’s puppet: 8:23 am. This is all I’m going to say to you about this and then I’m done. It would be wrong of me to have knowledge of something that might help someone else and not share that knowledge. I had no intention of selling greytdog or any of the rest of you anything and my web site doesn’t sell anything yet….its not up and running yet and even if it were, that’s not what I was promoting. You have a very critical nature it seems and I don’t want to deal with this anymore.
Thank you Auntie Jean for the book recommendation. I have it on my ‘to order’ list and look forward to reading it. Also, just wanted to say: You’re a Jewel!
Hugs to you, Grandma Katie…. I was shocked by the vehemence and rage at something I intended
to be helpful….. I can’t imagine not telling folks of things that might help them.
Sorry, Craig, but I’m in no mood to deal with you and I want no more attacks.
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By: Pamela on September 26, 2009
at 8:03 PM
Craig,
A cure for stenosis that you should try is to sray away from keyboards and get plenty of rest.
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By: artful dodger on September 26, 2009
at 5:55 PM
Craig & no one’s puppet – and everyone else:
A caveat that I think pertains to all medical situations regardless of who is treating you – ASK QUESTIONS – lots and lots of questions. I probably annoy the heck out of my doctors but too effin’ bad.
Craig, have you considered acupuncture as an adjunctive course of treatment? My mother has horrific spinal osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and had spinal surgery due to the collapsing disks. She was in horrible pain both pre and post surgery. She did a lot of reading and then began “interviewing” various acupuncturists until she found one willing to work with her ortho docs (see that’s where my stubbornness comes from) – her acupuncturist is a Doctor of Osteopathy as well as Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. My mother’s ortho surgeon felt comfortable with the acupuncturist’s anatomical knowledge as well as her knowledge of my mom’s condition to give the “go-ahead”. After six treatments, my mom has less pain and more mobility. She is down to one pain reliever for night time. Not shabby really. Anyway, something to consider.
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By: Greytdog on September 26, 2009
at 5:20 PM
Margaret and Helen:
Social networking is where it’s at.
Please set up Facebook Fan Page and Twitter – You’d be all the rage!!
Love (mwah)
Rose
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By: RoseTattoo on September 26, 2009
at 5:06 PM
no one’s puppet, I understand your concern. Personally, I didn’t see it as pitching. Not everyone feels the side effects of statins, just like some are even allergic to some natural herbs, personally I have a mint & camphor allergy…
also, Im not trying to be preachy but just try to keep in mind that not everyone is able to exercise or even get around, walk…like you or me.
I appreciate the little community feeling here at the M&H porch, love the sharing of recipes as well as knowledge from all.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 26, 2009
at 4:46 PM
Atta girl darlene…. love your blog too..;-)
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By: lori on September 26, 2009
at 4:28 PM
Although I would love it if you did, I can easily see why you don’t post every day. It must take you a week to read all the comments. I don’t have time to read them all and gave up about half-way, but apparently nearly everyone is with you on this. (Craig excepted).
If all of the above commentators would write and call their representatives on a weekly basis it would have a real impact. I do my share of griping about the Republicans on my blog, but that won’t mean diddly unless we constantly let them know that, we the people, are mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.
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By: Darlene on September 26, 2009
at 3:18 PM
thank you thyme…I needed that right about now! LOL namaste`…
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By: lori on September 26, 2009
at 3:06 PM
To: NO ONES PUPPET
By current count there are at least 31 active Czars (see our list here), giving the current administration more Czars than Imperial Russia had in its history. We have a Mideast Peace Czar and a Mideast Policy Czar, a Sudan Czar and a Guantanamo Closure Czar. There’s a Green Jobs Czar, a Pay Czar and an Energy Czar, an Urban Affairs Czar, Technology Czar, and even a Great Lakes Czar. Thankfully, there’s also an Information Czar.
President Bush had approximately 25 czars during his 8 years in office. These positions were spread out over time and the majority of them were temporary.
The reason why Obama’s czars are in the news is because he has well over 30, all at the same time.
The number that shows up the most is 4 czars for Bush, but I have also seen 35, though, that was over a two term administration.
If the number was 35 but over a two term admin, it would still not justify the actual subversion of the law.
The real problem with this, Pres. Obama has now appointed 33 individuals to czar positions in less than 10 months.
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By: Craig on September 26, 2009
at 2:51 PM
OK Pamela..I’m on a
statin
ace inhibitor
and a diuretic
Not counting the pain medication of
Tramadal and flexeril.
What herbs will work for pain?
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By: Craig on September 26, 2009
at 2:09 PM
I stand corrected, it was Bill Frist. But I do remain convinced that we shouldn’t be recommending remedies to each other, a good friend replaced her Statin with Red Yeast Rice, to lower her cholesterol, needless to say it didn’t work for her and compromised her health. Like Greytdog, I treat my cholesterol with the lowest dose of Statin available in addition to exercise and diet, since I had excellent results within six weeks; I thought my doctor would take me off the Statin drug. Like most of you, I prefer not to take unnecessary drugs. I hope we can be friends, who agree to disagree on this issue.
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By: no one's puppet on September 26, 2009
at 1:36 PM
To PAMELA,
Can you suggest something for stenosis of the back?
I’m 3 months post op for having had spacers put in between discs to assist in pinching nerves from L-1 to L-5. At least something for the recurring pain due to lack of core stability?
Your on deck..
So what are you going to pitch to me?
Would really like to know. I don’t care if a left doc or a right leaning doc helps as… long as it helps the pain.
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By: Craig on September 26, 2009
at 1:31 PM
A little charkra power for a Saturday afternoon, now put down that wine glass, take a deep breath in, exhale slowly and r e l a x …
Namaste
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By: thymeCher ¥ on September 26, 2009
at 1:21 PM
Michele Bachmann has got to go! Democratic candidate Dr. Maureen Reed is running against her and she is the ticket to beating Bachmann’s craziness! You can learn more about Maureen, and donate, at:
http://maureenreedforcongress.com/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maureen_Reed
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By: mnblue on September 26, 2009
at 1:20 PM
Howard Dean: ” Implementing a public option immediately for significant numbers of Americans is going to deflate all the lies that Republicans tell about this bill. Once people actually start to sign up, they’re going to find out that all those things weren’t true.
. . . Once health care reform actually goes into effect, the Republicans who are only selling fear and anger — that’s all they’re selling — that has to go away, because reality will always trump fear and anger. ”
http://firedoglake.com/2009/09/25/howard-dean-reconciliation-will-cause-public-option-to-be-available-sooner/
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By: thymeCher ¥ on September 26, 2009
at 12:43 PM
no one’s puppet: I didn’t take offense at Pamela’s post. I found it interesting, but not relatively pertinent to my particular situation. She wasn’t diagnosing me – I already recd the diagnosis from my medical team. The point, to my way of thinking, of our conversation, is that many folks who don’t have access to affordable medical care must often times turn to alternative remedies. If a person can avail themselves of a skilled herbalist and trained natural practitioner, I am all for it. I don’t believe, however, that it must always boil down to an either/or situation. Which is why, in my case, I work my hardest to make sure that I can assemble a care team that is truly holistic. I do the same for my animals – and I encourage my k9 h20 clients to do the same. So I maintain a rigorous cross-referencing library, contact information, as well as listings of reputable vendors for these things. I too thought it was absolutely reprehensible that Frist (not Coburn really) attempted that damn diagnosis from a mere video – not only was that impolitic but highly unethical as well. IMO he should have been reprimanded by the AMA as well as hauled before the Tenn Medical Ethics Board and censured.
PS. my new avatar is my beloved greyhound, Beau an 11yr old retired racer
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By: Greytdog on September 26, 2009
at 12:25 PM
How to talk to complete idiots / Three basic options. Choose wisely, lest you go totally insane
http://bit.ly/2n8ju5
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By: Greytdog on September 26, 2009
at 12:18 PM
the benefits of eating a plant based diet
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/a-cure-for-cancer-eating_b_298282.html#comments
comments are informative too.
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By: thymeCher ¥ on September 26, 2009
at 11:42 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 9/26/09
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 26, 2009
at 11:03 AM
Pamela – just went back and reread your post in reply to noone’s puppet. You tld h im so much more politely than I. Ii am fed to the teeth with so any ignorany ppeople out there.Helen Keller is a myth? ARe they all members of the flat earth society? Yuk
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By: Grandma Katie on September 26, 2009
at 10:34 AM
no one’s puppet – I did not read the post as diagnosing Greytdogs ailment and then PRESCRIBING her herbs. ( I think it was Pamela) She made only suggestions. She did the same for me for which I am gr a teful
Those of us with the slightest bit of interest have read of the side effects of th e statins. I would not take the statins under any circumstance. Please stop reading things into the posts with your grey coloored glasses. WAke up to the real world.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 26, 2009
at 10:29 AM
I do think it was rude to suggest that a fellow M&H’s medication might not be safe or even her optimum treatment, keep in mind others of us also take a Statin drug, and we are aware you have a website that just happens to sell alternative medicines. It is just rude to try to profit from your friends. And to diagnose, prescribe, or treat a patient you’ve never even seen is unethical. Anyone remember Senator Tom Colburn, R, Oklahoma, a MD, diagnosing Teri Schiavo, based on a video, as being a reversible coma. I am not adverse to Eastern medicine or treatments, but I do think this is the wrong venue to promote your products and to undermine other treatments.
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By: no one's puppet on September 26, 2009
at 8:23 AM
Happyconservative,
I agree with your thoughts about government entities promoting the leader and it could easily get out of hand or seen as controlling groupthink–
however,
I do believe every classroom in our country should have a photo of the president prominently displayed. It is part of civics education to respect the leader of the executive branch. I have had photos of each president over the last twenty years hanging in my classroom.
In fact, I have all 44 presidents’ photos hanging across the wall near the top of the room.
What we are seeing is outright disrespect of the president. Shame on some of the adults in this country for setting a bad example for the children with their UNINFORMED opinions.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 26, 2009
at 8:18 AM
happyconservative, I meant to comment on your post yesterday re: the CBO and costs. The CBO will not quantify the amount that would be saved from things like preventive care, check ups (which find problems earlier and deal with them more cheaply), seeing primary care doctors and not emergency rooms, etc. Nor does the CBO score cost savings from record keeping improvements, specifically computerized medical records. These things will save money, but the CBO will not add that into the mix. So, there may be more savings than what there appears to be in some of these bills.
The thing that worries me most about the Baucas bill is the mandate to get insurance, and then the huge financial burden placed on middle class and lower class individuals, with no public option. This bill does not force insurance companies to get their acts together. It just lets them rub their hands together greedily while they count all their new enrollees.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 26, 2009
at 8:15 AM
Δ Tine,
Welcoming a card board cutout of anyone is a little wierd. The difference I see here is that this is a camp that the parents chose for their kids, and that some of the kids probably chose for themselves. For me, that’s different than a government entity, even a school, doing something like that. Parents should raise their kids in the way that the parents deem is best, as long the kids aren’t being abused. If you want to send your kids to a Druid camp where they praise trees, Barack Obama, or anything/anyone else, that’s your business. I might think it was a little strange, but it’s still your business.
When government entities start requiring people to praise the great leader, any leader, they’re building a cult of personality. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many other people on this blog that think along the same lines on this issue.
Should we, as private citizens, praise and admire our heros? Sure we should. I have great respect for Ronald Reagan. I know that other people don’t, but I still do. I don’t really care what other people think. And, I realize that they probably don’t care what I think, either. That’s OK. Be who you are. Just don’t let the government tell you who you should be or who you should hail as a hero because that limits your freedom.
Now, pass me that wine glass.
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By: happyconservative on September 26, 2009
at 6:15 AM
I remember when my daughter was little and I had a friend of mine watch her while I attended classes. One day when I picked her up, my friend said, “The kids wanted to watch ‘Land Before Time’ today, but I don’t believe in dinosaurs, so I really . . . blah blah blah . . . .” She totally lost me after that comment. I just couldn’t comprehend anything else she was saying because I thought maybe I misunderstood her. But nope, that’s what she said. And I always thought she was intelligent. Actually, I still think she is (at least average) . . . I just don’t understand how someone can believe that way when the facts are there . . . do they not attend museums because they might see dinosaur bones?? Oh, wait, I forgot, there’s now the Creation Museum to attend. Scary.
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By: Joni Δ on September 26, 2009
at 5:41 AM
Ignorance may very well be contagious. Just sat
and listened to a young women telling me that
Helen Keller was a myth. Hmmm! No way, no how
could she have learned the things she knew without being able to speak or hear. Sound familiar? Are we raising idiots? Too disturbed to further the discussion. I usually like to hear a young point of view, but this was too much. Did the Holocaust happen?
Jean, Aloha. Just got back from Germany. The people there are so efficient. I found the differences amazing. We are foundling as a country. So much to learn.
Pretty sure the latest post from UAW was a fraud.
He wouldn’t be so mean or petty. Hope his wife is
well. Craig….well, ugly happens.
I will save the pie for later. Now I opt for the glass of wine.
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By: Dawny on September 26, 2009
at 2:31 AM
Hi gang,
Shoot! My wine glass didn’t come through. What’d I do wrong? I’ll try again.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ ¥ on September 26, 2009
at 12:47 AM
Hi gang,
I got my wine glass up by my name here! It’s ass-backwards from my “Wedgie”, but I do that sort of thing a lot since I’m a left-handed. That’s a pre-existing condition, even before birth.
I’ve been doing some reading, more like studying, as it is one of the things I am interested in. Here, I am paraphrasing, however, occasionally using some of the exact same words and phrases.
These are a few of the characteristics that denote an “Authoritarian Personality”, how and why he/she got that way. This usually goes for all cultures, in all times, not just American or Western Culture. Starting with the family, the FATHER is the ultimate authority. He is big and strong and what he says goes. “Do as I say and keep your mouth shut – – or else!” The opposite of ‘big and strong’ is ‘small and weak’ and of course, dependant.
The FATHER’S job is to protect and provide for his family, a VERY tall order, which he takes seriously. When he is out and about slaying dragons and hunting for big chunks of red meat to feed the family, he TEMPORARILY transfers his authority to the mother. Fine. The kids misbehave, they are doing ‘wrong’ and must be punished. “Wait till your FATHER gets home!” How often have we heard or said that? One of the ‘wrong’ things is tattling. Yet, when Mom tattles on us to Dad, is SHE punished? No. The kids are. A strange inconsistency. There are many, many more not-making-sense-such-scenarios.
The kids learn that someday when they grow up to be big and strong and are always RIGHT, they can do as they like and nobody can punish them since, by then, they have all the authority…. There can be no ‘OR ELSE’. In the meantime, they mostly do what they are told and keep their mouths shut – generation after generation. If they do happen to do something ‘wrong’, maybe nobody tattles so there is no punishment. But they know they DESERVE to be punished, because they know they ‘done wrong’. (Guilt.) Still, if they can find an excuse or two or somebody else to blame it on, then they never were ‘wrong’ in the first place!
Where does all this authority come from to begin with? GOD the FATHER. George Washington the FATHER of our country. (Six feet four?) The Holy FATHER. Lots and lots of FATHERS!!!
There is a flip side though. The “Nurturing Personality.” Yes, there is authority and yes, right and wrong. Instead of blind OBEDIENCE and punishment, we have to ‘fess up’, express GENUINE remorse, make restitution and receive GENUINE forgiveness, not REVENGE. Demonstrations of LOVE and APPROVAL help the process along. This involves EMPATHY, the ability to actually feel and identify with the experiences of others – good, bad or indifferent.
(Example, the husband/boyfriend who gets sick as a dog when his wife/girlfriend goes into childbirth labor. My husband was kicked out of the labor room 50+ years ago when I went into delivery. He didn’t know what else to do, so he went home to wait for the phone call when it was over. He smoked one of the traditional cigars a FATHER is supposed to pass out when his child is born. As a non-smoker, he got violently ill and wound up in tougher shape than I ever was! I was kinda busy.)
Most people are a combination of the “Authoritarian” and the “Nurturing” personalities in different respects.
In the current but usual political climate, there are the Traditional/Conservative/Right/
Republicans and the Progressive/Liberal/Left/Democrats. Did you know that the French word for “Left” is “Gauche”? Besides also meaning “clumsy” or ‘awkward”, it has an equal definition – “sinister”.
Oh, yes. Then there is the “Compassionate Conservative.” In my book that is an oxymoron. It may have been a clever campaign slogan, but there is a VAST, VAST difference between “compassion” and “empathy.”
