1. Lose 5 pounds. DON’T resolve to lose 100, just lose 5 pounds at a time. It’s relatively quick and achievable.
2. One family day each month. Plan a day with your family that’s just for fun. Go to a museum, have a picnic, play touch football at a nearby park, visit your cousins. This requires only a small amount of planning and results in a lot of fun and great memories.
3. Sign up for a class. This is another short-term goal that’s easily achieved. Sign up for a sewing class to tap your inner crafter. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn about interior design, so look at offerings at local community schools and adult ed courses. Many local groups offer one-day classes on topics as diverse as Tuscan cooking or make your own soap. Enlist a friend for even more fun.
4 .Lose one dress size. Dropping from a 14 to a 12 is much more realistic than going from a 14 to a 4! Once you fit into a 12, you can start to work down to a 10. Baby steps guarantee success.
5. Eat vegetarian one day a week. This is an easy eco-friendly change that helps your waistline, your wallet, and the planet. All it takes is a dish like pasta primavera or veggie pizza for dinner.
6. Track your spending for one month. Wonder where the money is going? Write down all your expenses for 30 days to get an eye-opening view of what your budget really is. Then you can make simple adjustments to help save more money and spend it on what you really want, like a fabulous vacation! Speaking of which…
7. Plan a vacation. We all work so hard and don’t take the time to unplug and relax! Plan at least one vacation a year and, if you can, throw in one or two long weekends, too. It doesn’t have to be expensive; a tent pitched in the woods is dirt-cheap and can be a blast with the right travel companions.
8. Lose the fabric softener. Fabric softener, especially most dryer sheets, are loaded with chemicals, which you then wear against your body 24/7. Buy some dryer balls which make your clothes just as soft as before but without that chemical smell. You’ll save money and the effort needed to meet your resolution is practically nil!
9. Read a book a month. This one is especially for the Moms who miss their reading habit. Buy a book (or check one out from the library), and after the little ones go to bed, take some you time to work through the chapters. It might not be like those “lost weekends” of the past when you’d get lost in a book, but it can still be entertaining and you’ll get a little piece of your “old self” back.
via Lisa Johnson / twitter
http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/author/admin/
Thursday, December 31, 2009
oh Michigan oh Michigan...
Jeff Foxworthy on my homestate:
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Michigan .
If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Pellston is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Michigan .
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Michigan .
If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Michigan .
If someone in a store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you might live in Michigan .
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his
forehead, you might live in Michigan .
If you have worn shorts and a coat at the same time, you might live in Michigan .
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Michigan .
If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Michigan .
You know you're a true MICHIGANIAN/MICHIGANDER when:
1. "Vacation" means going up north on I-75.
2. You measure distance in hours.
3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.
4. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
5. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.
6. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings).
7. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
8. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them.
9. You design your kid's Halloween costumeto fit over a snowsuit.
10.Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
11.You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.
12.You can identify a southern or eastern accent.
13.Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.
14.You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.
15.Down South to you means Ohio ..
16.A brat is something you eat.
17.Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole barn.
18.You go out to fish fry every Friday.
19.Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.
20.You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.
21.You find 0 degrees "a little chilly".
22.You drink pop and bake with soda.
23.Your doctor tells you to drink Vernors and you know it's not medicine.
24.You can actually drink Vernors without coughing.
25.You know what a Yooper is.
26.You think owning a Honda is Un-American.
27.You know that UP is a place, not a direction.
28.You know it's possible to live in a thumb.
29.You understand that when visiting Detroit , the best thing to wear is a Kevlar vest.
30.You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Michigan friends
via Eileen
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Michigan .
If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Pellston is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Michigan .
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Michigan .
If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Michigan .
If someone in a store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you might live in Michigan .
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his
forehead, you might live in Michigan .
If you have worn shorts and a coat at the same time, you might live in Michigan .
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Michigan .
If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Michigan .
You know you're a true MICHIGANIAN/MICHIGANDER when:
1. "Vacation" means going up north on I-75.
2. You measure distance in hours.
3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.
4. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
5. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.
6. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings).
7. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
8. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them.
9. You design your kid's Halloween costumeto fit over a snowsuit.
10.Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
11.You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.
12.You can identify a southern or eastern accent.
13.Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.
14.You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.
15.Down South to you means Ohio ..
16.A brat is something you eat.
17.Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole barn.
18.You go out to fish fry every Friday.
19.Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.
20.You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.
21.You find 0 degrees "a little chilly".
22.You drink pop and bake with soda.
23.Your doctor tells you to drink Vernors and you know it's not medicine.
24.You can actually drink Vernors without coughing.
25.You know what a Yooper is.
26.You think owning a Honda is Un-American.
27.You know that UP is a place, not a direction.
28.You know it's possible to live in a thumb.
29.You understand that when visiting Detroit , the best thing to wear is a Kevlar vest.
30.You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Michigan friends
via Eileen
Monday, December 28, 2009
I'm just sayin' - when HIS OWN FATHER (an ex-government official and prominent citizen) calls up and says his son has developed EXTREME VIEWS and might be in YEMEN, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION! WTF??
This is an excerpt from the NY Times article:
... A law enforcement official said it was not unusual that a one-time comment from a relative would not place a person on the far smaller no-fly list, which has only 4,000 names, or the so-called selectee list of 14,000 names of people who are subjected to more thorough searches at checkpoints.
The point of the Tide database, the official said, is to make sure even the most minor suspicious details are recorded so that they can be connected to new data in the future.
“The information goes in there, and it’s available to all the agencies,” the official said. “The point is to marry up data from different sources over time that may indicate an individual might be a terrorist.”(www.nytimes.com)
This was a bit more than one random comment by A relative, and though privacy is important, shouldn't a one way overseas ticket with no baggage just by sheer oddity raise at least one red flag? Obviously their Tide database is not as interactive as it should be and is not to be counted on as an important working part of 'the system'. The 'system' didn't work, but rather, the system was dependent on diligent passengers acting above what should be assumed behavior - thankfully! Perhaps too, we might have been fortunate that due to such in-climate weather, many flights were cancelled. We'll likely never know.
This is an excerpt from the NY Times article:
... A law enforcement official said it was not unusual that a one-time comment from a relative would not place a person on the far smaller no-fly list, which has only 4,000 names, or the so-called selectee list of 14,000 names of people who are subjected to more thorough searches at checkpoints.
The point of the Tide database, the official said, is to make sure even the most minor suspicious details are recorded so that they can be connected to new data in the future.
“The information goes in there, and it’s available to all the agencies,” the official said. “The point is to marry up data from different sources over time that may indicate an individual might be a terrorist.”(www.nytimes.com)
This was a bit more than one random comment by A relative, and though privacy is important, shouldn't a one way overseas ticket with no baggage just by sheer oddity raise at least one red flag? Obviously their Tide database is not as interactive as it should be and is not to be counted on as an important working part of 'the system'. The 'system' didn't work, but rather, the system was dependent on diligent passengers acting above what should be assumed behavior - thankfully! Perhaps too, we might have been fortunate that due to such in-climate weather, many flights were cancelled. We'll likely never know.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Our bravest.
When doing your Christmas Cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
If you approve, please pass it on.
(courtesy of Diane)
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
If you approve, please pass it on.
(courtesy of Diane)
Friday, November 27, 2009
The sound of freedom...
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning airshow? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr
courtesy of Jim (the anti FB) and Diane. Thank you for the little reminder of how to keep things in perspective. As a former 20yr resident of Hampton Roads Virginia, the sound of jets was common. While sometimes it made it hard to hear, I was never far away from the known that the sound of our Air Force and Navy fliers, IS the sound of freedom.
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning airshow? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr
courtesy of Jim (the anti FB) and Diane. Thank you for the little reminder of how to keep things in perspective. As a former 20yr resident of Hampton Roads Virginia, the sound of jets was common. While sometimes it made it hard to hear, I was never far away from the known that the sound of our Air Force and Navy fliers, IS the sound of freedom.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Dear God,
On this Thanksgiving day, just a few things I want to acknowledge.
* Thanks God, for placing me in this most awesome family. It's a perfect fit (as you know) and I love them all, even the weird ones. Give Dan a hug for me, I miss him.
