Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Home Run for The Prez!
Yesterday Obama made his first trip to Minnesota since he became President.
My daughter Linda took 15 year old Alina ( a Russian exchange student who is with her for the school year) to camp out at 5:00AM so they could get into the Target Center.
They did get in, and though they may not have had the front row seats she was hoping for, Alina was thrilled with the whole experience and has been e-mailing all her friends back home.
I watched from the comforts of my Living room and thought the President hit the ball right out of the park.
This Morning I could tell he was successful when I watched our Governor on "This Week with George."
None of his cutesy smiles he usually gives the National media, he snarled during most of the segment.
T-Paw was not a happy camper this morning,probably because Minnesotans opened their arms to Obama and held him tight for the few hours he was here.
This is the way Obama has to sell his ideas, and if he continues on this route we will have health care reform, if the Liberal wing of the party joins with the President.
There are times we have to compromise and look at the long term.
My daughter Linda took 15 year old Alina ( a Russian exchange student who is with her for the school year) to camp out at 5:00AM so they could get into the Target Center.
They did get in, and though they may not have had the front row seats she was hoping for, Alina was thrilled with the whole experience and has been e-mailing all her friends back home.
I watched from the comforts of my Living room and thought the President hit the ball right out of the park.
This Morning I could tell he was successful when I watched our Governor on "This Week with George."
None of his cutesy smiles he usually gives the National media, he snarled during most of the segment.
T-Paw was not a happy camper this morning,probably because Minnesotans opened their arms to Obama and held him tight for the few hours he was here.
This is the way Obama has to sell his ideas, and if he continues on this route we will have health care reform, if the Liberal wing of the party joins with the President.
There are times we have to compromise and look at the long term.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
Minnesota State Fair
Flash and the lovely Mrs. Flash called to check on me and also to tease as they journeyed off to the Minnesota State Fair.
I love the fair and hate it that I can't go this year.
The weather has been awesome, not one bad day,
I'm sure they will break records.
Hubba and I did venture out for brunch today.
I put my vanity aside, surprisingly no one pointed and laughed,
So if I have to have this tube coming out of my nose for the rest of my life
I can probably live with it.
Everyone knows knows I hate to be seen without make up so this was a major accomplishment for me.
Hopefully tomorrow I can put my face back on.
Enjoy this mini trip to the Minnesota Fair, it's all I get ,
I love the fair and hate it that I can't go this year.
The weather has been awesome, not one bad day,
I'm sure they will break records.
Hubba and I did venture out for brunch today.
I put my vanity aside, surprisingly no one pointed and laughed,
So if I have to have this tube coming out of my nose for the rest of my life
I can probably live with it.
Everyone knows knows I hate to be seen without make up so this was a major accomplishment for me.
Hopefully tomorrow I can put my face back on.
Enjoy this mini trip to the Minnesota Fair, it's all I get ,
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Lost Weekend
Our weather has been great and I was so looking forward to the long weekend.
Then another little dust ball hit my life.
A little trip to Urgent Care, only this time for me.
I had a nose bleed that wouldn't stop, so there I was on a beautiful Wed. Night, having a balloon shoved up my nose.
The Doctor was very reassuring ..(Yaa) telling Hubba that my BP was off the chart and if it continued
that high he should get me to the Hosp before I stroked out.
Of Course my BP was high, my anxiety level was off the chart.
This is not the first time I have had a major nose problem,
25 years ago I made several trips to the ER with a similar problem but more severe then because I had been taking aspirin.
The solution then was packing the nose, shots of cocaine in the roof of my mouth and hospitalization because of the thinness of my blood..Large doses of Phenobarbital and Valium to basically keep me down, I call it my lost week. and it reinforced my feelings about drug use.
It took weeks to get that %$#@ out of my system.
, Treatments have improved and now I have this little balloon with a tube taped to the side of my face.
I see the specialist next Tuesday and he will remove it, and my BP will be high again fearing the problem will start all over.
So I am monitoring my BP twice a day to show him it is fine when I am not sitting across from someone in a white coat.
Right now I am stir crazy, I don't own a Burka and refuse to go out and have everyone asking what did you do?
Maybe a little white pill would help this time.
Life happens.
Then another little dust ball hit my life.
A little trip to Urgent Care, only this time for me.
I had a nose bleed that wouldn't stop, so there I was on a beautiful Wed. Night, having a balloon shoved up my nose.
The Doctor was very reassuring ..(Yaa) telling Hubba that my BP was off the chart and if it continued
that high he should get me to the Hosp before I stroked out.
Of Course my BP was high, my anxiety level was off the chart.
This is not the first time I have had a major nose problem,
25 years ago I made several trips to the ER with a similar problem but more severe then because I had been taking aspirin.
The solution then was packing the nose, shots of cocaine in the roof of my mouth and hospitalization because of the thinness of my blood..Large doses of Phenobarbital and Valium to basically keep me down, I call it my lost week. and it reinforced my feelings about drug use.
It took weeks to get that %$#@ out of my system.
, Treatments have improved and now I have this little balloon with a tube taped to the side of my face.
I see the specialist next Tuesday and he will remove it, and my BP will be high again fearing the problem will start all over.
So I am monitoring my BP twice a day to show him it is fine when I am not sitting across from someone in a white coat.
Right now I am stir crazy, I don't own a Burka and refuse to go out and have everyone asking what did you do?
Maybe a little white pill would help this time.
Life happens.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Minnesota Nice !
Bob Idso is a long time friend, he was one of the many speakers at a Town Hall Meeting in Mankato, Mn.
He is a Viet Nam Vet and has been an active member of his community.
His story is just one of many we are hearing.
Unfortunately the Media chooses to only show the protesters opposed to changes in Health care and
the Fox news fear mongers
But at this town meeting every one was allowed to speak.
It's called Minnesota Nice.
This is an Editorial from The Rochester paper Monday August, 24,2009
One family's struggle says more than 1,000-page bill;
Prior to Thursday's town hall meeting in Mankato, a member of the Post-Bulletin's editorial board chatted with Eric Thronson, a Rochester resident who was waiting for the doors to open.
"This government is getting between my four kids and the American dream," he said, pulling a photo of his youngest child from his shirt pocket. "What's Obama's hurry? Why does he have to get everything done in his first 100 or 200 days in office? My dad was a farmer, a DFLer, and he wouldn't recognize this DFL."
Ten minutes later, Dave Blanchard, also of Rochester, expressed a different view. "I've got a granddaughter," he said. "I've got three daughters. I want to know that they're going to be able to afford health insurance for themselves and their kids. If we don't fix health care, it won't fix itself."
Two strong views, from people on either side of the political aisle, and each focused on their children.
Two hours later, an otherwise-boisterous crowd of 700 people sat in absolute silence as Bob Idso -- a resident of St. Peter, a veteran and a teacher at Mankato East High School -- took his turn talking about health care, children and a parent's nightmare.
His youngest child, Everett, is 20 years old and about to graduate from trade school. He has Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the intestines. When Everett graduated from high school, he weighed 99 pounds. He endured multiple hospitalizations and emergency room visits before a treatment program started working.
It involves a drug called Remicade, and it isn't cheap -- more than $7,000 per dose, administered every six weeks.
"It's the only thing that's been of any help to him," Bob Idso said later outside the auditorium. "But now, with his pre-existing condition, no insurance company will touch him, even if he does get a job. He tried to join the Army, but they wouldn't take him. He's thought about moving to Canada, even moving to Norway, just so he could get his treatments."
"We're desperate," Idso said with tears in his eyes -- and he wasn't alone. Several people came by to shake his hands, and there wasn't a dry eye among them.
As we look back on what we believe was an orderly, productive discussion on that drizzly evening in Mankato, we wonder how many of those present fully grasped the Idso family's desperation. Bob Idso couldn't care less which political party is able to claim victory if and when the dust settles on health care reform: All he cares about is finding a way for his son to lead a normal life that isn't dictated by the cost of medical care.
And really, that's what this nationwide debate should be about: quality of life, not just politics and dollars and cents.
Rep. Tim Walz had a lot to say on Thursday, and not all of it was well-received. He endured some boos and heckling, and more than a few times had to raise his voice to be heard over shouts from the crowd.
He admitted that he isn't fully sold on what many have dubbed "Obamacare." And on several occasions he stressed that until he sees a plan that is deficit-neutral and pays health-care providers for value, rather than on a fee-for-service basis, he won't sign on.
But his most important statement came in response to a young woman who had actually studied the reform bill and was concerned that the proposals it contains would disrupt the free-market health insurance industry, thus jeopardizing her current health plan.
Walz disagreed, and the two went back and forth for a bit about language in the bill, but then Walz made the most important point of the evening.
"We need to make a choice in this nation: Are we willing to have winners and losers in health care?" he asked, then answered his own question. "We can't treat health care as a commodity."
We have many unanswered questions about the health care reform plan. We don't know how it would be paid for, how it would be administered and how it would affect the insurance plans many of us enjoy. We hope that by the time Walz comes to Rochester for a town hall meeting -- next month, presumably -- some of the fuzziness in the current proposals will be replaced with specific details.
But we do know that right now, some people are losing in our health care system. Any reform plan that doesn't help people like Everett Idso won't be worth the paper it's printed on.
He is a Viet Nam Vet and has been an active member of his community.
His story is just one of many we are hearing.
Unfortunately the Media chooses to only show the protesters opposed to changes in Health care and
the Fox news fear mongers
But at this town meeting every one was allowed to speak.
It's called Minnesota Nice.
This is an Editorial from The Rochester paper Monday August, 24,2009
One family's struggle says more than 1,000-page bill;
Prior to Thursday's town hall meeting in Mankato, a member of the Post-Bulletin's editorial board chatted with Eric Thronson, a Rochester resident who was waiting for the doors to open.
"This government is getting between my four kids and the American dream," he said, pulling a photo of his youngest child from his shirt pocket. "What's Obama's hurry? Why does he have to get everything done in his first 100 or 200 days in office? My dad was a farmer, a DFLer, and he wouldn't recognize this DFL."
