The lives of 4,000 U.S. soldiers and 1,033,000 innocent Iraqi civilians have been wasted on Little Boots’ deceitful and failed war, not to mention the 5-6 million Iraqi’s internally and externally displaced.
$13,000,000,000,000 that could have satisfied immense humanitarian and social needs have been squandered on the reckless Iraq military fiasco.
What will Clinton or Obama REALLY do when elected?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
In Honor of St. Paddy's Day
The Leprachaun
by Robert Dwyer Joyce (1830-83)
In a shady nook one moonlit night,
A leprachaun I spied
In scarlet coat and cap of green,
A cruiskeen by his side.
'Twas tick, tack, tick, his hammer went,
Upon a weeny shoe,
And I laughed to think of a purse of gold,
But the fairy was laughing too.
With tip-toe step and beating heart,
Quite softly I drew night.
There was mischief in his merry face,
A twinkle in his eye;
He hammered and sang with tiny voice,
And sipped the mountain dew;
Oh! I laughed to think he was caught at last,
But the fairy was laughing, too.
As quick as thought I grasped the elf,
"Your fairy purse," I cried,
"My purse?" said he, "'tis in her hand,
That lady by your side."
I turned to look, the elf was off,
And what was I to do?
Oh! I laughed to think what a fool I'd been,
And, the fairy was laughing too.
by Robert Dwyer Joyce (1830-83)
In a shady nook one moonlit night,
A leprachaun I spied
In scarlet coat and cap of green,
A cruiskeen by his side.
'Twas tick, tack, tick, his hammer went,
Upon a weeny shoe,
And I laughed to think of a purse of gold,
But the fairy was laughing too.
With tip-toe step and beating heart,
Quite softly I drew night.
There was mischief in his merry face,
A twinkle in his eye;
He hammered and sang with tiny voice,
And sipped the mountain dew;
Oh! I laughed to think he was caught at last,
But the fairy was laughing, too.
As quick as thought I grasped the elf,
"Your fairy purse," I cried,
"My purse?" said he, "'tis in her hand,
That lady by your side."
I turned to look, the elf was off,
And what was I to do?
Oh! I laughed to think what a fool I'd been,
And, the fairy was laughing too.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
My Life (right now) as a Methaphor
"Screensaver mode" which doesn't actually save energy, or at least significantly. It is just designed to protect your monitor from getting an image burned into it permanently.
I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy "Hallmark" Holiday!
A quick story why I kinda, sorta dread Valentine's Day:
A few years ago, my husband was badgered by his female co-workers into getting me a Valentine's gift. None of these women could believe that I didn't want anything for Valentine's Day. He asked me one day if there was anything I wanted. "No, nothing," I said. He replied heatedly "You never want ANYTHING!" To which I replied "Oh, I'm sorry, perhaps you should find a wife who gets angry and pouts if you don't buy her diamonds, rubies, emeralds, or pearls. Poor you, you have a wife who doesn't think that love is measured by how much you spent on a Hallmark Holiday."
The female badgering at work won out however, and he presented me with a small diamond & ruby heart on a gold chain. It is beautiful (and thankfully not showy or flashy as I'm definitely not that kind of person) and I've worn it every Valentine's Day since but always with a stinging reminder of the brief argument.
This year we are going to the ballet to see Swan Lake and then out for dinner on Sunday, the 17th. Time spent together is better than any bouquet of roses or piece of jewelry. Whatever you do today, tell the people dearest to you that you love them.
A few years ago, my husband was badgered by his female co-workers into getting me a Valentine's gift. None of these women could believe that I didn't want anything for Valentine's Day. He asked me one day if there was anything I wanted. "No, nothing," I said. He replied heatedly "You never want ANYTHING!" To which I replied "Oh, I'm sorry, perhaps you should find a wife who gets angry and pouts if you don't buy her diamonds, rubies, emeralds, or pearls. Poor you, you have a wife who doesn't think that love is measured by how much you spent on a Hallmark Holiday."
The female badgering at work won out however, and he presented me with a small diamond & ruby heart on a gold chain. It is beautiful (and thankfully not showy or flashy as I'm definitely not that kind of person) and I've worn it every Valentine's Day since but always with a stinging reminder of the brief argument.
This year we are going to the ballet to see Swan Lake and then out for dinner on Sunday, the 17th. Time spent together is better than any bouquet of roses or piece of jewelry. Whatever you do today, tell the people dearest to you that you love them.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
About that "Stimulus" Nonsense
Article from the Wall Street Journal and a reader's comment:
The logical extension of the stimulus nonsense described in the article reminded me of the aphorism spoken in Eastblock Czechoslovakia:
"Everyone has a job.