* And especially thank you God, for my children. They make my heart swell with love and pride every time I think of them. Ok, some times they can be a pain in the..; well you know, but they're the best kids in the world, even at their worst.
* Thank you God, for giving me the capacity to believe in you. As you know, there have been times in my life, where my faith was shaken, but then you go and do something totally awesome, and I love you for that.
* And God, I know it's your world and you control the seas I sail, but thanks for letting me steer the ship.
* Thanks God, for placing me in this most awesome family. It's a perfect fit (as you know) and I love them all, even the weird ones. Give Dan a hug for me, I miss him.
* And especially thank you God, for my children. They make my heart swell with love and pride every time I think of them. Ok, some times they can be a pain in the..; well you know, but they're the best kids in the world, even at their worst.
* Thank you God, for giving me the capacity to believe in you. As you know, there have been times in my life, where my faith was shaken, but then you go and do something totally awesome, and I love you for that.
* And God, I know it's your world and you control the seas I sail, but thanks for letting me steer the ship.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
microwave cake in a mug!
Subject: Most Dangerous Cake Recipe.
THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT!
(courtesy of Diane)
THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT!
(courtesy of Diane)
Monday, October 26, 2009
bye bye 40's
It's the last day of my forties. All in all, it's been a pretty good decade. I've seen a lot of cool places, met some pretty awesome folks, survived some pretty crazy stuff, and changed my entire life.
Top 5: Of course, Darryll. Seeing my kids make it to adulthood successfully. Getting my degree from Va Wesleyan. Staying close to my family.
On the low side: the car crash (wow, that was bad!). the ruptured disc (that was really bad too). moving too many times (moving sucks). my weight STILL a little too much. That nagging feeling that I'm not getting enough done.
I can't help feeling a little sad today. It's kind of like I've lost an old friend. Oprah said your 40's are better than your 30's, and she's right. She also said your 50's are better than your 40's, so I'm going with that. Given that physically I'm feeling pretty good, I have no reason to doubt it. Maybe my head will feel better in a week or so (sigh).
Top 5: Of course, Darryll. Seeing my kids make it to adulthood successfully. Getting my degree from Va Wesleyan. Staying close to my family.
On the low side: the car crash (wow, that was bad!). the ruptured disc (that was really bad too). moving too many times (moving sucks). my weight STILL a little too much. That nagging feeling that I'm not getting enough done.
I can't help feeling a little sad today. It's kind of like I've lost an old friend. Oprah said your 40's are better than your 30's, and she's right. She also said your 50's are better than your 40's, so I'm going with that. Given that physically I'm feeling pretty good, I have no reason to doubt it. Maybe my head will feel better in a week or so (sigh).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
healthy AND yummy!
Chicken and sweet potato chowder:
large potato & large sweet potato - chopped
can of low sodium chicken broth
corn
chicken (cooked and cutup) or turkey
1 1/2 c milk
pepper to taste
parsley
cook potatoes in chicken broth about 12 minutes, until tender. Do not drain - mash/mix potato mixture until nearly smooth.
Add meat, milk, corn, pepper. Simmer another 12 to 15 minutes. sprinkle servings with parsley. You can also add a sliced piece of corn on the cob for presentation purposes.
EXCELLENT AND EASY!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
I'm sorry God
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events.... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
courtesy of an email from my brother Jim, and yes, I passed it on to everyone except the ones he already sent it to.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events.... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
courtesy of an email from my brother Jim, and yes, I passed it on to everyone except the ones he already sent it to.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Rules of the Universe
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don't worry about what people think; they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
6. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
(This is very important. Pay attention! It never fails.)
7. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
8. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
9. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
10. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
11. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
12. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it. Embrace your differences. Love each other.
13. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
14. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
15. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
16. Opportunities always look bigger after they have passed.
17. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
18. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
19. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
20. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
21. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
22. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
23. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.
24. There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.'
25. People who want to share either their religious or political views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
26. You should not confuse your career with your life.
27. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
28. Never lick a steak knife.
29. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
30. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
31. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can
see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
32. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background,
is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
33. Your friends love you anyway.
34. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the ARK. A large group of professionals
built the Titanic.
35. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
via Diane
2. Don't worry about what people think; they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
6. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
(This is very important. Pay attention! It never fails.)
7. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
8. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
9. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
10. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
11. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
12. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it. Embrace your differences. Love each other.
13. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
14. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
15. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
16. Opportunities always look bigger after they have passed.
17. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
18. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
19. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
20. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
21. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
22. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
23. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.
24. There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.'
25. People who want to share either their religious or political views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
26. You should not confuse your career with your life.
27. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
28. Never lick a steak knife.
29. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
30. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
31. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can
see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
32. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background,
is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
33. Your friends love you anyway.
34. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the ARK. A large group of professionals
built the Titanic.
35. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
via Diane
Monday, August 24, 2009
VERY
INTERESTING STUFF
In the
1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed
to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule
of thumb'
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Many years ago in
Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen
Only...Ladies Forbidden'.. .and thus, the word GOLF entered
into the English language.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The first couple to
be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma
Flintstone.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Every day more money
is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.
Treasury.
------------
-- ------------ --------- --------
Men can read smaller
print than women can; women can hear better.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Coca-Cola was
originally green.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
It is impossible to lick
your elbow.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The State with the
highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The percentage of
Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get
this...)
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The percentage of
North America that is wilderness: 38%
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The cost of raising
a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The average number
of people airborne over the U.S. in any given
hour:
61,000
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Intelligent people
have more zinc and copper in their hair..
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The first novel ever
written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
------------
-- ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- -
The San Francisco
Cable cars are the only mobile National
Monuments.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Each king in a deck
of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander,
the Great
Diamonds - Julius
Caesar
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
111,111,111 x
111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
If a statue in the
park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air,
the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in
the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died
of natural causes
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Only two people
signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock
and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but
the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Half of all
Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Most boat owners
name their boats. What is the most popular boat name
requested?
A.
Obsession
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q.. If you were to
spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you
would find the letter 'A'?
A. One
thousand
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. What do
bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser
printers have in common?
A. All were invented
by women.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. What is the only
food that doesn't spoil?
A.
Honey
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Which day are
there more collect calls than any other day of the
year?
A. Father's
Day
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
---
In Shakespeare's
time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened,
making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the
phrase...'Goodnight , sleep tight'
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
It was the accepted
practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the
wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with
all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because
their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the
honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
In English pubs, ale
is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when
customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them
'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase
'mind your P's and Q's'
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Many years ago in
England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or
handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill ,
they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle'
is the phrase inspired by this practice.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
At least 75% of
people who read this will try to lick their
elbow!
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
-
Don't delete this
just because it looks weird.
Believe it or not, you can read it
I cdnuolt blveiee
taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at
Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the
ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the
first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This
is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...
1. You accidentally
enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't
played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list
of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of
three.
4. You e-mail the
person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for
not staying in touch with friends and family is that they
don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in
your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is
home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial
on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house
without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first
20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic
and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in
the morning and go on line before getting your
coffee
11. You start
tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading
this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you
know exactly to whom you are going to forward this
message..
14. You are too busy
to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually
scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this
list
INTERESTING STUFF
In the
1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed
to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule
of thumb'
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Many years ago in
Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen
Only...Ladies Forbidden'.. .and thus, the word GOLF entered
into the English language.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The first couple to
be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma
Flintstone.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Every day more money
is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.
Treasury.
------------
-- ------------ --------- --------
Men can read smaller
print than women can; women can hear better.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
Coca-Cola was
originally green.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
It is impossible to lick
your elbow.
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The State with the
highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The percentage of
Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get
this...)
------------
--------- --------- --------- ----
The percentage of
North America that is wilderness: 38%
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The cost of raising
a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The average number
of people airborne over the U.S. in any given
hour:
61,000
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Intelligent people
have more zinc and copper in their hair..
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
The first novel ever
written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
------------
-- ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- -
The San Francisco
Cable cars are the only mobile National
Monuments.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Each king in a deck
of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander,
the Great
Diamonds - Julius
Caesar
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
111,111,111 x
111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
If a statue in the
park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air,
the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in
the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died
of natural causes
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Only two people
signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock
and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but
the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Half of all
Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Most boat owners
name their boats. What is the most popular boat name
requested?