Ten minutes later, Dave Blanchard, also of Rochester, expressed a different view. "I've got a granddaughter," he said. "I've got three daughters. I want to know that they're going to be able to afford health insurance for themselves and their kids. If we don't fix health care, it won't fix itself."
Two strong views, from people on either side of the political aisle, and each focused on their children.
Two hours later, an otherwise-boisterous crowd of 700 people sat in absolute silence as Bob Idso -- a resident of St. Peter, a veteran and a teacher at Mankato East High School -- took his turn talking about health care, children and a parent's nightmare.
His youngest child, Everett, is 20 years old and about to graduate from trade school. He has Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the intestines. When Everett graduated from high school, he weighed 99 pounds. He endured multiple hospitalizations and emergency room visits before a treatment program started working.
It involves a drug called Remicade, and it isn't cheap -- more than $7,000 per dose, administered every six weeks.
"It's the only thing that's been of any help to him," Bob Idso said later outside the auditorium. "But now, with his pre-existing condition, no insurance company will touch him, even if he does get a job. He tried to join the Army, but they wouldn't take him. He's thought about moving to Canada, even moving to Norway, just so he could get his treatments."
"We're desperate," Idso said with tears in his eyes -- and he wasn't alone. Several people came by to shake his hands, and there wasn't a dry eye among them.
As we look back on what we believe was an orderly, productive discussion on that drizzly evening in Mankato, we wonder how many of those present fully grasped the Idso family's desperation. Bob Idso couldn't care less which political party is able to claim victory if and when the dust settles on health care reform: All he cares about is finding a way for his son to lead a normal life that isn't dictated by the cost of medical care.
And really, that's what this nationwide debate should be about: quality of life, not just politics and dollars and cents.
Rep. Tim Walz had a lot to say on Thursday, and not all of it was well-received. He endured some boos and heckling, and more than a few times had to raise his voice to be heard over shouts from the crowd.
He admitted that he isn't fully sold on what many have dubbed "Obamacare." And on several occasions he stressed that until he sees a plan that is deficit-neutral and pays health-care providers for value, rather than on a fee-for-service basis, he won't sign on.
But his most important statement came in response to a young woman who had actually studied the reform bill and was concerned that the proposals it contains would disrupt the free-market health insurance industry, thus jeopardizing her current health plan.
Walz disagreed, and the two went back and forth for a bit about language in the bill, but then Walz made the most important point of the evening.
"We need to make a choice in this nation: Are we willing to have winners and losers in health care?" he asked, then answered his own question. "We can't treat health care as a commodity."
We have many unanswered questions about the health care reform plan. We don't know how it would be paid for, how it would be administered and how it would affect the insurance plans many of us enjoy. We hope that by the time Walz comes to Rochester for a town hall meeting -- next month, presumably -- some of the fuzziness in the current proposals will be replaced with specific details.
But we do know that right now, some people are losing in our health care system. Any reform plan that doesn't help people like Everett Idso won't be worth the paper it's printed on.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Week 4 in Recovery
It has been a hectic couple of weeks and I just haven't had time to visit the blogs.
I also had some Internet down time for a few days, but Techy Flash has taken care of that.
Runningwmn has been picking up Hubba and driving him to work this week.
He really wants to jump into his truck and go it alone, but I told him he had to get rid of the crutch first, I noticed this Morning he limped out the door on a cane.
I can see that my days are numbered.
He did drive my car when we took a trip to our Hometown on Sunday to watch the Drum and Bugle corp competition.
It was a gorgeous day and the Corps were in prime form.
Flash is probably one of the older members of Minnesota Brass, but he managed to fast foot it around the stadium and kept up with the 20 year olds.
The music and performances were awesome.
If you go to Centrisity on my links you can read more about it.
Hubba was a former drum corp member of the St.Peter Govies, after we married
and the babies came he pulled the plug on marching.
It wasn't in his blood the same way it is in his son's.
Flash went right into drum corp after marching band and has probably marched most of his adult life, the lovely Mrs. Flash is a much more patient woman then I am.
Two of my grandsons usually go with him and it was fun to see them there on Sunday.
Neither of them seem to have the urge, right now they are both looking at the military, Air Force and Navy.
School starts in a couple weeks.
Time will tell
I don't have the video of this years show which is superior to last years.
But this is a taste of drum corp.
Minnesota Brass 2008 opener.
I also had some Internet down time for a few days, but Techy Flash has taken care of that.
Runningwmn has been picking up Hubba and driving him to work this week.
He really wants to jump into his truck and go it alone, but I told him he had to get rid of the crutch first, I noticed this Morning he limped out the door on a cane.
I can see that my days are numbered.
He did drive my car when we took a trip to our Hometown on Sunday to watch the Drum and Bugle corp competition.
It was a gorgeous day and the Corps were in prime form.
Flash is probably one of the older members of Minnesota Brass, but he managed to fast foot it around the stadium and kept up with the 20 year olds.
The music and performances were awesome.
If you go to Centrisity on my links you can read more about it.
Hubba was a former drum corp member of the St.Peter Govies, after we married
and the babies came he pulled the plug on marching.
It wasn't in his blood the same way it is in his son's.
Flash went right into drum corp after marching band and has probably marched most of his adult life, the lovely Mrs. Flash is a much more patient woman then I am.
Two of my grandsons usually go with him and it was fun to see them there on Sunday.
Neither of them seem to have the urge, right now they are both looking at the military, Air Force and Navy.
School starts in a couple weeks.
Time will tell
I don't have the video of this years show which is superior to last years.
But this is a taste of drum corp.
Minnesota Brass 2008 opener.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sick In America !
Over the last week, NBC news has been showing us what it is like if you don't have health care in this country.
Why aren't we seeing these stories on every network?
This is the USA people, what in the hell is going on?
If we were in France, Britain or for that fact almost any European country and something happen to an American citizen they would be given free care.
But here in this country thousands have to stand in line to get basic care, and many are turned away.
Isn't there anyway we can stop the crazy right wing from destroying our country?
These people are shouting at town hall meetings that they don't want any Government options in health care, but many are taking Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Police and Fire protection.
Maybe Bush was smart after all, he screened all of the people coming to his rallies etc.
Why aren't we seeing these stories on every network?
This is the USA people, what in the hell is going on?
If we were in France, Britain or for that fact almost any European country and something happen to an American citizen they would be given free care.
But here in this country thousands have to stand in line to get basic care, and many are turned away.
Isn't there anyway we can stop the crazy right wing from destroying our country?
These people are shouting at town hall meetings that they don't want any Government options in health care, but many are taking Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Police and Fire protection.
Maybe Bush was smart after all, he screened all of the people coming to his rallies etc.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
It's all about Family !
The rains went away and brought hot humid weather yesterday to our family BBQ. This year some of the family hit plateau birthdays including Hubba and Linda.We have at least 6 Leo's in our family so you can imagine what it is like having all those bosses in one room. I wish we had gotten the group together for a picture, maybe next year.
Ignore the Smart A in the red T shirt, one of the Leo's along with his twin brother, they like to push our buttons.
Linda surprised us all with a Dixieland Trio called the Medicine Company who entertained us for about an hour. It was also great to mix nieces and nephews from both Hubba and my side of the family. A big surprise when some of our hometown friends showed up.Since Hubba did so well with his crutches I may drive him to work tomorrow.
Not sure if that is for his sake or mine.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Whose qualified?
John McCain doesn't think Judge Sonia Sotomayer is qualified to be a Supreme Court Judge, therefore he will be voting No,
but his choice Sarah Palin was ready to be Vice President?
I wonder what kind of Mushrooms he's been eating?
but his choice Sarah Palin was ready to be Vice President?
I wonder what kind of Mushrooms he's been eating?
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Mission accomplished !
Last night Rachel Maddow's reported that Bill Clinton was on his way to secure the release of the journalists being held in North Korea.
Some of the Clinton haters made comments that he should keep his nose out of it.
It turned out that Kim Jong Il requested Bill Clinton's visit.
A little while ago Breaking News said that Clinton was successful.
Now it is a waiting game to see if they allow them to fly back with him.
Ya got a love "The Silver Fox "
Some of the Clinton haters made comments that he should keep his nose out of it.
It turned out that Kim Jong Il requested Bill Clinton's visit.
A little while ago Breaking News said that Clinton was successful.
Now it is a waiting game to see if they allow them to fly back with him.
Ya got a love "The Silver Fox "
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Hubba Uodate
I went to the hospital around 9:30 we spent most of the day waiting for the Orthopedic doctor to show up and give us the results.
He was suppose to come first thing in the morning,instead he came late afternoon when he was through with is surgeries and he sauntered in.
The crappy part is, Bob was on fasting in case they had to do surgery.
Luckily it turned out to be unnecessary.
He has a couple slight cracks in his pelvis, the hip was OK.
They don't do much for it other then some therapy,kind of like a broken toe, so He will probably be at Hospital a couple more days depending on how well he does with the therapy.
Then he will need crutches for a while, which normally would slow him down, Ha!!
He will be off work the rest of the week for sure and then we will take it from there.
He is not a Happy Camper, since his birthday is on Wednesday and he had planned a Pizza party for all the guys at the shop..
Well guess what, they will still be there next week.
The worst thing the Doctor could possibly have said was "You can do anything with that leg, your recovery depends on how fast you can bear weight on that side."
He doesn't know this stubborn German very well!!
Thanks Fella.. !!!
He was suppose to come first thing in the morning,instead he came late afternoon when he was through with is surgeries and he sauntered in.
The crappy part is, Bob was on fasting in case they had to do surgery.
Luckily it turned out to be unnecessary.
He has a couple slight cracks in his pelvis, the hip was OK.
They don't do much for it other then some therapy,kind of like a broken toe, so He will probably be at Hospital a couple more days depending on how well he does with the therapy.
Then he will need crutches for a while, which normally would slow him down, Ha!!
He will be off work the rest of the week for sure and then we will take it from there.
He is not a Happy Camper, since his birthday is on Wednesday and he had planned a Pizza party for all the guys at the shop..
Well guess what, they will still be there next week.
The worst thing the Doctor could possibly have said was "You can do anything with that leg, your recovery depends on how fast you can bear weight on that side."
