tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-273374582012-01-07T04:36:31.800-06:00Lemons & Honey is dedicated to the inescapable truth that life is both bitter and sweet. We each drink a unique cocktail of life's experiences; one more sweet, another more bitter. They shape our beliefs, our perceptions, and our biology. Some think life offers only one mix--the one just like their own. Watch out for them.1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.comBlogger1211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-86164655973830313782010-07-24T18:29:00.005-05:002010-07-24T19:45:36.300-05:00

Thankfully, things are working out well for Shirley Sherrod. There is still justice of some kind in the Universe. But there is no justice in a political atmosphere dominated by lies and hated, countered only by the weakest of push back.Some of us are trying to fight back with what we have--words--hoping to raise awareness and motivate us to action. David Michael Green posted this yesterday on

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-48980467052088025312010-07-20T20:38:00.010-05:002010-07-24T19:40:21.640-05:00

I am so angry about what happened to Shirley Sherrod that finding words is very, very hard. Why the fuck are Fox "News" and the right-wing hate mongers running this country?Shirley Sherrod is the victim of their racism and the impotence of the Obama Administration. Thank God CNN didn't swallow Andrew Breitbart's bullshit whole. This morning, CNN took them on, giving Ms. Sherrod a chance to state

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-69142339550739807392010-07-14T21:30:00.006-05:002010-07-15T18:13:36.487-05:00

We have only one large indoor corporate mall in my town, and that's probably one too many. Thankfully, Vitamin World is the closest store to the entrance by the food court. My infrequent forays into the mall usually involve nothing more than a quick trip to Vitamin World for the 7-Keto DHEA that I need to function on a daily basis. I'm in and blissfully out in mere minutes.Tonight, however, I had

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-76526567985101305922010-07-13T19:32:00.011-05:002010-07-13T20:33:03.363-05:00

I got the quote below from a comment posted on Op Ed News. I assume the attribution to Bill Maher is correct, but no matter who said it, it's worth repeating. This was part of a discussion about whether or not it makes sense to vote for Democrats in November. That's a hot topic in the blogosphere, and I don't have anything to add. Heck, I'm still trying to convince myself that's worth voting at

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-643894912480040672010-07-06T10:21:00.003-05:002010-07-06T10:28:53.762-05:00

"How can we solve the problem when we are the problem . . . ?" So asks Joe Bageant, author of Deer Hunting with Jesus, in a recent blog post, Live from Planet Norte. That is the question, isn't it?I've grown disillusioned. Not so much about Obama--my expectations for him were not so unrealistic--but with my fellow citizens and most profoundly with the idea of America that I believed in

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-22427522018956258712010-06-30T20:18:00.002-05:002010-06-30T20:21:04.735-05:00

Wondering what you can do about BP's criminal actions in the Gulf? Me too. Here's a helpful place to start: Clean The Gulf Now

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-87765157216361456552010-06-24T21:17:00.026-05:002010-06-25T00:49:48.915-05:00

I've been at such a loss for words . . . . The image in my mind is one of the Earth and her inhabitants spinning downward in a huge whirling vortex, as if the weight of all our unrestrained greed and stubborn ignorance finally tripped the lever on some colossal cosmic toilet.How is it possible, for example, for anyone to believe that pumping millions of gallons toxic chemicals into the Gulf of

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-3914833577937007592010-06-20T21:08:00.006-05:002010-06-20T21:27:51.949-05:00

I have so much to say about the unspeakable disaster in the Gulf, but I haven't been able to compose my thoughts. Tonight I saw a great program from PBS called Need to Know that included this stunning segment on the amount oil in the water:The black hole in the GulfAnd there is so much more to this horrible event than the quantity of oil in the water.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-49515190073423650292010-06-14T21:18:00.015-05:002010-06-15T12:33:24.871-05:00

"Seventy percent of Americans can't find their butt with a map and flashlight."That's from a caller on one of my favorite radio talk shows. I heard it tonight on the way home. Not more than an hour before, I'd had a conversation with an engineer at work about the Gulf oil catastrophe. He couldn't understand why BP had not tried a particular plugging device that is supposed to be highly effective.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-66720458510932198792010-06-14T20:53:00.008-05:002010-06-15T19:13:51.248-05:00

Midwest rain storms are curiously intense this year. I got a couple photos when a storm passed by my home last night.This rainbow was visible in its entirety across the horizon--a complete 180 degree arch. A faint second rainbow appears to the left of the primary rainbow.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-56288078077166665632010-04-20T20:02:00.005-05:002010-04-22T17:55:16.315-05:00

I watched The McVeigh Tapes on MSNBC last night. The documentary is fascinating & disturbing from many perspectives. I found myself working hard to understand McVeigh. As someone with PTSD, I understand some of the thoughts and feelings he described, but I cannot wrap my mind around the extreme numbness that engulfed him.The ultimate irony is that he became what he himself hated. As clever as he

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-64130217620805490832010-04-01T19:49:00.006-05:002010-04-01T20:03:53.194-05:00

Here's my version of the open letter to the Tea Party crowd. What Does It Take To Make You Mad?You didn’t get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.You didn’t get mad when Cheney allowed energy company officials to dictate energy policy.You didn’t get mad when he outed a covert CIA operative.You didn’t get mad when our government illegally invaded a country