Everyone has a job, but nothing is produced.
Nothing is produced, but quotas are met.
Quotas are met, but nothing is available in stores.
Nothing is available in stores, but everyone has a job."
Couldn't have said it better myself!
The logical extension of the stimulus nonsense described in the article reminded me of the aphorism spoken in Eastblock Czechoslovakia:
"Everyone has a job.
Everyone has a job, but nothing is produced.
Nothing is produced, but quotas are met.
Quotas are met, but nothing is available in stores.
Nothing is available in stores, but everyone has a job."
Couldn't have said it better myself!
Why it’s called “Berzerkeley”
On January 30, 2008, as a result of organized anti-war demonstrations, the Berkeley, California, City Council voted to rid the city of the Marine’s recruiting office. They even went as far as drafting a letter calling them “uninvited and unwelcome intruders” in the city.
“By taking a stand against recruitment we are protecting the health and safety of our youth,” said Phoebe Sorgen, a member of the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission. “I see the protest as taking a proud and courageous stand.”
OF COURSE THE TOTAL IRONY IN THIS FASCIST STATEMENT is that without the military Ms. Sorgen, and "The People’s Republic of Berkeley" would not have the freedom of speech that is allowing them to be making such embarrassing asses of themselves!
Berkeley has always been known for its hyperbolic silliness but the sixties have long past, guys, and this schtick is really getting old.
“By taking a stand against recruitment we are protecting the health and safety of our youth,” said Phoebe Sorgen, a member of the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission. “I see the protest as taking a proud and courageous stand.”
OF COURSE THE TOTAL IRONY IN THIS FASCIST STATEMENT is that without the military Ms. Sorgen, and "The People’s Republic of Berkeley" would not have the freedom of speech that is allowing them to be making such embarrassing asses of themselves!
Berkeley has always been known for its hyperbolic silliness but the sixties have long past, guys, and this schtick is really getting old.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The Hillary - Obama Dilemma
The problem with Obama is that I am not allowed to dislike him simply because I don't agree with him. If I say I don't like him, I'm called a racist. Even sadder is that if he loses it will be because he's black, not because he's boring, anti-Semitic, uninformed and inexperienced.
Hillary doesn't have the same advantage. Over the years people have gotten so used to finding her so dislikeable that it's pretty hard to attribute those negative feelings to her sex, but rather to her personality.
In a nutshell: Obama’s melanin does not make him a better choice any more than Clinton’s hormones.
Hillary doesn't have the same advantage. Over the years people have gotten so used to finding her so dislikeable that it's pretty hard to attribute those negative feelings to her sex, but rather to her personality.
In a nutshell: Obama’s melanin does not make him a better choice any more than Clinton’s hormones.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
My Mother Passed Away 1/3/08
My Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. She was only 76 but she was tired and her body had worn out. I've spent the last couple weeks taking care of all the paperwork, i.e., notifying social security, Medicare, her pensions, her insurance, etc. All has gone fairly smoothly but is very time-consuming.
My family and I decided to have her cremated and will scatter her ashes here in the Monterey Bay when the weather gets better. Last Friday we had a beautiful Memorial Mass for her and it was comforting to have my entire family around me. I could even feel my late brother's presence and am convinced he and Mom are drinking margaritas every afternoon now that they are together again. I know she's in a much better place and that her suffering is over. I take comfort in knowing she was relatively happy and in no physical pain at the end of her life, just as she wished.
Still, it feels strange to have no living parents, I feel like an orphan.
My family and I decided to have her cremated and will scatter her ashes here in the Monterey Bay when the weather gets better. Last Friday we had a beautiful Memorial Mass for her and it was comforting to have my entire family around me. I could even feel my late brother's presence and am convinced he and Mom are drinking margaritas every afternoon now that they are together again. I know she's in a much better place and that her suffering is over. I take comfort in knowing she was relatively happy and in no physical pain at the end of her life, just as she wished.
Still, it feels strange to have no living parents, I feel like an orphan.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Best Quote of 2007
"the right wine in the right amount with the right food and right folks is about as right as i ever care to get."
(stolen with the permission of the author, thanks bob!)
(stolen with the permission of the author, thanks bob!)
New Laws for California in 2008
To name just a few…
#1: The Mel Gibson law. It’s now a misdemeanor for a peace officer or law enforcement employee to leak confidential information for financial gain.
This is silly. When was the last time a cop earned a thousand dollars for passing on a photo? Besides, Paris Hilton needed the publicity...
