Crack in The Window

I have spent the last 48 hours or so (not including bathroom breaks and 6 hour cat naps) trying to accomplish a technological feat. I want to send an email. Well, not just any email. I want to send an informational email that looks like all the cool junk emails I never read.

I began the quest several days ago and tried several different applications. A woman far wiser than I suggested I try Publisher, and after building an entire newsletter that wouldn’t translate beyond an attachment to an email, I discovered the Email Template in Publisher, and rejoiced!! Wonder of wonders, this stinking thing was designed to format an email. What could be simpler, right? Yeah, right.

Why do the tormentors of Microsoft feel it’s necessary to change virtually everything in every new edition of their software, even when it is the exact same feature they have provided since day one? I have Publisher 2007, and I am trying to relearn everything I used to know in 2005; but I digress.

The issue at hand is that I have sent the completed email document to myself, more than 30 times, and each time one or more of the pictures, or attachments in the document does not appear. This, by the way seems random as different things appear and disappear.

I have come close to losing my mind as I read pages of tutorials all meant to make this little process a simple one. Some are from 2001, and so, not so helpful. Some helps are recent but it seems I must ask two or three questions first in order to arrive at the stage of help that I think I need right now.

In an age when so much in cyberspace really is idiotic proof, is it purposefully tough to use Microsoft’s applications? I will tell you that after this debacle I am convinced I need more fiber in my techno life, so I am going to try an Apple.

For Ansel Adams, A Rose is Still a Rose, Just Cost More

It was reported that some negatives from Ansel Adams, a renown photographer, have been discovered. They estimate the worth at approximately $200 million dollars.

The point I really wonder is, is a rose photographed by someone other than Adams, still as sweet? I love his subject and photographic style. I admire several famous photographers and I can clearly see that their talent at taking pictures truly is an art; in fact I went to a photographic museum in San Diego recently that featured Ansel Adams work beautifully. Yet I can't see my way clear to finding newly discovered pics to be as valuable, say as a painting, or a play or novel.

I may just be showing my ignorance (that's not rhetoric), but I have seen some beautifully artistic photographs in many creative people's hands who IMHOToday, could rival the best of photographers. I have met few who can sing like Pavarotti, paint like Van Gogh, or write like Vonnegut. But I think almost anyone who cared to apply themsleves to the Art could ultimately take pretty amazing pics.

I think it has a lot more to do with the price people might be willing to pay for a photo credited to be taken by a famous person more than the actual value of these pictures. John Lennon's art works have been sold for more than $50,000; can you imagine these same works done by you or I selling at any amount? Probably not.

I am not trying to deprecate this artist. I appreciate and clearly see the value of someone able to capture images artistically. I just wonder when 2/3 of the world is in need, do we need another $200 million in paper floating around? Even really pretty paper?

BTW, the picture above was taken by a teen aged friend of mine.

Justin Bierber Molests Fan

You've got to be kidding me.

In the first place this kid's image is definitely not the molester type.

Secondly (because I do know that image isn't everything) This kid could probably have his pick of all the legal girls and women he could handle.

This kid (or those who tweet and prepare statements for him) are far too smart to get caught doing anything as stupid as being involved with a minor.

Remember when kids were off limits to gutter journalists who print gossip, filth and innuendo? If I had the resources at my disposal I would write an amazing tell all book on the live of the paparazzi and "journalists" like, Joe McGinniss (who moved next door to Sarah Palin while "researching")and see how well they could fair by the standards they put celebrities up to.

The only problem is we expect them to be as sleazy as politicians. The "real life" people we expect less from than from the kid who hands us our change from Dunkin Donuts.

It's not the people who run our government we expect to live in integrity, it's the neurotic artists & sports stars who are paid millions to say noble words, or play through sports injuries nobly, or sing heart breaking songs- these are the people we need to see exemplary behavior from........does this sound crazy? It really is.

Besides, isn't he about 12 years old, anyway? Oh Please, Media machine (including those idiot bloggers who can get the ball rolling) please leave the boy alone.

Scary can be fun

False Flag Cyber Attack? False until......

US Government agencies are clamoring for government controls of the internet. They are hyping a possible "Pearl Harbor" style attack, for fear of disabling banking or power grids that are wired into the internet. They claim cyber-terrorists can take us all down in 15 minutes to destroy civilization as we know it.