A.
Obsession
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q.. If you were to
spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you
would find the letter 'A'?
A. One
thousand
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. What do
bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser
printers have in common?
A. All were invented
by women.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. What is the only
food that doesn't spoil?
A.
Honey
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Q. Which day are
there more collect calls than any other day of the
year?
A. Father's
Day
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
---
In Shakespeare's
time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened,
making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the
phrase...'Goodnight , sleep tight'
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
It was the accepted
practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the
wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with
all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because
their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the
honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
In English pubs, ale
is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when
customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them
'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase
'mind your P's and Q's'
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
Many years ago in
England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or
handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill ,
they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle'
is the phrase inspired by this practice.
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
At least 75% of
people who read this will try to lick their
elbow!
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
-
Don't delete this
just because it looks weird.
Believe it or not, you can read it
I cdnuolt blveiee
taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at
Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the
ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the
first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This
is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
------------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...
1. You accidentally
enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't
played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list
of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of
three.
4. You e-mail the
person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for
not staying in touch with friends and family is that they
don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in
your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is
home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial
on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house
without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first
20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic
and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in
the morning and go on line before getting your
coffee
11. You start
tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading
this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you
know exactly to whom you are going to forward this
message..
14. You are too busy
to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually
scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this
list
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Just a couple of things...
Michael Vick got a job. Good! While what he did is deplorable, he served his time in prison and was suspended from his job for 2 years. And honestly, I think if he were just an everyday guy (or white), he probably wouldn't have gone to prison, or at least for not as long. I really don't like the idea of using someone's life to 'make your statement'. At any rate, he did everything (and more) that he was asked to do. He happens to be a professional football player and for the NFL to disallow him the opportunity to work his unreasonable. He should've been eligible to play the day he stepped out of prison. Whether a team wishes to hire him or not, should be their decision based on the dynamics of their organization. Felons are released from prison every day and no one says, "yes, we know you're an accountant, but we're going to not allow you to work in that field for 6 more months".
On health care reform. Why do I think the insurance companies are behind all the opposition. Probably getting assistance from the pharmaceuticals. Just sayin.. it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for this much opposition without any proposed solutions. Are you part of the problem or part of the solution (to quote somebody). As a person who spent most of my life not going to Doctors because I couldn't really afford the co-pays, prescriptions, time away from work, etc., I completely agree that reform is long overdue. IT IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE that so many of our citizens can't afford BASIC healthcare. I have affordable healthcare now (as long as I don't get seriously ill), and my children are grown, so I don't feel like I'm taking money away from the table, or clothing/shoes for the kids, but I know exactly how that feels, and United States citizens should not have to choose between food or an office call with a prescription. Just sayn..
I love to watch Tiger play!
Thank ya Jesus.. it's almost football season!(baseball bores me to tears)(..and yes I know that's nearly unAmerican) There, I said it.
Wish I didn't feel so bummed out. I really don't have a good reason to, I've been blessed.
On health care reform. Why do I think the insurance companies are behind all the opposition. Probably getting assistance from the pharmaceuticals. Just sayin.. it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for this much opposition without any proposed solutions. Are you part of the problem or part of the solution (to quote somebody). As a person who spent most of my life not going to Doctors because I couldn't really afford the co-pays, prescriptions, time away from work, etc., I completely agree that reform is long overdue. IT IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE that so many of our citizens can't afford BASIC healthcare. I have affordable healthcare now (as long as I don't get seriously ill), and my children are grown, so I don't feel like I'm taking money away from the table, or clothing/shoes for the kids, but I know exactly how that feels, and United States citizens should not have to choose between food or an office call with a prescription. Just sayn..
I love to watch Tiger play!
Thank ya Jesus.. it's almost football season!(baseball bores me to tears)(..and yes I know that's nearly unAmerican) There, I said it.
Wish I didn't feel so bummed out. I really don't have a good reason to, I've been blessed.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Terrell Owens
I've been watching the TO show (dvr'd it), and I'm very impressed with it. I don't know what I thought it was going to be as a reality show, but it, so far, has seemed quite real. It portrays the man in a new light from what we have grown accustomed to and is quite touching. He seems humbled and appreciative. Sometimes knowing the history gives incredible insight to the subject.
Airs on VH1
Recommended!
Airs on VH1
Recommended!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
I'm either terribly boring or too too busy.
Probably A. I have been remiss about blogging. I don't think I have anything THAT interesting to say and have done NOTHING significant toward reaching most of my goals. D and I have been doing a lot together and shared some very good times, and maybe, you just have to take some time and live your life every now and then.
So I still have a job and the bills are paid, yeah!! We went to Myrtle Beach this summer and will try to get back there again in August, if we can get a room, and we're planning a trip to So. FL in September. I'm hoping to go to Europe in the spring (let me know if you can recommend a travel agent).
The dog is still a goofy bully and I REALLY want to have lost 25 pounds by my birthday in October. That's about it. I might not be boring to me, because I've really enjoyed the summer, but probably boring to those who might read this.
TTFN
So I still have a job and the bills are paid, yeah!! We went to Myrtle Beach this summer and will try to get back there again in August, if we can get a room, and we're planning a trip to So. FL in September. I'm hoping to go to Europe in the spring (let me know if you can recommend a travel agent).
The dog is still a goofy bully and I REALLY want to have lost 25 pounds by my birthday in October. That's about it. I might not be boring to me, because I've really enjoyed the summer, but probably boring to those who might read this.
TTFN
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Choices
1. Predictability or spontaneity?
2. Known and safe or Unknown and exciting?
3. Dependent partner or Independent without a net
4. Lonely or Alone
5. Unfulfilled or Searching
How do you decide and what do you choose?
2. Known and safe or Unknown and exciting?
3. Dependent partner or Independent without a net
4. Lonely or Alone
5. Unfulfilled or Searching
How do you decide and what do you choose?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wall mural from work
The students and I have been painting a wall mural at work. We had great fun. It's nice to be able to work with the students on something that is relaxing and so creative. I really enjoyed it!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
mission statement
The organization will strive to provide children, from birth to adulthood, with an all inclusive learning and wellness experience. Surroundings will allow the child to explore in a nurturing safe manner, trust and know truth. Resources, services, and programs will provide direct discernible benefit to child development and growth.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Chris TheScholar Rodgers posted an announcement to the cause Prevent BITCHASSNESS.
----------------
In 2007, the FBI noted that Detroit had the sixth highest number of violent crimes among the twenty-five largest cities. Recently, the crime rate has dropped; however, the types of crimes are changed drastically. I cannot say with true certainty it this can attributed to the having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, which would falsely categorized most unemployed in the wrong light. John Foster Dulles once said, “Of all the tasks of government, the most basic is to protect its citizens from violence.” But the types of crimes that are committed recently have to arouse concern even in those who are rarely rattled or surprised by anyone.
This week, two teenagers attacked and beat up and 85 year old woman in the parking lot of a store to steal her purse. They gave her a black eye. The elderly are being victimized even in their own homes. Postal workers are being robbed at gunpoint. Utility employees are being accosted while performing their jobs. Individuals are robbing banks, within and outside the city limits. Months ago, students used assault rifles to kill other students near Henry Ford High School. Even in Beverly Hills subdivision, police are looking for a man driving around trying to pick up little boys on their way to school. Now, we gotta worry about our boys getting snatched by strangers too? WTF!!!??? And just last week, a college student was fatally shot while attending class by an admirer. This is the reality of the moral decay in which we live. BITCHASSNESS is one thing, but this takes things to another level. To be honest, these heinous crimes make light of any type of text message scandal or city council blunders.
I speak directly to those of you who are parents, aunts, uncles, older brothers and sisters. Isn’t it time for our children, little brothers and sisters to be able to enjoy the same type of social activities that we did in our youth? Shouldn’t they be able to go outside and play or even walk to the store with fear of being a victim of a violent crime? Many people say, “Damn I wonder what going to happen with my social security?” At the rate that our children are killing each other off, need you ask?
Initially, I hated watching the news because it all seemed to depressing. But now I watch it everyday, sometime twice to make sure that I stay abreast of the madness and the pitfalls.