He doesn't know this stubborn German very well!!
Thanks Fella.. !!!
Doctor Doctor
Yesterday while Hubba was doing yard work he tripped over the hose and fell backwards landing him on his hip.
He got up and continued to finish a few other things. I noticed him limping very badly
when he came in the house and he told me he fell, but he was fine, yey sure!
Mr. Sunshine never wants to admit that his body might have betrayed him.
My immediate thought was broken hip or pelvis, he is no spring chicken.
I called the Doctor and could not get him in to see her, they were booked solid.
They sent us to Urgent care, never again will I go that route, because after 2 hours there they sent us to the ER.
The X Ray they took showed nothing, but the fact that by then he could hardly bear any weight on his left leg she wanted him admitted to the Hospital for an MRI,
I guess X Rays miss 10% of all breaks.
If you have never been to an ER room it is an experience, after sitting in Urgent care from 4:00 to about 6:15, we headed to the Hospital to a sight that sent my stomach doing somersaults.
The waiting room was packed, and we were just 2 of the sardines sitting there.
It was about 9:00 when they finally took him to a room,and within the first 10 minutes said they were admitting him so they could do an MRI in the AM.
If there is a fracture he will have the surgery right away, if not a physical therapist will come in and appraise the situation.
I finally got to bed around midnight. I was able to fall asleep but that lasted till 4:30 and right now I am just passing time till I can go the the Hospital to find out what the verdict is.
We had visited with a young couple, a trucker and his wife, she had been having
sharp stabbing pain in her upper abdominal area so they had pulled off the road in a small town west of here and stopped at a Urgent Care they suspected gallstone or maybe an ulcer so in a few minutes time they sent them to North Memorial where we were.
It is one of the best trauma Hospitals in this area.
The trucker was carrying a load of cars out east and right now that load is sitting in a parking lot of a nearby shopping center.
She was hoping for an ulcer instead of a gallbladder problem.
She told me she had gone with her husband for the ride and never again will she be that dumb
A really cute young couple and I hope what ever they find, it is something they can treat and send them on their way.
So if you have a few extra minutes and you do pray, remember us, them, and all the people sitting in ER rooms everywhere.
Our health system sucks, the doctor at the Urgent care wasn't able to admit him to the Hospital he had to go through the paces at ER to be admitted.
Double the time Double the charges, something has to change.
Call your Senators and Congress and tell them to get to work and fix this mess they call health care.
He got up and continued to finish a few other things. I noticed him limping very badly
when he came in the house and he told me he fell, but he was fine, yey sure!
Mr. Sunshine never wants to admit that his body might have betrayed him.
My immediate thought was broken hip or pelvis, he is no spring chicken.
I called the Doctor and could not get him in to see her, they were booked solid.
They sent us to Urgent care, never again will I go that route, because after 2 hours there they sent us to the ER.
The X Ray they took showed nothing, but the fact that by then he could hardly bear any weight on his left leg she wanted him admitted to the Hospital for an MRI,
I guess X Rays miss 10% of all breaks.
If you have never been to an ER room it is an experience, after sitting in Urgent care from 4:00 to about 6:15, we headed to the Hospital to a sight that sent my stomach doing somersaults.
The waiting room was packed, and we were just 2 of the sardines sitting there.
It was about 9:00 when they finally took him to a room,and within the first 10 minutes said they were admitting him so they could do an MRI in the AM.
If there is a fracture he will have the surgery right away, if not a physical therapist will come in and appraise the situation.
I finally got to bed around midnight. I was able to fall asleep but that lasted till 4:30 and right now I am just passing time till I can go the the Hospital to find out what the verdict is.
We had visited with a young couple, a trucker and his wife, she had been having
sharp stabbing pain in her upper abdominal area so they had pulled off the road in a small town west of here and stopped at a Urgent Care they suspected gallstone or maybe an ulcer so in a few minutes time they sent them to North Memorial where we were.
It is one of the best trauma Hospitals in this area.
The trucker was carrying a load of cars out east and right now that load is sitting in a parking lot of a nearby shopping center.
She was hoping for an ulcer instead of a gallbladder problem.
She told me she had gone with her husband for the ride and never again will she be that dumb
A really cute young couple and I hope what ever they find, it is something they can treat and send them on their way.
So if you have a few extra minutes and you do pray, remember us, them, and all the people sitting in ER rooms everywhere.
Our health system sucks, the doctor at the Urgent care wasn't able to admit him to the Hospital he had to go through the paces at ER to be admitted.
Double the time Double the charges, something has to change.
Call your Senators and Congress and tell them to get to work and fix this mess they call health care.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Road Rage !
I am still stressed over an incident that happen last Thursday.
I and a friend were on our way to my daughters for a fundraiser.
We were talking and missed the turn, so I went to the next intersection and turned around.
On our way back I was driving about 30 which I think was the speed limit on that road.
A car came up behind me and hugged my tail most of the way.
I hate that..
When I signaled at least a block away from the turn and slowed down, she whipped around me honked and glared at me and proceeded to hit a car coming across the road and spun it around.
At first I felt gleeful, and we chose not to stop.
Now I feel guilty and wish I had stopped and let the other driver know that she was
not watching the road.
I wish I could quit thinking about it so my Blood Pressure would drop back to normal.
I and a friend were on our way to my daughters for a fundraiser.
We were talking and missed the turn, so I went to the next intersection and turned around.
On our way back I was driving about 30 which I think was the speed limit on that road.
A car came up behind me and hugged my tail most of the way.
I hate that..
When I signaled at least a block away from the turn and slowed down, she whipped around me honked and glared at me and proceeded to hit a car coming across the road and spun it around.
At first I felt gleeful, and we chose not to stop.
Now I feel guilty and wish I had stopped and let the other driver know that she was
not watching the road.
I wish I could quit thinking about it so my Blood Pressure would drop back to normal.
Friday, July 24, 2009
C Street part deux
Thanks to D for pointing me to this new Rachel Maddow update of C Street
Tuesday we were out of town attending the funeral of one of my friends Mom's.
Not many of those Mom's left from my youth and Kate was one of my favorites,though she just didn't look natural with out that Brandy water in her hand.
Her daughter Kathy and I have been friends since first grade, I sat with other former classmates from the our old school days
Oh the stories we could tell about those Notre Dame Nuns..
That's for another time too.
In the meantime I didn't watch much TV that day or night so missed this.
The story gets crazier and crazier, especially when you remember that these "Christ loving Nuts" were the most critical of Bill Clinton's peccadillo's.
I had planned a post on another subject, but will save for later.
Meanwhile it is time to speak up against these dregs, so post this or at least go to
you tube and send it to your email list.
Have a good weekend..
Tuesday we were out of town attending the funeral of one of my friends Mom's.
Not many of those Mom's left from my youth and Kate was one of my favorites,though she just didn't look natural with out that Brandy water in her hand.
Her daughter Kathy and I have been friends since first grade, I sat with other former classmates from the our old school days
Oh the stories we could tell about those Notre Dame Nuns..
That's for another time too.
In the meantime I didn't watch much TV that day or night so missed this.
The story gets crazier and crazier, especially when you remember that these "Christ loving Nuts" were the most critical of Bill Clinton's peccadillo's.
I had planned a post on another subject, but will save for later.
Meanwhile it is time to speak up against these dregs, so post this or at least go to
you tube and send it to your email list.
Have a good weekend..
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
C street , Sanctuary for what?
Even though I love cool weather,
I found it was a little too cool to sit on my deck and read this afternoon.
Temps around 60 with a wind sent me inside.
While checking my e-mail I found this youtube clip from Rachel Maddows show.
I hadn't seen it and my blood began to boil as I watched it.
All of these sick so called family values Christian Conservatives need to be exposed.
Many of them screamed for Clinton's resignation and now they
have formed their own little cult so they can have their fuzzie's without anyone knowing about it.
I hope every single politician who ever went through the doors of C Street
is named.
I am anxious to see just who is on the list.
Guess I'll have to pay more attention to Rachel's show from now on.
I found it was a little too cool to sit on my deck and read this afternoon.
Temps around 60 with a wind sent me inside.
While checking my e-mail I found this youtube clip from Rachel Maddows show.
I hadn't seen it and my blood began to boil as I watched it.
All of these sick so called family values Christian Conservatives need to be exposed.
Many of them screamed for Clinton's resignation and now they
have formed their own little cult so they can have their fuzzie's without anyone knowing about it.
I hope every single politician who ever went through the doors of C Street
is named.
I am anxious to see just who is on the list.
Guess I'll have to pay more attention to Rachel's show from now on.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Franken Victory weekend !
I had a busy weekend, which included attending
the Franken Victory party Saturday night.
Standing in the middle of a mob of people,
staring at backs (I'm 5 feet tall) reminded me of why I quit going to these
rallies.
But I had to go to this one, and I did get to see many happy faces from the campaign.
Al was great, humble, giving us all the credit for his win,
then promising us he will work every minute for Minnesota and make us proud.
I have no doubt he is going to surprise a lot of people.
Al is not the flighty raunchy,comedian the Republicans would want you to believe.
He grew up in St.Louis Park a suburb of Minneapolis.
His mother was a Homemaker and real estate agent and his father
was a printing salesman.
They made sure he had the best education and he graduated from the prestigious Blake
Academy in 1969, he was a serious student with a sense of humor.
He attended Harvard and graduated cum laud in 1973 with a
bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
His interest in Politics was not something that just developed.
He has been well prepared for this new career and he will make Minnesota proud.
Sunday was another long day it involved a wedding Anniversary party in our home town and a friends daughters Graduation on our way home.
Saw many good friends and relived many good memories.
Now back to the old grind, some jobs are never done
and my sneezing today reminds me I have to get out the dust cloth.
the Franken Victory party Saturday night.
Standing in the middle of a mob of people,
staring at backs (I'm 5 feet tall) reminded me of why I quit going to these
rallies.
But I had to go to this one, and I did get to see many happy faces from the campaign.
Al was great, humble, giving us all the credit for his win,
then promising us he will work every minute for Minnesota and make us proud.
I have no doubt he is going to surprise a lot of people.