#2: It is now an infraction punishable by a $100 fine to smoke with a child under 18 in the car - whether the vehicle is in motion or not. Note: Traffic officers would not be able to stop a driver for the smoking violation alone but could tack it on to another infraction such as speeding.
OK, call this “Nanny Government” but it’s about time we start protecting kids from smokers.
#3: July 1st, it will be illegal for any driver to use a handheld phone except during emergencies. It will also be illegal for a driver under the age of 18 to use a wireless phone - even if it's hands-free - as well as other mobile devices like PDAs, laptops and pagers.
Ever seen someone text-messaging while driving 85 mph on the highway? My sister does it in Las Vegas (sorry Pudd!)
#4: Increase in the minimum wage: $8.00 per hour ties us with Massachusetts.
If you live here, you know why this is important
#5: New rebates will be available for homeowners and businesses that install solar water heaters.
I’m going to take advantage of this one this year
#6: The state's presidential primary has been moved to earlier in the campaign season.
Got my primary election voting material in the mail this past Saturday – can’t wait for February 5th!
#7: Sperm washing: this allows women to have healthy babies with partners who are HIV-positive.
… who may not live to see the child grow into adulthood?????????????????????????????
And my personal favorite…
#8: We now have a law that prohibits a person from being forced to have a radio frequency identification device implanted in his/her body.
OK for library books and pets, but not for humans, ROFLMAO!
#1: The Mel Gibson law. It’s now a misdemeanor for a peace officer or law enforcement employee to leak confidential information for financial gain.
This is silly. When was the last time a cop earned a thousand dollars for passing on a photo? Besides, Paris Hilton needed the publicity...
#2: It is now an infraction punishable by a $100 fine to smoke with a child under 18 in the car - whether the vehicle is in motion or not. Note: Traffic officers would not be able to stop a driver for the smoking violation alone but could tack it on to another infraction such as speeding.
OK, call this “Nanny Government” but it’s about time we start protecting kids from smokers.
#3: July 1st, it will be illegal for any driver to use a handheld phone except during emergencies. It will also be illegal for a driver under the age of 18 to use a wireless phone - even if it's hands-free - as well as other mobile devices like PDAs, laptops and pagers.
Ever seen someone text-messaging while driving 85 mph on the highway? My sister does it in Las Vegas (sorry Pudd!)
#4: Increase in the minimum wage: $8.00 per hour ties us with Massachusetts.
If you live here, you know why this is important
#5: New rebates will be available for homeowners and businesses that install solar water heaters.
I’m going to take advantage of this one this year
#6: The state's presidential primary has been moved to earlier in the campaign season.
Got my primary election voting material in the mail this past Saturday – can’t wait for February 5th!
#7: Sperm washing: this allows women to have healthy babies with partners who are HIV-positive.
… who may not live to see the child grow into adulthood?????????????????????????????
And my personal favorite…
#8: We now have a law that prohibits a person from being forced to have a radio frequency identification device implanted in his/her body.
OK for library books and pets, but not for humans, ROFLMAO!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Blasphemous Teddy Bear
What is it about Islam that it inspires such hatred and violence?
The people calling for the death of Gillian Gibbons because she "insulted Islam" are the same people who for the past 5 years have been complicit in the murder of more than 300,000 of their Muslim countrymen because of the color of their skin.
The problem with organized religions is that, whether it be Islam, Catholicism, orthodox Judaism or right wing Christian fundamentalism, it is far too easy for extremists to use a selective interpretation of their religion in order to justify their political beliefs.
I do wonder what has happened to the Teddy though. Forty lashes maybe? A stoning? No wonder so many Muslims want to live in the West.
The people calling for the death of Gillian Gibbons because she "insulted Islam" are the same people who for the past 5 years have been complicit in the murder of more than 300,000 of their Muslim countrymen because of the color of their skin.
The problem with organized religions is that, whether it be Islam, Catholicism, orthodox Judaism or right wing Christian fundamentalism, it is far too easy for extremists to use a selective interpretation of their religion in order to justify their political beliefs.
I do wonder what has happened to the Teddy though. Forty lashes maybe? A stoning? No wonder so many Muslims want to live in the West.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The War on Christmas
Lou Dobbs has it right, my blogger friend also.
America is losing her culture bit by bit to political correctness. We no longer require immigrants to learn the language, we have to be understanding and caring of their culture, a culture that was so good they left it to come here. Americans are told they cannot have public displays of their religion, or pray in public schools (unless your religion is a politically correct religion such as Islam). I'm not offended if someone wishes me Happy Chanukah or Happy Kwanza, so why should anyone be offended if I say Merry Christmas?
Don't tell me that I can't celebrate Christmas.