When fascists take control, historically, you know what they do after removing guns from private citizens? They take control of the media. Well, with the internet running wild and free that sure would be tough to do. Imagine controlling the information we receive with all us crazy bloggers reporting what is going on, and our opinions about it floating through your email boxes; it could make life inconvenient for the present administration, who have clearly taken very sure steps towards socialism.

What I am wondering is how much further will we allow them to take our liberties, before we say ENOUGH!

There is federal money available to states for health care for kids, BUT in the states that accept it, doctors will have to measure every child's Body Mass Index, (determines if child is obese) and report it to the government. The fact that the government wants to have this personal medical info on our kids is scary stuff. I thought HIPAA was there to protect us from this type of invasion on our privacy. I guess when a one government agency takes precedence over another....

Rather than Federal Money being given to my state, let me keep my own tax money and I'll take care of my kid's health, and do my best to help the rest too!

The government has taken over the American Auto Industry, the mortgage lenders, and now the health care industry.

Remember when the government was by the people and for the people?

The Social Network's cover guy

First of all I am a huge Aaron Sorkin Fan, though I disagree with his outlook on quite a few important issues, I respect his intelligence and sincerity.

This guy wrote "A Few Good Men", "The American President", and created "West Wing", which if my conservative friends had watched, they'd have realized that all progressives are not just socialist monsters.

More the reason for blogging here on Mr. Sorkin, is his talent. This man writes brilliantly, engagingly, with earnestness. Even when I don't agree I see it was no fool who came to the conclusions this man genuinely believes in. As for the people he may villify, though I may agree with some of their political points, Mr Sorkin really defines their shortcomings brilliantly and accurately.

He is a great writer and as good as human beings get, IMHOToday. He writes women well, though he may deify them a bit, and he writes a man's man just as well. The guy is definitely a romantic, and he writes with intimacy for his characters. I'll bet he knows what each character would order for dressing on their salad. At the end of the "West Wing" series, he closely covered both Right and Left parties during an election year and showed the candidates as real men; neither as pure hero, or as villain. Though it was just a TV show, I admire him so much and saw more balance and objectivity, than in any real life media coverage of anything!.

He may be sentimental but the guy is no slouch. He is far from a pushover and I guarantee those who are his friends, know they have a good friend for life. Just my hunch, since I am not in the loop.

He has written a new screenplay for "The Social Network", a movie about creators of Facebook. I was intrigued by the trailer I saw, but undecided about seeing it until I realized Sorkin was involved.

Sorkin will be writing and directing next, based on a book about John Edwards, written by the aide who first claimed responsibility as father for Edwards' child born out of wedlock. I am really excited to see what this great mind does in this context, with such a flawed man at the center of his film. According to his IMDB.com this will be his directorial debut, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.

We're Ready for Takeoff Mr. Spacely

FAA Grants Terrafugia Extra Takeoff Weight for Road Safety Features

The Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft has received an exemption from the FAA to allow the craft a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 lbs, more than 100 lbs more than allowed other light sport air crafts…the extra 110lbs go toward safety features such as airbags, a crumple zone, and a protective safety cage… The aircraft has folding wings and a 115 mph cruising speed in the skies.”

http://www.terrafugia.com/newsreleases.html#110

We’re one step closer to George Jetson, kids. If you don’t get the joke, don’t bother checking it out.

I’m already planning on saving my pennies for this innovation. Taking to the skies isn’t just exciting, but I’ll bet I can get around the slow pokes a lot easier in a winged car!

Speaking of, if I may I’d like to do a little public service message for you. Are you aware that on a highway, or turnpike, with multiple lanes headed in the same direction, the farthest to the left lane is a passing lane?

Did you know there are roads in New Jersey where you can be fined for continually driving in this farthest left lane? It makes me crazy when the person in the left lane is doing the same speed (limit) that the driver in the right lane is doing. Do you know what road rage is? Do you understand the type of crazy behavior we, uh, I mean they are capable of while you’re driving 2 miles under the speed limit in the passing lane?