Al is not the flighty raunchy,comedian the Republicans would want you to believe.
He grew up in St.Louis Park a suburb of Minneapolis.
His mother was a Homemaker and real estate agent and his father
was a printing salesman.
They made sure he had the best education and he graduated from the prestigious Blake
Academy in 1969, he was a serious student with a sense of humor.
He attended Harvard and graduated cum laud in 1973 with a
bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
His interest in Politics was not something that just developed.
He has been well prepared for this new career and he will make Minnesota proud.
Sunday was another long day it involved a wedding Anniversary party in our home town and a friends daughters Graduation on our way home.
Saw many good friends and relived many good memories.
Now back to the old grind, some jobs are never done
and my sneezing today reminds me I have to get out the dust cloth.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hows your Health?
I am a big fan of Bill Moyers Journal and try to watch the show every Friday night.
Tonight he showed how the health insurance industry had an active campaign to discredit Michael Moore
and his film Sicko.
The show is sometimes repeated so check your local PBS station and try to catch it.
Or later you can see the complete show at
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Here is a teaser..
Tonight he showed how the health insurance industry had an active campaign to discredit Michael Moore
and his film Sicko.
The show is sometimes repeated so check your local PBS station and try to catch it.
Or later you can see the complete show at
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Here is a teaser..
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Rambling Sarah !!
I was sitting in a motel in my hometown when I saw this.
I nearly choked on my drink.
I don't think she can ever explain why she is dumping the states problems on to the Lt. Governor.
The thought that she was almost a heart beat away from the Presidency gives me shivers.
Later at a club, my favorite Republican came up to me and said.
"Be kind to me tonight !"
I gave him a hug.
I nearly choked on my drink.
I don't think she can ever explain why she is dumping the states problems on to the Lt. Governor.
The thought that she was almost a heart beat away from the Presidency gives me shivers.
Later at a club, my favorite Republican came up to me and said.
"Be kind to me tonight !"
I gave him a hug.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mr. Franken goes to Washington !
Senator Amy Klobuchar
will be present at a rally tomorrow at noon at the St.Paul Capital to send
our Junior Senator, Al Franken and his wife Franni off to Washington.
It has been over 6 years since the tragic death of our friend, Senator Paul Wellstone and
it was a sad day when Norm Coleman was sent to Washington in his place.
In fact it was a travesty, but finally we have someone who deserves to take back that Senate seat.
I don't know if Paul Wellstone can ever be replaced, but Al Franken is closer to Paul's views then
anyone we have, and he is going to be fun to watch.
It has been a long 7 months waiting for this race to be over,
it was a fun campaign to work on and now Al has to get to work..
Amy Klobuchar and her staff were remarkable doing the job of two Senators.
One thing Naughty Normy will get credit for
is to ensure her re-election.
No Republican will be able to touch her,
I predict she will win her next election with over 60% of the vote
Oh it is going to be fun watching Bill O'Reilly go ballistic.
will be present at a rally tomorrow at noon at the St.Paul Capital to send
our Junior Senator, Al Franken and his wife Franni off to Washington.
It has been over 6 years since the tragic death of our friend, Senator Paul Wellstone and
it was a sad day when Norm Coleman was sent to Washington in his place.
In fact it was a travesty, but finally we have someone who deserves to take back that Senate seat.
I don't know if Paul Wellstone can ever be replaced, but Al Franken is closer to Paul's views then
anyone we have, and he is going to be fun to watch.
It has been a long 7 months waiting for this race to be over,
it was a fun campaign to work on and now Al has to get to work..
Amy Klobuchar and her staff were remarkable doing the job of two Senators.
One thing Naughty Normy will get credit for
is to ensure her re-election.
No Republican will be able to touch her,
I predict she will win her next election with over 60% of the vote
Oh it is going to be fun watching Bill O'Reilly go ballistic.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael 1958-2009
I'm sad.. 1 2 3
Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcet, and Michael Jackson.
Memories for me of Elvis..
Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcet, and Michael Jackson.
Memories for me of Elvis..
Monday, June 22, 2009
Auntie Lo..1912-2009
I thought about cutting and pasting and rewriting this eulogy that Auntie Lo's oldest Grandson Dan gave at the funeral and then I decided it was just to perfect to monkey around. He gave his permission to pass it on so I am taking that privilege and printing it here.
Most of his memories are also mine and all of the cousins lucky enough to spend summers on the farm, the chicken dinners and the homemade ice cream. The cousins would take turns turning the paddle just to get the chance to lick it later.
Dan did marvelous job in his send off and here it is.
- - - -
The year was 1912. New Mexico and Arizona became the 47 and 48 states to join the union. Robert F Scott reached the South Pole only to find that Roald Amundsen had gotten there first. The Girl Scouts of America were organized by Juliette Low and the glorious luxury liner “The Titanic” sank on her maiden voyage. In November Woodrow Wilson would be elected president. But I’m getting ahead of myself. On the first Thursday in June of 1912 two significant events occurred.
First, Mt Novarupta erupted in Alaska spewing more than thirty times the ash of the Mt St Helens eruption of 1980. It would be the largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century. And second, in a quiet loving home near Webb, Iowa Lois Thelma Eaton was born to John Freeman Eaton & his wife Emma Alice Damstrom Eaton. She too, would leave her mark on this world.
Lois married Claude Tipton O’Clair on July 7, 1929. They lived most of their married life in Fostoria where Claude farmed for Wayne & David Simington. They had four children: Claude Darrel, Richard “Dick” Arlan, Joyce Jeanette and Valerie Jane.
I am her eldest Grandson Dan or “Danny” as she always called me. Claude Darrel O’Clair is my father. My earliest recollection of my Granny is when she and grandpa would make their annual fall pilgrimages to visit us in Montana. I am told of course that even before my memories she would hold me and at night I would stare with fascination at the moon. I so enjoyed Granny’s visits; fresh eggs and ham and bacon from the farm, cookies from Great Grandma Em and most of all love from Granny! I remember as a young boy telling her, “I’ll never get too big to sit on your lap.” I last sat, quite gently and with just a little weight, on that loving lap in 2004 at the age of 49, just to prove a point, and Granny and I laughed about it just as we did each time I sat there over the years.
I remember visiting Iowa in the summer as a child… pumping water at the pump outside her home… holding baby chicks… picking blackberries in the woods and the special pie she would make just for me in a single serving pie plate… turning the crank, at least in the beginning when it was easy, for homemade ice cream and Granny “rescuing” me from Aunt Valerie’s 4H lamb that came running to me for its bottle! I was sure it was coming to attack me. I climbed on a large stump in the front yard and yelled for help and there came Granny.
Later I remember Granny and Grandpa coming to Montana in the summer to go camping and fishing. Granny loved the outdoors. We would fish and hike during the day and play Scrabble and Yahtzee by the campfire at night. Granny taught me, by example, to appreciate the simple things in life.
Granny loved to cook. For years she cooked at Vacation Village on Lake Okoboji. What I remember most was her desserts. She baked the best pies. Lemon meringue pie with the flakiest of crusts was a personal favorite. The sweet tartness of the lemon custard makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And her pineapple upside-down cake and caramel cinnamon rolls will forever be missed.
I remember when she had hip replacement surgery… she was back on the dance floor in just six weeks! There wasn’t much that would keep that lady down.
I remember when we almost lost Grandpa and how the two of them loved each other through his final year.
After Grandpa passed Granny traveled. She took numerous bus trips and spent a few winters in Mesa, Arizona. One of her favorite spots in Arizona was a restaurant called Rustler’s Roost. You enter the building upstairs and go down a slide into the dining area! That was Granny, always up for a good time. She also enjoyed traveling to Washington state to visit her daughter Valerie and her family.
I remember the year she visited me and my young family in Louisiana. She bought my oldest son a bicycle for his sixth birthday and his four year old little brother threw such a fit we had to go back to town and buy him a bicycle too!
As time marched on her health began to decline. First, she had to give up driving. Few of us realize how hard that is until it is taken from us. We are no longer free to come and go as we please. We have to wait for rides from friends or bus schedules to go places. Still she continued to stay actively involved at the Senior Center where she loved to play cards. Finally she had to give up her independence. That which we so take for granted, until one day aging begins to close in upon us and the simplest of tasks now become a list of “chores” for another to perform for us. Thankfully, Dick and Karen and their family were close by. On Granny’s ninety-first birthday in 2003 she told me, “I never asked to be here this long. My body is shot, my headlights are out, but my engine is still running strong.” In later conversations she would often question why she was still here, why God wasn’t ready for her, and with longing in her voice ask why she just couldn’t go… Well she finally got her wish.
Monday, June 8 Granny let go of the steering wheel and that engine finally gave out ending a life that had a profound impact on who I am. Granny wasn’t perfect, none of us are. But she was a strong woman. Determination and opinion burned deep within her soul. She was the stuff that character is made of. She helped to shape who I am and who my children are and who their children are and will be. If you are here today Granny/Lois O’Clair had an impact on your life too. She left her mark on this world alright… just take a look around you.
Yes today is filled with sorrow for our loss, but let it also be filled with joy for a life well-lived… a dear sister and aunt, a loving mother, an awesome grandmother & great-grandmother, a kind and caring friend.
She was quick witted and nearly always had a comeback. Granny once said to me about aging, “I am an adventurer. This is one adventure I’ve not been on.”
Well, now she’s off on yet another adventure.
Here’s to you granny! With love from all of us.
Most of his memories are also mine and all of the cousins lucky enough to spend summers on the farm, the chicken dinners and the homemade ice cream. The cousins would take turns turning the paddle just to get the chance to lick it later.
Dan did marvelous job in his send off and here it is.
- - - -
The year was 1912. New Mexico and Arizona became the 47 and 48 states to join the union. Robert F Scott reached the South Pole only to find that Roald Amundsen had gotten there first. The Girl Scouts of America were organized by Juliette Low and the glorious luxury liner “The Titanic” sank on her maiden voyage. In November Woodrow Wilson would be elected president. But I’m getting ahead of myself. On the first Thursday in June of 1912 two significant events occurred. First, Mt Novarupta erupted in Alaska spewing more than thirty times the ash of the Mt St Helens eruption of 1980. It would be the largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century. And second, in a quiet loving home near Webb, Iowa Lois Thelma Eaton was born to John Freeman Eaton & his wife Emma Alice Damstrom Eaton. She too, would leave her mark on this world.