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 26, 2009
at 12:38 AM
Hi Pamela,
I recently read “The Biology of Belief” by Bruce H. Lipton. If you haven’t already read it, I think you would enjoy it a great deal.
Aloha!
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 26, 2009
at 12:25 AM
My family is lucky. My husband works for a large non-profit hospital. I had to have major back surgery in 2008 and after our insurance picked up the 80%, the hospital wrote the other 20% as a tax deduction since my husband is an employee. Of course, we had to pay the difference for all the tests and therapy I needed, but not having to pay the 20% of a $96,000 surgery was a blessing.
However, not everyone is as fortunate as we are and they need to be. Plain and simple. That necessary surgery, without adequate healthcare would bankrupt most people. I was living in constant pain and could barely function. As a mother with three children at home, …well…it was a hot mess. I couldn’t attend sporting events or take my guys to the park, the pool, or really anywhere else that parents like to take their children. Nobody should have to live like that whether they can afford the medical treatment or not. It saddens me that so many people have to suffer because they have no other options. It’s a miserable way to live. Also, it contributes to prescription drug addictions.
So, these ignorant politicians should have to spend some quality time with people who do have to live with the pain, or cancer or any other ailment that hinders their quality of life. I’ll bet they’d be a lot more sympathetic to the situation if they could see it up close and personal.
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By: Katrina on September 25, 2009
at 11:00 PM
Greytdog, and that is how it should be, with you benefitting from the expertise of a team of complimentary modalities all working for you. Great to hear!
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 9:39 PM
Hi Pamela. Thanks for the advice. My cardiologist and internist both happen to believe in looking at all potential adjunctive therapies. I’m only on one statin (Pravastatin) because we’re also going the diet/exercise route. I work with a nutritionist friend who is also a chinese herbalist and acupuncturist. We barter services – I do her dogs’ canine hydrotherapy and she consults with me and my docs to make sure that my supplements aren’t contraindicated for the pharmaceuticals that I must take to live. I don’t like working with strictly allopathic or strictly alternative practitioners. I like my holistic team ~ & they all know that I am the “medical manager” of my care – I make sure everyone is on the same page – and whenever I leave an appt I walk out with copies of medical records or the fax confirmations that let me know my other “team members” are up to date with the latest development. My ortho & PT therapist are now included in that loop of care.
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By: Greytdog on September 25, 2009
at 9:27 PM
I don’t think the state by state thing would be a good idea because then each state can change the rules to accommodate the insurance cos, read republican shenanigans.
Some states are fiscally poorer than others which will still leave many people (like those in the Appalachians, I believe GA is one of the poorest states for health services also) without adequate services then we would be back at square one.
Im no financial expert but if health care for all is what we want state by state may not be the answer.
I was on statins for 2 years I have been off them for over a year, I am just beginning to feel better it was doing something terrible to my muscles I was in constant pain, under my doctor’s care I am now on 500 mg of niacin, 8. over the counter and fish oil, Nature Made makes an odorless one.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 25, 2009
at 9:18 PM
Junebug, thank you for your open mindedness.
Most towns will hopefullly have at least one health food store, owned by someone who is knowledgeable and conscientious about carrying good products. For most folks this is a good place to start to get some basics: a food grade vitamin made from foods, not Centrum or some other pharmaceutical made ‘vitamin’ that does little for the body and just overburdens the liver.
Don’t go to GNC or WalMart for your vitamins. When it comes to herbs, I prefer people to work with someone who is trained in herbal medicine. Though there are many herbs that are good tonics and inherently safe, I still think folks need to be guided when they are on other medications as to what is to be taken when so there is no interference or interaction with the herbs. Some herbs and even foods can shorten or prolong the half life of medications and so work with someone who is knowledgeable.
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 8:49 PM
Pamela, good. I’ve just seen too many of my peers (I’m a healthy 70 year old) begin taking too many different things. So many older people take far too many meds. My neighbor, a dear lady, recently started acting loopy. I called her daughter, who lives out of town; she came and took her mother (with all meds, etc.) to another doctor. Within a few days, after she stopped taking half the stuff, she was fine.
Where do you recommend buying herbs and vitamins? I’m wary of those in the chain drugstores.
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By: Junebug on September 25, 2009
at 8:28 PM
no one’s puppet: Maybe you didn’t thoroughly read my post to Greytdog…. if you will reread it you will see that I am NOT prescribing anything to him, just telling him he has some options and telling him HE can do research and hopefully, if HE decides he wishes to pursue an alternative route, he will work with a knowledgeable alternative doctor. You tell me what is UNETHICAL and RUDE about that. Knowledge is power and IMHO, people should know they have options.
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 8:15 PM
Pamela, I like you a lot, but you shouldn’t be prescribing anything here to any of us, it is rude and unethical.
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By: no one's puppet on September 25, 2009
at 7:55 PM
vgman, I know what you mean. It always bothers me to see the “God Bless America” as if no other nations are deserving of God’s blessing…. I put a “God Bless Every Nation” on my car instead…. my little wakeup call.
Junebug, I do advise Greytdog to work with a knowledgeable alternative doctor as we are trained in herb/drug interactions.
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 7:38 PM
Greydog, I’m sure Pamela’s advice is good, but talk with your doctor before taking herbals as some may have an adverse effect on prescribed medications. My doctor always want to know what herbs, vitamins and other meds I may be taking.
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By: Junebug on September 25, 2009
at 7:29 PM
I’m going to start by saying that I cringe every time I hear the phrase, “….after all, we’re the greatest country on Earth!”
Mostly the Hannity crew spews this prideful statement.
What decent, sensible person would raise their country to the level that they consider all other countries in a position of “less than”?
This has always bugged me. It reminds me of the person who loves to hear their own voice while turning a deaf ear to all others.
Being raised a “good, little Christian boy” I learned that the meek will inherit the Earth and also, that if a nation humbles themselves then blessings will follow.
The Republican party has lost all respect from me.
Let’s move on and work together for health care for all–
Which political party would Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha, Dalai Lama, and all other religious leaders belong to? The one which truly shows empathy for their fellow humankind.
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By: vgmanΔ on September 25, 2009
at 7:23 PM
I meant Greytdog!
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 6:42 PM
Delurker Girl: You are right, a healthy lifestyle alone won’t protect everyone from cancera and other debilitating diseases (we’ve all got to die sometime from something) but it does safeguard many from chronic illness and disease.
My point in speaking to diet and inexpensive, natural treatments is that they are one) affordable, 2) readily available and 3) safe and they can and do greatly improve quality of life and health.
Craig: You have absolutely no idea how powerful concentrated herbal medicine is or what it can treat and cure. I have my masters in Chinese herbology and I will tell you that it effectively treats every disease out there. You can scoff and belittle till the cows come home, you do seem to get off on doing so. I sure hope it gives you some measure of happyness, cause you’re about the saddest person I’ve ever been exposed to. I do wish you wouldn’t speak from ignorance just to bash everything you know nothing of.
Greydog, Forgive me for intruding but I do want you to know that you have dozens of natural and safe alternatives to the Levistatin drugs you are likely on for cholesterol. These alternative are every bit as effective and much safer than any of the statin drugs. You will still need to take a CoQ10 supplement (in a more absorbable ubiquinone) as most of the natural alternates still block its absorption. CoQ10 is a must take with any of the statin drugs as they block its absorption and your heart must have it to maintain its function….most essential.
I don’t know your history or what you’re taking but I do hope you’ll do some research into Red Yeast Rice, polycosenol and polygugal products, professional grade concentrated oat bran, along with concentrated fish oils and niacin. You should really be taking a good food source b vit supplement and not niacin alone, but you get my drift. And there are a number of herbals to strengthen and protect your heart too. It may seem daunting to try to figure this all out for yourself and I do hope you’ll find an alternative doctor to work with you. Again, forgive me if I have intruded here. I do wish you the best.
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By: Pamela on September 25, 2009
at 6:33 PM
http://factcheck.org/2009/09/czar-search/
they have a work cited at the bottom of the page
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 6:12 PM
😉 yep kitkat… I just got done redding up my house too! LOL
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 6:08 PM
Funny isn’t it Craig, when you are more aware of “czars” that work and produce results, than other so called “czars” that received a check for nothing. Guess they were emulating the boss.
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By: no one's puppet on September 25, 2009
at 6:08 PM
Try Wikipedia, google czars under bush, and try the link below.. Do some research Craig.
Like most repubs/conservatives you do not know the facts.
http://foxnewsboycott.com/bill-oreilly/bill-oreillys-support-of-czars-under-bush/
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By: Artful Dodger on September 25, 2009
at 6:07 PM
lori – explains why “yinz” is a Stillers fan 🙂
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By: kitkatΔ on September 25, 2009
at 6:04 PM
“But our research shows that George Bush’s administration had more “czars” than the Obama administration.”
Really?
I’d like to know what site you got that info from?
T thought Obama had more.
We certainly have heard more about them during this Presidency than Bush’s.
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By: Craig on September 25, 2009
at 5:42 PM
from factcheck.org
Q: Does Obama have an unprecedented number of “czars”?
A: “Czar” is media lingo, not an official title. But our research shows that George Bush’s administration had more “czars” than the Obama administration.
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 5:32 PM
Salut !!!! TGIF..cute wine glasses!
Wow kitkat I grew up in Pittsburgh! I must say I am mighty proud too! 😉
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 5:28 PM
The Republicans are scouring like rats in a hole with a terrier digging towards them. Scrutinize Eric Cantor’s face sometime, remind you of anything. Did any of you do anything special to celebrate today, the 100th day anniversary of the Republicans’, “we’ll come up with own plan?” Love you all, sit back with your favorite pie or wine tonight and relax.
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By: no one's puppet on September 25, 2009
at 5:27 PM
Craig, I think you’re right, the Republicans won’t give in because they don’t want to cave in to the left. It’s too bad they don’t have their constituents interests at heart instead of towing the party line. I think they have a real disconnect with real people’s plights. All I hear from them is NO, loud and clear, with no solutions, other than beg for charity and sell all your belongings.
And maybe the doctor’s bill wouldn’t be $300 if 65% of the patients hadn’t filed for bankruptcy because they can’t pay their medical bills.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 25, 2009
at 4:57 PM
I agree about the states doing it..but would they possibly end up like California? Unless the states are going to be subsidized by the federal govt.
As to doctors getting paid..yes some do take medicaid and Medicare.
But there are still the private groups that do not and individuals.
And just because a doctor bills you $300 for a procedure..he may be lucky to get a third of that
from the insurance company..and then the forms get lost making the doctors staff working double time, just to get paid a partial amount of what they are owed.
My wife in essence is paid by the state since she works for a state medical school…that educates
as well as has clinics and in-patient services.
Still there are those who don’t qualify for either and the institution doesn’t take all insurance.
I think the Republicans will balk at anything that gives the appearance of caving in to the left.
I think thats just a fact.
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By: Craig on September 25, 2009
at 4:49 PM
Just found this link: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Single-Payer–Pennsylvani-by-Jack-Hendricks-090921-197.html
That’s what we are considering here in PA. Going state to state may be the option, as that was the way that Canada introduced single payer. Don’t forget, the federal government is not our only option. Wouldn’t those Republicans who hate the federal government prefer the States to do this? Maybe they’ll be on board for that. (ok, stop laughing everyone)
However, I hear the vote next week in Congress will be key for moving this thing along. The public option/single payer/N-F-P co-ops are being voted on next week for the Senate finance committee as one of the amendments to that fiasco — the Baucus bill.
I must say I am immensely proud of my recently adopted city of Pittsburgh with the G20. Let’s hope the Summit concludes peacefully.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 25, 2009
at 4:33 PM
Dont doctors get paid by Medicaid, Medicare….?
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 25, 2009
at 3:56 PM
I found out about our Health Reform rally because I subscribe to the Whitehouse and MoveOn newsletters.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 25, 2009
at 3:55 PM
Really?
doctors paid by govt.?
Free drugs?
free pre-exisitng conditon care?
Free treatments and hospital care?
No pharmaceutical companies?
What country are you living in?
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By: Craig on September 25, 2009
at 3:50 PM
Craig,
You have just described private healthcare as currently exists in this country.
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By: Raji on September 25, 2009
at 3:42 PM
Whirled Peas. check out the new conspiracy “weary” theory. Google RFID bracelt and mandatory vaccine.You are better at links than I.
Will all this crap ever go away? Talk about indoctrination.
Greytdog, thanks for the info. I asked my daughter in DC what her opinion was and she did not even know there was a rally and she’s pretty informed. She knew about the 912’s though.
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By: Raji on September 25, 2009
at 3:38 PM
A shout out to Ann in her early morning 4:20 post.
In a perfect world.
There would be no borders.
Medications would be one price..fixed by the government.
Everyone should have the health care they need.
Preexisting condition or not.
Now I guess there could be a mandate that all Doctors would work for the Government , and that the government would see to it that all who seek care would get it.
That includes the tests and referrals to specialists.
Then the procedures and your hospital stay would be in a government hospital.
..No St. This or St. That..Just…
Government Hospital 1141
In a perfect world..our medications will be free as long as we need. The Government would be the manufacturer of the pharmaceuticals and have legions of researchers working at these Institutes.
No more advertisements in media to tell you what medications are good for you..that you should try this or see your doctor if you have that condition.
There is a huge savings there.
The government has done the work for you.
No pharmaceutical companies trying to increase their profits to reward investors.
Now all we need to do is find a way to
force the doctors and other health care providers into The Civilian Army Health Corps.
Their salaries could be regulated as civil servant positions.
So no more private medical health care.
It would all be run by the state.
There would be no arguments about treatments for they would be dictated from a manual
put out each year by the government.
Now decisions would have to be made about ethical issues.
What do you do with an unwed pregnant mother?
What do you do the baby is found to be born with severe mental or physical handicaps?
What about health care for the insane?
And how much health care do you give the hundreds of thousands in prisons.
These decisions are probably in the manual
under “extreme conditions 101”
Well I could go on ..but that’s in a perfect world.
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By: Craig on September 25, 2009
at 3:23 PM
re: Bachmann
She has splinters in the windmills of her mind! 😉
Another excellent post. Thanks
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By: sillywhabbit on September 25, 2009
at 2:46 PM
Thanks avotresante!
Here’s to Helen & Margaret and our gang.
¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
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By: thymeCher on September 25, 2009
at 1:49 PM
Oops, I thanked the wrong person. Thanks, avotresante!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 25, 2009
at 1:30 PM
Thanks for the glass of wine, PSU. I needed that.
My brain’s starting to seize up after a day spent on some particularly painful work research. Sometimes I think I’m just too stupid for this.
TGIF!
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By: Δ¥ Tine on September 25, 2009
at 1:26 PM
‘EXACTLY Tine and Peas….
…There are no holes barred in this debate, they are planning on throwing everything against the wall to see what will stick…In hopes they can put us off the track of REAL reform….. ‘
hmm, lets see now, when was the last time they tried that?
memory coming back
hold on…
its looking familiar now….
yes indeed
during the Presidential Campaign
pigeons on the roof
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 25, 2009
at 1:19 PM
happyconservative, you call it ‘indoctrination’ I call it patriotic
HIP HIP HOORAY!
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 25, 2009
at 1:06 PM
Found it; this was Werner’s wineglass. Cut and paste if you like it.
¥
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By: avotresante Δ on September 25, 2009
at 1:06 PM
Hi gang,
I have an idea. Maybe we moms, grandmas and great-grandmas can organize a protest, rally, march on Washington; whatever you want to call it, to get Congress off the dime. March? Well, I can hobble along. Get the Health Care bill written. Get it read. Vote and approve it. Put it on the DULY ELECTED President Obama’s desk to sign into LAW.
Perhaps “The Mom Song” could be our anthem. We already know all the lyrics. You can find it on YouTube at:
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
P.S. I posted this You Tube link a while ago but it bears repeating.
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By: JeanΔ on September 25, 2009
at 1:00 PM
Oh UAW, stop, your killing me. You are aka Stephen Colbert aren’t you or at least one of his writers? Comparing the Federal Government’s present efficiency under President Barack Obama to any of the fiascos under George W. Bush is comedy gold, but “hell of a job Brownie,” that’s platinum my friend.