Now there are some people who truly enjoy busting other people’s , ah, let’s say bubbles, by preventing them from passing. You are a hopeless bunch, who fortunately are stuck with your nasty attitude all the time and not just during rush hour. Most of you don’t have the guts for confrontation so you passive aggressively punish the anonymous around you. Or if you are among the self righteous, who are “keeping everyone safe”, why don’t you take the bus and help us keep green instead.

For you sweet ignorant folk PLEASE move over. Even if you’re going pretty fast, when you see a car approaching behind…..he’s going faster.

I know it can be frustrating when you have to pass several cars that are going ridiculously slow, but you’re passing on the frustration, to potentially some very nice people.
Until we get our wings, leave us our passing lanes, please.

Good, Betty, Best

Good, Betty, Best

“It's true. The 88-year-old actress is posing for her own 2011 calendar.”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/08/entertainment/main6658275.shtml


It’s a weird world isn’t it?

I love Betty White, and I always have. On Mary Tyler Moore Show, she was hands down the funniest thing on the show. Biting sarcasm and wit were always my favorites (yeah I got my own problems as well) and I also watched her on Password, Match Game, Golden Girls, and pretty much anytime my remote landed me near this funny lady. She was in a ground breaking class with a few genuine greats, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, Ginger Rodgers, Mary Tyler Moore; women who could be attractive and seriously funny.

But what is the big deal that Betty is so hot, suddenly? Is it because she is so old? Is this one of the baby boomers last big hurrahs in dictating how and what we see? In a culture where old age is run from, denied, Botox-ed and operated away, what’s the big celebration about?

My theory is for one moment the “silent majority” was paid attention to on FaceBook and the money-changers heard and jumped on the White Wagon. Betty is very talented, but at 88 she is no longer at the top of her game.


It doesn’t matter, the media is beating the drum and we must cheer for Betty. I don’t do it resentfully, just wondering…

I don’t believe I ever read one nice word about George Steinbrenner until he died a few days ago. Now, every day I see another article about some kindness he did, or what a nice man he was. I lived in NYC in the 90’s and George was spoken about daily. At least I think it’s the same guy; oh, I know what it is, they just removed his horns, fangs and claws, for the funeral, I guess.

If our culture wasn’t attention deficit-ly disordered, I wonder if we’d wonder more about what the real truth is, or would we maintain our high school mentality for reputation rather than substance.

A Pig's Ear May Look Like a Silk Purse........

"Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the costs of their choice?"
Supposed remarks made by President Obama regarding the military’s insurance benefits.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/veteranshealth.asp

The Snopes.com article link, above refutes the article I was sent. Is snopes.com 100% accurate? I wouldn't think so, but I also wouldn't send anything unless I am 100% sure it is true.

It is so important that we keep the facts straight; otherwise those who support Obama can discredit us by the false rumors we circulate about him. God knows there are enough nightmare truths about this administration to keep us busy a long time.

In fact I genuinely wonder if some of the more ridiculous claims don't come directly from the Obama camp. This way, when the time comes and they are genuinely exposed on some serious issue, they can mention all the ridiculous rumors that have been spread and group them all together.

According to snopes, there was a bill proposed that would limit medical benefits paid to service men, but not problems resulting from the line of duty. The spirit of the email does strike me as too close to the truth, for comfort. For the administration to consider taking any benefit from our underpaid, underappreciated service men and women is a travesty. While Congress receives better medical benefits than the armed services right now, not to mention a generous lifelong pension, I wonder why this was even a consideration.

But, in my humble opinion, we need to take the high road and speak the truth and shame the progressives who believe any means are justified by the end-the utopia of socialism.

Sunny D, the real "D"

Exercise, tea, vitamin D could help fight off Alzheimer's

July 13, 2010

Get lots of physical activity. Drink plenty of tea. And make sure you get enough vitamin D.

Three studies presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Honolulu link all of those things to a lower risk of brain decline with age.
http://www.suntimes.com/health/2492560,CST-NWS-dementia13.article


That's really terrific news, and it is nice to see the medical community in the western world acknowledge that nutrition can prevent certain disease.

In the 1980's my doctor laughed me to ridicule because I took vitamin supplements. When I explained that I hadn't had a cold in 3 years, he as much as called me a liar, and said the only benefit was creating expensive urine.

Since that time doctors have certainly changed their tune, though they still seem to think if they can't prescribe it on a pad, it is most likely useless.