Lois married Claude Tipton O’Clair on July 7, 1929. They lived most of their married life in Fostoria where Claude farmed for Wayne & David Simington. They had four children: Claude Darrel, Richard “Dick” Arlan, Joyce Jeanette and Valerie Jane.
I am her eldest Grandson Dan or “Danny” as she always called me. Claude Darrel O’Clair is my father. My earliest recollection of my Granny is when she and grandpa would make their annual fall pilgrimages to visit us in Montana. I am told of course that even before my memories she would hold me and at night I would stare with fascination at the moon. I so enjoyed Granny’s visits; fresh eggs and ham and bacon from the farm, cookies from Great Grandma Em and most of all love from Granny! I remember as a young boy telling her, “I’ll never get too big to sit on your lap.” I last sat, quite gently and with just a little weight, on that loving lap in 2004 at the age of 49, just to prove a point, and Granny and I laughed about it just as we did each time I sat there over the years.
I remember visiting Iowa in the summer as a child… pumping water at the pump outside her home… holding baby chicks… picking blackberries in the woods and the special pie she would make just for me in a single serving pie plate… turning the crank, at least in the beginning when it was easy, for homemade ice cream and Granny “rescuing” me from Aunt Valerie’s 4H lamb that came running to me for its bottle! I was sure it was coming to attack me. I climbed on a large stump in the front yard and yelled for help and there came Granny.
Later I remember Granny and Grandpa coming to Montana in the summer to go camping and fishing. Granny loved the outdoors. We would fish and hike during the day and play Scrabble and Yahtzee by the campfire at night. Granny taught me, by example, to appreciate the simple things in life.
Granny loved to cook. For years she cooked at Vacation Village on Lake Okoboji. What I remember most was her desserts. She baked the best pies. Lemon meringue pie with the flakiest of crusts was a personal favorite. The sweet tartness of the lemon custard makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And her pineapple upside-down cake and caramel cinnamon rolls will forever be missed.
I remember when she had hip replacement surgery… she was back on the dance floor in just six weeks! There wasn’t much that would keep that lady down.
I remember when we almost lost Grandpa and how the two of them loved each other through his final year.
After Grandpa passed Granny traveled. She took numerous bus trips and spent a few winters in Mesa, Arizona. One of her favorite spots in Arizona was a restaurant called Rustler’s Roost. You enter the building upstairs and go down a slide into the dining area! That was Granny, always up for a good time. She also enjoyed traveling to Washington state to visit her daughter Valerie and her family.
I remember the year she visited me and my young family in Louisiana. She bought my oldest son a bicycle for his sixth birthday and his four year old little brother threw such a fit we had to go back to town and buy him a bicycle too!
As time marched on her health began to decline. First, she had to give up driving. Few of us realize how hard that is until it is taken from us. We are no longer free to come and go as we please. We have to wait for rides from friends or bus schedules to go places. Still she continued to stay actively involved at the Senior Center where she loved to play cards. Finally she had to give up her independence. That which we so take for granted, until one day aging begins to close in upon us and the simplest of tasks now become a list of “chores” for another to perform for us. Thankfully, Dick and Karen and their family were close by. On Granny’s ninety-first birthday in 2003 she told me, “I never asked to be here this long. My body is shot, my headlights are out, but my engine is still running strong.” In later conversations she would often question why she was still here, why God wasn’t ready for her, and with longing in her voice ask why she just couldn’t go… Well she finally got her wish.
Monday, June 8 Granny let go of the steering wheel and that engine finally gave out ending a life that had a profound impact on who I am. Granny wasn’t perfect, none of us are. But she was a strong woman. Determination and opinion burned deep within her soul. She was the stuff that character is made of. She helped to shape who I am and who my children are and who their children are and will be. If you are here today Granny/Lois O’Clair had an impact on your life too. She left her mark on this world alright… just take a look around you.
Yes today is filled with sorrow for our loss, but let it also be filled with joy for a life well-lived… a dear sister and aunt, a loving mother, an awesome grandmother & great-grandmother, a kind and caring friend.
She was quick witted and nearly always had a comeback. Granny once said to me about aging, “I am an adventurer. This is one adventure I’ve not been on.”
Well, now she’s off on yet another adventure.
Here’s to you granny! With love from all of us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Stay Tuned!
Last night at a reception for Joan Growe,
former Minnesota Secretary of State
and first female candidate for the Senate in 1984.
A little bird told me we may have a new Senator named by Thursday.
former Minnesota Secretary of State
and first female candidate for the Senate in 1984.
A little bird told me we may have a new Senator named by Thursday.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Remembering Tim Russert 1950-2008
Saturday June 13, was the 1 year anniversary of Tim Russerts death.
I miss his banter on Meet the Press and would love to know what his thoughts are about what is going on today.
The Boss say's it best
I miss his banter on Meet the Press and would love to know what his thoughts are about what is going on today.
The Boss say's it best
Friday, June 12, 2009
Vodka Lemonade Please?
We just got back from Spencer Iowa.
Hubba and I and my big Bro drove down for my Auntie Lo's funeral.
Will post something later about her when I have time to put my thoughts together.
I had reserved rooms at the Budget Inn, was quoted a much lower rate, we were charged more after we got there and the room had a lot to be desired.
Last time I trust online search.
When the wake was over I was a little too hyper to go sit in the crappy room so Hubba and I went bar searching, Bro hit the sack.
Found a couple nice places and after a couple drinks went back to the room.
Today after the funeral and visit with some of my dysfunctional Obama hating cousins,
(I'm sure they had noticed my bumper stickers,
but not the time to get into any political discussion)
we headed home in the pouring rain.
I wanted to let the guys visit, so
I drove most of the way back.
Not an easy drive, especially in the rain on Iowa's crappy roads
Minnesota's roads will soon be just as bad, since our opportunist Governor is cutting everything to the bare bones just to prove to the RNC how conservative he is.
At the rate he is going we will soon be ranked lower then Mississippi in everything.
It has been a hectic couple of weeks, but now that my Granddaughters games and graduation are over and Lo is finally at rest, maybe I can get back into a routine.
Just give me time to adjust to this loss.
Hubba and I and my big Bro drove down for my Auntie Lo's funeral.
Will post something later about her when I have time to put my thoughts together.
I had reserved rooms at the Budget Inn, was quoted a much lower rate, we were charged more after we got there and the room had a lot to be desired.
Last time I trust online search.
When the wake was over I was a little too hyper to go sit in the crappy room so Hubba and I went bar searching, Bro hit the sack.
Found a couple nice places and after a couple drinks went back to the room.
Today after the funeral and visit with some of my dysfunctional Obama hating cousins,
(I'm sure they had noticed my bumper stickers,
but not the time to get into any political discussion)
we headed home in the pouring rain.
I wanted to let the guys visit, so
I drove most of the way back.
Not an easy drive, especially in the rain on Iowa's crappy roads
Minnesota's roads will soon be just as bad, since our opportunist Governor is cutting everything to the bare bones just to prove to the RNC how conservative he is.
At the rate he is going we will soon be ranked lower then Mississippi in everything.
It has been a hectic couple of weeks, but now that my Granddaughters games and graduation are over and Lo is finally at rest, maybe I can get back into a routine.
Just give me time to adjust to this loss.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
She's Back !!
My ears perked up this morning when CBS news started talking about one of my hero's,
Erin Brokovich.
She is investigating water contamination in Midland Texas.
Maybe the Bush ranch has a problem and that was why "W" acted like he didn't know what was going on most of the time.
If the green water smells funny, most people would notice.
Don't ya think?
Erin Brokovich.
She is investigating water contamination in Midland Texas.
Maybe the Bush ranch has a problem and that was why "W" acted like he didn't know what was going on most of the time.
If the green water smells funny, most people would notice.
Don't ya think?
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Congratulations, Amy!!
Great party tonight for our softball champion graduate!
Even the rain and cold didn't spoil the party.
GiGi
Even the rain and cold didn't spoil the party.
GiGi
Friday, June 05, 2009
I Believe !!!
Wow !!
They didn't make it easy and I don't know how many games like that I could watch.
We got to the game in No. Mankato, Thursday at 3:00 and were able to watch our youngest granddaughter Amy pitch an awesome game only 5 hits and 5 of the 7 innings it was 1-2-3 and they were gone to put the Elks into the Championship game at 2:00 today.
I was happy to see some family take time to cheer her on with us and her Mom and Dad.
Amy didn't get to pitch today but she bunted to move the winning run to 3rd base.
Elk River beat North St. Paul 1 to 0.
The game was over around 4:00 and the happy team and coach headed back to Elk River for a Police escort into town.
Graduation tonight, I hope the Seniors had time for a shower.
Tomorrow night at 4:00 is Amy's graduation party and even though it is suppose to be cold and rainy, I'm sure everyone will enjoy the night.
As good as Amy is, it was starter Kelsey Roche who made the all Tournament team by firing a one hit shutout in the first game to advance them and also got the final win.
Two awesome pitchers and great defense gave Elk River their first State title.
What a way to end your Senior year.
I need a drink!!!!
They didn't make it easy and I don't know how many games like that I could watch.
We got to the game in No. Mankato, Thursday at 3:00 and were able to watch our youngest granddaughter Amy pitch an awesome game only 5 hits and 5 of the 7 innings it was 1-2-3 and they were gone to put the Elks into the Championship game at 2:00 today.
I was happy to see some family take time to cheer her on with us and her Mom and Dad.
Amy didn't get to pitch today but she bunted to move the winning run to 3rd base.
Elk River beat North St. Paul 1 to 0.
The game was over around 4:00 and the happy team and coach headed back to Elk River for a Police escort into town.
Graduation tonight, I hope the Seniors had time for a shower.
Tomorrow night at 4:00 is Amy's graduation party and even though it is suppose to be cold and rainy, I'm sure everyone will enjoy the night.