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By: no one's puppet on September 25, 2009
at 12:33 PM
I am sure there are examples of “indoctrination” on both sides. The thing to remember is that the video and songs at the school were not sanctioned, requested or supported by President Obama. Neither were they by the democratic party nor the majority of voters. It was a bad decision of a few people making choices on their own. Bad decision yes, but not attributable to the party or President. True indoctrination is a systematic attempt to corrupt the malleable minds of youth to believe in and spout rhetoric without reason. Look at Jesus Camp and Quiverfull. That is a clearer case of indoctrination if you ask me. And much scarier too.
On a side note, Glenn Beck is getting the Key to the City in Mount Vernon WA, which is only about 15 miles north of where I live now. I was completely shocked considering how much of a blue state Washington is. There are scores of people contacting businesses and the mayor’s office in protest saying they will boycott the City if this happens. It is scheduled tomorrow and Beck will be there. I don’t think the mayor will cancel since he is a family friend from what I have heard and this was solely and admitting his decision alone. Yuck.
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By: Alaskan on September 25, 2009
at 11:26 AM
Rachael Maddow with
Ken Burns (Civil War)
The National Parks:
America’s Best Idea!
*PBS Sunday
CommonWealth vs. Socialism.
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 25, 2009
at 11:13 AM
WElcome back Greytdog-
Since i ahd seen notassumed that I had gotten the dates wrong. Thanks for the info. Hope your knee held up nicely and hing about the health maarch.
UAW – you’re back!! Iseverything right with your world?
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By: Grandma Katie on September 25, 2009
at 10:25 AM
OK one more post on this indoctrination crap, and I’ll be done for today… I promise… It ust mak me sooooooo angry we continually fall for their political tactics! ….again scroll if you must….
We have fought through the “he is a Muslim” shit, and the “he wasn’t born in the US” nonsense.. Most elderly American’s now know we aren’t going to “kill” them when they reach end of life. I am pretty sure the tide has turned on this “Hitler” Nazi crap….
Does anyone notice a trend here? JUST when we have spent millions of precious resources on killing whatever WILD accusation THEY have put out and have just come to the point where we can concentrate on getting accessible affordable healthcare for allllllll American’s, they come out with another WILD claim. WE being reasonable people say Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe we should look into this… Sooooo we go off spending millions of dollars, countless man power hours…. precious media exposure …. trying to defend the ridiculous claim!!!!!!
Will we NEVER learn our lesson??????? As I read the blogs and see conversation here about this NEW nonsense that the other side has CALCULATED timing … to all of a sudden appear JUST pop out of nowhere… as we are winning the debate… Just makes me NUTS!!!!!!!
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 10:22 AM
yep…
the federal government couldn’t handle a hurricane and now we should just give them health care to play with……maybe they’ll sub it out to Acorn
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By: uaw tradesman on September 25, 2009
at 10:11 AM
Living a health lifestyle only carries you so far – unless of course you accept the WholeFoods CEO’s premise of healthcare – which is to shop at his store . .
But genetics plays as big, if not bigger, part in your health. I swim everyday, I run, I walk, I bike, I eat healthy good nutritious foods, I live what some would say is a very health lifestyle. . . and I still had a heart attack. My genetics are screwed. I can bring down cholesterol levels a bit by diet/exercise, but medications are required to help maintain and protect the heart muscle that remains. Right now whatever money I make that doesn’t get poured back into my business and into household expenses goes to medications. That’s about $1500 a month. That’s one week’s pay (during a solidly booked work week). And prices are going up.
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By: Greytdog on September 25, 2009
at 10:02 AM
EXACTLY Tine and Peas….
We are winning on merit and THEY know it… Do not be fooled by the shiney object in the room.
There are no holes barred in this debate, they are planning on throwing everything against the wall to see what will stick…In hopes they can put us off the track of REAL reform….. PLease peope don’t allow anything stick.
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 9:59 AM
.
Kids ‘indoctrinated’ to
praise a lying President!
Evil bastards ~ 😉 ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 25, 2009
at 9:52 AM
Oops, let’s try that link again.
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By: Δ Tine on September 25, 2009
at 9:50 AM
Here’s a picture worth a thousand more words. I wonder how Happyconservative’s “people” (who “think their kids are being indoctrinated”) feel about this one?
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxdt_f0hwUg”
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By: Δ Tine on September 25, 2009
at 9:49 AM
While I think it is important for people to strive to live a “healthy” life I don’t necessarily think we (American’s) should be so focused on that one aspect as being the answer to a longer life. I recently read an article written by a physician where she was discussing this very thing. The crux of her argument was that yes healthy lifestyles are good, and certainly we should make an effort to be moderate in all things, but the MOST important factor in a “long” life is good quality health CARE And increased funding of science and research. That made sense to me.
Oh good lord on this Indoctrination crap! …. Talk about making something out of nothing,,,,, and I PRAY we progressives don’t bite on this piece of crap!
Our children went to public schools in the Dallas area (Duncanville ISD) during the “bush” years…. During those years I sat through MORE assembles then I can count that the speaker, usually the principal, “praised GOD and President Bush…We and the children’s choir were meant to sing hymns, the principal said prayers, and were invited to Bible study afterwards! Even at the school board meetings we “prayed for GWB” ! When my oldest daughter was in 6th grade … at a PUBLIC school. every Friday her “language art” teacher had Bible trivia, and President Bush trivia. Extra points were given to the “winners” of these “games”… PLEASE please please do NOT think this isn’t something that is happening JUST because we have a black man in the White House…
Grrrrrr as you can see this indoctrination shit makes me a crazy woman!!!!! Please let us not let the crazies run the asylum!
namaste`
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 9:43 AM
Mageen, from what I’ve read the camera wasn’t snuck in. A parent took the video, then posted it on youtube (unauthorized). When she found out the video had been discovered and was being used & interpreted the way it was, she took her copy down. People posting positive comments of support to her youtube are now being threatened in the same way the principal was. Nice, huh?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 25, 2009
at 9:41 AM
so someone snuck in a camera…..a picture is worth a thousand words….
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By: uaw tradesman on September 25, 2009
at 9:25 AM
Wow! It never ends! Two things . . . the problem my daughter is having in Alabama for coverage for my little grandson is actually something that is handled via BCBS in California before it lurches back to Alabama! Look at that! Layering all those levels, offices, branches, units and whatever! No wonder the prognosis for a reversal of the denial is nill! This is such a damn racket! I wonder how many of our Congress critters have ever had to deal with something like this! But then they have “people”! The rest of us can go to H E double hockey sticks!
As for the video of the children singing a song about Obama, I really don’t think a true friend of Obama is behind that. It also took place in an entirely private school and ws filmed and released without permission. In other words, somebody snuck in a camera. All of this tells me a lot!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 25, 2009
at 9:06 AM
I don’t think the ‘indoctrination’ in the video is appropriate for schools. I do consider it an exception to be dealt with and not a sign that Obama is subliminally destroying our youth. The teachers behind these songs do not represent all Dems – or President Obama.
Too much will be made of it, I’m sure. The talk shock jocks will enjoy the mileage they get from it.
I wonder what the political affiliation of the people sending death threats to that principal were, and how the kids felt about being in lockdown becasue of it? What values did they learn?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 25, 2009
at 8:38 AM
Joni, congrats to your whole family!
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By: Δ Tine on September 25, 2009
at 8:35 AM
You are hysterical!! I love the way you write – I want to be like you when I grow up:) It’s ridiculous what fear mongers the republicans can be – we’re talking about healthcare, not the end of humanity as we know it. Obama is Hitler, Obama is the devil – I’m sure if it were true, Nostradamas would have mentioned in a quatrain or two and surely the Mayans would have marked it on their calendar.
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By: Melissa Walter on September 25, 2009
at 8:28 AM
I agree that personal responsibility is important to health. So is affordable access to preventive care, diagnostic care, and post-diagnosis care.
Taking good care of yourself isn’t enough. Healthy people get cancer, too.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 25, 2009
at 8:15 AM
I’m American and live on the other side of the pond (UK for 20+ years). I’m still alive as I am writing this myself. Although not perfect, the NHS is a wonderful thing in my book, especially after having raised 3 kids in this country. I was a bit sceptical about it at first, but when you have a sick kid and you are a first time mother, well it is nice to have your mind put at rest knowing that a Dr. will see you at short notice and it is FREE. They even have nurses come to visit you at your home in the first couple of weeks of giving birth to see if you are coping ok. I can’t praise this aspect of health care high enough. My daughter was born with eye problems and she had surgery at 9 months, all FREE. She may have to wear glasses or contacts, but her vision is great with that.
I pay for dental insurance, as it is expensive otherwise, and I haven’t found any NHS Dentists in my area that I liked.
Like I said, it isn’t perfect, but if I travel the rest of Europe, I can go to a Dr or hospital no problem if necessary. Oh, and I take out a bit extra on travel insurance which doesn’t cost much unless I go to the States!
So, the problem with socialised medicine is that people might have to pay a bit more in taxes, but they also have the peace of mind that they will get looked after by the medical authorities if necessary. Maybe because they have peace of mind, they don’t need to go and see the Dr. so much. Just a thought!
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By: Arlene on September 25, 2009
at 8:14 AM
Great job, once again. It always makes my day when I can read your blog and be comforted that I am not alone in this crazy Republican/Fox News world!
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By: Jane George on September 25, 2009
at 7:29 AM
So right you are Helen! My aunt just told me about your blog and I have already bookmarked it. The things you say are so funny – and so true! Keep it up – don’t stop writing! :o)
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By: Angela on September 25, 2009
at 6:39 AM
Tine, there was very little press coverage on the pro-healthcare reform rally in DC. The lack of coverage, I believe, is telling. the 9-12er march was organized and publicized by Dick Armey’s FreedomWorks and Murdoch’s Fox – particularly Beck. It was literally a made-for-tv moment. The focal point, IMO, of the 912ers was not information, or even informed discussion/debate. It was a show for those who feel threatened by the idea that there is a black man in the white house & his main job is not polishing the state silverware. These are people who cheered and hollered at the Palin hate-fests during the campaign. These are the people who want smaller government but keep your hands off my medicare!
The DC Rally, and as well as at various local rallies, had ton of information from a variety of sources – most all in the health care field. These folks advocated public option because the number of the uninsured and underinsured keeps rising as people lose their jobs, their homes. And did you know that your credit score can determine whether or not you can get health insurance? There were ER docs there whose patient loads have tripled and quadrupled because of the influx of the uninsured; med staff who volunteer time/resources at low-cost clinics who can’t keep up with the pace because of the lack of access to low-cost pharmaceutricals, and even some nursing home staff who are seeing more and more “residents” being turned out because coverage has either been denied or abruptly stopped. And there were pastoral counselors there discussing the importance of end-of-life issues – where to get information regarding living wills and final directives, how to talk with your doctor, what are the legal issues. . .an amazing amount of information. And what I really appreciated was sitting in on a panel discussion between Canadian, French, Swedish, and German doctors about how their health care systems work. WOW. So no, there was nothing at the pro-healthcare rally that could be distilled into a “kodak” moment for the 24/7 news cycle. We were orderly, we were impassioned but didn’t have the inflammatory visual props, and afterwards, no one complained that the taxpayer funded metro system failed to consider our needs.
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By: Greytdog on September 25, 2009
at 6:07 AM
School kids singing the praises of President Obama. This is why people think their kids are being indoctrinated; because there are places where it’s happening.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/24/elementary-school-students-reportedly-taught-songs-praising-president-obama/
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By: happyconservative on September 25, 2009
at 5:55 AM
jsri,
I agree. A lot of our health care problems come from the way we live our lives. I know that if my father hadn’t smoked for the last 60 years, he would be in a lot better shape. Believe me, he has inspired me to take much better care of myself. Personal responsibility is the key.
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By: happyconservative on September 25, 2009
at 5:53 AM
Thanks, guys! I meant to just post a link to the video, but the whole thing showed up (minus the song credit, of course–thanks, Lori!). If I were a tad more computer literate, I’d be dangerous. Just wanted to hopefully put a smile on a few faces since there’s not been so much to smile about lately. I’m happy that you enjoyed it. Now, back to the pressing issues of the day . . . .
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By: Joni Δ on September 25, 2009
at 5:53 AM
[“If You’re Not the One” by Daniel Bedingfield…. Is the ame of that sweet song.
Joni, congratulations! What a lovey young man! Best Wishes for a long and happy life for the two of them.;-)
ps, if you ever want to know a song in a U tube video, just go to the u tube link and there wll be a credit tothe music. (so says the teen in my life! LOL)
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By: lori on September 25, 2009
at 4:51 AM
Maybe hope springs eternal. I sent a whole bunch of 4-page letters to members of House and Senate of both parties about my beliefs about healthcare. I put personal notes on some, including to Michelle Bachman, expressing my concern over her state of costant fear and anger. You never know when something someone writes to a legislator may be the thing that triggers a light bulb in their brains. I hope that more ppl put their ideas down on paper, stick a stamp on a envelope, and send it. Amazing how writing it down helped me clarify my own position. BTW, excellent program on PBS about healthcare last night. You can probably watch it online on http://www.pbs.org . And I scared the cats LOL over Helen’s description of Michelle. 🙂
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By: Kathryn on September 25, 2009
at 4:45 AM
Hi Joni,
Such a lovely video. Thank you for sharing. They will be fine. Young and strong with love in their hearts, they will be happy and help to change the world around them and beyond.
Aloha!
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 25, 2009
at 12:44 AM
Palin spoke in China and Limbaugh was on Leno…. is it just me or is Hell freezing over?
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By: D on September 24, 2009
at 11:00 PM
Another great read H/M..
Lovely rep. are going to make sure that this will not pass…All because of our President…They cannot handle the fact that a black man is in the WH…
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By: Star on September 24, 2009
at 10:41 PM
Joni, thank you for sharing…. that was beautiful and I’d love to know who was singing and what was the song? You’re all so blessed!
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By: Pamela on September 24, 2009
at 10:27 PM
jsri,
you are so right that many of our health issues can be addressed by changing diets and lifestyle. This is my work and I see people cure everything from hypertension, diabetes, IBS, asthma and obesity to depression, anxiety and high cholesterol with very simple, inexpensive and natural means. It makes no sense to me to spend so much money on health insurance to treat folks without trying to educate them on how to prevent illnesses.
Greytdog, thank you for your info from the rally. Oh, to have been there!
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By: Pamela on September 24, 2009
at 10:19 PM
This is just a feel-good video for anyone who might be interested. My daughter’s boyfriend spent about a year making it and played it last Saturday out at the drive-in theater (that my dad had built in 1954) to propose to my daughter. I just can’t help but be proud of him. They are such sweet kids . . . I do have fears for their future in this world we now live in, but at least they have each other to hold onto when things get rough. Peace all!
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By: Joni Δ on September 24, 2009
at 10:13 PM
A good part of the problem with healthcare cost is that most of the money is being spent dealing with medical conditions that are the consequence of poor living habits, – smoking, lack of exercise, fatty foods etc., etc., etc. Unfortunately, many of the nation’s current problems could be eliminated or diminished by changing our citizen’s lifestyles.
In my own case, I know that if I had lived a healthier life most of the medical conditions I have been treated for in recent years would not have occurred. In my own defense, I come from a much earlier generation where the good life was promoted through eating, drinking and tobacco use. Any and all of these elements were considered keys to a “good life.” How wrong we were.
On the other hand, my wife was always a cautious eater, rarely drank and was only a brief smoker yet her medical condition, for which there is no cure and little understanding of its origin, has been the most expensive to deal with. But her healthy lifestyle fortunately, did rub off on our son.
He and his wife are physically active, running or biking daily and skiing in the winter, are strict vegetarians and drink only socially. Their two teenage sons are exceptional students, active athletes and have had very few health problems. By all measures, their family should be excellent prospects for a good healthy life and that should be reflected in their health insurance costs. Not so.
Our son is self-employed and it costs him $18,000 a year for full family coverage. Not only that but our daughter-in-law is petrified that the insurance company could discover that the youngest GS had a seizure when he was about 2 years old (from which he had no ill effects), and that this episode could be used as an excuse to deny service if he should need care in the future.
It would be a master stroke of intelligence if any future health bill was designed to be more proactive as far is wellness is concerned because an emphasis on an active and cleaner lifestyle along with healthier eating could prevent many of the costlier end-of-life issues that represent so much of our current costs. One can only hope.
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By: jsri on September 24, 2009
at 9:06 PM
Greytdog, thanks for the report on the pro-healthcare reform rally. It is the VERY first one I’ve read anywhere. And it sounds as if it was really constructive. And civilized.