This is not just a note, but a plea to cause. The cause related to stepping up like our parents did and ensure that these get to school safe; a plea to encourage you to stopping looking the other way when you witness something to harmful and fatal to your neighbor. My neighbor called me last week and said, “Hey Chris, I thought I saw someone on your porch. He knocked for a while and left. Were you expecting someone?” That’s what I’m talking about! We gotta look out for one another. Shit, if they break in my house, they can get in ours next door too. If they rob me in my drive way, they can get you too…Hell, you may be next. This is a plea to take some initiative and correct the actions of our children when you see inappropriate behavior or at least say something to the parent(s). I refuse to believe that any parent tells they’re child “Hey good morning, go cuss out a couple of adults, ya know, say “Fuck you a couple of times…shoot somebody if you can, rob somebody else for some snack money and have yo ass at home when I get off work. I love you, baby. And don’t forget to take the trash out.” Parents hope that when they send their children out that they are a true reflection of their home and carry themselves appropriately. We owe it to each other to correct their poor behavior and communicate it to each other. If we don’t support each other, where will we be in twenty years? I fear the answer. A scholar once said, “It takes all kinds of people to make the human race. And everyone fits in their own way.” I ask you, “Where do you fit in…” Preventing BITCHASSNESS was just the first step in correcting ourselves and our communities. Let’s take the next step.
----------------
View Announcement - Invite Friends
Thanks,
The Causes Team
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/207032/53367520?m=6d54c0aa
----------------
In 2007, the FBI noted that Detroit had the sixth highest number of violent crimes among the twenty-five largest cities. Recently, the crime rate has dropped; however, the types of crimes are changed drastically. I cannot say with true certainty it this can attributed to the having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, which would falsely categorized most unemployed in the wrong light. John Foster Dulles once said, “Of all the tasks of government, the most basic is to protect its citizens from violence.” But the types of crimes that are committed recently have to arouse concern even in those who are rarely rattled or surprised by anyone.
This week, two teenagers attacked and beat up and 85 year old woman in the parking lot of a store to steal her purse. They gave her a black eye. The elderly are being victimized even in their own homes. Postal workers are being robbed at gunpoint. Utility employees are being accosted while performing their jobs. Individuals are robbing banks, within and outside the city limits. Months ago, students used assault rifles to kill other students near Henry Ford High School. Even in Beverly Hills subdivision, police are looking for a man driving around trying to pick up little boys on their way to school. Now, we gotta worry about our boys getting snatched by strangers too? WTF!!!??? And just last week, a college student was fatally shot while attending class by an admirer. This is the reality of the moral decay in which we live. BITCHASSNESS is one thing, but this takes things to another level. To be honest, these heinous crimes make light of any type of text message scandal or city council blunders.
I speak directly to those of you who are parents, aunts, uncles, older brothers and sisters. Isn’t it time for our children, little brothers and sisters to be able to enjoy the same type of social activities that we did in our youth? Shouldn’t they be able to go outside and play or even walk to the store with fear of being a victim of a violent crime? Many people say, “Damn I wonder what going to happen with my social security?” At the rate that our children are killing each other off, need you ask?
Initially, I hated watching the news because it all seemed to depressing. But now I watch it everyday, sometime twice to make sure that I stay abreast of the madness and the pitfalls.
This is not just a note, but a plea to cause. The cause related to stepping up like our parents did and ensure that these get to school safe; a plea to encourage you to stopping looking the other way when you witness something to harmful and fatal to your neighbor. My neighbor called me last week and said, “Hey Chris, I thought I saw someone on your porch. He knocked for a while and left. Were you expecting someone?” That’s what I’m talking about! We gotta look out for one another. Shit, if they break in my house, they can get in ours next door too. If they rob me in my drive way, they can get you too…Hell, you may be next. This is a plea to take some initiative and correct the actions of our children when you see inappropriate behavior or at least say something to the parent(s). I refuse to believe that any parent tells they’re child “Hey good morning, go cuss out a couple of adults, ya know, say “Fuck you a couple of times…shoot somebody if you can, rob somebody else for some snack money and have yo ass at home when I get off work. I love you, baby. And don’t forget to take the trash out.” Parents hope that when they send their children out that they are a true reflection of their home and carry themselves appropriately. We owe it to each other to correct their poor behavior and communicate it to each other. If we don’t support each other, where will we be in twenty years? I fear the answer. A scholar once said, “It takes all kinds of people to make the human race. And everyone fits in their own way.” I ask you, “Where do you fit in…” Preventing BITCHASSNESS was just the first step in correcting ourselves and our communities. Let’s take the next step.
----------------
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ed Freeman
Ed Freeman
You're an 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He's coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman,died last August 21, 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID ......May God rest his soul.....
I bet you didn't hear about this hero's
passing, but we sure were told a whole
bunch about some Hip-Hop Coward
beating the crap out of his "girlfriend
Medal of Honor Winner
Ed Freeman!
Shame on the American Media
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
March for the babies
Please join me in supporting March of Dimes March for Babies
From: Heather Breeden (peddyva@marchforbabies.org)
Dear Carol,
I am very excited to be a part of March for Babies, please support my participation by making a donation.
Why March for Babies? Because the March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will help:
- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children
Won't you please help me in this worthy cause? Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.
My personal web page address for donations is ...
http://www.marchforbabies.org/HBreeden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_dFD0J47I
From: Heather Breeden (peddyva@marchforbabies.org)
Dear Carol,
I am very excited to be a part of March for Babies, please support my participation by making a donation.
Why March for Babies? Because the March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will help:
- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children
Won't you please help me in this worthy cause? Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.
My personal web page address for donations is ...
http://www.marchforbabies.org/HBreeden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_dFD0J47I
Saturday, April 11, 2009
33%
Here we are roughly a third of the way through 2009. I'll be 50 in October.. yes, 50 (wow!). So, for me that's 1/2 to my goal.. yes, I'm planning on 3 digits (hence, my quest to stay healthy and take care of my body). Time is FLYING by!
Work is a drag with all the budget cuts and questions about whether the program will be cut or not. More importantly, what will happen to the population we serve if the carpet is yanked from under them. On the flip side, it has made me realize how important it is to get the ball rollin' on my vision of an all encompassing education program for children. Still working on the mission statement because I realize that with that right, all else will fall into place.
I'm so glad the weather is warming. I just don't function well in the cold / winter. I hate hate hate being cold. I also hate saying hate.
The recent tragic events all over the news makes it hard to keep my mind right. Hearing about these kids being abducted and killed, the murderous rampages here in NC, in NY and elsewhere, and the craziness that seems to dominate the headlines is so overwhelming. I feel so powerless. I know there are so many people aching with loss, desperate for answers they'll never have, and feeling the void left from the senselessness of it all. A prayer is all I know to give.
So what's up for the other 2/3rds of the year? Well, taxes today (eww!). Lord's blessings tomorrow. My goal is to have my mission statement completed by the end of April. Rough draft of step 1 by end of May. Re-evaluate at that time to ascertain the real possibility of this year will see an actual start up.
Court dates through May / June makes for some stress and could derail my timelines, as those actions require full attention as they come to the front burner.
Enough for today.
As always, you comments are welcome.
Happy Easter!
Work is a drag with all the budget cuts and questions about whether the program will be cut or not. More importantly, what will happen to the population we serve if the carpet is yanked from under them. On the flip side, it has made me realize how important it is to get the ball rollin' on my vision of an all encompassing education program for children. Still working on the mission statement because I realize that with that right, all else will fall into place.
I'm so glad the weather is warming. I just don't function well in the cold / winter. I hate hate hate being cold. I also hate saying hate.
The recent tragic events all over the news makes it hard to keep my mind right. Hearing about these kids being abducted and killed, the murderous rampages here in NC, in NY and elsewhere, and the craziness that seems to dominate the headlines is so overwhelming. I feel so powerless. I know there are so many people aching with loss, desperate for answers they'll never have, and feeling the void left from the senselessness of it all. A prayer is all I know to give.
So what's up for the other 2/3rds of the year? Well, taxes today (eww!). Lord's blessings tomorrow. My goal is to have my mission statement completed by the end of April. Rough draft of step 1 by end of May. Re-evaluate at that time to ascertain the real possibility of this year will see an actual start up.
Court dates through May / June makes for some stress and could derail my timelines, as those actions require full attention as they come to the front burner.