As good as Amy is, it was starter Kelsey Roche who made the all Tournament team by firing a one hit shutout in the first game to advance them and also got the final win.
Two awesome pitchers and great defense gave Elk River their first State title.
What a way to end your Senior year.
I need a drink!!!!
Elks go to State
UPDATE: GiGi is in Mankato. The amazing Elk River Elks logged double upsets, yesterday. They first defeated a pesky Mankato West club 1 - 0 and then downed the ranked Hastings team, 2 - 1, behind a stellar outing by Grand Daughter Amy Schiebel. Her 5 hit complete game propelled the Elks to the state championship game this afternoon against a hungry North St. Paul team.
Tomorrow is Amy's Graduation celebration. Regardless of what happens today, it there will be much more to celebrate. But lets cross our fingers for just one more win.
Techy Flash
- - - -
My youngest sons, youngest daughter Amy # 21, graduates this year and she has had an awesome year.
She loves her fast pitch soft ball and is one of the 2 starters for her High School team.
She is being scouted by some of the local colleges and
last Thursday she pitched an awesome game helping to send her team to State Finals next week in Mankato Mn.
Can you spell P_R_O_U_D ?
The Elk River Elks won the Region 8AAA championship and are on to state.
Tomorrow is Amy's Graduation celebration. Regardless of what happens today, it there will be much more to celebrate. But lets cross our fingers for just one more win.
Techy Flash
- - - -
My youngest sons, youngest daughter Amy # 21, graduates this year and she has had an awesome year.
She loves her fast pitch soft ball and is one of the 2 starters for her High School team.
She is being scouted by some of the local colleges and
last Thursday she pitched an awesome game helping to send her team to State Finals next week in Mankato Mn.
Can you spell P_R_O_U_D ?
The Elk River Elks won the Region 8AAA championship and are on to state.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Judge Sonya
President Barack Obama has nominated federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor 54 for the Supreme Court,
making her the first Hispanic in history picked to sit on the highest court of our country
If confirmed by the Senate, she would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.
It was time for a Latino choice, that was a no brainer.
Judge Sotomayer has been through the confirmation process twice and was approved both times overwhelmingly
Does that mean she will fly through this time?
Hardly,
F news began their attacks a couple weeks ago in preparation for this announcement so be prepared for more.
making her the first Hispanic in history picked to sit on the highest court of our country
If confirmed by the Senate, she would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.
It was time for a Latino choice, that was a no brainer.
Judge Sotomayer has been through the confirmation process twice and was approved both times overwhelmingly
Does that mean she will fly through this time?
Hardly,
F news began their attacks a couple weeks ago in preparation for this announcement so be prepared for more.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A Good Read!
What a treasure it is when you pick up a book and discover the real joy of reading again
I have missed that for the last several months.
The choices we have had at our book club have been OK but
it has been almost a year since I read
Water for Elephants, my favorite book in 2008
I have read some good books, but not ones that would be on my list to reread again,
until last week
On Thursday I picked up a debut book I had on reserve at the library,
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
It is set in Jackson Mississippi in 1962
Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is fresh out of college, her dream is to become a writer.
She is a local socialite, she is bored with her haughty friends and and frustrated about how they treat their maids..
Events that happen give her the idea to write a book about these maids from their perspective.
She is able to enlist three very memorable characters to begin this project.
Skeeter,Aibileen and her best friend Minny are an unlikely trio
Skeeter needs one more person to finish this book,
her nanny Constantine who has left and no one will tell her why.
My favorite character is Minny the third narrator of the book,
a smart mouth maid who lives with an abusive husband.
Minny and her employer Celia made me laugh out loud one moment and cry the next.
I could not put this book down and when I had too,
I thought about it constantly.
To me that is a good read and it is on my list to reread it as soon as I get to a book store.
Then I can take my time and savor every word.
Let me know if you read it and what you think.
I have missed that for the last several months.
The choices we have had at our book club have been OK but
it has been almost a year since I read
Water for Elephants, my favorite book in 2008
I have read some good books, but not ones that would be on my list to reread again,
until last week
On Thursday I picked up a debut book I had on reserve at the library,
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
It is set in Jackson Mississippi in 1962
Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is fresh out of college, her dream is to become a writer.
She is a local socialite, she is bored with her haughty friends and and frustrated about how they treat their maids..
Events that happen give her the idea to write a book about these maids from their perspective.
She is able to enlist three very memorable characters to begin this project.
Skeeter,Aibileen and her best friend Minny are an unlikely trio
Skeeter needs one more person to finish this book,
her nanny Constantine who has left and no one will tell her why.
My favorite character is Minny the third narrator of the book,
a smart mouth maid who lives with an abusive husband.
Minny and her employer Celia made me laugh out loud one moment and cry the next.
I could not put this book down and when I had too,
I thought about it constantly.
To me that is a good read and it is on my list to reread it as soon as I get to a book store.
Then I can take my time and savor every word.
Let me know if you read it and what you think.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Kris Allen the new American Idol 2009
Congratulations to Kris Allen, though even he admitted that Adam deserved the win.
But as long as they continue the archaic way of voting the teeny bopper will continue to vote for the cutest, not necessarily the best
Meanwhile Adam Lambert has nothing to worry about he will be the biggest star to ever come off of Idol.
Kris will sell a lot of CD's he has one of those soothing voice's, but
I personally was a Danny Gokey fan and I can't wait for his first CD to come
out.
Here's Kris
But as long as they continue the archaic way of voting the teeny bopper will continue to vote for the cutest, not necessarily the best
Meanwhile Adam Lambert has nothing to worry about he will be the biggest star to ever come off of Idol.
Kris will sell a lot of CD's he has one of those soothing voice's, but
I personally was a Danny Gokey fan and I can't wait for his first CD to come
out.
Here's Kris
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hooray for the Irish..
Soon when Obama speaks to the Graduating class at Notre Dame, he can be reassured that the majority of Catholics in this country are supporting his right to do so.
A recent poll showed that 60 percent of Catholic voters were against rescinding the invitation for him to speak
at the college.
There are 195 Bishops in the US and as of today only 68 of them are protesting Obama's appearance.
How many of these Bishops protested Bush's speaking at Notre Dame?
George Bush the king of Executors and the man who caused almost 5000 American deaths with his illegal war.
Of course it does appear that the right to life movement only cares about the children that are not born yet.
These are the same men who protected molesting priests.
I am an active Catholic and I pray that the day comes that we will see some common sense brought back to our church.
Pope JohnXXIII has to be rolling in his grave.
As the President walked into the auditorium he was greeted with a long standing ovation.
There is hope in this country after all.
A recent poll showed that 60 percent of Catholic voters were against rescinding the invitation for him to speak
at the college.
There are 195 Bishops in the US and as of today only 68 of them are protesting Obama's appearance.
How many of these Bishops protested Bush's speaking at Notre Dame?
George Bush the king of Executors and the man who caused almost 5000 American deaths with his illegal war.
Of course it does appear that the right to life movement only cares about the children that are not born yet.
These are the same men who protected molesting priests.
I am an active Catholic and I pray that the day comes that we will see some common sense brought back to our church.
Pope JohnXXIII has to be rolling in his grave.
As the President walked into the auditorium he was greeted with a long standing ovation.
There is hope in this country after all.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Jessie's Looking Pretty Good.
Every one laughed and made jokes about former Governor Jessie Ventura, but lately our pretty faced Governor Tim Pawlenty used his line item veto pen to cut
$380 million dollars out of the appropriation for General Assistance Medical care.
He is making Jessie Ventura's former term look pretty good.
Just like Bush did for Richard Nixon, Pawlenty is making Jessie Ventura smile.
Because of Tim Pawlenty's temper tantrum,
over 100,000 will lose their health insurance causing them to flood ER rooms.
He would rather cut and borrow then raise taxes on his rich friends.
Who do you think will end up paying for the added costs to the Hospitals?
His new, threatened cuts will damage our nursing home care, school's, and cities, causing large increases to local property taxes.
Twice this Governor has been elected by a small minority because of Independent candidates who took votes away from the Democrats.
He is ignoring the people of Minnesota to highlight his image
to the National Republican party.
He and Norm Coleman are typical of the current crop of Republicans,
greedy and opportunistic.
Centristy has a good post about the Governor's latest pout, go check him out.
$380 million dollars out of the appropriation for General Assistance Medical care.
He is making Jessie Ventura's former term look pretty good.
Just like Bush did for Richard Nixon, Pawlenty is making Jessie Ventura smile.
Because of Tim Pawlenty's temper tantrum,
over 100,000 will lose their health insurance causing them to flood ER rooms.
He would rather cut and borrow then raise taxes on his rich friends.
Who do you think will end up paying for the added costs to the Hospitals?
His new, threatened cuts will damage our nursing home care, school's, and cities, causing large increases to local property taxes.
Twice this Governor has been elected by a small minority because of Independent candidates who took votes away from the Democrats.
He is ignoring the people of Minnesota to highlight his image
to the National Republican party.
He and Norm Coleman are typical of the current crop of Republicans,
greedy and opportunistic.
Centristy has a good post about the Governor's latest pout, go check him out.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wanda My hero...
What did they expect when they invited Wanda Sykes to speak at the White House Correspondents dinner?
Pablum?
She is not only one of the best stand up comics she is edgy and I thought very restrained last night, in case you didn't see it, here is most of it.
Part two seems to be what is causing "F" News people the most grief.
Meanwhile I want all the old fossils complaining about her performance to shut the FOX up!
Feel free to pass these video's on..
Pablum?
She is not only one of the best stand up comics she is edgy and I thought very restrained last night, in case you didn't see it, here is most of it.
Part two seems to be what is causing "F" News people the most grief.
Meanwhile I want all the old fossils complaining about her performance to shut the FOX up!
Feel free to pass these video's on..
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Adam can be anything he wants.
Last night I taped American Idol because I was helping out at a Community Reads program.
I wanted to see the top 4 perform even though I am not a big fan of guest star Slash from Guns and Roses and expected the music to be more heavy metal then what I call rock and roll.