This lack of news coverage really steams me. Why did the news not cover this *at all*? Was I just looking in the wrong places? Wouldn’t it have been wise for the media to say *something* about this to balance all the nutty 912 coverage? Didn’t the media suffer a backlash for fanning the flames of stupidity/racism/incivility?
Sigh. I guess balance and intelligent reporting is too much to ask. Rallies aren’t worth covering unless they’re made up of wackos. (*smacking head on desk in frustration*)
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By: Δ Tine on September 24, 2009
at 8:15 PM
Thanks, Tom, for taking the time to explain Michelle Bachman’s reelection. It just seems so unbelievable that anyone would vote for her. But then again..
Jane, living in a red state, I share your feelings about the papable hatred directed at our President. I do hope your daughter pulls through. As so many other people suggested, contacting your Insurance Commissioner, your Congressman, and your Senator might help her situation.
Greytdog, thanks for the account on your trip. Hope we all win in the end.
Kitkat, followed your link, thanks.
Jean, you are a surprising woman. With Helen being the muse, what should we expect?
Thanks all.
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By: Easier on September 24, 2009
at 8:10 PM
(_)
_|_ Never would have expected sarcasm from you UAW, you’re a regular Stephen Colbert.
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By: no one's puppet on September 24, 2009
at 7:40 PM
Thanks for the report Greytdog.. I just came across this article
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/24/blue-dog-opposition-to-pu_n_298637.html
About half way through they start to address one of the problems facing rural areas. Let us pray they make the changes necessary so that the reform is fair for everyone.
Needless to say I feel hopeful the Blue Dogs have come around. I heard from a friend of mine, familiar with the house, that the likely hood is the final bill coming out will include a public option.
Anyone out there who has a Blue Dog for a representative CALL CALL CALLLLLLL.
Next up……… the Senate! Yes WE can.
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 7:34 PM
OK, Helen, let’s talk about cost. According the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) premiums under the Baucus plan premiums in the insurance exchanges would be based on how your income compares to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). By 2016 premiums would run something like this:
“A family of four, for example, would have to pay premiums of about $1,400 if its income was $30,000 (about 125 percent of the projected FPL in 2016), or $8,300 if its income was $66,000 (or 275 percent of the FPL).”
This is a quote from the CBO’s analysis of the Chairman’s Mark of the Baucus bill. Your taxes will also go up. In order to make the program deficit neutral, Senator Baucus is going to cut $167 billion from Medicare. Bad news for people who have become dependent on this program.
Can you afford it? You may have to when your employer realizes that they can save money by dropping your healthcare benefits and paying the tax (although the tax itself may drive the price of goods and services your employer provides to its customers, we’ll have to see).
Do we need to make reforms in our health care system? Most people agree that we do. What form those changes should take is open to debate, and something that we should debate. In another stream, I talked about finding solutions that meet our needs. Right now, we cannot even decide, as a nation, what our needs are. Although, I’ve made my views of big government programs clear in previous postings, I’m not going to say that America will never have some sort of public healthcare option (no one really knows what the future will bring). I’m saying that the bills that are out there right now are just bad.
I am glad to hear the President talk about things like tort reform. Another way to bring costs down without costing the tax payers of this country one cent is to remove the governmental barriers that prevent consumers from purchasing insurance across state lines. (I know. I’m a conservative espousing the power of the Federal government over that of the states. Just take a breath, because I don’t know what’s happened to me, either, but it might be a good thing in this instance)
The full response to the Chairman’s Mark are on the CBO homepage. Here’s the link: http://www.cbo.org
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By: happyconservative on September 24, 2009
at 7:19 PM
Hi gang and Greytdog,
Beautiful report on your rally and what all of us can do about the Health Care issue. I’m doing my part.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 24, 2009
at 7:17 PM
[…] Michele Bachmann’s wheel is still spinning, but the hamster is dead. Margaret, I know it has been a few years since we last made the trip across the pond, but I was wondering if anyone […] […]
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By: Top Posts « WordPress.com on September 24, 2009
at 6:30 PM
Catching my breath here. The rally for healthcare reform in DC was pretty awesome, IMO. It wasn’t huge – about 10k – compared to the 912ers the day before – but crowd turnout wasn’t the issue. And from the communiques I recd from friends around the country, the local rallies were likewise well attended and lots of information provided at the rallies. What I liked the best about the DC rally was the chance to meet with various congressional aides, activists, and healthcare workers. the Mad as Hell Doctors were there, as were folks from Medical Outreach and RuralCare. Spent a lot of time with the RuralCare folks who talked about the shortage of primary care physicians, the Denial of coverage for many folks in remote rural areas – as well as in Appalachia. So much is intertwined with how we also treat our environment.
Miners have a hell of time getting insurance because of pre-existing conditions as well as locale – living near a coal mine or coal slurry pit can be enough for denial of coverage. WTF??? Other folks talked about the fact that midwives are often charged a higher insurance premium in order to practice, despite the fact that the areas they service have no ob-gyn services. AND folks who use the midwife often find insurance won’t cover such deliveries. Nurse Practitioners in many rural areas face the same issue. And with the rising costs of medical school, more & more future MDs are choosing the money making specialties over the more rigorous practice of rural primary care.
A lot of discussion about mandating basic insurance similar to auto insurance mandates. But no one could answer these basic questions:
1) what’s covered in basic health care? If based on the auto ins. model, then we’re looking at a PIP type of health insurance – which leads to this question:
2) What happens to folks who have the basic /PIP health coverage and contract a catastrophic illness or injury? Again, if you look at the auto ins. model, the health ins. company could “total” you out and charge a higher rater. . . or rescind your coverage.
3) According to the premise of mandated health insurance, penalties would be assessed if a person didn’t buy basic coverage. Again, no one could really answer what those penalties would be (heard ests. from $1500-4800 for family of 4) or who would be assessing what constitutes basic care coverage.
There are still a lot of issues on the docket that have yet to be answered or, IMO, even addressed. Today’s Senate committee vote in favor of PhRma merely seems to underscore just how much influence the medical/insurance industry carries in all aspects of government. I am definitely for a single payer plan, but at this point, I’m not sure this country has the will, much less the interest in ensuring its citizens have access to affordable healthcare.
But one of the RuralCare docs really hammered this home: If you are for the public option, then you have to speak up. Not just on blogs, not just on email, but on the phone to your reps, on the phone to your Senators, on the Phone to the White House. Email, phone, write letters, write to your local newspaper – carping among ourselves doesn’t change anything. We have to let our elected officials know they are being watched, they are being measured, and that we will call them out when they are found wanting.
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By: Greytdog on September 24, 2009
at 6:02 PM
Jean…
read Imaginistas post from 9/24 12:31pm
I think she was talking about you
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By: uaw tradesman on September 24, 2009
at 5:50 PM
Greytdog….
glad your feeling better after the surgery….
my cousin and his wife (from Florida) also went to dc for the 912 walk along with 1.2 to 1.7 million others(some reports of 2million)……
thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/…/millions-at-d-c-912-project-tea-party-protest-dozens-at-913-pro-obamacare-rally-a-tale-of-t…
and no arrests
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By: uaw tradesman on September 24, 2009
at 5:26 PM
Palin and Bachman drink the same kool-aid
“Fear and paranoia. We keep talking about this and my concerns about the potential for violence escalates each day with the rhetoric and vitriol broadcast by the media, conservatives in Congress, ‘c’hristian hatriots and their accomplices across the blogoshpere – all feeding ignorance, hate and intolerance to an uneducated mass of people who think the government is out to get them.”
http://godsownparty.com/blog/2009/09/palin-bachman-drink-the-same-kool-aid-laced-wfear-paranoia-ignorance-in-the-name-of-who/
The artwork for the fish symbol with ‘hypocrite’ says it all.
My heart aches for the family of Bill Sparkman.
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By: thymeCher on September 24, 2009
at 5:17 PM
As my daddy used to say, “That dame’s got parts on order.”
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By: Apphouse50 on September 24, 2009
at 5:17 PM
Dear Helen,
I’m with you all the way with your new post. If it weren’t for you and our fellow bloggers, I would never have heard of Michele Bachmann. Her credentials do not impress me at all to qualify her to do the job she is rather handsomely paid to do.
The difference between a professional and an amateur is whether or not we get paid for our work. For examples, practicing medicine or prostitution. We all dispense free medical advice. I do it all the time. When it comes to prostitution, I have assiduously maintained my amateur standing, however that does not mean that I am any less astute at it than a professional.
That brings to mind the purported $63,500 someone paid to have dinner with Sarah Palin. I am not implying there would be any hanky-panky going on under the table. I seriously doubt though she would have given that person the time of day without the hefty “donation to charity”. Same goes for the “fee” for her CLSA speech in Hong Kong. It sounded to me a little like her being up there on the podium doing a “Pole Dance” for some panting voyeuristic people.
(Meow!!!)
Prostitution is not confined to the female of the species.
The NRA continues to support the United States Constitution’s Second Amendment Rights for packin’ heat in public. I think that’s just an updated version of the wearing of a codpiece. Making a fashion statement.
When it comes to “penile extenders” is there any more potent phallic symbol than a missile with a nuclear war-head mounted on top?
Aloha! 🙂
That dirty old woman, Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 24, 2009
at 5:16 PM
Hi gang and jsri,
jsri, Here! Here! Our life story is so very similiar to yours. You laid it out clearly and succinctly. All of us are grateful to you.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: JeanΔ on September 24, 2009
at 5:08 PM
Thanks for the post and the thoughtful and useful comments. The humor within eases the grim reality of the situation, and gives us renewed strength to keep pushing for reform.
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By: jack-of-all-thumbs on September 24, 2009
at 4:03 PM
And Dick DeLay, the grandmaster of them all, whose financial and political manipulations helped make a near takeover of the USA by the neocons, now dancing on prime time tv! I’ll be hog-tied!
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By: Nan Patience on September 24, 2009
at 3:53 PM
jsri, thank you for a wonderfully sane and common sense look at how affordable health insurance for everyone would benefit all Americans… even the ones screaming the loudest against it, for whatever their own hidden reasons may be.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on September 24, 2009
at 3:52 PM
Based on personal experience. I can tell you how healthcare can work and how it should work.
My wife and I contributed to Medicare via payroll deductions from its inception in 1965 until we retired in 1989. Even before that we each had health plans through our employers that we also paid into. During all those years the only time we used any of the health care benefits was in 1960 when our son was born. Our only out of pocket expenses were for a few relatively small copays for office visits not covered by our plans. None of these copays were significant.
So through most of our years of employment, we paid into healthcare plans which we used very little but continued to contribute mindful that such backup was a form of insurance. Even after retirement, we continued to contribute to our last employer’s healthcare, a union benefit left over from our extended years of employment.
Until ten years ago, we had little use for any of the benefits. But then all hell broke loose. I had triple bypass surgery and had to be treated for several chronic conditions, almost simultaneously. But except for pharmaceutical copays, thanks to Medicare and my healthcare insurance, I had almost no other expenses. The only downside was the enormous pile of paper generated by the insurance plans. Then about seven years ago, my wife came down with a chronic condition that can be ameliorated but not cured. The cost of her treatments are substantial and if we had no insurance we would be living on the streets within a year.
A couple years ago, we moved to another state and had to change not only our primary care physician, but our specialists too. All this was done without a hitch and without a penalty.
So we look at health insurance the same way we look at car and home insurance. I have paid into car insurance with the same company for sixty years and have had only a minor claim about ten years ago. We have paid for home insurance for more than forty-five years on six different properties and have never had a homeowners claim. Does that mean we should give up our car and homeowner’s insurance? Not by a long shot. Just because we have never used them doesn’t mean we should abandon them. I’m sure there are drivers or homeowners who have many claims on record but in no way do I feel that I am subsidizing someone else’s recklessness. That’s just the way the system works.
But, as we have found out, our current health insurance, particularly the private side, would operate much more efficiently if we didn’t have so many hands siphoning off money for administrative costs. It would also help to save our forests.
I just wish everyone else could have the same level of care we have experienced. And if it would cost us more in taxes, so be it. It just seems to be so civilized
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By: jsri on September 24, 2009
at 3:33 PM
Jane, I hear tell threatening to call Michael Moore will sometimes get an insurance company to magically allow for care they were previously denying.
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By: PartyPiper on September 24, 2009
at 3:22 PM
Oh Lord, please let it be the case that some day, polticians like Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin, and right wing d-bags like Glenn Beck become synonymous with Sen. McCarthy and Father Coughlin.
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By: PartyPiper on September 24, 2009
at 3:21 PM
Drug industry clout reflected in Senate vote – Health care reform- msnbc.com http://bit.ly/18VsSD
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By: Greytdog on September 24, 2009
at 3:03 PM
Jane:
I am curious. What excuse did they give for denying your daughter? How long was she on that insurance? If it’s a bogus claim, appeal the decision. If they stick with it, write to your congressman and your senator. If you get nowhere, call the local television station. Don’t give up. Protest. Sometimes the squeekly wheel gets the grease.
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By: Anne on September 24, 2009
at 1:56 PM
My husband is a doctor who works for a “big, bad pharma company. Of course the pharmaceutical companies can be a-holes, after all they’re part of corporate America. But, it’s a darn good thing there are companies dedicated to discovering cures for diseases, vaccinations to prevent disease, and medicines to ease our symptoms.
My husband and I actively campaigned for Obama and are both for a Public Option. Free enterprise and a Public Option can work hand in hand, and they should. In fact, it’s what Obama and all sane Americans want.
Have you seen the Will Ferrell video AGAINST the Public Option? It’s not to be missed: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/22/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5329878.shtml
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By: Debbie Schubert on September 24, 2009
at 1:36 PM
Thanks for the links, kitkat. I made my voice heard by my congresspeople today and feel pretty damn good about it!
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By: Δ Tine on September 24, 2009
at 1:36 PM
Thought you might be interested in Eric Cantor’s foot in mouth disease (is it covered under his healthcare plan, do you think?). Just goes to show you how absolutely out of touch these people are with the reality that those without a taxpayer-paid health plan are facing.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ybenjamin/detail?entry_id=48234
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By: kitkat on September 24, 2009
at 12:43 PM
Ya’ll are right – I’d been missing Ann Richards and Molly Ivins, too.
It seems unless we get the money (i.e. lobbyists) out of Congress, we can kiss this “Great Experiment” (that’s the USA for those who never took History) goodbye.
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By: Opinionated in North Carolina on September 24, 2009
at 12:37 PM
Urban Dictionary has this definition of TROLLING:
> Trolling is trying to get a rise out of someone. Forcing them to respond to you, either through wise-crackery, posting incorrect information, asking blatantly stupid questions, or other foolishness. However, trolling statements are never true or are ever meant to be construed as such. Nearly all trolled statements are meant to be funny to some people, so it does have some social/entertainment value.
“Trolling” isn’t simply “harmful statements”. Intentionally insulting/libelous statements are “flaming”.
Just as bad as trolling is “Feeding the Trolls”. This is when people say stuff that they know will prompt someone to respond with a trolled reply and/or replying to comments that are blatantly from a troll. This is especially true when a troll first makes his comment/reply, and (usually many) people respond, either trying to correct the troll, or express anger at the statement. At that point, the trolling was successful and has been fed. When encouraged by success and feeding, trolls often return. <
That pretty much sums up the recent spate of keyboard vomit that's been messing up the porch here of late. Moral of the story, as always, DON'T FEED THE TROLLS! If you really want to piss them off ignore them completely. No matter how well reasoned your argument, all they see is that they managed to get you to type their name and give them attention. I cannot stress this enough. It is NOT ABOUT DEBATE with these people! They are peckerwoods looking to wood their tiny little peckers by getting a reaction. ANY reaction. And as soon as they get one they are like junkies looking for the next fix.
Starve the bastards.
This friendly reminder has been brought to you by the official Margaret and Helen Blog troll dietician!
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By: ImaginistaΔ on September 24, 2009
at 12:31 PM
Here is a website to sign a petition re: a bill that would make insurance companies subject to the same anti-trust monopoly laws that other business must abide by. Currently, they are not regulated by them.
http://ga3.org/campaign/hcr_antitrust?rk=ndt8m8Ma1NNVE
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By: kitkat on September 24, 2009
at 12:28 PM
This is Howard Dean’s web site. Can sign a petition re: the public option. Under the Yes Vote tab, you can see if the congress people from your state are voting for the public option.
http://www.americacantwait.com/
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By: kitkat on September 24, 2009
at 12:08 PM
This is a lovely and inspiring pause
CELEBRATE YOUR HEART
http://www.heartmath.com/peace09/?mtcCampaign=2200&mtcEmail=6181119
; > D
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By: Pamela on September 24, 2009
at 11:39 AM
I… I’m in love with you. Insanely well-written and I agree with every word, especially about the hamster. Poor dead hamster.