I am here to tell you that whenever possible, get good nutrition directly from the source, but if you're not sure you're getting all you should, use supplements. I have had amazing results and I know I enjoy the health I do, in large part to me gracious Creator (peace with God is very healthy), and secondly to eating whole natural foods and supplements.

I won't lie to you; an occasional Chef Boyardee, pizza, or a hot dog do cross my lips, but I try to surround and dominate with fresh veggies (canned or frozen cannot possibly have the same nutritional benefit).

I am no expert; I have no degree, but I do live a pretty healthy life and the proof is in the pudding, right?

Rock-A-Bye Republic

'Glenn Beck': Who Is Donald Berwick?

“…He is your brand new head of Medicare and Medicaid services….You probably haven't heard of him because, well, President Obama bypassed the Senate confirmation process and just appointed him to the post. Enough of the pesky conference there in Congress.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,596382,00.html

In 2008 while speaking on the British health care system in the UK, Berwick said wealthy individuals must redistribute their wealth to those less fortunate for health care funding. Also during this speech, he told those in attendance that he opposes free markets.


“Any health care funding plan that is just equitable civilized and humane must, must redistribute wealth from the richer among us to the poorer and the less fortunate. Excellent health care is by definition redistributional.” Donald Berwick

http://community.history.com/topic/13473/t/Flashback-Donald-Berwick---Redistribute-Wealth-Appointed.html?page=-1

Isn’t the quote by Mr. Berwick precisely why many are against National Healthcare? Medicare, by the way has a budget of billions of dollars (over 500 billion last year) and you don’t have the right to challenge his appointment before the fact. According to Beck, several newspapers mentioned what a battle it would be to get Donald Berwick appointed. Just appointing him was much easier. Can you imagine if the President did not have the media in his pocket, how loud they’d be screaming?

When are we going to realize that we have been lulled into watching our liberty be taken away in the name of safety (with President Bush’s help) and being “taken care of”. We act as if we are represented by this present administration, when they very clearly have a socialist agenda, like the redistribution of wealth? The majority of us don't agree.

Our country is great, in part due to a free market! I am all for a socially conscious agenda, where we care for and protect the less fortunate. I have a 5 gallon pot of soup on the stove now to provide for the homeless. By the way, I am closer to poor than to middle class, but I do my little part to help out.

Socialism gives the power to an elite group who ultimately are corrupt, because it is in human nature to be corrupt.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely” Lord Acton

"Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it; and this I know, my lords, that where laws end, tyranny begins." William Pitt

When President Obama places people in positions of great authority to change our entire political system, he is swallowing a branch of our government, the Congress. Those are the people who are supposed to be representing us.

Wake up folks, the bough is about to break and when baby falls it will be too late.

Alec isn't Just One of the Baldwin Brothers

Alec Baldwin is a very funny man. He is not, IMHOToday, a bright man. He lost the most beautiful woman in Hollywood, verbally abused his daughter, and politically he borders on the moronic. But as I have said here before, I don’t ask a chef or a sculptor his philosophy of life before I enjoy his art. I judge him by the product I have before me. Recently Alec Baldwin’s productions have me laughing out loud!

Just saw It’s Complicated where he is teamed with Streep and Steve Martin, and he holds his own beautifully among these giants! 30 Rock is fun and fairly clever, but it is Baldwin that keeps me coming back for more. He brings the “je nais sais qua” to what could easily be just another show with a few funny lines (no offense Tina, you are a funny lady). Some of the funniest bits ever on Saturday Night Live have come from Baldwin's great comedic timing and delivery.

The Departed was my favorite movie in 5 years, easily, and Baldwin played comedic relief in a most subtle, straight way. The first laughs in the theater sounded a little guilty, as if laughing during a Scorsese film was irreverent. He says to a cop engaged to be married: ” Marriage is an important part of getting ahead: lets people know you're not a homo; married guy seems more stable; people see the ring, they think at least somebody can stand the son of a bitch; ladies see the ring, they know immediately you must have some cash or your #$@% must work.” The quote alone is amusing, but Baldwin’s delivery left me genuinely enjoying this “throw away character.”