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-19021967595894514712009-11-18T16:35:00.005-06:002009-11-18T17:19:06.469-06:00

I called in sick today. A virus and the rainy weather had given me an overwhelming need to sleep. I turned on CSPAN Senate coverage to watch for a few minutes. CSPAN is wonderful: it has no commercials. I quickly fell into a deep sleep and woke hours later, in the afternoon, to Sen. Bernie Sanders speaking passionately about the need to expand Medicare to everyone. I love that guy.I got up to let

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-9204669085893288312009-11-05T09:17:00.005-06:002009-11-05T09:47:42.621-06:00

Finally! Somebody has articulated the implications of The Secret and similar "positive thinking" philosophies.Barbara Ehrenreich: How positive thinking wrecked the economy.It's empowering to believe in one's self and one's Higher Power, but some have turned positive thinking into a simplistic dogma that has all the down sides of a cult, one that has broad appeal in our self-serving culture.It's

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-49936320180513085802009-09-15T17:04:00.004-05:002009-09-15T17:35:06.696-05:00

That's what Wendell Potter called the Baucus health care plan today in testimony before House Lawmakers.WTF?! What happened to the socialism? Has somebody been trying to lie to us about that?Video of the testimony is available in this Huffington Post article:Baucus Plan "An Absolute Gift to Health Insurance Industry"

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-32181638455405416292009-09-13T19:18:00.013-05:002009-09-15T11:57:07.944-05:00

An article from LA Progressive:Lobbyist Money + Right-Wing Extremists = Tea PartyYou Tube video:CNN Reporter Finds "Dark Undercurrent" in Tea Party MovementFrom The Reality-Based Community (includes photos of 9/12 protesters in DC):Unhinged

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-6770448836351283852009-09-12T19:47:00.016-05:002009-09-14T21:57:30.727-05:00

Today's "Tea Party" in Washington, DC, was sponsored in part by NARLO, The National Association of Rural Landowners. If you are a citizen of the US, you need to know about NARLO and their involvement in the Tea Party movement.This is from their home page:"THE SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION"Has just begun. Join it or buy a gun,because you are going to need it!Here is one of their videos: The Coming

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-7016952269251250932009-09-11T17:18:00.007-05:002009-09-11T18:57:16.998-05:00

Today the nation is revisiting and rehashing the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. I'm hearing again all the theories about what happened that day. So, once again, I provide my own story of 9/11.My husband and I were getting ready for work that morning, listening to local talk radio just before 8 a.m., when we heard that a plane had hit The World Trade Center. Speculation at the time was

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-63526656216764729062009-09-08T10:55:00.002-05:002009-09-08T10:58:17.444-05:00

Great blog, good humor: Margaret and Helen.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-47985381863362605752009-09-06T21:30:00.006-05:002010-07-22T17:21:02.859-05:00

As I said previously . . . like wolves with fresh kill. Now this from Phil Kerpen at FOXNews.com: it's "one of the most significant things I've ever had the honor of being involved in."How Van Jones Happened and What We Need to Do NextI've come across much uglier things about Van Jones, such as one person who was happy that he he'd been "lynched," but I'm not going to provide further links to

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-21861724206188687512009-09-06T18:09:00.007-05:002010-07-22T17:29:15.390-05:00

A little more than a year ago, I sat a few rows in front of Van Jones as he addressed the 2008 National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis. I could not have been more impressed. He was genuine, passionate, dedicated--a good man, a good citizen, doing work that no sane person would criticize. He was working to create green jobs, jobs that are good for the environment, good for the economy,

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-46020538541350440412009-08-11T19:43:00.010-05:002009-08-11T20:35:48.280-05:00

In my post of August 9, I expressed my outrage with the healthcare 'AstroTurfers,' calling them "some of the stupidest people on the planet." Last night I listened to Keith Olbermann's special comment on the topic. He is also outraged. But in this special comment, he expresses compassion for demonstrators who are truly frightened at the prospect of healthcare reform.Visit msnbc.com for Breaking

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-57167792924796583062009-08-09T18:57:00.008-05:002009-08-09T21:51:35.287-05:00

I just heard the Chairman of the GOP in Florida say that right-wing protesters at raucous town hall meetings don't want "Dr. Obama" making the decisions about their health care.Is that right? Do these fucking people think President Obama has nothing better to do but sit around and decide which fucking lab test or drug or medical treatment they should have?Apparently, they don't remember or don't

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-35402567284613887812009-08-04T21:54:00.005-05:002009-08-04T22:16:38.080-05:00

I accidentally came across a post from the Information Clearinghouse, dated in 2003, in which the author contends that fiscal collapse was the intended purpose of the Bush tax cuts.Fiscal Collapse in America: Privatization and Neo-FeudalismI dunno. Maybe. I can't vouch for the credibility of the Info Clearninghouse site; it certainly has a strong point of view. In any case, it's smart to keep an

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-58281013891885990852009-08-04T20:59:00.004-05:002009-09-14T22:03:15.660-05:00

. . . but not in the way they hope. I mean, crazy stuff is happening. Check this out:The Obama Birthplace Memorial ChallengeThese people are fooling somebody--a lot of somebodies--even some people I know. (If you're one of them, please read this from FactCheck.org.)WTF is going to happen with all these crazies who are disrupting town hall meetings on health care reform? One caller to a radio show