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By: sn0tteh on September 24, 2009
at 11:26 AM
Called my Ga. R senators, Sen. Saxby Chambliss, and Sen. Johnny Isackson, several times over the past few weeks to inquire about their intentions for healthcare reform.
Was told by Sen. Chambliss’ office that his focus is on defeating Sen. Baucus bill with basically nothing to propose in its place.
In speaking with Sen. Isackson’s office I was told that he doesn’t plan to support the Baucus bill but did co-sponsor a bill, S1099, in May, referred to the Patients Choice Act .
I haven’t had a chance to read his bill but I did cut this little bit from his web site which may not really be a fair representation of the bill.
Must do more research:
The following is from Isackson’s web site:
The Patients’ Choice Act would restore fairness in the tax code and give every American, regardless of employment status, the ability to purchase health insurance by:
Decoupling health insurance from an individual’s job by treating the employer-subsidized portion of the benefit as taxable income and replacing it with an advanceable and refundable tax credit of $2,300 per individual or $5,700 per family;
Improving the operation of Health Savings Accounts [HSAs] by allowing health insurance premiums to be paid with HSAs without a tax penalty;
Allowing preventative services to be covered by High Deductible Health Plans; and
Increasing the amount of money an HSA owner may annually contribute to their account.
Seems very limited to me, especially for folks struggling to get by already, and still leaves folks paying huge amounts of money at whatever price the insurance companies set.
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By: Pamela on September 24, 2009
at 11:18 AM
I hear you Jane, and hot _ shuz….
Two different points and problems, but the same solution.
CALLLLLLL, write, volunteer….Do whatever you can to make your voice heard!!!! One voice DOES matter. We, you and I, elected this guy. Now let’s make him successful!
Pamela, I thought so.. 😉 We have a big tent… Some might say too big. I say the more the merrier.
They have the nerve to call us Kool-aid drinkers! Ha! lol Wine yes… Kool-aide neverrr..LOL
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 10:22 AM
alaskapi, well said.
It seems to me that most of us in the West were kept so busy chasing after the elusive American dream(s) of big income, big houses, big SUVs, etc. which kept getting more and more costly. In two parent homes, both parents working full-time to maintain the status quo, and god only knows how single parent homes manage with the demands of the day, folks having less and less quality time, vacation time, nurturing of themselves, friends and family time and now as this model teeters towards collapse, everyone is in fear, anger, and confusion.
If you keep a populace distracted and exhausted and then feed them a diet of hate and fear, you can destroy their reason and humanity. I’d say Murdock’s done exactly what he set out to do.
You’re right about keeping folks eyes off the ‘prize’…. Murdock has excelled at obfuscation and lying, tricking the weak and fearful with his constant barrage of hate spewing sensationalism.
What will get this country back on track? I listen to Barrack and I see a calm and unflustered man coming from a place of reason and care and I know that this man is someone I want to emulate by continuing to extend that hand of reason and care out to the sometimes unreasonable, scared and fearful folks around me.
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By: Pamela on September 24, 2009
at 10:10 AM
I just want to sincerely thank M & H plus the regular posters on this site. Whenever I feel the bottom dropping out due to mis information, it is refreshing to visit a site where people who voice their opinions back them up with actual facts.
Keep up the great work.
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By: David on September 24, 2009
at 10:08 AM
The republicans have done this and they will do it again unless the Democrats stand tall and united against them.
They did the same thing to bill Clinton, throwing all sorts of mud, investigations lies, innuendos against him that most of his time was spent dealing with that stuff and not governing.
Then the republicans get into power, saying the Democrats are not effective.
Obama, I hope that will rise above all this with our support so we can get true reform in this country.
Michelle Bachmann is a whack job. Why no one has committed her is beyond me.
Could you image if she was a black women?
Or a Democrat?
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By: Diane on September 24, 2009
at 10:05 AM
When will people realize that because 67% of bankruptcy filings are due to health costs, that we are ALREADY paying the “socialist” tax premium?
The premium is paid through higher doctor bills, increased health insurance costs, larger co-pays…dare I continue?
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By: hot_shuz on September 24, 2009
at 9:40 AM
It is interesting that all the health conglomerates are ignoring the pinch they created themselves… by turning health care into an industry with shareholders and bottom lines and all that holy stuff.
Or perhaps the counters-up of the bottom line have not the fingers to count dissatisfied customers…
Or more probably, have lost sight of customers altogether in the model which allows that the consumer of health care is the raw material which can be shaped to provide wealth…?
We are living in one of those weird times where the full extension of a line of logic is playing out and it’s not pretty . Health care as industry, news as industry, government ( Bush/Cheney outfall ) as industry…
Ponzi schemes , backroom deals, …
As a nation, we let ourselves believe that a business model , capitalism=democracy , or viewing our activities with a strictly economic lens was sufficient unto the task of not only defining our goals but providing appropriate succor to the human experience on all levels.
As the disconnect between where we live and how we have been trying to frame it grew , we have seen a huge rise in fundamentalism- the weakest among us curling up and pulling away from that which starves them, the exploitation and enlistment of those people by cynical elitist capitalists to keep folks’ eyes OFF the prize…
the list is endless.
We are at a cusp… one where we can get real now and redefine economics as a PORTION of our human and American experience and let value flow from that OR stay on this collision course with the reality that we have married a definition of ourselves which is inadequate to the task and suffer accordingly when the continued disconnect unravels us all.
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By: alaskapi on September 24, 2009
at 8:59 AM
Come on, Everybody, let’s SING…
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By: merrilymarylee on September 24, 2009
at 7:49 AM
Mageen again! I am enclosing a link for all those who would like to know about Alabama Governor Riley’s financial association with insurance industry lobbyists. Just click this link and follow the directions: http://www.followthemoney.org/. This should be an eye-opener!
I am strongly assured by family living in Alabama that the situation on racism and BCBS criminality is exactly as stated by one of the bloggers on this site. My husband and I were thinking of retiring to northeast Alabama between Huntsville and the Tennesse line but we may have to rethink this idea. We can’t stay where we are as retirees because it is just too expensive. Where oh where can we go and live in a measure of financial security and neighborly serenity near our family?
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By: Mageen on September 24, 2009
at 7:47 AM
(_) Jane, I am glad your daughter’s boyfriend _|_ dropped her, saves her the trouble of kicking his worthless, ignorant ass to the curb. I hope she is conquering her cancer, best wishes to her.
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By: no one's puppet on September 24, 2009
at 7:34 AM
(_) I hope there will be some civil suits against _|_the instigators of recent hate crimes, sue the creeps who yak it up on radio and television, sue their sponsors, sue their networks and sue the radio stations that carry the programs. Enough is enough! First place to go if you are denied insurance coverage, etc is your state’s INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, warm their backside with your letters and phone calls, they are there to police the insurance companies in their state.
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By: no one's puppet on September 24, 2009
at 7:22 AM
you got it again lady.. I will vote for you!!
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By: Vie on September 24, 2009
at 7:03 AM
lori, you got me…. its good to have an ‘official name’
Was just laughing over FOX’s portrayal (betrayal)
of Medicare’s asking their administering insurance companies to stop sending out misleading information, telling their senior members that the potential health insurance bills will have negative affects on their seniors coverage. FOX is calling this a “GAG ORDER” and placing blame for said “GAG ORDER on Obama and the government.
Medicare is basically concerned about misleading information laid at their doorstep and FOX just wants to lie and lay it at Obama’s.
They are just so lame!
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By: Pamela Δ on September 24, 2009
at 6:39 AM
Thank you to you grand women for nurturing your friendship all of these years and speaking out about the injustices that occur daily without fail here in the United States.
Move on down here to Alabama if you want to know what true healthcare Hell really is in another messed up state. Alabama Blue Cross Blue Shield denied my daughter coverage once she discovered she had cervical cancer. Every week she had $100.00 removed from her pitiful paycheck to cover her insurance, and she was so damned proud to finally have insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. They dropped her the minute she got cervical cancer . . . said it is a preexisting condition. The bills for out patient are ridiculous, to say the least, and our Governor here had the temerity to proclaim that BC/BC Alabama is a good insurance company who really cares.
Wonder how much money the insurance company contributed to Bob Riley’s campaign?
Yes, good readers, we are living in Hell here in Alabama . . . racism like I have never experienced in my entire life, education that is literally down the tubes . . . even the principal at my grandson’s elementary school refused to allow anyone to even entertain the thought of watching the President on TV last week. We live in Jefferson County down here so if you all want to see how well Republican’ts are running the show here in this state, check out Jefferson County Commissioners here who have almost take this county into bankruptcy.
We’re also surrounded by church going people who are wonderful until you say something they don’t believe in or have never heard of or you actually proclaim proudly that you voted for President Obama . . . the polite silence and chilly departures speak volumes. I’m White and never thought while spending the majority of our lives in the Chicago area that I would witness such extreme racism as I have down here, especially in the churches, of all places. The anger here over a Black man being in office is palpable and REAL . . . real enough to make me nervous.
Perhaps if all of the politicians in Washington actually were denied their insurance once they were out of office, they would vote on this shit quickly and get it passed so that good women like my precious daughter didn’t have to rock back and forth outside in the dark on the porch on a beautiful summer night, trying to cry quietly so our grandson wouldn’t hear her and get scared.
And, hey, maybe when we do get healthcare from the government, they will actually educate young men about how young women in Alabama get cervical cancer . . . my daughter’s boyfriend dumped her when she found out about the cancer because his church going Daddy and big brothers told him she must’ve had an STD.
And these are Republican’ts.
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By: Jane on September 24, 2009
at 5:40 AM
Donna, it is just my opinion troll who’s name begins with a c does not deserve your valuable time.
Ms. Kate, what I have to keep telling myself is that at the very least, knock on wood, we still have our health and we are not banging our fists on closed doors like a good friend of mine had to with no insurance till the day she died. She was a kind,talented, smart woman who did not deserve to spend the last days of her life begging. I will never forgive every agency who turned their backs on her plight. I am angry because she did not deserve to die so young.
I share your sentiment that any of them who refuse to vote for universal health care can kiss our asses, I hope every American remembers their names next election.
‘Who are they kidding, the US Congress is the biggest entitlement program around.’ Engrady, you hit that one out of the ballpark.
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By: PalinShutUp Δ on September 24, 2009
at 4:25 AM
And Craig, you obviously do not know anything about this blog. If you did you would know that the people here care about the welfare of everyone not just Democrats. Just because we have different opinions we still care about the health and welfare of others. Even you!!!
I love you man. Is that what you want to hear.
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By: Ann on September 24, 2009
at 4:20 AM
Once again Craig has been spanked by the writers on this blog. He loves punishment. Does he realize how dumb he sounds??? Do you Craig???
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By: Ann on September 24, 2009
at 4:10 AM
Pamela, This is pretty close to my personal political view….. I thought maybe you will recognize it????? 😉
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarian_Democrat
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 3:35 AM
does*
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 3:19 AM
ps. Dose anyone else remember how the republicans attempted to destroyed the careers of the Dixie Chicks because they dared go to London (Furrin soil!) and say they were embarrassed because GWB was from their home state? Remember how they called them traitors and called their statement treason?
How many of those same people will be ranting about Sarah Palin going to China, during war time, and say disparaging remarks about our president and congress?
What a bunch of hypocrites! “”And that’s all I am going to say about that! (Forrest Gump)
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 3:19 AM
Excellent! You managed to take this complicated issue and boil it down to just a few sentences. You threw in a healthy dose of humor and enough red meat for me to gnaw on until your next post. Thank YOU!
Tom welcome to M&H’s front porch! You are absolutely correct, we have a treasure trove of writing talent on this blog, we need them to use their talents and write letters to their editor.; hint hint!
Here is a link to find the address to your local paper http://www.democrats.org/page/speakout/CallOutBoehner …. Anyone interested just put your zip in the box and it will give you your local paper’s info and how to write a letter to the editor… Obviously you don’t have to write about Boehner…I hesitate to post a democratic party builder link I don’t want to offend anyone. It is a an easy thingie to use though if you don’t know your paper’s addy.
Greytdog I am eager to hear about your adventure in our nation’s capitol!
Easier, most of us DO want affordable, accessible healthcare and we are going to get it! Keep talking, keep calling your representatives, http://advocacy.barackobama.com/healthcare/campaigns/9/call_scripts/25/call_sessions/new continue writing and blogging. Ignore the distractions, they aren’t worth the attention…
Yes we can!
namaste
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By: lori on September 24, 2009
at 3:07 AM
Sorry, in my post above, it would take USD 1.47519 to = EUR 1 … mea culpa!
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By: Voltairesneighbor on September 24, 2009
at 2:59 AM
O joy … a new post at M & H, although I’m already late in seeing it!
*********
Helen: I am proud and happy to report from across The Pond that we who are fortunate enough to be able to reside in Europe are very much alive, quite well in fact, and thoroughly enjoying the culture and cuisine here, in large part because health care is indeed a right, not a “privilege” only available to the wealthy, and because Europeans by and large recognize that taxes are the price that we all must pay to have a civilized society.
I am much less proud and less happy to report that our USD is NOT doing so well against the EUR or other major world currencies. It is now currently showing at .67788 against the EUR. In other words, it would take USD 1.47519 to = USD 1. For the latest, check here: http://www.xe.com/
Michelle Bachmann’s “solution,” along with that of her alterego, Sarah Palin and, apparently, the entire GOP, is to say “No” to health care reform altogether, to continue to let the insurance companies rape and pillage those who are dependent on them for access to health care, and to reduce tax rates on the wealthiest among us.
We’ve had those same practices in place for the past eight years (even more but excessively in the past eight years), together with two seemingly endless … and unnecessary … wars and a wholly unregulated economy, and our economy and our society are continuing to pay the price, as is our national currency, whose value and credibility are currently very much in question.
If universal health care (in various forms) throughout European countries and higher taxes are so awful, why does the EU continue to expand and flourish? I see it every day. The quality of life here is exceptional. I wish that all of my fellow US citizens could experience it. Unfortunately, the silliness that abounds among the RW is making us a laughingstock globally and people like Bachmann will never “get” that.
*********
Engrady Pind: I don’t quite understand your Medicare situation as you described it. What I do understand is that once you are 65, you have an absolute right to Medicare if you reside in the US, regardless of your Social Security status. In fact, you may even be eligible for Medicaid if your financial situation is as precarious as you describe it and there are also state programs for which you may be eligible.
You should check about this IMMEDIATELY because it is my understanding that if you do NOT elect to enroll in Medicare when you are 65, you can actually be charged more if you then elect to enroll later on.
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By: Voltairesneighbor on September 24, 2009
at 2:56 AM
Re: death panels – isn’t that what we currently call insurance? Don’t the insurance companies already decide who can and cannot have coverage (healthy? Yes. Pre-existing conditions or poor risk? Nope. Next) Universal health care is not the problem. Ignorance and fear and greed are the problems.
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By: Jenyfer on September 24, 2009
at 2:44 AM
Dear Margaret and Helen,
thankyou for your concern. We are actually doing fine here in Europe and that wonderful Art and Food can still be enjoyed as well.
Thanks to the health debate in the USA we finally realize how good we have it. Our system needs tweaking, but we´ll take what we have, than what you don´t have any time of the day.
Your assessment of Ms. Bachmann´s mental state is accurate.
Sincerely
LettersFromEurope
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By: lettersfromeurope on September 24, 2009
at 2:43 AM
Awesome! I had to go back and read a bunch of your blogs because I’ve been so busy — it was well worth the wait. You just continue to hit the nail on the head, and say things that so many of us are thinking but can’t seem to express. I loved the one about no Democrat ever said Obama walked on water or was the Messiah. Why hasn’t anyone before you stepped up and said that?? And the one about which America do they want back — the one where a black man couldn’t be elected President! That is absolutely 100% accurate. It’s time we Democrats quit allowing the Repugs to frame every single debate! Thanks for your wonderful blogs, ladies!
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By: Jan on September 23, 2009
at 11:20 PM
Firstly, I would like to sign up for the Republican spanking. As you may well know, all of us in the Republican party love a good spanking. We also seem to like public bathrooms, too. And a couple of us even like wearing diapers.