He has said of his career that he has lost many roles because of his looks and I believe him. It’s sad that Hollywood still hasn’t figured out that a handsome man can be a clown, and “not classically” handsome men can be romantically appreciated (Adrien Brody comes to mind). Brad Pitt is one of the funniest guys you will ever see! It’s sad hat we’ll probably never see his full range because he has a handsome face. By the Way see “12 Monkeys”, he plays a very funny crazy guy!

Now that Alec Baldwin has seen the end of his sexy young hunk days, maybe we can just let him make us laugh!

Albert Camus; "Autumn is a second spring..."

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Albert Camus


I will begin by saying I haven’t read anything by Mr Camus, but I will certainly be doing so as soon as possible. He is supposedly an existentialist, and that would normally have sworn me off him.

I’d tried to get through Sartre but found his "pre-reflective consciousness" a little too presumptuous. The theory simplified is we can’t get out of our own way (our perceptions and experiences) to know anything, so we can never arrive at objective truth.

This has truth to it, but I think it misses a couple of important points. Camus didn't want to be labeled existentialist, nor Absurdest, though he carries both. My point here is that I had dismissed the whole Camus on that basis until today.

I was doing some research on another project and did some overview info on this Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1957. Albert Camus was born of French nationalists in French Algeria. His father was killed a year after his birth in World War 1. He grew up poor and was a soccer scholarship student, until he contracted tuberculosis. This was certainly a man who grew up in adversity. He ultimately did succeed in earning his degree. Although this is inspiring, what really caught my eye was his stance as a pacifist. It was challenged as he saw the Germans march into Paris. Their brutality convinced Camus to join the French Resistance. This is hardly the act of a true pacifist, but he was a practical man, which is what makes him more interesting. When men with ideas must put them to the test of practice, they are worth listening to, even if I don’t agree with them. He was editor on a French Resistance paper, called “Combat” until the war ended and the paper became “legitimate.”

“You cannot acquire experience by making experiments. You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.”

“It is natural to give a clear view of the world after accepting the idea that it must be clear.” (Think on that one for a minute)

“Charm is a way of getting the answer yes without asking a clear question.”

The short bio I read along with the quotes above is enough for me to be intrigued with Albert Camus. Contact me if you know more or are ready to read with me.

Royalty in the Center of the World!

For the first time in almost 35 years the Queen Elisabeth is back in Manhattan, but only for half a day. Half a day? How much can you do in NYC in half a day? Well if they are barricading streets for you, you might be surprised

I was thinking about Elisabeth today; imagining what it must be like for royalty to visit a place like NYC. I started reading about her, and the strongest impression I received was how fortunate she and Britain are to have had one another.

I think for many that being in a Monarchy is a lot like being a child star. It’s pretty heady stuff, to be adored and cheered for and you can easily get sucked into it; and then chewed up and spit out.

Elisabeth has been queen for close to 60 years, and considering the storms that she has had to weather, I’d say she is well suited for the challenge. Don’t believe me? How many other monarchs survived modern times?

Winston Churchill said as a toddler, Elisabeth was "a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant." Her nanny wrote a book titled “The Little Princesses” and she mentioned her exceptional orderliness and attitude of responsibility. As a young girl her cousin Margaret said she was "a jolly little girl, but fundamentally sensible and well-behaved".

Queen Elisabeth is the last living head of state to have served in World War 2.
She is the most widely traveled head of state in history.
She’s even credited for boosting TV’s popularity because her coronation was televised in 1953, and many bought sets just to witness this historic event.

On April 21, 1947, Elisabeth’s 21st birthday, she spoke on a radio broadcast and pledged, "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

Most would crumble when presented with the task of maintaining a largely ornamental position while maintaining the power and authority that remains. And to do this with all the scrutiny now available through technology is impressive.

It was said of her that she hates to be treated like a film star; she loves her duty and she means to be queen. I like that. I also wonder if she has misgivings about her successor. Who’d know better than Elisabeth, the kind of King Charles would make?

Long Live the Queen!

They Love to Make Me Laugh

This was so fun; I laughed out loud, and watched all the alternate endings. The majority of Youtube.com creative stuff just doesn’t really make it outside of a million random silly thoughts that I have on my own. When someone stretches, or better yet, breaks out of my own strange imagination, particularly in a clever way, I am tickled by this. The video above stretched enough to be worth my while, and to subscribe to see more. Be on the lookout for Shrek, by Shay, auditioning for Robin Hood! Very funny silly stuff.