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-76068501694022787212009-07-26T21:05:00.007-05:002009-07-26T21:51:11.383-05:00

I'm weary of ranting and worrying about health (not) care reform (not), Confederate flags flying in my neighborhood (never seen that before), and powerful people who continue to drag us down paths of insanity.So, I give you corn--simple, beautiful, orderly.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-39451147146699093732009-07-19T21:54:00.010-05:002009-07-19T22:57:30.295-05:00

What a weekend: perfect temperatures, light breezes, and spectacular skies. I have never seen a mountain or a desert that moves my soul like the broad, beautiful horizons of the Midwestern United States.It was hard to spend any time inside. The beauty of the days brought back so many memories of times when I was young, fit, and full of adventure: sharing hot summer nights in a pup tent with my

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-52314788948501206632009-07-13T21:27:00.006-05:002009-07-13T22:17:33.891-05:00

I haven't been able to post for a very long time, but I cannot remain silent after watching Bill Moyer's Journal last night:In his first extended television interview since leaving the health insurance industry, Wendell Potter tells Bill Moyers why he left his successful career as the head of Public Relations for CIGNA, one of the nation's largest insurers, and decided to speak out against the

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-12402943043368534602009-04-22T21:37:00.008-05:002009-04-23T08:43:02.656-05:00

The lid is off the Pandora's Box of Bush torture secrets and the evils are coming to light, almost moment by moment, as we watch in disgust and horror.We learned this week that suspected Al Qaeda leaders Abu Zubaydah and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed were tortured 266 times. Mohammed was tortured on average more than six times per day during a one-month period. Next, we learned that the reason for this

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-63647844584894970322009-04-21T21:41:00.006-05:002009-04-21T22:42:24.710-05:00

Life has been a bit crazy lately and I'm way overdue for a post. This will be a short one, but I have a few things on my mind:I discovered a great song today: Hero In Me (You Tube video) by Jeffrey Gaines. Gaines is a serious, thoughtful artist, and these lyrics blow me away.Speaking of finding the hero inside, I wonder if Dick Cheney ever had any hero in him. What an ass that man is. It turned

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-47694375922016925002009-04-07T11:37:00.035-05:002009-04-07T15:32:18.307-05:00

Why does everything happen at once?ONE THINGMy husband was headed out to work a couple of days ago when he made a startling find. "Honey," he yelled, "You have got to see this!" He stepped from our utility room into a small room that attaches the house to the garage and found himself face to face with a creature perched above a cabinet.I knew it was a bird but, aside from that, I was at a loss.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-71070278958061375432009-03-29T12:51:00.005-05:002009-03-29T19:25:48.049-05:00

On Sundays, I love to watch Fareed Zakaria's interviews with world leaders and influential thinkers on his CNN program, GPS (Global Public Square). Today, he interviewed the President of Brazil, Ignacio Lula Da Silva, who has an 80% approval rating, the highest of any leader in the world.President Lula, as he is called, may be the ultimate populist leader. He knows a thing or two about life in

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-36691433814647766602009-03-28T18:24:00.005-05:002009-03-29T14:35:48.126-05:00

I have so many subjects I want to write about and so little time and energy to get them written, but this afternoon I'm putting it all aside to write about my experience in the moment. I'm watching CSPAN's Book TV. The program, which originally aired on 1/26/09, is called simply "Rick Steves." Mr. Steves is a travel writer who recently visited Iran because, he says, we should not bomb people we

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-6954711070308689322009-03-24T10:56:00.007-05:002009-03-24T15:48:27.926-05:00

Tim Geithner and Ben Bernanke are testifying before a House committee today regarding the AIG mess. Sadly, Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota) is on the committee. In her opening remarks, Bachmann claimed that the American people are wondering if their government is "jettisoning free-market capitalism in favor of centralized government economic planning." Who among you, my fellow Americans, sees any

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-81558709984157226372009-03-19T13:17:00.004-05:002009-03-19T19:16:24.699-05:00

THE HUBBY ET ALMy husband is home today working on an assignment for grad school and doing laundry so he can pack for a business trip. He needed help getting chocolate out of a pair of socks. Wouldn't it would be easier for a middle-aged man to get chocolate out of his socks than to get chocolate on them? How does that happen?His morning routine involves listening to local radio while getting

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-67721948277312782942009-03-12T13:35:00.004-05:002009-03-12T14:40:56.472-05:00

Astronauts and cosmonauts were forced to retreat to the Soyuz space capsule today as flying debris threatened their safety on the International Space Station. MSNBC reported that the Air Force tracks 13,400 space objects, and only six to seven percent are active satellites. That means at least 12,462 of those objects are space junk: scrap metal, old tools and equipment, dead satellites, etc.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-30457062408740191582009-03-04T15:10:00.004-06:002009-03-04T15:59:21.084-06:00

Senator Tom Coburn, a leading thorn-in-the-side to Senate dems, has proposed an amendment that would kill funding for the projects that were the subject of Sen. McCain's rant yesterday. Today's Senate session is devoted to debate on this amendment, and senators on both sides of the aisle are speaking on behalf of the so-called earmarks.Senator Harkin (D-Iowa) defended the $1.8 million