Also, I defy you to find anything in the Bible where Jesus said anything about helping sick people. Go right ahead. I dare you. I’ll wait.
What? You found something? A lot in fact? Well, that isn’t the Jesus of the Republican Party. My Jesus looks out for corporate insurance and is in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy. That other Jesus is so 32 A.D.
Look, if you want to live in some socialist country like France where you have guaranteed health insurance, a vacation, a short work week, a generous pension plan, and a longer life span, be my guest. I will take the good old U.S. of A. where I have my freedom.
Freedom to be sick. Freedom to go bankrupt. Freedom to die penniless from a preventable illness.
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By: Blanca DeBree on September 23, 2009
at 10:51 PM
Applauds your rant & see’s hampster flying overhead…..
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By: Fran on September 23, 2009
at 10:33 PM
OMG!!!!
Browsing youtube I found this:
Seriously what has happened to a little bit of common courtesy and good will with the republicans nowdays! Seriously.. If I ever met this lady face to face and if she ever had the audacity to say boo hoo to me when I complain about my hospital bills I think I would punch her in the face. And I don’t say this very often about very many people.
I didn’t ask for my chronic disease!
Instead of having an open and honest discussion about it the republican “leaders” seem to want to exaggerate some of the more gray areas of the bill to get their idiot extremists riled up. Nothing good can come from an irate idiot….
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By: ddddd on September 23, 2009
at 10:14 PM
I am 66 years old, a part-time teacher, and 2 quarters short for collecting Social Security. On my salary I cannot afford the $95 a month for Medicare, especially now that I am paying back a student loan that the DoE doesn’t want to help me with since I don’t teach math or science; I teach at-risk youth. I am going to try again in Jan. to get Medicare coverage but it won’t become effective until July of 2010. I could be dead by then of some undiagnosed ailment.
Under the Republicans, Americans were convinced to believe that there only 2 sins: getting old and being poor. Both of these conditions require the government to lay out money for entitlement programs. And where did this money come from? From those of us who have grown older and gotten poorer paying our taxes and paying out the nose for medical insurance.
Who are they kidding, the US Congress is the biggest entitlement program around.
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By: Engrady Pind on September 23, 2009
at 9:48 PM
Easier, The Repuklicans gerry-mandered this district into the most conservative area in the whole state. When we redistrict after the next census, it will no longer be the bastion of hell bent conservatives that it is now.
In the last election her opponent El Tinklenberg got both the Demorcatic and the Independent party endorsment. Minnesota law does not allow for cross party endorsement to be put by your name on the ballot.
Another guy then ran under the Independent Party label without that parties endorsement and he got 10% of the vote. The guys spent less than 500 on the election. Had he not done that, Tinklenberg would have won and Bitchmann would have been tossed out on her ass.
Bachmann never got 45% of the vote in the last election.
Trust me, we are doing everything we can to get rid of her. If we are successful this time around, she stands to loose any claim to a congressional pension, since you have spend 3 terms in office to collect that. Our hard earned taxes do not need to be spent supporting that bitch in her retirement for the rest of her life.
Like they say ” Not all the cups have saucers under them in that china hutch.”
We really need to write letters to the editor in our local papers supporting universal health care for all. The more we write and get published the better.
As a union guy, I only pay $33 a month for my health care. I really feel for those who don’t have any insurance or who have to pay a ton for their coverage.
So far this year I have had one kidney surgery and a ton of other problems. I visit the docs almost weekly for tests and every visit is $25. Luckily my meds are about $10 for a 90 day supply. I bet I spent almost a grand for co-pays so far. There has got to be a better way for all of us than what we have now.
The system does not work. 3 years ago I did a 3rd degree shoulder seperation in May. My right shoulder was 3 inches higher than the left and hurt like hell. I told the doc I needed immediate surgery.
The system didn’t allow for that because the docs had to put me through physical therapy for 3 months before they would do any surgery. I finally got my surgery in December and was out of work for 5 weeks. Gee I wonder why they couldn’t have done the surgery in May before I got hooked on the pain meds. I guess you don’t need to go to med school to know how to diagnose a simple problem…. You can’t believe how many thousands it cost in co pays, therapy and drug before surgery was done. The bill for the surgery -18,000. The shortest distance between two points in medicine is definitely not a staight line. The whole system is a scam to make money and keep you trolling until you get the correct fix.
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By: tom on September 23, 2009
at 8:50 PM
Are you “girls” (Margaret and Helen) for real? Your today’s posting was linked on another blog, I checked it out of idle curiosity and I think I’m in love… Even if you *are* a spoof 🙂 May I be your friend too? I’m just a month shy of the length the friendship between the two of you (so 5+ yrs shy of Medicare) and I came from one of those wacky countries with good food and socialised medicine. In exile (and high insurance premiums) for 36yrs and still unable to wrap my two gray cells around y’all’s concept of “healthcare”…
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By: loose-leaf tea, in VA on September 23, 2009
at 8:44 PM
thymeCher
its not the speaking of English that is killing folks, its the listening to English that is so bad for our health!
YOU NOT LISTENING …. ah, now that’s healthy
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By: Pamela Δ () )=( on September 23, 2009
at 8:39 PM
Ladies, another one out of the park.
I read this one and sent the link to both my Senators. And being from Oregon, I don’t really have much to worry about how they’ll vote.
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By: Judy Schultheis on September 23, 2009
at 8:38 PM
If only…
Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it… Don’t waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speed up heart not make live longer; that like say you can extend life of car by driving faster. Want live longer? Take nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. What are these? Vegetables. So, steak nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give 100% recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine. That means they take water out of fruity bit; get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
(Yeah Pamela!)
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: If you have body and you have fat, ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Cannot think of single one, sorry. My philosophy: No Pain…Good!
Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING!!! …. Foods fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only do sit-ups if want bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: You crazy? HELLO… Cocoa beans! Vegetable!!! Cocoa beans best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! ‘Round’ is shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
AND…..
For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies:
1. The Japanese eat very little fat
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
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By: thymeCher on September 23, 2009
at 8:28 PM
Delurker, it took me a minute, but then I fell out laughing. Just shoot me if I should lean to the right!
Actually, I do tend to be something of a libertarian as I really don’t want much government in my life but there are some things that are just morally right and universal health care is one of them. I do expect government to hold corporations to the same ethics and laws the rest of us must abide by and that’s something repugnuts just won’t do.
Anyways, I’m going back to being silly for a while.. : > O
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By: Pamela Δ () )=( on September 23, 2009
at 8:26 PM
Your are most welcome Ms. Donna! Too witty! You ought to bottle it!
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By: Easier on September 23, 2009
at 8:23 PM
Donna, you are soooo funny! I don’t want to think about Craig’s ass now:
( _ | _ )
well, it’s likely a bit dumpier ..
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By: Pamela Δ () )=( on September 23, 2009
at 8:22 PM
Well, Pamela – at least our glasses lean to the left, LOL!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 23, 2009
at 8:18 PM
Delurker Girl:
I think I’ve got it but I don’t think it can appear by our names…. sometimes efforts in futulity are just necessary and addicting!
(–)
_|_
thymeCher, I found the original ‘wine glass’ from Werner, back on a March 9th post and this is it next to my name, though I really wish there were something upright. OK, some nights are just pure sillyness, and this is one of those for me.
Did anyone take a look at this article and give it any thought? Sans the fundamentalist currents, what do you think about the portents of financial collapse?
http://www.infowars.com/it-is-going-to-be-a-rocky-road/
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By: Pamela Δ () )=( on September 23, 2009
at 8:17 PM
Thank you, my dear Easier.
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By: Donna on September 23, 2009
at 8:08 PM
“Indeed, I doubt he could find his own ass to wipe it”? Donna!! He! He! He!
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By: Easier on September 23, 2009
at 8:03 PM
Good Lord, Craig is a simpleton. Yes, whoever pointed out that an LLM degree is basically nothing was correct. I can’t tell you how many people I know who just took a couple of classes and passed so they could tack additional letters onto their titles–but they are real lawyers who actually practice. And they freely admit it’s crap.
Putting that aside, there are lawyers who are bright and lawyers who are remarkably dim. There are lawyers who are bright and don’t have any judgment or ability. The fact of the degree is relatively meaningless and, since I have practiced (yes, actually done it, Craig) for 30 years, in courts all over the country, I have some ability to actually form an opinion on the subject.
I’ve known legal secretaries who are brighter and more capable than the lawyers for whom they work. The smartest person I’ve known is a machinist. I’ve dealt with a very few expert witnesses with serious intellectual horsepower and I’ve dealt with PhD’s who were buffoons. BUT there is one thing of which I am sure: Craig is not very bright, intensely immature, and almost stunningly lacking in original or critical thought. Indeed, I doubt he can manage to find his own ass to wipe it.
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By: Donna on September 23, 2009
at 7:57 PM
I simply wish to understand, but my brain has been having a hard time with it. Why wouldn’t we want health care for all? Thanks Helen for tackling this subject with your usual no-nonsense humor. Health care for all should not be creating such furor. I hope you keep this fire going Helen and I hope visitors to this site keep speaking out for this most important issue. But then I have been thinking. Compassion might be something we are born with. And to be charitable, maybe we should not fault too much the people missing that gene. So, my brain has rationalized it, maybe. If we all had the compassion gene, we would see that health care for all makes sense.
Now why do the people of Minnesota keep electing Ms. Bachman? I wish I could understand that too.
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By: Easier on September 23, 2009
at 7:32 PM
This is truly my new favorite blog.
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By: Corrina on September 23, 2009
at 7:02 PM
Hi Grandma Katie!
Wishing you well. Maybe one day I will make it to So Cal to see you. I am looking for elk in Northern NV for another month or so. (Pictures of elk only – no shooting.)
Helen and Margaret – You ladies are great.
I should be online again Monday. It would be wonderful if there were another new post!
Thanks Helen and Margaret!
Later, Grandma Katie.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 23, 2009
at 6:55 PM
Helen,
“I would put the entire Republic party over my knee and give them a good spanking”
You just gained a new reader today. Thanks for that.
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By: techskeptic on September 23, 2009
at 6:53 PM
Funny how I hear the same crap about how universal health care is eeebil and soshulist (deliberate misspellings, folks) from my in-laws….but they both have Medicare.
They have stopped that argument with me when I told them if they thought it was soshulist and eebil, they were free to give up their Medicare coverage, and my FIL could give up his VA coverage as well.
My husband lost his job last month, and along with it went out health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance. We can’t afford our house payment, let alone the COBRA payments to be covered. We’re likely to lose our house, we have no insurance, and we will have to move in with my parents (there is no way on God’s green earth we’d move in with HIS parents, I’d kill ’em). And, if we get sick? We’re doubly screwed.
So, to every Republican and blue dog Democrat who refuses to vote for universal health care, you can all kiss my fat white ass, and I hope you all get voted out of office, and lose YOUR coverage.
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By: Ms. Kate on September 23, 2009
at 6:53 PM
I don’t even know you, and I love you to pieces!
My own wise grandmother passed away 10 years ago, and I thank you for unintentionally standing in.
Bravo to you!
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By: Ritu on September 23, 2009
at 6:20 PM
VIDEO- Sarah Palin’s Hong Kong speech “long, humorless and George W. Bush-like” http://bit.ly/46Lhe
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By: Greytdog on September 23, 2009
at 6:08 PM
Helen,
As usual a wonderful post that gets right to the point with bold humor as a bonus. I don’t post often any more, but read all the time. Even though I don’t post that much, I feel like I know many of you. I started reading back in the first Palin slam days and remember the start of the wedgie or pie. I too have a great chocolate pecan pie recipe.
Tom, funny that when you made the oral roberts crack, I thought to myself, “Sounds like a joke one of my gay friends would make”. There wasn’t anything derogatory about it. It was more an inside joke. But Craig seems to try to find derision where there isn’t any meant. At first inflammatory, his comments actually just bore me now. He is just gunning for a reaction, not because he believes strongly in something. Very similar to UAW, but even more innapropriate.
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By: Alaskan on September 23, 2009
at 5:51 PM
The first fan part was something I left at a friends blog after her first entry. oops 😉 I bet I’m not your first fan!
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By: Bob on September 23, 2009
at 5:48 PM
I love this. I wish more people of which you speak, would read this and do some critical thinking over what they’re so vehemently against. I can’t even watch the newa they make me so cranky! 🙂
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By: your first fan: Bob on September 23, 2009
at 5:47 PM
Took a breather for a while, and was delighted by all the new postings.
Well said, Helen.
Δ
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By: Maven Δ on September 23, 2009
at 5:25 PM
That last post had a lot of tyois. Hope you allllll can interpret the meaning!!However if Craig has any moore of his brilliant remarks, take them somewhere else. They are not needed here.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 23, 2009
at 5:16 PM
Pamela – thanks for your input. I will look into th e Chese herbology. I could only hope you live in SoCAl!!
Unfortunately, my transportation situation isnot terific I am recovering from a stroke and thankfully have not hotflashes!! GAve that up years ago. But thanks anywaay and I will research the suggestion.
And as for the suggestion we grow our own herbs-somehow I hope her someday he falls into some of these situatiions that have been taled about and then see how fast he runs for the government porgrams!! I had a SO that had no qualms what soever about using government handouts!!
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By: Grandma Katie on September 23, 2009
at 5:11 PM
Hey Gretdog nice to see that avatar and hear from you again…you were missed!
Pamela and Delurker Girl all this ((( wine glass)))) imagery is making me thirsty and it’s just 4:00 pm here on the left coast.
There was some great mojo working in this morning’s previous thread :). Thanks for everyone’s attempt in (trying to) create a new icon.
Whirled: Spent a good hour scrolling thru the March posts looking for Werner’s wine glass icon. As I recall it was a great looking one, not to dis the current attempts of course.
Going thru the older posts and comments is like pulling out an old scrapbook. M&H ers sure do get into some very interesting subjects that’s for sure.
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By: thymeCher on September 23, 2009
at 5:02 PM
Craig…aren’t you missing your death panel clinical trial meeting today?
Or did you come here to get spanked? Hear you righties are really into that.
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By: thymeCher on September 23, 2009
at 4:50 PM
Thank you Helen, Cheney didnt have to worry about losing his home because as his pockets were being filled by all the contracts he was securing during the war WE were paying his hospital bills
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By: PalinShutUp on September 23, 2009
at 4:41 PM
Helen, YOU ARE SO GREAT! I only have about 1 to 2 partial days on the internet and it makes my day when you have a new post!
Thank you for your great comments! I wish I had time to read the comments but don’t.
Thank You Helen and Margaret. I don’t even have TV so I am feeling a bit out of touch.
We need a public option!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 23, 2009
at 4:38 PM
Thanks for keeping your finger in the health care debate…….you always say it so well, and make the opposition look even more ridiculous than they are!
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By: Chris on September 23, 2009
at 4:21 PM
Great news – my step daughter just found out she’s pregnant.
Bad news – her insurance company won’t cover the pregnancy because she didn’t sign up for “pregnancy” insurance.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 23, 2009
at 4:15 PM
Mageen in old virginny, notify the Commissioner of Insurance of the appropriate state by certified mail of your grandson’s denial. Good luck.
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By: no one's puppet on September 23, 2009
at 4:15 PM
Once again you’re saying what I’ll bet the majority of people are thinking. Thank you!
Another eye opening search: just follow the campaign contributions, for either party. It’s very educational.
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By: Inkberries on September 23, 2009
at 4:03 PM
The rally for healthcare in DC was awesome and I learned a lot from it. Just have a ton of work to catch up with – between surgery & being out of town – so once I catch my breath I’ll post my experience – but seems you all have pretty much covered everything…as always.
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By: Greytdog on September 23, 2009
at 3:56 PM
in re to Michele Bachmann’s Census conspiracy theory, seems her words have had an effect:
Census worker hanged in Kentucky with ‘fed’ scrawled on chest http://twurl.nl/c23t7y
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By: Greytdog on September 23, 2009
at 3:46 PM
Darn it! it changed itself in cyberspace!
( )
_||_
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By: Pamela Δ ())=( on September 23, 2009
at 3:43 PM
( )
_||_
Does that work? Its a bit labor intensive which, IMHO, defeats the purposee of imbibing.
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By: Pamela Δ ())=( on September 23, 2009
at 3:41 PM
Well, Delurker Girl, that’s kinda what the 2nd glass looks like anyway! When I look at my sideways wine glass, it sorta looks like a football (left side) with an impressively fit torso:
possible inferring that playing football gives one a trim waistline, but a rather extended belly button??!!!? LOL…. I know, it’s way too early for this!