I think the funniest stuff comes from the stuff we’re familiar with, but with a twist. I think the biggest laugh can come from stuff we're scared of. Also things we'd be afraid to admit we have thought about. Have you ever had something devastating happen and you responded in laughter? Laughter is just like tears; an overflow of emotion. I love to laugh, and can forgive anyone able to make me laugh!

Top 5 Comedic Geniuses, IMHOToday are:

1. Kurt Vonnegut; a novelist who could literally make me laugh and cry in a single page. I often laughed at something and then had a cold chill that he could make me laugh at such tragic things. Brilliant, black humorist.

2. Lucille Ball; I know I know, but after seeing "I Love Lucy" many thousands of time there are still moments of genuine belly laughter, by some subtle gestures along with garish slapstick. She really was a genius!

3. Carl Reiner, by way of the Dick Van Dyke Show; for better or worse this show is the basis upon which I judge all comedy. It had everything, and it was the best of the best!

4. Mel Brooks; "Blazing Saddles", High Anxiety", "Young Frankenstein", need I say more?

5. Peter Sellers; "Being There" made me laugh out loud repeatedly, something I do rarely, except in conversation with my very clever friends. The Pink Panther movies are far more clever than just simple slapstick, and I never get tire of seeing them.

So many I haven't listed here (Looney Tunes, Woody Allen, Jack Lemon, Eve Arden, Gilda Radner, Alec Baldwin, Red Skelton, Chris Rock, Bob Hope, The Three Stooges), but you get the picture, and I am grateful, for they have made the hard times so much more bearable! Here's to you, funny people! "A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer in your pants" from the eulogy for Chuckles the Clown

Independance Day Quotes

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine

http://www.quotegarden.com/fourth-of-july.html


There’s a saying unrelated to politics that says “Youth is wasted on the young”, and while I don’t agree with it, I do see an important warning in the sliver of truth the saying contains. That is we must urge this generation to learn from our mistakes, and to pay attention to history so that it won’t be repeated.

Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick


We “old folk” must alert this present generation that freedom is not free. That even though for most of our parents and grandparents, freedom is all we’ve ever known, that doesn’t mean we are safe forever.

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the timber of political correctness, and “tolerance” (that used to be such a beautiful word) we are actually forfeiting our right not to agree with the main stream. I know it sounds fanatical and paranoid, but how much longer will I be allowed to carry a Bible that has “hate speech” against the practice of homosexuality or witch craft?

America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact - the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality. ~Adlai Stevenson


Back in the 1970’s a very conservative doctor of theology, named Dr. Gene Scott stood for the rights of a homosexual church. People were shocked, but he explained that if we don’t stand up for the rights of all men that we ultimately all lose our rights. I haven’t forgotten that lesson. I want to pass it on to you.

This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson

And on more bit of wisdom:

A statistician made a few calculations and discovered that since the birth of our nation more lives had been lost in celebrating independence than in winning it. ~Curtis Billings

Don’t be a statistic; don’t drink and drive. You’re freedom to do both is at the expense of others freedom to keep breathing unharmed.

Thank you to all who have suffered and sacrificed for my right to say what I like here and all over America.

God Bless Her!

4th of July

If you have a right to respect,
that means other people don't have a right to their own opinions.
Thomas Sowell


This my friends on the night of the 4th of July is the independence we are surely losing, and that is our right to think as we choose, and the freedom of speech to say things, yes even hateful things about one another.

I despise racism, truly but we must allow the racist his opportunity to speak or ultimately we lose our right to say what others may think is hateful. I think people who do physical harm to others because they hate what that person represents should be punished to the maximum of the law, no matter what that victim may represent. I don’t believe in abortion or in people who are hateful or violent to abortion doctors. Jesus said if you hate your brother then you’re a murderer.

In a course on ethics many years ago we discussed an existing group that believed sex between consenting children and adults should be legal. I asked why we didn’t just lock up every sick member of this group. Why should we protect the rights of perverts like that? Who in their right mind could think that was OK? My instructor gave a hypothetical situation and asked what if a proponent of this group became our leader and decided this was fine and made it law to speak against this perversion?