Enough for today.
As always, you comments are welcome.
Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Livin' the thug life
DRUG LORD
Such as: Pable Escobar, Manuel Noriega, Frank Lucas, Guy Fisher
List is too long to name all.
Will seduce you into investing / addiction preying on your naiveté.
Will keep you contributing / coming back for more based on your desire to maintain your status / feed your habit.
Will prevent you from asking questions based on perceptions of his/her power.
Has no concern for the damage inflicted on his consumer / investors / buyers.
Has no regard for moral or legal repercussions.
Will likely maintain a large percentage of wealth and status despite a potential prison sentence due to the persistent and pervasive rape of his/her client base over a long period of time.
Will likely get a lesser, if no, prison sentence due to his/her ability to payoff / corrupt the system to their benefit.
Has only remorse to the degree to which he/she got caught.
Has no conscience and/or sociopathic tendencies.
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
Such as: Madoff, Jeffrey Skilling, Kenneth Lay, AIG execs, Jake DeSantis, Christian Milton, Joseph Cassano. List is too long to name all.
Will seduce you into investing / addiction preying on your naiveté.
Will keep you contributing / coming back for more based on your desire to maintain your status / feed your habit.
Will prevent you from asking questions based on perceptions of his/her power.
Has no concern for the damage inflicted on his consumer / investors / buyers.
Has no regard for moral or legal repercussions.
Will likely maintain a large percentage of wealth and status despite a potential prison sentence due to the persistent and pervasive rape of his/her client base over a long period of time.
Will likely get a lesser, if no, prison sentence due to his/her ability to payoff / corrupt the system to their benefit.
Has only remorse to the degree to which he/she got caught.
Has no conscience and/or sociopathic tendencies.
Drug lords have been preying on the weak, economically depressed, most desperate populations for decades. No one really pays much mind to the populations destroyed by drug lords because, well frankly, our society considers the poor to be more or less, a fact of life and expendable. They have no voice, no advocate, no place in our neighborhoods. Who notices when a homeless crackhead ends up dead in a back alley. Who cares? If he has a family, they've long since faced the inevitable, because there is no help or concern for the drug addicted / mentally ill that plague the bottom tiers of our society. Help or concern, meaning from those that provide funding or assistance to combat these ills.
Corporate executives prey on populations causing them to become weak, economically depressed and desperate. No one really pays much mind to these populations that destroy because, well frankly, our society is to concerned with maintaining our status (keeping up with the Jones's) by whatever means necessary, and willing to turn a blind eye to million dollar bonuses and the rape of resources until our checking account / retirement account is directly impacted. Who notices when corporate execs are vacationing in the islands with celebrity entertainment, private jets, and high dollar hookers? No one, until the price tag for all that bling comes due. Until one person stops the madness and asks a question. Imagine how surprised John McEnroe was when he found out his high dollar art piece was part of a Ponzi scheme. And then the house of cards is blown down and the trickle down effect begins. There is no help or concern for the lawn and pool addicted middle class that fill the middle tiers of our society, but they'll get the legislation and politicians in action to get at least some recovery. I mean, really, should that population be forced to live within their means? Should they be required to sell the Mercedes and SUV and drive a Kia until they get their money right?
I don't have the answers, but I do know that Corporate robbers should be treated the same under the law as drug dealers / drug lords and common thugs. They should be spending a long long time in general population prison and lose their assets. All their assets. If you traffic drugs in your car, you lose your car. The CEO who defrauds bases his entire life style on the money he/she made through that fraud; as such, it should all be confiscated. If he/she ever gets out of prison, he should not be allowed to serve as an executive or consultant where his judgment and values will cause monetary risk to others. He should not be allowed to associate with known corporate executives. I say, a thug is a thug! Just my opinion.
Such as: Pable Escobar, Manuel Noriega, Frank Lucas, Guy Fisher
List is too long to name all.
Will seduce you into investing / addiction preying on your naiveté.
Will keep you contributing / coming back for more based on your desire to maintain your status / feed your habit.
Will prevent you from asking questions based on perceptions of his/her power.
Has no concern for the damage inflicted on his consumer / investors / buyers.
Has no regard for moral or legal repercussions.
Will likely maintain a large percentage of wealth and status despite a potential prison sentence due to the persistent and pervasive rape of his/her client base over a long period of time.
Will likely get a lesser, if no, prison sentence due to his/her ability to payoff / corrupt the system to their benefit.
Has only remorse to the degree to which he/she got caught.
Has no conscience and/or sociopathic tendencies.
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
Such as: Madoff, Jeffrey Skilling, Kenneth Lay, AIG execs, Jake DeSantis, Christian Milton, Joseph Cassano. List is too long to name all.
Will seduce you into investing / addiction preying on your naiveté.
Will keep you contributing / coming back for more based on your desire to maintain your status / feed your habit.
Will prevent you from asking questions based on perceptions of his/her power.
Has no concern for the damage inflicted on his consumer / investors / buyers.
Has no regard for moral or legal repercussions.
Will likely maintain a large percentage of wealth and status despite a potential prison sentence due to the persistent and pervasive rape of his/her client base over a long period of time.
Will likely get a lesser, if no, prison sentence due to his/her ability to payoff / corrupt the system to their benefit.
Has only remorse to the degree to which he/she got caught.
Has no conscience and/or sociopathic tendencies.
Drug lords have been preying on the weak, economically depressed, most desperate populations for decades. No one really pays much mind to the populations destroyed by drug lords because, well frankly, our society considers the poor to be more or less, a fact of life and expendable. They have no voice, no advocate, no place in our neighborhoods. Who notices when a homeless crackhead ends up dead in a back alley. Who cares? If he has a family, they've long since faced the inevitable, because there is no help or concern for the drug addicted / mentally ill that plague the bottom tiers of our society. Help or concern, meaning from those that provide funding or assistance to combat these ills.
Corporate executives prey on populations causing them to become weak, economically depressed and desperate. No one really pays much mind to these populations that destroy because, well frankly, our society is to concerned with maintaining our status (keeping up with the Jones's) by whatever means necessary, and willing to turn a blind eye to million dollar bonuses and the rape of resources until our checking account / retirement account is directly impacted. Who notices when corporate execs are vacationing in the islands with celebrity entertainment, private jets, and high dollar hookers? No one, until the price tag for all that bling comes due. Until one person stops the madness and asks a question. Imagine how surprised John McEnroe was when he found out his high dollar art piece was part of a Ponzi scheme. And then the house of cards is blown down and the trickle down effect begins. There is no help or concern for the lawn and pool addicted middle class that fill the middle tiers of our society, but they'll get the legislation and politicians in action to get at least some recovery. I mean, really, should that population be forced to live within their means? Should they be required to sell the Mercedes and SUV and drive a Kia until they get their money right?
I don't have the answers, but I do know that Corporate robbers should be treated the same under the law as drug dealers / drug lords and common thugs. They should be spending a long long time in general population prison and lose their assets. All their assets. If you traffic drugs in your car, you lose your car. The CEO who defrauds bases his entire life style on the money he/she made through that fraud; as such, it should all be confiscated. If he/she ever gets out of prison, he should not be allowed to serve as an executive or consultant where his judgment and values will cause monetary risk to others. He should not be allowed to associate with known corporate executives. I say, a thug is a thug! Just my opinion.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
week in review...
So I'm thrilled that they're seizing assets belonging to Madoff, discouraged, disappointed and dismayed that yet another professional athlete has shown extremely poor judgment that, this time, cost somebody their life and destroyed the lives of countless others. I think 10 or 20 dollars extra in my paycheck is pointless, but I believe the economy is making a turn. My heart is sick over the old people that were killed in that rehab home, just sick. I'm wondering what the hell is going on that it seems like a lot of children come up missing this week and likely, things will not end well. I had a really bad and emotional day on the anniversary of my brother's death, but was able to keep myself in check by reminding myself that, first, he's better off than had he lived; second, I feel like he's my own personal guardian angel; and third, I'm so blessed and their are so many people suffering far more than I ever have. It might've been nice to have someone around that I could've talked to that day though. To wind up all the negativity, I hate reading about some state or federal agency that has so corrupted themselves; such as, the prosecutors here in NC that were letting people off of their DUIs and the judges in PA that were convicting kids and throwing them in detention so they could collect kickbacks. Wow! What a drag!