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By: Pamela Δ ())=( on September 23, 2009
at 3:37 PM
She graduated from Winona State University and later received her J.D. degree from Oral Roberts University and an LL.M. degree in tax law from the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law.[6]
There is no record that I can find that she is liscensed to practice law in Minnesota nor can I find out if she ever held a liscense. Maybe they are too smart to allow her to try to take it.
And by the way Craig, I am GAY so you can suck on your own comments and gag on your stupidity.
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By: tom on September 23, 2009
at 3:34 PM
If these people are out of control about just covering the uninsured and the public option, imagine what they will do when we have universal health…cause that is where we are headed you know, whether you like it or not. This current proposal is just a bandaid on a bad situation. It won’t work. Take it from someone who knows and has worked in a hospital for 25 years, 20 of them in an ER.
I say create a special death panel with special powers and have sarah, rush and dick go before it. It will be composed of people who have lost everything trying to pay medical bills or who saw a loved one die because they were denied coverage by the insurance company.
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By: girlvet on September 23, 2009
at 3:29 PM
Rats, it stripped out a space and made it unrecognizable, LOL.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 23, 2009
at 3:20 PM
Can’t find one symbol that’ll do it, but at least it’s upright.
(_)
||
_||_
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 23, 2009
at 3:19 PM
Well first
I just had to come back and see what crap was being parrlayed this week and it seems like the same ole smell continues to permeate.
Just a Republican Smacking
…democratic Love Fest.
I guess it’s because I don’t need your endorsement or high fives.
And as to the women’s club thing..
It doesn’t take long to count the posts and monitor
what the demographic makeup of this site is comprised of..
Nothing to do now but jerk off looking at myself in the mirror. I am so fab.
Goona get me some pie as you would say…
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By: Craig on September 23, 2009
at 3:14 PM
July’sthebest – yes, that’s what Jesus did. A lot of people seem to have forgotten the parable of the good Samaritan. I think of Jesus as a pretty liberal guy, actually.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 23, 2009
at 3:00 PM
Craig, nobody cheered that comment from Tom, and we aren’t shy about handing out high fives here. Are you assuming he speaks for all of us? Assuming is bad, kiddo.
Too bad Michelle Bachmann ‘past’ the bar exam. I’d heard she ‘passed’ you’re saying she skipped it. I see Judith told the whole story so I guess we’re up to date now.
WTH is up with the ‘left leaning liberal women’s club endorsed gays’ comment? What the heck did you drink for lunch? We like wine around here but don’t generally start till evening!
There’s something terribly sad about a guy finding amusement in being a jerk. I feel sorry for ya.
Judith, Yarn Harlot ROCKS!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 23, 2009
at 2:58 PM
Great post! The Republican, Christian Coalition, right-wing “born agains” give a bad name to Christianity. Didn’t Jesus heal the lame, hang out with tax collectors and prostitutes and turn the other cheek? Why do these judgmental Christians think that the Democrats have it so wrong-at least we are trying to look out for the “little guy” and help so many struggling Americans. We need people to turn off “Fox” and start caring for their fellow Americans!
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By: july'sthebest on September 23, 2009
at 2:28 PM
Craig,
I love how one comment out of thousands somehow defines this entire blog for you. Get a life or at least a reason for living. You bore me and clearly you are as dumb as Michele “I wil run if God tells me to” Bachmann.
Oh goodness. Now I guess this blog hates God too.
Whatever.
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By: hester on September 23, 2009
at 2:16 PM
Craig posts – “Actually as to Ms. Bachman..She also received a LL.M. degree in tax law from the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law and apparently is smart enough to have past the BAR exam in Minnesota.”
Oh, dear. Well…..no, not really. An LL.M. degree is a research degree & doesn’t allow you to sit for the bar exam or practice law in most states, including MN. She did not pass the bar in Minnesota (maybe she should have tried California). And, although she claims to have been a tax lawyer, she was not. She worked for the IRS as a non-lawyer.
Checking facts just isn’t that hard.
And she’s still a few jalapenos short of a zippy salsa (credit the Yarn Harlot for that one).
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By: judith on September 23, 2009
at 2:16 PM
Re: Palin speech in Hong Kong
Two US delegates left early, according to AFP, with one saying “it was awful, we couldn’t stand it any longer.” Some attendees were disappointed by her focus on her home state and her attacks on President Obama.
“As fund managers we want to hear about the United States as a whole, not just about Alaska,” one told AFP. “And she criticized Obama a lot but offered no solutions.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/23/palin-hong-kong-speech-im_n_295812.html
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By: thymeCher on September 23, 2009
at 2:04 PM
OK, you all have heard from me earlier about how my little grandson was denied coverage he was supposed to have per policy and communication with the insurer. Here is something I just remembered from many years ago. Any letter about a denial of coverage should go to the Chief Medical Officer. Yes, there are other doctors serving on something like a Board under his direction, but the CMO is the one you want. You can find out who this is by going to the company website. Very often they have some brag space on the site about this person.
I will now try to have a much happier remainder of the day.
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 23, 2009
at 1:34 PM
Thank you Helen, as always you find a way to say it like it is. Your posts continue to be so logical and spot on. It’s so pathetic that the repugs just don’t get it. Where do they think this hate mongering will lead us all?
Today’s Morning Joe:
“Scarborough is challenging his fellow Republicans to denounce Glenn Beck, a promoter of fear and hate. Scarborough warns Republicans they need to denounce Beck before it is too late, before Beck further destroys the Republican party as Beck himself moves towards inevitable self destruction.”
About Beck, Scarborough said:
“You cannot preach hatred. You cannot say the president is racist. You cannot say things that have very deadly consequences.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-4383-Portland-Progressive-Examiner~y2009m9d22-Scarborough-Beck-and-Republican-honor-Video?cid=examiner-email
Hola Grandma Katie, don’t worry about the typo’s or misspells, it’s something in the water… spelling is not my forte either.
GK, BTW got your invite to stop by, thanks so much, but don’t know how to contact you? There is no forum, like the mudflats where we can send personal emails. Anyone have any ideas how to contact each other off site?
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By: thymeCher on September 23, 2009
at 1:27 PM
A little Gay Bashing on this Blog!
Oh My, I leave the site for a couple of days and the cheering is just about peaking! Especially with the following quote from TOM.
“Oh yeah, Michelle Bachmann does have a law degree from they uncredited Oral Roberts law school. It is ironic since the answer to the question of “what do you call 2 gay guys named Bob?” is Oral Roberts.”
Thats sad..and I thought this Left leaning liberal
women’s club endorsed gays?
Actually as to Ms. Bachman..She also received a LL.M. degree in tax law from the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law and apparently is smart enough to have past the BAR exam in Minnesota.
I’d say she probably could clean everybody’s TACO plate here, when it comes to intelligent
quotient.
“Chinese Herbology” ?
Really?
There is your answer everyone to the
your Health Care situation.
Just plant some herbs and you will then be able to take care of all the fruits and nuts.
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By: Craig on September 23, 2009
at 1:19 PM
So, the reason we can’t have European-type health plans is that we will have to wait to be treated, right? Just tried to make 2 doctor appointments and in both cases, they are scheduling over 2 months out. For my dentist, they are about 4 1/2 months out. So, glad I don’t have that universal healthcare where I might have to wait 🙂
Helen at 11:26: My thoughts and good wishes are with you. My mother was as diagnosed stage 4 ovarian cancer this year and she is responding really well to treatment. Doctors say she is virtually “cancer-free”. I wish you the same success in your fight.
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By: kitkatΔ on September 23, 2009
at 1:02 PM
You ladies just rock me right ’round – all too true about the Value Voting Quasi-Republicans, but don’t forget the Health Insurance Companies who’s lobbyists sit in the halls of power with all those elected GOPHERS who don’t want universal health care.
And you raise a wonderful point – how do those poor, benighted, backward and downtrodden Europeans manage to stay alive long enough to keep their countries from falling into terrible decay and despair.
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By: Rick Smith on September 23, 2009
at 12:57 PM
Played catch up today, and was so tickled to read your latest month’s posts Helen! Your posts – they have the Bill Maher sting, zing and blast.
Keep stinging and zinging – it’s your blog and you can zing if you want to, sting if you want to, blast if you want to… (sing along with Lesley Gore). I love it!
If anyone has the stomach for it, “join” the Republican party. I don’t know how or why I get the letters and survey questionnaire from Michael Steele (RNC Chair), but they are gemstones of dumb. I send in my donation of a dollar or two, since that will not at all cover the cost of printing and postage, and I vote the opposite of how they want. Just as the ACLU has weighted questions, so do the RNC. Heavily weighted, to which I always give the answer they do not want.
I received a thank you letter for my donation from the RNC letting me know how I am “helping the RNC fight back against the Obama Democrat’s efforts to end American exceptionalism. Obama has plans on an all-out assault on our nation’s core principles of free enterprise, fiscal discipline, freedom and personal responsibility.”
It then goes on to ask me for more money because “I know the Obama Democrats are determined to turn America into a weak dependent socialist state patterned after the examples of Europe.”
Phew! With stellar representatives like Michelle Bachman and Gov. Sanford, how can I refuse? (NOT!)
Well, maybe I’ll send them another dollar without a postage stamp.
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By: Honolulu Sally on September 23, 2009
at 12:55 PM
“I am not sure when it happened but the base of the Republican party either got lazy or stupid or both… or maybe they always were.”
Considering the Republican party platform revolves around laziness and stupidity, this should hardly come as a surprise.
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By: m00finsan on September 23, 2009
at 12:26 PM
Grandma Katie: darn it, I knew big pharma was gonna take this step, as they have worked so HARD to make patentable bioidents that can only be obtained with a script. They want sole ownership of our health. And so many folks are ready to just lay down and trust them with their very lives. Thank God, they can’t patent herbs.
Grandma Katie, try to find yourself a good herbalist, preferably one schooled in Chinese herbology, as this is where my passion lies. I have studied natural healing and Western herbology for more than twenty five years and got my Masters in Chinese medicine and herbology ten years ago and love their system best as it looks at the individual and uses many herbs in one formula to balance and heal the individual not just treat the symptoms, cause we are always uniquely different.
Anyways, a good herbal formula to nourish the endocrine system and possibly some small changes in diet and you won’t be suffering from these symptoms. Try the homeopathic Lachesis Mutus in a stronger 30 C and see if the hot flashes don’t ease right up. Hugs and coolness to you.
Off topic, but I sure would like some wise responses regarding this topic a dear friend just sent me.
http://www.infowars.com/it-is-going-to-be-a-rocky-road/
I perused it quickly and while I don’t agree with the fundamentalist overtones of God punishing the US for excluding Jesus and God from our public discourse, I am worrying about the rest of it… i.e. China bailing on their US $ holdings, sending our economy into a death spiral, and the ensuing chaos in commerce and life as we currently know it.
My friend is convinced this is just around the corner and I must confess it has me planting and composting and thinking of getting little chicks and a hunting rifle.
helen:
There are soooooo many safe, effective natural alternatives out there to get you sleeping sans drugs. Try coffea cruda, 30 C, to get you to sleep. Its not usually strong enough by itself to have you sleeping through the whole night but you can add some other herbals with it, like passion flower and oatstraw. DON’T use valerian as it is a hot little herb most unappropriate for folks going through chemo or radiation. It would knock you out for 2 to 3 hours then you’d wake up hot and angry…. not what you want at all.
there are some wonderful natural tonics to help you sleep and they’re very safe with the meds you’re on.
I have an herbal powder I’ve created with some 16 concentrated herbs that literally nourishes the parasympathetic system to get you sleeping deeply through the night, awake at any time you need to with the ability to operate heavy equipment or drive and doesn’t leave you groggy in the mornings, and after a few weeks use, you’re sleeping again on your own…. imagine that! I’m not trying to sell you anything, just letting you know there are alternatives out there. Find yourself a good herbalist, and good luck!
I have my masters in Chinese medicine, including Chinese herbology, which always treats the individual not the symptoms. I have also studied Western herbs for twenty-five plus years. They both have so much to offer in helping us heal and restore our health. This is God’s medicine and it works so much better for restoring balance and health to our bodies.
Didn’t mean to type so much and I gotta run as I’ve got herbs to pick up!
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By: Pamela Δ ())=( on September 23, 2009
at 12:14 PM
I wish we could bottle these posts as a tonic and require all the teabaggers to add some to their tea or kool-aid or whatever the heck they’re drinking. It could only help.
When I read things like the post from Mageen – a real story about real people – it makes me furious that there are people with so much ugliness in their hearts that they would happily deny a child treatment just to score a meaningless political point against a president they hate and didn’t vote for. That is so way beyond just mere stupid.
Helen, your writing and the pie club you started here with it are what keeps a glimmer of hope for me that humanity and sanity win the day.
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By: ImaginistaΔ on September 23, 2009
at 12:03 PM
as always ladies,
thanks for the sage…
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By: MIchaelt on September 23, 2009
at 11:55 AM
I have stage 4 breast cancer…I am treated with Herceptin every 3 weeks…My Husband’s insurance changed and the last treatment cost me 1294. out of pocket….the good news is after 2500. they will pay 100%…the bad news is it starts all over Jan 2010…Oh yes and they will only pay for 14 sleeping pills every month…I guess I can sleep every other day…bring it on Obama…I am ready. Really.
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By: helen on September 23, 2009
at 11:26 AM
I didn’t catch some typos previosly. Right fingers still not working so well and I don’t always proofread thoroughly!!
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By: Grandma Katie on September 23, 2009
at 11:25 AM
Now for another view of the medical problem. I have j ust learned that all the companies who produce bioidential thyroid hormones have been told to stop producing them. Suposedly never been tested. Hah. Those products have been in existence for 100 YEARS!
I haave been taking WEsthroid or a similiar one for well over 30 years. Wouldnt you think I would have had a reation by now? My son, a pharmacist, is calling the company he buys from to see what we can do.
SDo far my only alternative is to go tot hey synthetic fforms which is n ot an option I care top take.
There are many thousands of us in the situation.
Perhaps if the FDA was not so entwined with BigPharma this wouldn’t be happening. For of cou7rse Big Pharma can’t make any money from the BioIdentical stuff becase it isn’t patentable and thus no money!!
FDA has also stopped the use of ESsential oils in many products. Thus forcing many small home based businesses from making such things as soap!
Helen, we need to get you somewhere on the air so you can really make your opinions known. Thank y ou for putting into words so many t hings Ifeel.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 23, 2009
at 11:22 AM
Another great blog post!
The thing that really gets me upset is how some people (and talking heads) think health insurance=health care. Seeing how many people don’t get access to health care yet pay into the health insurance system, I want the discussion to come back to health care, not about “how do we let health insurance companies profit/not loose the opportunity to make money from this?”
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By: Suzi on September 23, 2009
at 11:19 AM
As a former hospital social worker, it was my job to help people get into nursing homes if they were no longer able to live at home. You wouldn’t believe the number of well-to-do people, fully capable of paying their own medical expenses, who would try to hide their assets so they would be eligible for state aid to pay their expenses. Government insurance must not be all that bad!
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By: Anonymous on September 23, 2009
at 10:56 AM
Helen and Margaret, I was linked to your blog by my quilter wife and I must say it has been one of the finest gifts I have ever recieved. I truly admire your “bullet between the eyes” style. I have a blog myself but I will openly admit I have been too chicken to write my “inner thoughts” like you have done. Your unbridled, brutal and often humorous barbs come thundering with a voice of experience and honesty that cannot be denied. I am addicted to reading you and may God bless the spirit that drives you. Patrick Henry has nothing on you my dear.
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By: Timmy on September 23, 2009
at 10:45 AM
Helen, This is the first time I have read your blog -believe me, I will be back tomorrow. You hit the nail on the head and pounded straight inot the wood. I am 55 and currently have employer provided health care. My mother is 78 and has Medicare and union benefits as a back up. I have had far more trouble getting approvl from my private insurance than my mother has from the evil government. I have said before and will continue to say, it is shameful that the United States of America, the greatest country in the world, cares more for corporations that it cares for its own citizens.
Thank you again for an excellent read, and you are now added to my favorites.
You go , girl!
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By: Deb on September 23, 2009
at 10:44 AM
I have missed Molly Ivens and Ann Richards. I think I have just found a substitute in your writings. Keep it up! You are so right!