Most people I have met shouldn’t reproduce. It’s a fact; some really nice people make pretty lousy parents. Now, who decides who gets to have children? What are they allowed to be taught? Spanked? How should they be educated? When the government gets the job of protecting us, how long before they are protecting us from ourselves?

This is the beauty of our system of government. When it is not being twisted out of shape it has checks and balances so that power cannot shift in one direction for long enough to do permanent damage. The voters have enough control without allowing mob mentality to do anything stupid. Presidents, Congress and the Supreme Court all have great power; power to change and power to help or hurt, but ultimately only power enough to make a huge mark and not enough to send our system crumbling down.

Be careful with the responsibility you have as a citizen of this great country or you truly might not have it much longer.







"If a nation values anything more than freedom,
it will Lose its freedom: and the irony of it is that
if it is comfort or money that it values more, it will
lose that, too."
William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), British writer

Rube-Thanks for Legitimizing MY Way of LIfe

I remember doing a math quiz in 5th grade that required us to show our work. After looking over my papers, the teacher accused me of cheating from my neighbor’s quiz since my calculative work looked like gibberish. After leading the teacher through all the laborious tasks and 28 steps to arrive at my correct sums, she drew a couple of lines with arrows showing the 20 unnecessary steps I had taken to arrive at the answer. This was the first time I was introduced to the Rube Goldberg principle. It certainly wasn't the last.

I was about ten years old, learning the joy of cooking, when I was mixing too much Nestle Quick into a glass of milk. Hoping to make the ultimate in chocolaty goodness, I literally broke a sweat stirring this concoction, using my entire body to make the maximum motion possible.

When my mom stepped into the room she asked me what I was doing. After explaining that I was trying to mix the chocolate into the milk as much as was possible she asked why I didn't just make a more rapid motion at the wrist. I can't be positive but I sense she whispered "Rube" as she left the kitchen.

Some of us were born with a lack of common sense, seeing the distance between two points never as a straight line. We could be arguably dismissed as nitwits with no earthly purpose at all, and then, in enters Rube Goldberg, who made an art form of useless steps to arrive at some small task. The board game Mousetrap (did anybody ever really play the game?) was the epitome of this silly endeavor, but most kids had a great time setting it up and watching it all come undone.

Now as an adult I have been praised for my ability to think outside the box. To problem solve in creative ways and offer alternative solutions that bring originality to age old concerns. They don't seem to recognize that I can't see what's inside their box of typical easy answers, and I figure there's no benefit to my mentioning it.
http://www.rubegoldberg.com/

Dance

One of my lessons learned in life is regrets have no point unless you use them to change your mind. INHOToday, once you’ve used them, then cast them away and don’t let them visit with you. They are like a shiftless brother-in-law, hoping to live with you forever!

The biggest regret I am willing to put in flickering black and white is about dance. I always loved dance and wanted to be a dancer. Music is meant to be moved to even as your body stays in place. It shakes, stirs, rattles & rolls, and sometimes even cradles you as you listen. As a kid I just couldn’t handle any more ridicule than I was already taking for not being…..a sunbeam slice of bread; white, soft and perfectly shaped as all the other slices in the bag.


Quest Crew


So I ignored the dancer in me, though as I matured he did escape at every wedding reception and disco I could land in. Dancing made me feel free and happy and something beautiful inside me came pouring out, whether what you could see was good or not.

Most of my twenties and thirties I spent dancing in all different kinds of clubs and it has never ceased to be a joy for me. I have also always loved to watch dance; poetry in motion to the timed rhythms of the music. It is the best of life; math and music. It’s the physics of human anatomy and the intangible expressions of the soul.

The three videos express the span and greatness that dance can be. Believe me I could have posted thousands, but I picked three I hoped you might really like and may never have seen before. At least I doubt you’ve seen all three.

The first video, Quest Crew, is an amazing blend of the discipline of martial arts and the kinetic flailing, hops and squats of hip hop. They are brilliant and I have never seen a group dance better together.