Don't tell me that I can't say Merry Christmas.
Don't tell me that a Christmas tree is a "family" tree.
Don't tell me that December 25 is no longer Christmas Day because the United States Code, section 5-6103, states that December 25 is a legal holiday and that legal holiday is called Christmas.
Christmas is a wonderful holiday, it wishes peace on earth and good will towards all, what other holiday makes that wish? If you don't want to celebrate Christmas, don't. But don't tell those of us that do, that we can't.
We are losing the freedom of speech to political correctness, and we are losing the freedom of religion to political correctness.
America is losing her culture bit by bit to political correctness. We no longer require immigrants to learn the language, we have to be understanding and caring of their culture, a culture that was so good they left it to come here. Americans are told they cannot have public displays of their religion, or pray in public schools (unless your religion is a politically correct religion such as Islam). I'm not offended if someone wishes me Happy Chanukah or Happy Kwanza, so why should anyone be offended if I say Merry Christmas?
Don't tell me that I can't celebrate Christmas.
Don't tell me that I can't say Merry Christmas.
Don't tell me that a Christmas tree is a "family" tree.
Don't tell me that December 25 is no longer Christmas Day because the United States Code, section 5-6103, states that December 25 is a legal holiday and that legal holiday is called Christmas.
Christmas is a wonderful holiday, it wishes peace on earth and good will towards all, what other holiday makes that wish? If you don't want to celebrate Christmas, don't. But don't tell those of us that do, that we can't.
We are losing the freedom of speech to political correctness, and we are losing the freedom of religion to political correctness.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Funny Thing Happened at Mass
My brother would have been proud:
In the Catholic Church, after Communion and all the "housekeeping rituals" are complete (washing the chalices and eating the remaining Hosts), the Priest stands and lifts his arms and (kinda) chants "Let Us Praaaay." Well, my brother always muttered "ooootay" (in a kinda chant) under his breath in response. On the day of his burial, the three front rows of pews on both sides of the aisle was all family, so when the Priest said "Let Us Praaaay" we all quietly chanted "ooootay" in unison. The whole congregation seated behind us paused for a split second and then broke up laughing. Even the Priest had to stop and share why we had done that and was laughing himself. I could almost see my brother give us all a "thumbs up" and flash that shit-eating grin of his.
In the Catholic Church, after Communion and all the "housekeeping rituals" are complete (washing the chalices and eating the remaining Hosts), the Priest stands and lifts his arms and (kinda) chants "Let Us Praaaay." Well, my brother always muttered "ooootay" (in a kinda chant) under his breath in response. On the day of his burial, the three front rows of pews on both sides of the aisle was all family, so when the Priest said "Let Us Praaaay" we all quietly chanted "ooootay" in unison. The whole congregation seated behind us paused for a split second and then broke up laughing. Even the Priest had to stop and share why we had done that and was laughing himself. I could almost see my brother give us all a "thumbs up" and flash that shit-eating grin of his.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
My Brother Ed Passed Away 11/1/07
RIP dearest and best big brother in the known Universe. What am I going to do without you?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Some Halloween Safety Tips
1) Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke.
2) Do not search the basement or attic when the power is out.
3) As a general rule, do not solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.
4) When it appears you have killed the monster, never check to see if it's really dead. It isn't.
5) Do not take anything from the dead. No matter how much you like it, it's bound to disagree with you sooner or later.
6) If you find a town that looks deserted, there's probably a good reason for it. Don't stop to look around.
7) Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you know exactly what you're doing.
8) Never stand in, on, or above a grave, tomb, or crypt. This rule also applies to any other house of the dead.
9) If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice--more if you're female.
10) Beware of strangers bearing strange tools like chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawn mowers, butane torches, soldering irons, and ice picks.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
2) Do not search the basement or attic when the power is out.
3) As a general rule, do not solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.
4) When it appears you have killed the monster, never check to see if it's really dead. It isn't.
5) Do not take anything from the dead. No matter how much you like it, it's bound to disagree with you sooner or later.
6) If you find a town that looks deserted, there's probably a good reason for it. Don't stop to look around.
7) Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you know exactly what you're doing.
8) Never stand in, on, or above a grave, tomb, or crypt. This rule also applies to any other house of the dead.
9) If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice--more if you're female.
10) Beware of strangers bearing strange tools like chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawn mowers, butane torches, soldering irons, and ice picks.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
5.6 Earthquake in California, 8:04pm
When I got to work this morning, the elevators were shut down and we were escorted to our offices by Security. Pictures and books were on the floor, a flower vase I had was smashed beyond repair, and this being an 8-story library, you can IMAGINE what the book stacks looked like. We all helped re-shelve them throughout the day.