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-91641061283608743772009-03-03T11:26:00.004-06:002009-03-03T12:20:31.857-06:00

Two weeks since I last posted. . . ugh. Feeling much better today, but I've been so fatigued again. I guess that's how it's going to be--up and down.I just saw the Senate vote down Sen. McCain's amendment to retain the 2008 budget rather than pass Pres. Obama's 2009 proposed budget. Yesterday, Sen. McCain gave an angry rant on the Senate floor about some of the line items in the new budget. The

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-66596259821227667882009-02-16T10:23:00.004-06:002009-02-16T10:31:32.253-06:00

As usual, my apologies to those of you don't do video--I don't have a transcript. I'm sorry.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-54275889926596558902009-02-15T22:16:00.007-06:002009-02-16T10:10:09.067-06:00

I have a tip for my beloved fellow bloggers. Like I'm in a position to give blogging tips with my huge, worldwide following of . . . six? But, seriously, people: is there any way to shorten some of those posts?Is it just me? I don't read posts that require me to scroll, and scroll, and scroll through laborious amounts of text. After a few short paragraphs, I've got to move on.Just my two cents.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-77538609961568456792009-02-13T20:57:00.017-06:002009-02-14T12:02:25.447-06:00

A few months ago, I saw Kimberly Dozier on CBS Sunday Morning talking about the experience of surviving a devastating car bombing in Iraq. She claims she does not have PTSD because she talked and talked and talked. I hope she is right. But during her interview on Sunday Morning, she claimed that the only people who have problems after trauma are people who are too proud or too afraid to talk

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-88315786514302915882009-02-10T15:29:00.021-06:002009-02-17T14:55:59.523-06:00

My conservative Christian brother-in-law sent me an email this morning with the subject line "No Stimulus Petition." I didn't open it. I've decided to support this stimulus package, even though the Bushies squandered billions with the last one. The truth is, this stimulus contains a lot of spending that should have been done over many previous years--infrastructure projects, renewable energy,

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-77324294830817125782009-02-05T10:53:00.005-06:002009-02-15T22:02:19.093-06:00

Don't even get me started on the FDA . . . . I'm going to have to control myself or this post will get completely out of control. I turned on CSPAN this morning and discovered the Peanut Butter Recall hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee. The testimony about FDA and CDC failures in this case was so shocking that I wasn't sure I could stand to listen.According to William Hubbard,

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-66073817816473463712009-02-03T10:56:00.007-06:002010-11-29T14:27:02.993-06:00

Yesterday was Groundhog's Day, and I have no idea if the little guy saw his shadow. We had a better sign of Spring at our house.My husband and I were busy trying to revive an old TV in a back room when My Constant Companion (Samantha) went ballistic, barking and jumping, making a dreadful fuss. We stopped and stared at her, puzzled for a moment. Then I realized: this is Terror Alert Level Red. I

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-18280904158825484982009-01-29T17:26:00.010-06:002009-01-30T19:18:13.344-06:00

Governor Patrick Quinn is the new chief executive of Illinois. A few months ago, I'd never have imagined that Bush and Blagojevich would both be gone by the end of January.BLAGO FULL OF BULLFor six years, Blago held the State of Illinois hostage. Oh, yeah, he talks a good game. But he has bankrupted the state. He brags incessantly about the children's health insurance plan that he championed, but

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-66005011317714445242009-01-28T18:10:00.010-06:002009-02-04T22:32:25.277-06:00

This has been a hard winter, especially out in the country. We've had more ice this year and, like so many places, the powers that be are not salting or plowing as much. Still, I love living in a place with distinct seasons, each with its own beauty. This is the view today looking east from our house.The new snowfall gave me a reason to get out into the elements and get some much-needed exercise

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-23486659145937974242009-01-27T20:44:00.005-06:002009-01-27T21:15:11.812-06:00

Dear God! I turned on the tube last night and there was the President of the United States of America being interviewed on Al Arabiya, talking like one human being to other human beings, being all respectful and reasonable and stuff. Hot damn!I was already reeling from all the butt-kicking Executive Orders in only his first week!Then, the next thing I know, he leaves the White House today and

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-69699069897988528452009-01-27T17:04:00.005-06:002009-01-28T21:23:57.032-06:00

I rarely watch Oprah, but I took a chance on it today. The topic was teenage obesity. I hoped the show would offer something other than the same old tired anti-obesity tripe that we hear day in and day out: eat fewer calories, exercise, and control emotional eating. And if that doesn't work, maybe surgery is the way to go.Everyone with any interest in obesity should understand the following facts

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-31200905424071030892009-01-25T17:36:00.011-06:002009-01-26T10:59:13.316-06:00

This was supposed to be a post on healthcare reform. Boy, did I get side tracked when I started researching an expert whose opinions I planned to discuss. The expert is Ezekiel Emmanuel, the brother of the new White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emmanuel.There is plenty of interest here. First of all, the Emmanuel brothers--there are three of them--are each interesting in their own right:The oldest,

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-39104213526225269902009-01-20T20:52:00.009-06:002009-01-26T01:17:45.761-06:00

High Points:Sasha and Malia walking through the Capitol toward the inauguration. (My eyes got watery.)Barack Obama appearing on the jumbotron as he walked toward the ceremony, causing the masses on the Mall to erupt in a sea of excitement as they waved their hand-held flags high in the air. (Tears came rolling down my face.)When Barack Obama said, ". . . so help me God." (A few more tears.)Seeing