West Side Story's Prolouge



Their Predecessors? The brilliance of a choreographer named Jerome Robbins and a piece from West Side Story. This was dance emerging from classical and popular training of the day used in more organic ways. The art form presented as an extension of natural movement, rather than a precise dance done to a precise beat. It so beautifully fits the cultural time and music of this play. You must watch for about 3 minutes before you start to see genuinely magnificent dancing. These guys appear to be suspended in time as they leap together.

The last piece is about more traditional dance, with a surgeon’s precision, and a musician’s heart. Notice the music is non-traditional; perfect art isn’t limited to certain parameters. The passion and discipline necessary to achieve greatness as a ballet dancer is as remarkable as climbing Everest!

So my lesson learned, forget what people think of you and do what brings joy and passion into your life. About dance? It will never stop as long as there is music to move you within.


Classical Ballet

Have Some Fries-We Need a Shake With That.

Christina Hendricks: "I Felt Beautiful" Gaining "15 Pounds"
Us Magazine - June 30, 2010 4:19 PM PDT
"Mad Men" star Christina Hendricks says she's always been proud of her curvier figure.

"Back when I was modeling, the first time I went to Italy I was having cappuccinos every day, and I gained 15 pounds. And I felt gorgeous!" Hendricks, 35, tells the July/August issue of Health. "I would take my clothes off in front of the mirror and be like, Oh, I look like a woman. And I felt beautiful, and I never tried to lose it, 'cause I loved it!"
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/christina-hendricks-i-felt-beautiful-gaining-15-pounds/43174?nc

IMHOToday, by far, the most beautiful woman in the public eye is Christina Hendricks. (Michelle Pfeiffer, if you’re reading this-no one will ever take that part of me that belongs only to you). I began watching “Mad Men” because I caught a glimpse of her during channel surfing, and was sure I had plugged into something produced in the 60’s; after all, in this culture they would never allow a woman that beautiful not to look like a third world famine victim.

Besides being unattractive, the emaciated lifestyle body weight most celebrity women live at cannot be healthy. Women were designed to hold onto some fat, and most men really like it!

Prior to the 1990’s curves have always been assets to women (Okay there were 1920’s flapper girls in potato sacks, but the farm girls still filled out their overalls) and appreciated by the majority of men as well. I think it is women’s perception of women that makes them so dissatisfied with their appearance.


Back when it was tougher to get fat, those Rubenesque women were the rage. The bottom line is that some of us need to feel superior to others. So we go to the more difficult extremes and then make that extreme be the standard as the best possible way to be. Then the rest of us, in our sheep-like condition, decide they must be right and we start fighting our way to the same condition.

Women enjoy your body the way it is now. Don’t wait twenty years to realize how beautiful you are today. Hey you, young aspiring fashion designer, instead of making bigger designs that only look good on stick figures, start making really beautiful clothes that flatter really voluptuous women and see a niche that could use some filling!

Silver in the Darkest of Clouds

Randall Cunningham's 2-year-old son dies

The 2-year-old son of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham died after he was found floating in a backyard hot tub Tuesday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/nflnewsfeed/2010/06/randall-cunninghams-2-year-old-son-dies.html

There is almost nothing to compare to the death of a child; I can’t begin to imagine the depth of pain and sorrow one must endure through that kind of loss. My prayers will be with the Cunningham family, to ease their suffering and to see some glimmer of redemption.

Those who have experienced this kind of loss will hopefully understand what I mean. Nothing can take the pain fully away, yet finding a positive action resulting from tragic events is the impetus for many great works. Otherwise, all that’s left is torment and regret.

Cindy Lightner grieved the loss of her 13 year old daughter; but that’s not all, she also founded the organization, “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” or MADD, and created a national awareness of those innocents who are killed by the reckless.

While discussing the abduction and murder of a poor little girl, named Amber Hagerman, on a local Dallas radio show, a caller asked why the media couldn’t be alerted by police when a child went missing. That was the birth of the Amber Alert System. Well over 300 children have been rescued since that day, and though it won’t remove the pain of the Hagerman family, it may be a balm of comfort to know her death resulted in the preservation of other children's lives.

The Cunninghams are people of faith and I trust that they will turn to the One who can carry burdens too big for us mortals to bear. In the mean time, let’s not wait for another child to lose his life. Make sure your pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzi’s are well guarded from toddlers who know no fear. Keep them close, because losing them is too high a price.
Triumph Born of Tragedy