On the other hand, the kids I work with (emotionally / behaviorally troubled teens)had a pretty good week. We were able to see some progress with several of them, where they made good decisions and controlled their behaviors. I can't explain how satisfying it is to see the hard work we do pay off, even if it's just a little bit. My dog has matured enough to be trusted loose in the house for short periods (as opposed to being in her crate while we're gone), and she's been very cute this week. While I was sleeping, she very quietly snuck up on the bed. I guess she didn't think I'd notice, and I didn't for quite a while. I got paid (still have a job) and my bills are paid. The weather is warming, so I just feel better for that. I worked on my mission statement and made some progress and I feel very good about. I'm feeling more motivated and have a more positive outlook on things. Perhaps all the motivational quotes I've been reading on twitter are more effective than I thought. I have also been using them for the 'quotes of the week' at work and the kids seem to have benefited. I joined some online groups that will probably serve to be very good connections and resources going forward on my goals.
All in all, it's been a good week!
On the other hand, the kids I work with (emotionally / behaviorally troubled teens)had a pretty good week. We were able to see some progress with several of them, where they made good decisions and controlled their behaviors. I can't explain how satisfying it is to see the hard work we do pay off, even if it's just a little bit. My dog has matured enough to be trusted loose in the house for short periods (as opposed to being in her crate while we're gone), and she's been very cute this week. While I was sleeping, she very quietly snuck up on the bed. I guess she didn't think I'd notice, and I didn't for quite a while. I got paid (still have a job) and my bills are paid. The weather is warming, so I just feel better for that. I worked on my mission statement and made some progress and I feel very good about. I'm feeling more motivated and have a more positive outlook on things. Perhaps all the motivational quotes I've been reading on twitter are more effective than I thought. I have also been using them for the 'quotes of the week' at work and the kids seem to have benefited. I joined some online groups that will probably serve to be very good connections and resources going forward on my goals.
All in all, it's been a good week!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
I read an article in GQ mag yesterday about the safe haven law in Nebraska. Briefly, the safe haven law in Nebraska allows a parent to drop off a child at a hospital there with no questions asked. The intent was to assist a parent of an unwanted infant, apparently to prevent babies being left in dumpsters and such; however, the legislators didn't attach an child age limit. So parents have been dropping off children of all ages, even coming from other states to do so. I had heard/read of the situation there previously, but had not paid it more than passing notice. Working with problem kids and having raised a couple of normal teens has given me enough insight to figure that there was more to the issue than the administrators and politicians in Nebraska were revealing. Sure enough, as referenced in the links below, the majority of the kids being dropped off at the hospitals have emotional / behavioral issues.
The article in GQ gives a much more pervasive and insightful picture of the situation than some of the others I have read. The general public has no idea of the challenges for parents who are dealing with kids with mental health issues. I work with teens with severe emotional / behavioral issues. Our facility is a lock-down residential, re-education center. Our kids have mental health issues and this is their last chance to find a way to integrate into society before they reach adulthood. Ours is an intensive program that focuses on re-education through social skills, therapy, peer-groups, and constant consistent interactions with adults in a teaching environment.
Some of our kids have been abused in ways that most of you can't comprehend. All of our kids are mentally ill. All of our kids have been passed around between family members, group homes, foster homes, other institutions, psychiatric hospitals and the list goes on. None of our kids have had quality consistent care during there short lives.
Our society does not acknowledge the need for quality mental health care. It has been our tradition as a country to keep our crazies in the closet. We don't talk about them, we are embarrassed by them and we're afraid of them. In terms of treating them, it's not an exact science. Most conditions can't yet even be definitively defined. One student we recently admitted, over drugged, was diagnosed with the standard youth diagnosis of oppositional defiant, adhd, etc. Our treatment team disregards previous diagnosis and does new thorough testing. The kid is autistic and with the appropriate treatment regiment, he made amazing progress and was able to function very well. Turns out he's a really likable kid!
Adults do not receive adequate mental health care in this country. So what do you think children get? Often, kids are labeled as spoiled, a bad seed, or a bad kid. Parents are blamed, or chided for not doing a good job or taking responsibility. The reality is that kids left untreated for mental health issues can wreck even the most determined parent and household. The GQ article profiles what one woman was experiencing with her kids and is fairly typical in my experience.
Imagine one of your kids, biting, kicking, breaking, setting fire, sexually abusing your other kids or peers, cursing like the devil, stealing, hoarding, getting mad and defecating on whatever, the list goes on. And you probably have other kids, a job, maybe you're a single parent. Now, what do you do? There are very few treatment facilities and organizations that treat children.
I work in a treatment facility in North Carolina for these kinds of kids. There is another here, for young children. Due to budget cuts, both of theses facilities are on the chopping board to be closed at the end of the year. Ours is a short term program for teens 13 to 17 and we have the capacity to treat only 18 kids at a time due to previous budget cuts (18 kids for the whole state). The only other places for these kids is jail, psychiatric hospitals, or the street.
It's time to start getting help for people who are mentally ill. Many can be treated and transition into the community. Mental illness is an integral component of a host of societal ills, not the least of which is poverty. Can we take it out of the closet, from under the carpet, put it in the sunlight, see it for what it is and deal with it? Please? I'm going to stop now, because this had gotten to long. But I have more to say, and I will.
http://tinyurl.com/cq5cnw (GQ post)
HTTP://tinyurl.com/cr6j3b
HTTP://tinyurl.com/c3tf6d
The article in GQ gives a much more pervasive and insightful picture of the situation than some of the others I have read. The general public has no idea of the challenges for parents who are dealing with kids with mental health issues. I work with teens with severe emotional / behavioral issues. Our facility is a lock-down residential, re-education center. Our kids have mental health issues and this is their last chance to find a way to integrate into society before they reach adulthood. Ours is an intensive program that focuses on re-education through social skills, therapy, peer-groups, and constant consistent interactions with adults in a teaching environment.
Some of our kids have been abused in ways that most of you can't comprehend. All of our kids are mentally ill. All of our kids have been passed around between family members, group homes, foster homes, other institutions, psychiatric hospitals and the list goes on. None of our kids have had quality consistent care during there short lives.
Our society does not acknowledge the need for quality mental health care. It has been our tradition as a country to keep our crazies in the closet. We don't talk about them, we are embarrassed by them and we're afraid of them. In terms of treating them, it's not an exact science. Most conditions can't yet even be definitively defined. One student we recently admitted, over drugged, was diagnosed with the standard youth diagnosis of oppositional defiant, adhd, etc. Our treatment team disregards previous diagnosis and does new thorough testing. The kid is autistic and with the appropriate treatment regiment, he made amazing progress and was able to function very well. Turns out he's a really likable kid!
Adults do not receive adequate mental health care in this country. So what do you think children get? Often, kids are labeled as spoiled, a bad seed, or a bad kid. Parents are blamed, or chided for not doing a good job or taking responsibility. The reality is that kids left untreated for mental health issues can wreck even the most determined parent and household. The GQ article profiles what one woman was experiencing with her kids and is fairly typical in my experience.
Imagine one of your kids, biting, kicking, breaking, setting fire, sexually abusing your other kids or peers, cursing like the devil, stealing, hoarding, getting mad and defecating on whatever, the list goes on. And you probably have other kids, a job, maybe you're a single parent. Now, what do you do? There are very few treatment facilities and organizations that treat children.
I work in a treatment facility in North Carolina for these kinds of kids. There is another here, for young children. Due to budget cuts, both of theses facilities are on the chopping board to be closed at the end of the year. Ours is a short term program for teens 13 to 17 and we have the capacity to treat only 18 kids at a time due to previous budget cuts (18 kids for the whole state). The only other places for these kids is jail, psychiatric hospitals, or the street.
It's time to start getting help for people who are mentally ill. Many can be treated and transition into the community. Mental illness is an integral component of a host of societal ills, not the least of which is poverty. Can we take it out of the closet, from under the carpet, put it in the sunlight, see it for what it is and deal with it? Please? I'm going to stop now, because this had gotten to long. But I have more to say, and I will.
http://tinyurl.com/cq5cnw (GQ post)
HTTP://tinyurl.com/cr6j3b
HTTP://tinyurl.com/c3tf6d
Friday, March 20, 2009
budget cuts throw kids to the wolves
I read in the newspaper yesterday that the place where I work is going to be closed down on December 31. That's a really f@@cked up way to get that information. Budget cuts. I work for the state under a re-education program that benefits teens.