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-81631969536211824002009-01-19T17:04:00.002-06:002009-01-25T23:07:18.758-06:00

I can remember day after day, week after week, month after month wondering if this day would ever come, wondering how much more damage he would do before going.Only a few hours left. I'm nervous. I have to remember to breathe. Will we make it without incident? What will it feel like when he is finally and forever gone? It's still hard to believe he and his friends held this country hostage for

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-53889968487822468542009-01-17T23:14:00.006-06:002009-01-28T21:23:03.069-06:00

I've committed the unforgivable blogger sin: I stopped blogging. I didn't mean to do it. It just happened.Oh, there are plenty of reasons for it:I had so many thoughts and ideas spinning in my head that I couldn't sort them out. Things happen so fast. There was the election, the GOP meltdown, the economy, wars and terrorist attacks, a psycho-Elvis-wanna-be Governor, healthcare issues, the often

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-33584938759168156262008-12-04T12:27:00.003-06:002008-12-06T13:21:57.428-06:00

Yes, I'm a social science geek, and topics that I find fascinating bore most people. I was captivated by today's Senate hearings on the auto bailout. While the hearings might not be everyone's idea of must-see TV, the topic should be of interest to most Americans. These hearings aren't about complex Wall Street machinations that most of us don't understand. They are about everyday economics that

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-89223701250297962002008-11-08T16:07:00.011-06:002009-02-15T22:04:16.092-06:00

When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico at the beginning of the 16th century, they met and eventually subjugated the Maya, a people who were far more advanced in many ways than any civilization on Earth. Among the Maya's amazing accomplishments was a highly complex calendar system that accurately records events from the time of the Big Bang to the current day. That calendar comes to an abrupt end

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-22153483305317191782008-11-06T18:00:00.006-06:002009-01-28T21:24:44.738-06:00

Things are tough and getting tougher. Many people are living on the edge with no funds for unexpected expenses. Money for the necessary expenses--food, gas, utilities--doesn't go far enough, despite constant efforts to cut back and cut down. Decisions to seek medical care are weighed carefully, and all too often care is postponed or dismissed altogether as completely unaffordable. Each and every

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-42368952227984972772008-11-05T19:34:00.006-06:002008-11-05T19:53:25.054-06:00

It was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. Between the announcement on MSNBC and the acceptance speech, I sat alone outside in the dark where thousands of stars were watching the monumental shift on this planet. Something was right in the Universe.Several months ago, I wrote an unpublished piece called Puttin’ Out The Trash—And It’s About Damn Time on our national dialog about race. It included

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-17024215298998572012008-10-22T11:11:00.015-05:002008-10-22T13:28:58.887-05:00

Today, a woman from Code Pink was removed from the Mortgage Bankers Association annual convention after she attempted to handcuff guest speaker Karl Rove for the crime of treason. (Video from IReport.) An anchor woman for a major cable news network called the woman's actions "crazy." IMHO, it's far from crazy; it may be the sanest thing I've heard on the news lately.Speaking of Karl Rove and his

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-46002603242102260762008-10-18T21:30:00.004-05:002008-10-18T22:56:08.786-05:00

I couldn't wait to see Oliver Stone's new movie, W. Reviews from friends and media personalities promised a hilarious movie, like an SNL skit, yet moving in a way that leaves the viewer almost feeling sorry for George Bush.So, I saw the movie today. At the well-attended afternoon showing, about a fourth of the audience laughed out loud at W's naive, blundering behavior and at the foolishness of

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-82344565930266617922008-10-05T12:43:00.010-05:002008-10-05T20:00:07.821-05:00

I decided yesterday that I was done with Sarah Palin. One final post, and that's that. Unless, of course, she wins the election (and I do mean she). Yesterday, when she slandered Obama in the worst possible way--short of playing on rabid racism--I reached fed up. She claimed that Obama consorts with terrorists. The "terrorist" in question is University of Illinois professor William Ayers. The

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-37853234208674189942008-10-04T14:42:00.003-05:002008-10-04T15:06:32.379-05:00

For some informative stories on the economic crisis, check out these NPR and Planet Money broadcasts. I found this broadcast especially helpful: Was The Bailout Bill A Good Idea?

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-48625744307707916302008-10-03T21:33:00.005-05:002008-10-03T22:33:30.346-05:00

I erred in a post of a few days ago when I assumed that Gov. Palin was mistaken in referring to herself as a "Federalist." It turns out that George Bush and the Neocons have re-invented the notion of federalism in American culture. They proudly own it now, using the term in its pre-Constitutional sense, meaning a loose confederation of independent states. Take the word out of the context of U.S.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-28264055298117357502008-10-03T16:22:00.006-05:002008-10-03T21:04:02.573-05:00

Some folks are gushing over the sincerity and warmth of Gov. Palin as she shook Sen. Biden's hand before Thursday night's debate and asked if she might call him "Joe." It seemed odd to me, especially since she proceeded to address him as "Sen. Biden" during the debate. Did she ever use the name "Joe"? Yes, she did--only when she used the well-rehearsed zingers, "There you go again, Joe, looking