I am more a blues/jazz music fan
I'm glad I did tape it or I might have missed seeing Adam Lambert's Star rising.
He has been accused of being too Broadway but last night he proved he can sing anything and no matter what happens this guy is a star already.
He also performed an awesome duet with Hubba's favorite 17 year old Allison Iraheta.
I hope it helped her to make it through at least one more week.
Unfortunately that means Danny Gokey or Kris Allen will leave tonight.
Neither of these two are rock singers so their performances last night wasn't all that great.
I am still hoping for a Danny / Adam showdown, it will make for great TV and if you have never watched Idol that would be the night to watch
Here is Adams performance, you can catch the duet on youtube.
I had to update the video, since the one I had was removed..so here goes
I wanted to see the top 4 perform even though I am not a big fan of guest star Slash from Guns and Roses and expected the music to be more heavy metal then what I call rock and roll.
I am more a blues/jazz music fan
I'm glad I did tape it or I might have missed seeing Adam Lambert's Star rising.
He has been accused of being too Broadway but last night he proved he can sing anything and no matter what happens this guy is a star already.
He also performed an awesome duet with Hubba's favorite 17 year old Allison Iraheta.
I hope it helped her to make it through at least one more week.
Unfortunately that means Danny Gokey or Kris Allen will leave tonight.
Neither of these two are rock singers so their performances last night wasn't all that great.
I am still hoping for a Danny / Adam showdown, it will make for great TV and if you have never watched Idol that would be the night to watch
Here is Adams performance, you can catch the duet on youtube.
I had to update the video, since the one I had was removed..so here goes
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Where's the Money ??
Lately every time I read the morning paper there is another story that sounds like a script from "The Shield"
a series about a corrupt drug task force.
Early April there was the story of a 19 year old Fong Lee who was gunned down while being chased by police.
No drugs were found on him and the gun found near by looks like a possible plant, his family is suing the city and the police department.
Today a another law suit was filed by a man who is trying to recover 4,500.00 taken from him illegally.
Dagoberto Rodriguez Cardonos has spent the last nine months trying to recover his money,
he has not been charged with any crime connected to the money.
The law suit filed today alleges that a gang strike force took money from Cardonos and did not provide any receipt, inventory
or any paperwork.
He was at a impound lot picking up his girlfriends car when 5 plainclothes police officers arrived and ordered him and a group of other immigrants that were there to put their hands up.
Cardona said an officer searched him, found the money, held it up and said "Oh money" and then just put it in his pocket over the protests of Cardonos.
Even though he has produced proof that the money was legal, it has not been returned.
The suit also alleges that some city employee's' including lot workers and officers violated a Minneapolis ordinance that prohibits them from asking about their immigration status unless the law requires it.
Cardona, a native of Honduras didn't have a permit and was turned over to federal immigration agents.
Whether he was legal or not, his money should be returned.
The insurance premiums for the city of Mpls must be getting pretty high.
a series about a corrupt drug task force.
Early April there was the story of a 19 year old Fong Lee who was gunned down while being chased by police.
No drugs were found on him and the gun found near by looks like a possible plant, his family is suing the city and the police department.
Today a another law suit was filed by a man who is trying to recover 4,500.00 taken from him illegally.
Dagoberto Rodriguez Cardonos has spent the last nine months trying to recover his money,
he has not been charged with any crime connected to the money.
The law suit filed today alleges that a gang strike force took money from Cardonos and did not provide any receipt, inventory
or any paperwork.
He was at a impound lot picking up his girlfriends car when 5 plainclothes police officers arrived and ordered him and a group of other immigrants that were there to put their hands up.
Cardona said an officer searched him, found the money, held it up and said "Oh money" and then just put it in his pocket over the protests of Cardonos.
Even though he has produced proof that the money was legal, it has not been returned.
The suit also alleges that some city employee's' including lot workers and officers violated a Minneapolis ordinance that prohibits them from asking about their immigration status unless the law requires it.
Cardona, a native of Honduras didn't have a permit and was turned over to federal immigration agents.
Whether he was legal or not, his money should be returned.
The insurance premiums for the city of Mpls must be getting pretty high.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
One more for the Good Guys.
If there was anything that was going to bring the National Media back to politics in this country, Pennsylvania Sen.Arlen Specters announcement today that he is rejoining the Democratic party has done it.
Was I surprised?
Not really, I think it was only a matter of time, and if the Republicans continue their witch hunt directed by the right wing of their party. there may be others that follow,
Susan Collins, Olympia Snow maybe?
The Republicans have treated the moderates in their party shabbily because of their support of some Democratic issues, and Sen. Specter's chances of winning re-election as a Republican were getting smaller and smaller, especially in a Demcratic leaning state.
He was expecting a strong challenge in the Republican primary from former Rep. Pat Toomey.
His decision will give the Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority, if Al Franken is ever allowed to take his rightful seat in the Senate.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning June 1st and hopefully by July 4th we can begin to rebuild our Constitution.
When President Obama was informed of Specter's decision, he reached out to the senator minutes later to tell him "you have my full support," and we are "thrilled to have you."
The talk jocks should be rumbling tonight, I'm just smiling.
Was I surprised?
Not really, I think it was only a matter of time, and if the Republicans continue their witch hunt directed by the right wing of their party. there may be others that follow,
Susan Collins, Olympia Snow maybe?
The Republicans have treated the moderates in their party shabbily because of their support of some Democratic issues, and Sen. Specter's chances of winning re-election as a Republican were getting smaller and smaller, especially in a Demcratic leaning state.
He was expecting a strong challenge in the Republican primary from former Rep. Pat Toomey.
His decision will give the Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority, if Al Franken is ever allowed to take his rightful seat in the Senate.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning June 1st and hopefully by July 4th we can begin to rebuild our Constitution.
When President Obama was informed of Specter's decision, he reached out to the senator minutes later to tell him "you have my full support," and we are "thrilled to have you."
The talk jocks should be rumbling tonight, I'm just smiling.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Princess Amalia
Amalia turned 7 years old on April 22nd and I meant to post about it earlier
But I am a little depressed at how fast she is growing up.
She is the youngest member of the family, the sweetest little redhead you could ever meet.
But it won't be long before she will be in that crappy stage of life where teens hate every one around them.
It takes till their mid twenties before they start to come out of their rooms and smile again, especially girls.
Here she is with her Uncle Bitsy
But I am a little depressed at how fast she is growing up.
She is the youngest member of the family, the sweetest little redhead you could ever meet.
But it won't be long before she will be in that crappy stage of life where teens hate every one around them.
It takes till their mid twenties before they start to come out of their rooms and smile again, especially girls.
Here she is with her Uncle Bitsy
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Lost in Austen
If you have followed my blog for a while, you may remember that I am a big Jane Austen fan.
It started back in 7th and 8th grade when I discovered Gothic fiction and started reading books by the Bronte sisters.
One day when I was checking out books from the library , the librarian suggested I try Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
It led to a very busy summer of reading .
I am also a fan of Masterpiece Classic and have been watching Charles Dickens "Little Dorrit" which concludes tonight on PBS.
Following it has been a series called Lost in Austen, kind of a
"Through the Looking Glass story" .
Elizabeth Bennett main character from Pride and Prejudice changes places with a reluctant Amanda Price who has been using Jane Austen's books as a
form of tranquilizer to juice up her boring love life.
What has really grabbed my attention in this series, is the actor who plays Mr. Darcy and the incredible resemblance he has to Heath Ledger.
I don't know how long this series is going to be on but I am definitely enjoying a new look at the story.
The scene below doesn't really show the humor of this series just a good look at
Eliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy..what do you think?
It started back in 7th and 8th grade when I discovered Gothic fiction and started reading books by the Bronte sisters.
One day when I was checking out books from the library , the librarian suggested I try Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
It led to a very busy summer of reading .
I am also a fan of Masterpiece Classic and have been watching Charles Dickens "Little Dorrit" which concludes tonight on PBS.
Following it has been a series called Lost in Austen, kind of a
"Through the Looking Glass story" .
Elizabeth Bennett main character from Pride and Prejudice changes places with a reluctant Amanda Price who has been using Jane Austen's books as a
form of tranquilizer to juice up her boring love life.
What has really grabbed my attention in this series, is the actor who plays Mr. Darcy and the incredible resemblance he has to Heath Ledger.
I don't know how long this series is going to be on but I am definitely enjoying a new look at the story.
The scene below doesn't really show the humor of this series just a good look at
Eliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy..what do you think?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Good Pay TV !
I wish I had known Charles Grodin was going to be on Sean Hannity's show.
I love that guy and use to watch his late night talk show.
Good for Keith Olberman for jumping on this challenge.
I hope more decide to add to the bounty.
I would pay to watch Sean Hannity and any of the other defenders of torture being water boarded.
I would pay double if one of them was Ann Coulter.
I love that guy and use to watch his late night talk show.
Good for Keith Olberman for jumping on this challenge.
I hope more decide to add to the bounty.
I would pay to watch Sean Hannity and any of the other defenders of torture being water boarded.
I would pay double if one of them was Ann Coulter.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Will Susan get to sing for the Queen?
Last week on Britain's got Talent, a frumpy 47 year old lady from Scotland walked out on to the stage and caused eyes to roll
because of her appearance and and obvious confidence in her talent.
Within seconds when she began to sing "I dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserable, those eyes got wide and giant smiles were on their faces.
The audience's snickers also turned to cheers.
It was the perfect song choice for Simon Cowell, and the smile on his face and the rest of the judges was exhilarating.
Techy Flash was the first one to bring Susan Boyle's performance to my attention,
but it wasn't long before everyone was sending me the you tube video.
I love this woman I can't get enough of her and she is one of the reasons I love these type of shows.
Susan lives alone with her cat Mitzi, says she has never had a boyfriend or never been kissed.
Friday night she was on Larry King and Oprah has invited her to be on her show
Her whole life is about to change,
I just hope it doesn't change her.
Just in case you have been in a bubble and haven't seen this performance, go to youtube and check it out before it is removed.
Most of the video's have have had their embedding disabled but here is an interview from Scottish TV.
because of her appearance and and obvious confidence in her talent.