Our group of kids are severely affected by mental health and behavioral issues. Our program operates under a re-education principal that dictates kids (among other things) should know joy every day, should be able to interact with their peers and are affected by peer behaviors, life should be lived in the present (not the past), self control can be taught, competence makes a difference; there are 12 core principles in all. Google re-education principles for more info.
Most of our kids are in state custoday and more or less have been forgotten by the people that are supposed to care about them. They have been abused in the most unspeakable ways. The average person can't even comprehend the atrocities these kids have survived, most often, at the hands of people commonly referred to as parents and/or relatives. It's obscene!
Our program is 'least restrictive', meaning we avoid physical restraint as much as possible. We don't strap kids down to beds, or shoot 'em up with drugs to keep them virtually catatonic, as with many mental health care facilities. We engage them daily. We talk to them, respect them, teach them, laugh with them and care for them. Sometimes we have to physcially keep them from hurting themselves or others and we do have a 'safe' room to put them in until they calm down. Our kids know they are safe with us, and for many of them, this is the first time in their lives that they've lived somewhere safe.
So our new governor has determined that our program is expendible. If we in fact close, the kids will be transferred to mental health hospitals, detention or group homes. The ones in mental health hospitals will not be working with staff that is there to teach, they will have very little education, and if they act out they will be strapped down and drugged. Those in detention will likely be beaten by the peers, improperly medicated, provided virtually no education and end up in prison (once they're old enough), on the street, or dead. The ones that go to group homes will either run away and end up on the street, or be abused.
I'm very frustrated working within the bureaucracy that exists within any government run organization, but I'm outraged that our society is so willing to disregard and/or ignore the needs of our children. I started working within this program because I have a bigger vision and I needed to know how the state operates and where the failings are, and while I certainly got my answers, for right now, this is the only program serving this population in North Carolina. While it certainly has room for improvement, there is no room for discontinuation.
Our group of kids are severely affected by mental health and behavioral issues. Our program operates under a re-education principal that dictates kids (among other things) should know joy every day, should be able to interact with their peers and are affected by peer behaviors, life should be lived in the present (not the past), self control can be taught, competence makes a difference; there are 12 core principles in all. Google re-education principles for more info.
Most of our kids are in state custoday and more or less have been forgotten by the people that are supposed to care about them. They have been abused in the most unspeakable ways. The average person can't even comprehend the atrocities these kids have survived, most often, at the hands of people commonly referred to as parents and/or relatives. It's obscene!
Our program is 'least restrictive', meaning we avoid physical restraint as much as possible. We don't strap kids down to beds, or shoot 'em up with drugs to keep them virtually catatonic, as with many mental health care facilities. We engage them daily. We talk to them, respect them, teach them, laugh with them and care for them. Sometimes we have to physcially keep them from hurting themselves or others and we do have a 'safe' room to put them in until they calm down. Our kids know they are safe with us, and for many of them, this is the first time in their lives that they've lived somewhere safe.
So our new governor has determined that our program is expendible. If we in fact close, the kids will be transferred to mental health hospitals, detention or group homes. The ones in mental health hospitals will not be working with staff that is there to teach, they will have very little education, and if they act out they will be strapped down and drugged. Those in detention will likely be beaten by the peers, improperly medicated, provided virtually no education and end up in prison (once they're old enough), on the street, or dead. The ones that go to group homes will either run away and end up on the street, or be abused.
I'm very frustrated working within the bureaucracy that exists within any government run organization, but I'm outraged that our society is so willing to disregard and/or ignore the needs of our children. I started working within this program because I have a bigger vision and I needed to know how the state operates and where the failings are, and while I certainly got my answers, for right now, this is the only program serving this population in North Carolina. While it certainly has room for improvement, there is no room for discontinuation.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
top 10 crazy sex laws
Laws are supposed to protects us, but when the government decides to get in our pants, some crazy stuff goes down!
Here are some actual sex laws truly for the record books!
1. In Bakersfield, Calif., if you're going to have sex with Satan, you've gotta use a condom. And definitely come up with a safe word!
2. Poking a porcupine is illegal in Florida. But apparently that law didn't go far enough. Just a couple of weeks ago, State Sen. Nan Rich submitted a bill that would ban peeps in the Sunshine State from being able to stick it in where the sun don't shine on any animal.
3. In Minnesota, it's illegal for any slime bucket to hook up with a live fish. Don't worry disinterested wives, a cold fish is still A-OK!
4. In Dyersburg, Tenn., it is illegal for a lady to call a gentleman for a date. Clearly no one in that town is getting laid!
5. In Merryville, Mo., no woman can waste her natural waist. Wearing a corset is illegal because "the privilege of admiring the curvaceous, unencumbered body of a young woman should not be denied to the normal, red-blooded American male." No wonder it's called the "Show Me State!"
6. It's illegal to purchase sex toys in Alabama. This law can beat it!
7. In Washington state, it's totally legal to eff an animal like an animal, as long as it weighs less than 40 lbs. What, fatty farm pets don't deserve some love?
8. While most would argue that this is place where the people get screwed many different ways, in Washington, D.C., engaging in any sexual position other than missionary is illegal.
9. In Massachusetts, you cannot recklessly consummate your love with a rodeo clown while the horses are still around. But seriously, there's a reason for the expression "hung like a horse." I doubt the animal would get jealous!
10. The biggest Internet-porn-consuming state, Utah, gets freaky in its laws too. Sex with an animal is totally cool, unless you're doing it for cold, hard cash! Hey, why buy the cow when you can have the milk for free!
Monday, March 16, 2009
VA for the weekend.. daddy stayed home
I had such a good time this past weekend. My two sisters flew in from the west coast last week, and we laughed and had some good times reminiscing. We belly chuckled over some crazy alcohol related incidents from the past at the Alley (Newport News), Skullys (Virginia Beach), and Heartbreak (Virginia Beach), among other things. I forgot about all the fun we used to have. I hadn't seen my youngest sister in about 5 years, and the next youngest in about 2. Sunday, about 18 of us (family or extended family), met at the IHOP on Jefferson / Oyster Point in Newport News for brunch. It was great! And surprisingly, the service was outstanding and the food was really good. We really had some good times.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
lately
I'm having such a hard time staying or getting focused. There have been a lot of posts on twitter (twitter.com, social networking site) that have been motivational in nature that have helped, thankfully. I should probably be more active of letting the posters know that. I have started work on my mission statement for my center that currently only exists in my mind. Part of my 'save the world' quest.
Working a double today/tonite, so I should have lots of time overnight to do some research. Of course, there is the chance that I'll instead, watch movies I've been meaning to catch. I just got Soul Men (love Bernie).
I feel like I'm rambling.
Working a double today/tonite, so I should have lots of time overnight to do some research. Of course, there is the chance that I'll instead, watch movies I've been meaning to catch. I just got Soul Men (love Bernie).
I feel like I'm rambling.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
my mission
I'm really struggling to get focused on doing what I believe to be an important endeavor. I can so clearly see, in my minds eye, a campus dedicated to bettering the lives of many through a multi-faceted approach. I just can't seem to get the kick-start I need to 'pass go'. I thought today that my first step is the mission statement. I think that most successful ventures have a quality dicriptive forceful, if not powerful mission statement.
I'm open to advise on how to approach or what I should encompass in this statement.
I'm open to advise on how to approach or what I should encompass in this statement.
me
I have the compulsory profiles on facebook and myspace. If you'd like to know more about me, you can find me on those spots and see the public me. If you 'friend' me, be sure and note where you're coming from (twitter, etc), so I'll know to approve you.
Carol
http://www.myspace.com/everybody_gets_1
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1085237620&ref=profile
http://twitter.com/nc_carol
Carol
http://www.myspace.com/everybody_gets_1
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1085237620&ref=profile
http://twitter.com/nc_carol
happy new year.. for real!