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-36159475534401907762008-10-01T22:40:00.002-05:002008-10-06T20:52:11.813-05:00

FYI: See how your Representative voted on HR 3997, "The Bailout Bill." Don't be confused by the strange description of the bill; it seems the bailout was tacked onto an older bill having to do with the IRS tax code.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-41795843004996221702008-10-01T18:14:00.012-05:002008-10-03T22:35:14.133-05:00

In today's Katie Couric interview, Sarah Palin explained that she believes in state's rights when it comes to Roe v. Wade and that she is, hence, "in that sense a Federalist." What the *&^*?! Could this woman even pass a high school Constitution exam?From Wikipedia:Advocates of a weaker federal government and stronger state government . . . generally favor confederation, often related to

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-17337473437121106742008-10-01T15:31:00.012-05:002008-11-06T23:19:05.590-06:00

Wondering what the straight story is on Iran? Want a more solid grasp on the debate about "preconditions"? CSPAN broadcast a forum held today by National Interest Magazine in which former UN weapons inspector David Kay discussed US relations with Iran in practical, realistic terms. Although SourceWatch cites his Republican connections, he seems to avoid ideology and partisan nonsense in his

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-80663360199887577752008-10-01T13:55:00.004-05:002008-10-01T15:05:18.341-05:00

In a stump speech today, former President Bill Clinton gave a plain-English explanation for his support of the bailout bill. He also addressed key policy differences between Obama and McCain. The speech reminded me why, despite all the crap that took place during his administration, Bill Clinton was a good President.I apologize to those of you who are unable to play video; I have not found a text

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-9912058661985799402008-09-24T09:48:00.011-05:002008-11-06T22:25:32.714-06:00

When the second plane hit the second tower, I was angry--and stunned with the realization that we were in big trouble. I was angry at Bin Laden, but those who were paying attention knew he hated us and was hell bent on carrying out another strike within the US, and very likely on the World Trade Center. An attempted strike was to be expected. So, I was even more furious with those whose job it is

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-2902213478851824132008-09-13T21:21:00.005-05:002008-09-13T23:08:34.079-05:00

I live in a small city in corn country. The city itself is home to a large university and has a diverse population that is generally well educated. Step just beyond the university community, however, and you find a dominant culture of Ditto Heads, Walmart shoppers, and white-bread working folks. These are the locals--farmers, laborers, clerical workers, nurses, technicians--who support the key

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-70233108381877514302008-09-13T19:05:00.008-05:002008-09-13T19:50:04.710-05:00

Law Librarian Blog: American War Criminals Conference Streamed Live This WeekendThe Raw Story: Andover law school convenes Bush War Crimes ConferenceVincent Bugliosi on the Prosecution of George W. Bush (43 minutes):Free video streaming by Ustream

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-89100116906344617032008-09-12T11:30:00.007-05:002009-01-28T21:27:34.127-06:00

Journals published by Nature hold a vast wealth of information on the latest research in the physical sciences, particularly biology and medicine. The online site for Nature also has free informative videos. Today, I discovered yet another interesting tidbit on the topic of obesity. I already know that appetite is governed by hormones. I've just begun to learn about the central role of gut

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-68313523021569097302008-08-29T11:32:00.002-05:002008-10-06T20:52:11.814-05:00

OMG! I just heard John McCain explain his reasons for picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, and this is not the same McCain we all knew yesterday. Today, he is pro-union, pro-woman, anti-establishment, and against the "failed policies of the past." Not only that, he wants to fight against those who are "privileged," who want to protect their own interests over the interests of every-day

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-72935625195929714792008-08-26T10:09:00.015-05:002008-08-26T11:46:08.743-05:00

LOVE THAT WOMAN!No, it wasn't a great speech, but it was a great moment in history, owned by a woman who exemplifies everything that is great about this country and the human spirit. She is truly a role model. I got choked up when I saw Michelle Obama's mother in the audience. How proud she must be of her beautiful, wise, and accomplished daughter.I've seen and heard some of the unconscionable

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-79523907166514093882008-08-22T11:12:00.014-05:002009-01-28T21:24:44.739-06:00

Earlier today, I came across a heated online discussion about healthcare. The conversation revolved around the usual hot topics in the health care debate: (1) access to care and (2) the costs/benefits of "socialized" v. private medicine. While the public and the media are arguing and obsessing over these important questions, a third and critical issue is ignored entirely. So, I had to jump into

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-79305388666007089822008-07-06T13:53:00.003-05:002008-07-06T14:17:15.470-05:00

I've decided to start issuing tickets to people who are Living While Intoxicated (LIW). The first goes to Mr. Bush, who is, of course, completely intoxicated with his silver-spoon life, tap dancing across the world's stage as if it were his very own.Let me be clear: Living While Intoxicated is neither an excuse nor a defense for reckless and wanton disregard for the planet or its inhabitants. If

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-46324059864146722342008-07-05T20:08:00.007-05:002008-07-05T21:01:21.170-05:00

Blogging is good. Conversations are good; good for people, good for democracy. This is the free press that democracy requires.The Republican Ranter replied to my post of yesterday and owned up to being a bit pudgy. He also made it clear that he is against the Iraq war and volunteered for Sen. Chuck Hagel (a strong and outspoken Republican opponent of Bush policy) prior to Hagel's retirement.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-90026300182116677022008-07-04T18:42:00.016-05:002008-11-06T22:47:03.887-06:00