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By: Jeanne Hunt on September 23, 2009
at 10:43 AM
please write more. i missed u-guys.do peoples reaaly hate our president that much???he did not put us in this mess he only try to make thing fair around here —i stop watching tv so misleading no one tell truth any more
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By: LIND on September 23, 2009
at 10:41 AM
“What we are talking about here is … mothers and fathers losing their homes and their life savings trying to save their children. We are talking about families helping a loved one to fight cancer. We are talking about people suffering with diabetes, asthma and AIDS … We are talking about tending to the sick and the poor… You Value Voters … are so damn worried about who is marrying who and what immigrant is getting the best shift at the Taco Bell, but God forbid someone’s suffering doesn’t come with a price tag …”
GREAT post, Helen! Absolutly right on! Reading it made me tear up in frustration at a Congress and a lobbying system that will be the death of us.
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By: Mary on September 23, 2009
at 10:38 AM
well welcome back i’ll missed you
and thanks for keeping me on right side
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By: LIND on September 23, 2009
at 10:38 AM
Tom: As a fellow Minnesotan, I applaud your efforts to unseat the Crazy Lady.
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By: Δ Tine on September 23, 2009
at 10:37 AM
i’m so glad i found your website –you’re really make my day –i’m so tired or this n/sense .
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By: LIND on September 23, 2009
at 10:37 AM
Oh yeah, Michelle Bachmann does have a law degree from they uncredited Oral Roberts law school. It is ironic since the answer to the question of “what do you call 2 gay guys named Bob?” is Oral Roberts.
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By: tom on September 23, 2009
at 10:31 AM
Junebug, The reason those porn shops and gentlemens clubs are in business most likely is because all the Christian Righties and Value Voters proudly frequent them.
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By: tom on September 23, 2009
at 10:28 AM
The repuklicans against health care reform have as limp of an excuse for being against it as their penises are, though they would benefit the most from it –they would finally be able to get their mental health fixed finally, but that’s expecting too much from them.
Embarrassingly for me I have asshat Michelle Bachmann as my Congressbitch. What a fruit cake. Trust me, she is incredibly stupid.
We held a huge fundraiser here for the local democratic district so that our democratic congressional candidate would have additional funds in his campaign. It was a huge success.
The local democratic group as a gesture of thanks for doing that, sent us a US flag that had flown over the US capitol. They had to go through Congressbitch Bachmann’s office to get that flag for us.
The beatiful flag arrived in a nice box and with it was a letter from Congresbitch Bachmann. Her letter thanked us for all the work we do politically for the district!! Coincidentally the flag was flown over the US Capitol on the same day that we held the fundraiser.
The funny part was that she was too stupid to realize that the fundraiser was being held to get rid of her dumbass.
The price of the flag – wonderful, the price of her stupidity – priceless!!! Who the hell else would thank you for raising funds locally for someone trying to unseat your dumbass except Michelle Bachmann? I strongly believe that she is the only person capable of failing an IQ test.
Keep telling it like it is Helen, we LOVE you!!!
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By: tom on September 23, 2009
at 10:24 AM
Thanks, Helen, for another post that tells it like it is. I have Medicare, but want the future generations to have what we’ve been fortunate to have. I can’t believe that there can’t be found in the national budget monies to provide health care for all. The jokers we have as representatives (primarily Republican’ts) seem to be much more interested in their own futures than those they were elected to represent.
I too am amazed at the number of “gentlemen’s clubs,” and porn shops of various types in the South. I understand that states in the South lead the country in the amount of money spent for porn. Now that’s a distinction that should make one proud! You would think the Christian Right that never was and the unvaluable Value Voters would be railing against the proliferation of porn, rather than what consenting adults may do.
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By: Junebug on September 23, 2009
at 10:19 AM
You go, girl! Don’t mince words and absolutely don’t stop telling it like it is!
I’m so glad to have found your blog.
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By: cheryle on September 23, 2009
at 10:09 AM
M&H, once again you have grabbed the bull right where it needs to be grabbed and telling it like it is! This started out as a good day for me but then I got word that BCBS denied coverage for two doctor visits (diagnostic) for my little grandson despite the fact that they originally told his mother they would cover it! What the **** do they have against a wee boy with bright eyes? My daughter is going to try to appeal the denial but all I can say is good luck!!! I was considering writing to BCBS but how do I make sure the letter doesn’t get lost? And if any BCBS company types read this site, get off the damn dime! Picking on little kids with a problem is totally gutless and soul-less!
Really, I mean it!
We must have health care reform like Universal Coverage! Really, I mean that, too!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 23, 2009
at 10:08 AM
I love this blog. We Canadians aren’t quite sure what to make of the hoopla over healthcare in the US. (Most Americans I meet are boggled that we know so much about American politics, but really, when you share a border with a country that has more Bombs than anyone else on the planet, you tend to pay attention to what they’re doing and what wingnut they’re electing next…. That and we get a lot of American TV.)
The healthcare debate in to the south of us is sort of the horrifying hilarity of two minicars full of clowns crashing at high speed. Terrible, but come on, they’re clowns. For us, Universal healthcare is a no-brainer. And it costs us next to nothing in our taxes. I read a study last week that surprised me. I honestly and truly believed that we paid more of our income in taxes than Americans. Turns out we pay approximately 2% more. A lousy two percent more of my income goes to taxes and I never have to worry about losing my house to pay for cancer treatments or heart surgery.
It’s true that the Canadian system is not perfect. I had to wait 11 hours in the emergency room to get my finger fixed after I tripped over a snowbank and dislocated it. That, admittedly, was a bit of a pain (pun intended). But I didn’t have to sell my car to pay for the splint or the 8 weeks of physio therapy required to get it working again. I’m currently 5 months pregnant. I will pay exactly ZERO dollars for my prenatal care from my family doctor (I am lucky enough to have one), my OB-GYN, all the tests and ultrasounds, the actual delivery and my postnatal hospital stay (though my supplemental insurance from work will get me a private room instead of having to hang out on the ward). I will also get a full 12 months guaranteed maternity leave, though I will likely not take all of it myself as my hubbie wants to take some of that leave time. (I get 12 weeks actual maternity leave and the other 9 months is technically parental leave that can be taken by either parent at half-salary — which is again paid for by my measly extra 2% in taxes).
And the thing about death panels is laughable. My 90-year-old granny spent a week in the hospital not long ago with an issue with her gall bladder. Nobody executed her or denied her care to save money. Trust me, Granny Alma is still kickin’ and offering up her opinion about how my sister got married in the church while I got married in the showy splendor of Nature.
Our system is definitely not perfect, far from it, but I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it is to not have to worry that you or someone you love will die or go bankrupt because of a lack of access to reliable healthcare.
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By: Irhie on September 23, 2009
at 10:06 AM
Thank you for your honesty Helen!! I just love your and Margaret’s blog!
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By: Speedbumps on September 23, 2009
at 10:03 AM
Another spot on post…thank you so much for voicing my thoughts in such a witty and amusing manner!
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By: bobbi on September 23, 2009
at 9:57 AM
They are all a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
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By: Carole on September 23, 2009
at 9:52 AM
Love it!
BTW I once knew a Mr. Philpot (Larry?) from Texas and wondered if you might be related. i was in textiles for 40 years.
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By: Bruce Resch on September 23, 2009
at 9:48 AM
Helen, your point, about Republicans shopping the internet for their penis enhancements, must exclude those with preexisting conditions and lack of coverage from their employers, just like their present healthcare coverage, and don’t get me started on dental insurance. We just drove through the South, seems to me, there was an adult store every ten miles or so along the Interstate, why the need for so many if Red States’ have universal access to computers? Or maybe, they just like rub elbows while they shop for their porn, sex toys, and flimsy kinky-sex costumes.
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By: no one's puppet on September 23, 2009
at 9:23 AM
Right on! As usual, you have hit the nail right on the head.
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By: Kimwithak on September 23, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Helen – Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I finally understand the health care debate. All the talking heads were making my own head spin. Thanks for making everything so simple and fun to read.
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By: Michael on September 23, 2009
at 9:18 AM
This is a very lightweight response to a serious issue, so I apologise… But I’ve just been reading the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire novels and it absolutely appalls me that she won’t go to hospital after being beaten up by werewolves because she doesn’t have health insurance. What kind of country is it where taxpayers can’t get treated for Werewolf and vampire injuries? (I do know that it’s fiction, but it does make the point!)
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By: Foodycat on September 23, 2009
at 9:13 AM
Another winner, Helen! You may have already seen this satirical video; but here it is anyway…
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/041b5acaf5/protect-insurance-companies-psa
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By: JudyC on September 23, 2009
at 9:12 AM
I had a friend who died because she was uninsured, too young for Medicare and too poor to seek treatment for her cancer. Yeah, but let’s talk about death panels instead! Clearly end-of-life counseling is the important issue here!
On the other hand, the bills under most serious consideration right now are an absolute giveaway to the insurance industry. It’s not just Republican obstructionism that’s a problem. The Dems need to get cranking on a better solution or we’ll wake up in a coupel of years and realize we wasted our chance.
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By: bride23 on September 23, 2009
at 9:09 AM
Listen .. that’s me applauding you both … and I wonder if Cheney would have had those procedures in a timely manner if he hadnt been an ‘elected’ official getting the best care for cheap …
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By: Daryl on September 23, 2009
at 9:03 AM
I couldn’t have said it better myself! So glad I found your blog!
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By: CatLadyLarew on September 23, 2009
at 9:03 AM
Amen Sister! It’s cheaper to just go ahead and die in this country and those funeral expenses ain’t cheap.
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By: Brenda on September 23, 2009
at 8:58 AM
Great now you made me crave tacos. And healthcare.
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By: doahleigh on September 23, 2009
at 8:57 AM
Helen,you are the best!! I’d like to hear you debate any of the dopes you mentioned in your post. You’d win, hands down. Maybe Palin and her idiot clone Michelle Bachmann fancy themselves on the ticket together in 2012?? Palin has been contributing money to Bachmann…….if it wasn’t so tragic, it would be hysterical. Imagine those two prancing about giving interviews and doing debates. Even together they couldn’t form one coherent sentence. But of course the interviews and debates would have to be closed to the media (except for Fox) because they will still be stupid 3 years down the road.
I am sure the baggers have yet to put 2 and 2 together to understand that those sidewalks and streets they stood on with their racist, violent signs, the interstates(built by the government during the Eisenhower presidency) that they traveled on to get to their little hate gatherings are built and maintained by, wait for it……………the government. Maybe at their next event they need to learn the words to “If I Only Had A Brain”.
The selfish bastards in Washington ( and I have to include some of the Dems in this)have a government option health care plan second to none paid for by our taxes, but they can’t find the money to keep Americans alive. How many baggers are on Medicare, Medicade or have Veterans Benefits? If they are so against government, give up those benefits. I’d be happy to set up a booth at your next hate event and burn your GOVERNMENT insurance cards !!!!
It is all about winning, losing and hate with the Republicans. They threw money at an illegal war, they threw money at wallstreet—-it was “W” and Paulsen who first passed out 750 billion to the banks. But now that they are big time losers, it is all about the game of “NO”. Maybe Milton Bradley can take this “NO” thing and make it into a must have game for the holidays.
The game the Republicans are playing is a dangerous one……….they have put the lives of Americans on the line. They have no plan, they have no solutions. All they have is “NO”………….They hate this president, they want America to fail and their only goal is the self-satisfaction of screaming “NO”. Grow up and act like adults. The playground bully act has gotten very old, very stupid and very dangerous.
And, how about all of you trash talking, hate and fear mongering right wing nutbags taking a remedial history class…….get the facts before you open your pieholes.
Keep up the great posts, Helen.
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By: Colorado Blue on September 23, 2009
at 8:53 AM
That’s “Michele” — one L short of a full load — “Bachmann” — with two Ns for extra nuttiness.
Otherwise, w00t!
(Got it. Thanks. – MP)
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By: Larry Sanderson on September 23, 2009
at 8:37 AM
You make me laugh, and you make me cry. Because everything you say is true. I live in Texas too (Lord, what a bunch of dumb asses running this place!) The NRA regularly calls me and I don’t give a rat’s ass about guns, other than keeping them out of children’s hands and those of mental patients (of which my husband treats a lot at the mental hospital, where 50% of the population are now criminals). Did you know that it takes about a year to get someone in jail his “mental review” so they can tell if he/she is competent to stand trial? What a bunch of bullshit. Who’s footing their health care, ask the Republicans who want to make sure we lock up everyone, especially those who might not be here legally and might possibly get the best shift at Taco Bell. By the way, I actually answered the phone last week when the NRA called me and told them where to shove it. Yeah, I’m 52 and already getting crochety. But I’m also mad that my Meals On Wheels clients no longer get a hot meal on Fridays (of course my day) because they have to close the kitchen to save money. We’re not just going; we’ve already gone to hell in a hand basket. And Sarah Palin really needs to stay off Facebook and educate her children so, as you mention, just one of that bunch might possibly attend college. And get better professors than she obviously did. You go, girl!
Brenda in Tyler
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By: Brenda Kula on September 23, 2009
at 8:31 AM
Excellent as always, Helen. Thanks!
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By: LRA on September 23, 2009
at 8:29 AM
“So unless we just enjoy making health insurance companies rich, all those tea party morons need to use the internet for something other than ordering their penis enhancement pills.”
Ha ha ha! You kill me, Helen!
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By: Mari on September 23, 2009
at 8:27 AM
Thank you for this, you have put me in a much better mood this early morning before I go off to my non-union job wondering what I’ll lose next.
Thank you for pointing out the wonderful contradiction, the Christian Right is neither Christian, nor are they right.
Many slam dunks.
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By: eflester on September 23, 2009
at 8:25 AM
Well said, Margaret. And to Barbara, it really is that simple, isn’t. What we have doesn’t work.
Except to line the pockets of the health care industry.
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By: Stacy on September 23, 2009
at 8:19 AM
This to the hilt. Perfect
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By: Sparky on September 23, 2009
at 8:06 AM
Harvey 1941, you’re right on the money! If they had to walk a mile in our shoes……their feet would get pretty sore. We should be offered everything they receive in health care plans..it would be so easy to remedy all the problems and many more people could afford it. We pay $1800 a month for two of us……we won’t be able to keep it up for very long. I am 60 and my husband is 63 so we still don’t qualify for medicare yet.
Keep on truckin’ ladies…………..you are both my heroes.
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By: crafty lady in illinois on September 23, 2009
at 7:53 AM
Frankly, I don’t understand what all the hoopla is all about. What we have doesn’t work. What we have DOESN’T WORK. What we have DOESN’T WORK!!! If the Republican Party cared more about the citizens of this country and less about “winning” on this issue, the Republicans would be showing true leadership. What we currently have doesn’t work, and they are so mired in their simmering hatred of all things Obama, they’ve lost sight of the true issue, which is: what we currently have doesn’t work. Swallow your misplaced pride, tuck your testosterone away where it won’t get bruised, and start working for the good of this country. Cooperate with your Congressional colleagues. See how good that feels?
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By: Barbara on September 23, 2009
at 7:49 AM
Thank you, Helen! You hit it right out of the park!
I didn’t know Mr. Dick had been under anesthesia so many times…. this would partly explain his cold-heartedness.
I imagine if he ever were to do the sacred heart meditation he’d feel he was spelunking in the coldest, darkest caves within. Explains a bit of his fear based bully nature too, though I reckon he’s had that much longer.
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By: Pamela Δ on September 23, 2009
at 7:48 AM
Spot on as usual, by getting right to the heart of the matter. IMHO, it is immoral that we don’t all have universal healthcare.
And Michelle Bachman has got to be crazy because she sure seems to believe every word she says.
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By: kitkat on September 23, 2009
at 7:47 AM
Helen, your post today smacks deep into the heart of a lot of us old seniors. We are all worried not about ourselves, we have “socliized” health care in the wonderful Medicare program, but we worry about our children, grandchildren and so on.
Want to bet how quickly these folks would get on the Universal Health Care access wagon if they all had to live with the insurance coverage that the majority of workers in this county live with every day? But with their Caddilac health care plans, they don’t give a rip about the American people. Especially slugs like Rush and his cadre of dipsticks.
You keep banking on that washtup Helen. The seniors in my organization are with you and Margaret 1,000 percent.
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By: Harvey1941 on September 23, 2009
at 7:38 AM
You go woman!!! Hip hip hooray. Hip hip hooray!!!!!
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By: Helium on September 23, 2009
at 7:20 AM