Friday, December 26, 2008
 | Current mood:  contemplative I've never been big on the "New Years Resolution" stuff, but I think this year I resolve to make things happen. Too often I've let things ride; let things work out and hope for the best. I've come to the realization that I need to be more in control of my surroundings and the people that are in it. I have things I want to accomplish and I keep not doing anything about it. I realize now, that I need to be around people that can be supportive and have common interests and similar goals if I am genuine about my goals. I need to separate myself from the distractions and negativity that play into insecurity and doubt. I suppose that's not so different than what most people need or should do in their lives, so perhaps if you're reading this, you'll find some inspiration to take another look at how you're doing toward your life's goals. I cannot understand for the life of me how people so often try and take advantage of others. I don't understand the concept of deceit. I think, often times, people underestimate me and think they're getting over on me. Those of you who know me the best, know that's a fallacy and that the reality is that I do what I do in my own time. This year, I vow to minimize the effects of the deceivers and pretenders. I will reserve my time for those people who wish to be honest, genuine, and respectful and I will return the same in kind. It troubles me that this far along in my life I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Too many times, I've said to myself, well when this happens I can do that, etc., etc. I have forgotten that this journey is really a solo flight and that if you're able to find a co-pilot, you're more fortunate than words can express. You should always be mindful that more often than not, the co-pilot navigates the course, and you should be careful about who you trust to stay the course. Finally, humbly I would say that I am a good woman with a good heart. I feel like I have a lot to offer and the desire to do so. I truly want to share my intelligence and my abilities. I don't understand why it seems so hard for me to be able to do just that. This year, 2009, I intend to find a way. I wish a wonderful and productive New Year for all. Bless You! |
da prez
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
| PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA It's 143 years since the end of slavery. It's 40 years past the death of Martin Luther King Jr., and 44 years since the Civil Rights Act passed. While I'm pleased Obama was elected, a part of me is very sad that this far along in our "civilized" society, race still plays a relevant part in such an important process. I voted for Obama and I'm confident he is the right choice for our next president; however, I would've voted for Obama regardless of the color of his skin. Our country is so advanced in so many areas of progress so I ask why why why is it that so many of our citizens put so much stock in the race you are born into by no choice of your own. Race is a circumstance of birth. It is not a determinate of character, intelligence, passion, compassion or any other integral quality necessary to lead. I"m glad, thrilled, optimistic, hopeful, and relieved that this particular door (race) to the Whitehouse has been not just knocked down, but blown off the hinges. I'd like to believe that Obama would've been elected, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, Indian, or other. I'm eager for the day when that box is no longer a necessary part of any application |
Life in America for a Black man. Has it changed? Read this and you tell me..
Can’t a brother just workout out in peace at the gym? My boyfriend and I wanted to work out today, but our regular gym doesn’t open until 1 on Sunday, so we decided to go pay for a day visit at a gym in Durham. Peak Fitness on 15501 Chapel Hill Blvd. About an hour into it, he was lifting dumb bells in that back corner of the gym when out of the corner of his eye he saw no less than about 20 Durham police officers closing in. And what? They were comin after him. I know in white America you hear phrases like DWB (driving while black), you hear lyrics from rappers like, "put ur hands up nigga - you fit the description". And you just laugh, until it happens. Sure enough they came up to him "put the dumb bells down and put your hands behind your back". These officers literally swarmed around him, telling me to step back away. Being an intelligent black man, he recognized that when surrounded by literally 20 or more police officers, it’s likely best to do exactly what they say, and he did. He was handcuffed and escorted to an adjacent area out of view. I questioned the police officers as to what was the problem and they started asking me questions. I got his I.D. out of the truck and gave them the information they needed to verify his identity. Apparently, the manager of the gym thought he was some fugitive of justice; some heavy hitting drug dealer, and called the police. The police later told us that the guy they were looking for had been last seen running from a Peak fitness gym. Now does common sense say that you would return to a place where you were last seen running from if you were a criminal? Unfortunately the gym manager, Barrett, didn’t feel a need to show the police officers the copy of his drivers license he had made when we signed in, or the information from his credit card we used to pay for the day visit. Had he done that, the police officers could’ve ascertained that he was not their man without the public embarrassment and humiliation suffered by he and I. Instead, he was detained for approximately 15 minutes, not to mention the interference of our workout. However, not to be thrown off his game, he did finish.
It’s disconcerting to think what might’ve happened had I not been able to produce his i.d. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the manager of the gym (also a black man) so easily put him out there like that, and never apologized, offered a free visit or better still refunded the $30 paid for the day visit. He very clearly saw us as we were leaving the facility and acted like a little punk, playing like he didn’t see us. My boyfriend is 6’5" and not easily missed!
No the manager did not refund his $30 paid for the day visit
No the manager did not offer a free visit to make up for his error.
No the manager did not apologize.
Yes, we did write a letter of complaint and will update IF we hear back.
Yes, the Durham Police Dept did apologize and gave us all the information we would need to file a complaint.
It’s disconcerting to think what might’ve happened had I not been able to produce his i.d. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the manager of the gym (also a black man) so easily put him out there like that, and never apologized, offered a free visit or better still refunded the $30 paid for the day visit. He very clearly saw us as we were leaving the facility and acted like a little punk, playing like he didn’t see us. My boyfriend is 6’5" and not easily missed!
No the manager did not refund his $30 paid for the day visit
No the manager did not offer a free visit to make up for his error.
No the manager did not apologize.
Yes, we did write a letter of complaint and will update IF we hear back.
Yes, the Durham Police Dept did apologize and gave us all the information we would need to file a complaint.
Lessons I've learned
1:
What goes around, comes around - ALWAYS!! Don't waste your time on revenge. Trust it to be true!
2:
If you kick it to the curb - leave it there! You don't take trash BACK into the house
3:
If you chase it, it will run
4:
When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
5:
If the situation doesn't directly effect you, your children or your job, stay out of it. Negativity doesn't need any assistance from anybody
6:
furthermore.... you don't need to look for trouble.. it will find you! You do however: need to search out your happiness.. it seems, sometimes, elusive.
7:
If you find yourself making excuses for him (or her as the case may be) more than half the time, you're making too many excuses. Why?
8:
Houses built on foundations with structural damage, will be problematic. You may apply that same theory to relationships. In other words, if your mate has substance abuse issues, mental health issues, narcissitic tendencies or just generally pyschotic, you can expect a problematic relationship.
9:
It is not always the other guy.
10:
You cannot help people that don't want your help... really
11. If you can't admit you have a problem, you'll never find the cure/fix. NEVER!
That holds true if the problem is your own, or your "significant other".
12. Do you! You are the most qualified to be you, and God put you here to be YOU, flaws and all.
13. People may not believe what you say, but they will always believe what you do.
14. Face the truth, before it faces you.
15. If he tells you who he is, believe him. For example, if he says he's not ready to be in a relationship - he's not. If he says he's not good with change, he isn't. Again, if someone is telling you who or what they are - listen and save yourself some grief.
Where do we even start?
Category: Life
Our society is profuse with symptons of our illness. Our youth, particularly minority youth, are spewing blood. We have plenty of programs to address these symptoms, but nothing to treat the disease. Prisons are nothing more than blood catching buckets, (ok, maybe vats). Schools, while good intentioned, offer too little, too late. Mostly serving as a bandaid over a bone deep gash. There are more African American men in prison than in colleges and universities. That is an obscene fact! Government run social programs have become so rediculously bureaucratic, they've been reduced to what amounts to a dog chasing its tail. Employees of these institutions, by and large, are so burnt out or just plain defeated, that even those who could truly benefit get lost in the defecits. Private organizations often fail to get sufficient resources to needy populations at a rate that can stem the flow (of blood). I could go on and on atop this soapbox, but suffice it to say, until we start treating the disease, we will continue with the symptoms. We will continue to be the country with a growing, thriving business in prison management, whole populations lost in sickness and poverty, and businessess and politicians preying at will. I mean really, FIVE DAYS TO GET WATER TO NEW ORLEANS??? So the questions is, where to start?
Email From God..
Subject: Yourself
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do
Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.
P.S. ...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not
attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFG TD (something for
God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be
resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying
about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in
your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in
this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work
for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has
never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire
straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think
of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient
in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about,
asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long
enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance,
smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one
of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched
their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day.
God
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