The author of Republican Ranting prominently displays the following on his site:**Disclaimer**This blog is highly politically incorrect (i.e.: you're fat, not "big boned"). If you don't like Republicans, you probably don't want to read this blog - so beware. Now, you can't sue me for mental damages and give 99% of your $3 million settlement to your greedy lawyer (i.e.: Geoffrey Fieger) - leaving

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-15389687154844039252008-06-02T13:00:00.007-05:002008-09-30T11:57:51.526-05:00

Many years ago, I was amply and adequately baptized for life: three times by immersion, one each for the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Yet today, I was baptized once again.The service was perfect. The choir made my favorite music from lofty branches of lush old trees bordering the sanctuary. Leaves rustling in the wind and the sound of water pooling up from beneath the ground made peaceful

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-81021741429948095982008-05-25T17:15:00.013-05:002008-07-04T20:31:45.775-05:00

Earlier today, former congressman and disaffected conservative Republican, Bob Barr, won the Libertarian Party nomination for President in 2008. A large percentage--perhaps as many as a half--of the delegates at the Libertarian convention opposed Barr's nomination, viewing him as nothing more than a Neocon wolf who is co-opted the party for his own self-interest. Some have vowed to leave the

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-73486510440448178362008-05-21T14:18:00.003-05:002008-05-21T14:48:25.288-05:00

The last two months have been hard. Amid personal medical and insurance battles, my mother's increasing dementia, ugly politics locally and nationally, and growing frustration with our corrupt corporate culture, I found myself in an intolerable state of mind. I decided a good novel was the best prescription, and I found just the cure: The Secret of Lost Things by Sheridan Hay.Whew! I needed

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-85888713676016358502008-04-16T14:10:00.003-05:002008-04-16T14:21:12.320-05:00

Well, I gave up on her when I heard her outlandish testimony about 9/11. She said no one (meaning her) could possibly have known that the 9/11 attacks were coming. It pained her to testify that the intelligence bulletin she received (and ignored) in August 2001 was titled, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US." As the saying goes, if her lips are moving, she's lying.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-12413081912355810632008-04-10T13:20:00.004-05:002008-04-10T13:47:12.312-05:00

Independent Lens: Water Flowing TogetherThis is the biography of Jock Soto, a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet for 24 years. Born on a Navajo reservation in Arizona, he embodies art, dedication, and self-actualization. His story is utterly unique. His story also demonstrates what can happen when parents embrace their child's dream.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-78271492816317563092008-04-08T18:06:00.005-05:002008-04-09T13:20:35.621-05:00

Americans: why aren't you taking to the streets? Whereas Iraqi officials estimated $35 billion in oil revenue last fall, Bowen said the final number is likely to be closer to $60 billion. Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and John Warner, R-Va., have called for an investigation into Iraq's handling of the money. While Iraq pays for fuel for its own troops, it relies heavily on U.S. dollars to

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-2002285513535923202008-03-29T21:54:00.002-05:002008-03-29T21:58:40.391-05:00

Recommended reading: A Real Dialogue on Race by Courtney Martin in The American Prospect.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-13461408047154072252008-03-25T17:49:00.003-05:002008-03-27T13:00:13.165-05:00

Here is a great web site to help citizens be informed and engaged with what Congress is doing: OpenCongress It is sponsored in part by the Sunlight Foundation.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-2446259625766796562008-03-24T22:23:00.008-05:002008-03-25T17:56:00.478-05:00

"Postmodernism is a change-or-be-changed world. The word is out: Reinvent yourself for the 21st century or die! Some would rather die than change." -Leonard Sweet, cultural historian.Leonard Sweet is a futurist and leader in a movement called "The Emerging Church." This is not your mother's church. This heady stuff will give your brain a real workout, so dive in, if you dare. The following

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-62602758505078020552008-03-24T16:32:00.010-05:002008-03-27T13:04:34.303-05:00

I came across a very popular blog called The Axis of Stevil, by a talented guy named Steve, who also owns The Stevil Empire (so clever--so profoundly appropo). He calls himself a "neocon" but doesn't fit into a neat stereotypical box. That, at least, makes him an interesting person.Steve doesn't like Obama, doesn't want change, and called me a "whack job." He says, "You see, under the current

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-55362154896967543562008-03-22T21:44:00.006-05:002008-03-23T15:47:46.154-05:00

Get your news from an independent source rather than from the corporations who feed you pablum. Democracy depends on you knowing about something other than the latest escapdes of Britney Spears. Do you need to hear every salacious detail in the lives of sexually wayward politicians--or do you need to know how our politicians are running the country, spending our money, and creating our laws?