They say we've had about 30 aftershocks, with the epicenter being about 9 miles from downtown San Jose, on the Calaveras Fault. I actually live about 60 miles away, on the San Andreas Fault, and felt it fairly strongly at home last night. The Loma Prieta quake (on the San Andeas Fault) in 1989 was 6.9 but this one felt just as strong. No major damage has been reported so far. Lots of stuff tumbling off shelves, etc.
The scariest thing was that for about 10 minutes afterwards, we had no land or cell phone service. The funniest thing was watching (in disbelief) my husband trying to hold up our 100 gallon fish aquarium (which was in no danger of collapsing). I asked him who he thought would win, him or 800 pounds of water? OK, so that's a no brainer!
When you live in Callifornia, you gots to live with earthquakes. Thankfully, all is well.
They say we've had about 30 aftershocks, with the epicenter being about 9 miles from downtown San Jose, on the Calaveras Fault. I actually live about 60 miles away, on the San Andreas Fault, and felt it fairly strongly at home last night. The Loma Prieta quake (on the San Andeas Fault) in 1989 was 6.9 but this one felt just as strong. No major damage has been reported so far. Lots of stuff tumbling off shelves, etc.
The scariest thing was that for about 10 minutes afterwards, we had no land or cell phone service. The funniest thing was watching (in disbelief) my husband trying to hold up our 100 gallon fish aquarium (which was in no danger of collapsing). I asked him who he thought would win, him or 800 pounds of water? OK, so that's a no brainer!
When you live in Callifornia, you gots to live with earthquakes. Thankfully, all is well.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
California Fires
Since they began Sunday, the fires have burned at least 373,000 acres, or 583 square miles — an area larger than New York City. Fully a quarter of the California coast is ablaze. More than half a million people have been ordered to evacuate across California. 20,000 weary evacuees are huddled inside Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers football team right now. There are at least 17 separate fires, spanning a region from north of Los Angeles to south of the Mexican border. Some of the fires are so vast that they can be seen from space and the smoke so thick that weather radars mistake it for rain clouds. Can you imagine?
Side note: our illustrious leader, Little Boots, said in a news conference today that not only were prayers being offered for those affected, but that we will “send the help of the of the federal government as well.” Now that's a real comfort...Wonder if those words sound vaguely familiar to the victims of a hurricane named Katrina?
I'm about 330 miles north of where the fires are but my thoughts and prayers are with my neighbors to the south.
Side note: our illustrious leader, Little Boots, said in a news conference today that not only were prayers being offered for those affected, but that we will “send the help of the of the federal government as well.” Now that's a real comfort...Wonder if those words sound vaguely familiar to the victims of a hurricane named Katrina?
I'm about 330 miles north of where the fires are but my thoughts and prayers are with my neighbors to the south.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
My brother Ed
My oldest brother, Ed, is 62 years old and losing his battle with inoperable liver cancer (first appearing in his stomach).
It was early September 2006 when he was first diagnosed. I blogged about it last year. Chemotherapy was a real roller coaster ride and has had no lasting effect. He’s had the best Doctors, even some from Stanford University Medical Center. This past Tuesday, he was told he had “a couple weeks.” He probably will not make it to Thanksgiving, maybe not even to Halloween.
The jaundice has returned. He is losing bowel and bladder control and has difficulty swallowing (he has to wears Depends and hates it). He cannot walk or stand alone. He has refused Hospice and does not want to die at home. Morphine is his best friend.
I am going to visit him this weekend. I’m baking his favorite cookies: chocolate chip with toasted pecans. I cannot stand to think that this may be our last time together. I cannot imagine my world without him in it. 62 years, 30 years, 99 years, it all goes too fast! It’s not fair. It’s just not fair!!!
It was early September 2006 when he was first diagnosed. I blogged about it last year. Chemotherapy was a real roller coaster ride and has had no lasting effect. He’s had the best Doctors, even some from Stanford University Medical Center. This past Tuesday, he was told he had “a couple weeks.” He probably will not make it to Thanksgiving, maybe not even to Halloween.
The jaundice has returned. He is losing bowel and bladder control and has difficulty swallowing (he has to wears Depends and hates it). He cannot walk or stand alone. He has refused Hospice and does not want to die at home. Morphine is his best friend.
I am going to visit him this weekend. I’m baking his favorite cookies: chocolate chip with toasted pecans. I cannot stand to think that this may be our last time together. I cannot imagine my world without him in it. 62 years, 30 years, 99 years, it all goes too fast! It’s not fair. It’s just not fair!!!
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