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-54622145588799648772008-03-22T00:23:00.017-05:002008-03-23T16:21:30.248-05:00

Stupidity, ignorance, and resistance to change present one kind of social problem, but blatant racial hatred is a completely different matter. The willingness of so many of us to put our ignorant foot in our mouth seems to have emboldened those who only want to flaunt their hatred. There is no room in our public discourse for those who wish to promote division and racial hatred. No matter how

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-19201128093353594822008-03-20T23:35:00.023-05:002008-03-23T21:45:55.041-05:00

Political, social, economic, and religious structures are shifting like the movement of the great tectonic plates. We have a chance right now to make great strides for our country and our world.The deep and devastating legacy of American racism has risen from a life-sucking undercurrent to a churning surface storm. If we are willing as a people to get in the boat together and ride this storm, we

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-19599478570794269912008-03-20T13:36:00.009-05:002008-03-23T16:25:18.495-05:00

There is so much happening in our world. A million critical things seem to be vying for our attention. Yesterday, toward the end of the day, I noticed that Osama Bin Laden added his voice to the chaos. My immediate reaction was, "We don't have time for your crap right now." That guy is a royal pain in the ass.Osama Bin Laden, George W. Bush, and my dog, Samantha, all share one dominating

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-34666692153910332622008-03-19T06:27:00.021-05:002008-03-22T06:27:27.979-05:00

I'm weary of hearing people argue about Barak Obama's skin color. This morning, I found myself yelling at the TV, "What is wrong with all you pinheads? Why is everyone so obsessed?" Then I realized.IT’S 2008AND A BLACK MAN COULD BE PRESIDENTEvery radio and TV broadcasts the incessant voices ofPeople of every color and political persuasionSaying stunningly inane and ignorant thingsAbout the color

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-14561649759128623702008-03-19T05:05:00.020-05:002009-01-29T21:43:34.962-06:00

This post is for everyone--but especially for the devoted daughter of the woman who shares my mother's nursing home room. Your disapproval has been duly noted. Your mother is a lovely person. I bet she was a lovely mother. You have been blessed--more than you know. Thank your mother. Thank her every day you wake up with a normal, healthy brain.Never abuse a child.Be careful how you judge.You

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-2430078777401877642008-03-16T18:13:00.009-05:002009-01-28T21:27:34.130-06:00

Bless her heart, she means well; but sometimes she speaks about things she doesn't understand. Once I saw her interview a famous actress who went through a terrible depression and battled thoughts of taking her life. Oprah said she can't imagine having such thoughts.The other day, I saw a video clip of Oprah with Eckert Tolle as they responded to a question on depression. Oprah said, "If you're

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-11885953388729133182008-02-28T12:07:00.007-06:002009-01-28T21:23:03.075-06:00

Dr. McEwen is a researcher at Rockefeller University who has researched and written extensively about the impact of stress and trauma on the brain. Of special interest to me is his explanation of what happens to the developing brain when subjected to repeated neglect and abuse. He gets it....and he's trying to educate others. Bless you, Dr. McEwen.Brain researchers have gained substantial ground

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-54021521470357108052008-02-28T11:22:00.007-06:002008-03-17T00:17:16.013-05:00

The other day, following a debate between Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama, a commentator was saying that we don't "know anything" about Barak Obama. He said Obama could be the next JFK, or the next Jimmy Carter, or "he could be the anti-Christ" as far as we know. That is, of course, ridiculous. We know that he cannot possibly be the anti-Christ. That position was filled in the election of 2000.

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-41475168198745002672007-01-08T08:18:00.005-06:002008-03-16T19:50:17.666-05:00

A few weeks ago, I recorded a program that captured my curiosity: Frontline: The Dark Side. I finally watched it this morning. It's the best documentary I've seen on how 9/11 led to the War in Iraq. It confirms most of what I've believed about the politics behind the scene. The program places the Iraq war squarely on Cheney-Rumsfeld, with support from their old chum, Paul Wolfowicz, all

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-27188361573875013602007-01-07T16:53:00.005-06:002010-11-29T14:46:05.816-06:00

Wow, it's been over a month since I've posted. November and December were extremely busy, making and trying to sell jewelry, attending Holiday events, and getting ready for both Christmas and our wedding anniversary. Christmas was wonderfully quiet and peaceful, but afterwards I caught a nasty bug and have been out of commission since then. Now, it's back to life, with Spanish class starting on

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-46439220812348823602006-12-05T08:45:00.006-06:002010-11-29T14:56:27.632-06:00

I currently spend most week days with my beads, my dogs, and my computer. If I'm not home, I'm probably visiting with friends, showing my beadwork, going to medical appointments, or just drinking tea at Panera (well..., ok, maybe eating a bagel, too). To some of you, that may sound idyllic (except for the medical appointments). Two years ago, I would have said I'd give "anything" for that life,

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-85673083110193380252006-11-30T08:33:00.003-06:002008-03-19T03:51:03.684-05:00

Let's get serious: Even J. Edgar Hoover could not have pulled off such a monumental hoax.I'm hearing more and more references in mainstream media about the notion that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were planned and executed by the Bush Administration. Even Lynn Samuels (Sirius TalkLeft) mentioned the other day that she isn't sure there really were any hijackers. C-Span's Book-TV aired "9/11 and

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337458.post-81559524547771059782006-11-24T08:37:00.000-06:002006-12-24T20:51:58.252-06:00

My husband and I decided to do something we'd never done before: join all the crazy people shopping before the sun came up on this so-called Black Friday. I figured it would be a good adventure. We were interested in a low-end laptop and router equipment at Best Buy. Not being morning people, we struggled to arrive by 6 AM, an hour later than we'd hoped. Cars were parked e v e r y w h e r e --

1-Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08051688517450519851noreply@blogger.com0