Within seconds when she began to sing "I dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserable, those eyes got wide and giant smiles were on their faces.
The audience's snickers also turned to cheers.
It was the perfect song choice for Simon Cowell, and the smile on his face and the rest of the judges was exhilarating.
Techy Flash was the first one to bring Susan Boyle's performance to my attention,
but it wasn't long before everyone was sending me the you tube video.
I love this woman I can't get enough of her and she is one of the reasons I love these type of shows.
Susan lives alone with her cat Mitzi, says she has never had a boyfriend or never been kissed.
Friday night she was on Larry King and Oprah has invited her to be on her show
Her whole life is about to change,
I just hope it doesn't change her.
Just in case you have been in a bubble and haven't seen this performance, go to youtube and check it out before it is removed.
Most of the video's have have had their embedding disabled but here is an interview from Scottish TV.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Play for Change
Playing for Change Community is a group of artists and people who have come together to
connect the world through music.
When I first saw this all I wanted to do was hop a plane and head for New Orleans.
I love this music it makes me feel good,
enjoy!
connect the world through music.
When I first saw this all I wanted to do was hop a plane and head for New Orleans.
I love this music it makes me feel good,
enjoy!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Top Political Blogs according to Chris
You may have seen Chris Cillizza, who writes "The Fix" for the Washington Post, on Keith Olberman's Countdown MSNBC.
Recently he released his list of top Political Blogs in each state. Techy Flash who writes Centrisity made it this year. Dusty Trice is also a friend of mine and his blog is kind of an answer to Minnesota Democrats exposed.
If you like politics check out your state by going to The Fix
Minnesota
MNPublius
Minnesota Democrats Exposed
Minnesota Progressive Project
Centrisity
Dusty Trice
True North
Politics in Minnesota
The Uptake
Recently he released his list of top Political Blogs in each state. Techy Flash who writes Centrisity made it this year. Dusty Trice is also a friend of mine and his blog is kind of an answer to Minnesota Democrats exposed.
If you like politics check out your state by going to The Fix
Minnesota
MNPublius
Minnesota Democrats Exposed
Minnesota Progressive Project
Centrisity
Dusty Trice
True North
Politics in Minnesota
The Uptake
Sunday, April 12, 2009
No Shock just Awe !
While everyone has been criticizing Obama for not doing anything to rescue
Captain Richard Philips.
Quietly behind the scenes things were in process.
Chris Cillzza "The Fix" from the Washington Post
says it best,
"On the surface, Obama and his senior aides were only monitoring the situation but, according to a White House official, the administration was far more engaged behind closed doors.
Obama received his first briefing on the incident just hours after returning from his eight day trip abroad on Wednesday, and over the next 48 hours received further briefings to keep him apprised of the situation. By late Friday the president had authorized "potential emergency actions" to free the ship's captain and he did so again on Saturday. By Sunday at 4 p.m., Obama was on the phone with the rescued captain congratulating him on his new-won freedom."
I think the message sent here is, don't mess with
"The Man"!
Yesterday at our family Easter celebration one family member suggested they just blow up the raft with the Captain on it.
I suggested that all they needed to do was put our Navy Seals in the water and he would be free.
I had faith in our Navy.
Maybe they will think twice before they go after another American ship, and maybe now other countries will join us in
making these waters safe.
I don't expect Obama to take any credit, I expect him to give it all to the rescuers.
But remember Leadership is necessary here and I think right now this proves we have the right Person in charge.
May I add, I think John Bolton is a Giant A hole.
Captain Richard Philips.
Quietly behind the scenes things were in process.
Chris Cillzza "The Fix" from the Washington Post
says it best,
"On the surface, Obama and his senior aides were only monitoring the situation but, according to a White House official, the administration was far more engaged behind closed doors.
Obama received his first briefing on the incident just hours after returning from his eight day trip abroad on Wednesday, and over the next 48 hours received further briefings to keep him apprised of the situation. By late Friday the president had authorized "potential emergency actions" to free the ship's captain and he did so again on Saturday. By Sunday at 4 p.m., Obama was on the phone with the rescued captain congratulating him on his new-won freedom."
I think the message sent here is, don't mess with
"The Man"!
Yesterday at our family Easter celebration one family member suggested they just blow up the raft with the Captain on it.
I suggested that all they needed to do was put our Navy Seals in the water and he would be free.
I had faith in our Navy.
Maybe they will think twice before they go after another American ship, and maybe now other countries will join us in
making these waters safe.
I don't expect Obama to take any credit, I expect him to give it all to the rescuers.
But remember Leadership is necessary here and I think right now this proves we have the right Person in charge.
May I add, I think John Bolton is a Giant A hole.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
That crazy Lady strikes again....
You need to read the latest drama going on in Alaskan politics.
Instead of writing it all here I suggest you get the whole story from Mudflats!
Instead of writing it all here I suggest you get the whole story from Mudflats!
Friday, April 03, 2009
This has an unpleasant odor !
The paper this morning was full of some sad stories but this one grabbed me.
On July 22, 2006 a Minneapolis Police officer shot 19 year old Fong Lee eight times killing him,
after seeing what he thought was an exchange of drugs outside of Cityview elementary school on the north side of Minneapolis, .
Two days later at a news conference the police displayed a pistol they say was found next to Fong Lee's body.
This week the debate over Fong Lee's death resumed when a law suit was filed by the family alleging that the gun was planted.
It turns out the gun had been stolen in a 2004 burglary and recovered shortly afterwards and was held in a police property room until it was found by Fong Lees body.
Was it planted?
The police say no, they say the gun was mistakenly identified when it was recovered the first time.
I want to give the police the benefit of the doubt but I find it hard to understand why a 19 year old running from a police officer would need to be shot in the back eight times,twice while he was already on the ground.
On July 22, 2006 a Minneapolis Police officer shot 19 year old Fong Lee eight times killing him,
after seeing what he thought was an exchange of drugs outside of Cityview elementary school on the north side of Minneapolis, .
Two days later at a news conference the police displayed a pistol they say was found next to Fong Lee's body.
This week the debate over Fong Lee's death resumed when a law suit was filed by the family alleging that the gun was planted.
It turns out the gun had been stolen in a 2004 burglary and recovered shortly afterwards and was held in a police property room until it was found by Fong Lees body.
Was it planted?
The police say no, they say the gun was mistakenly identified when it was recovered the first time.
I want to give the police the benefit of the doubt but I find it hard to understand why a 19 year old running from a police officer would need to be shot in the back eight times,twice while he was already on the ground.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Rest In Peace Gene,,
I have spent most of this week organizing a funeral luncheon for a friend and neighbor.
Gene died suddenly last Thursday and since some of his family has to come from other states the funeral is on Saturday.
Getting the food together isn't the hard part, it is not knowing how many people will be there. You know you don't have RSVP's for a funeral. These are very active people so I expect a crowd, and I do enjoy a challenge.
Meanwhile Hubba has lost a buddy and my friend Rita has joined his widow network.
It is a group that Hubba helps out with their finances. It is growing way to fast.
Update April 4,2009..Saturday
Today we said goodbye to our friend Gene, we had planned for about 200 people at the luncheon and I had enough people bringing food to cover it.
Obviously Gene was looking down and grinning with his big smile!
There was well over 350 people at the service, we served about 320 of them.
People who hadn't been called were coming in with hot dishes and salads and platters of meat and cheese or we wouldn't have had enough.
It reminded me of the Loaves and the fishes, no one went hungry.
Gene died suddenly last Thursday and since some of his family has to come from other states the funeral is on Saturday.
Getting the food together isn't the hard part, it is not knowing how many people will be there. You know you don't have RSVP's for a funeral. These are very active people so I expect a crowd, and I do enjoy a challenge.
Meanwhile Hubba has lost a buddy and my friend Rita has joined his widow network.
It is a group that Hubba helps out with their finances. It is growing way to fast.
Update April 4,2009..Saturday
Today we said goodbye to our friend Gene, we had planned for about 200 people at the luncheon and I had enough people bringing food to cover it.
Obviously Gene was looking down and grinning with his big smile!
There was well over 350 people at the service, we served about 320 of them.
People who hadn't been called were coming in with hot dishes and salads and platters of meat and cheese or we wouldn't have had enough.
It reminded me of the Loaves and the fishes, no one went hungry.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Adios to Michael !!
Wednesday night on American Idol the theme was Motown and guest Smokey Robinson coached the contestants.
Best performance of the night was Adam Lambert's soulful rendition of Smokey's, Track of Tears, it brought him and Barry Gordey to their feet.
Last week I was not thrilled with Adam's performance of Ring of Fire.
I really found it a little strange but then that could have something to do with my lack of enthusiasm for that type of rock music.
He proved Wednesday that he is on his way to the final two.
I am hoping the other contestant will be Danny Gokey, who has brought it every week with each song choice.
Besides these two guys Allison Iraheta was right on with her performance of Papa was a Rolling Stone.
It is hard to believe she is only 16 years old.
I expected Megan to be in the bottom three and maybe even go home after her poor performance, but I am guessing since she is only one of three females left on the show, it saved her.
Going home last night was Michael Sarver.
It will be getting harder very week, some really good talent this year.
Now let Adam WOW you !!
Best performance of the night was Adam Lambert's soulful rendition of Smokey's, Track of Tears, it brought him and Barry Gordey to their feet.
Last week I was not thrilled with Adam's performance of Ring of Fire.
I really found it a little strange but then that could have something to do with my lack of enthusiasm for that type of rock music.
He proved Wednesday that he is on his way to the final two.
I am hoping the other contestant will be Danny Gokey, who has brought it every week with each song choice.
Besides these two guys Allison Iraheta was right on with her performance of Papa was a Rolling Stone.
It is hard to believe she is only 16 years old.
I expected Megan to be in the bottom three and maybe even go home after her poor performance, but I am guessing since she is only one of three females left on the show, it saved her.
Going home last night was Michael Sarver.
It will be getting harder very week, some really good talent this year.
Now let Adam WOW you !!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bracket of Evil
Have you ever wondered who would win in a face-off between Karl Rove and Rush Limbaugh? Sarah Palin and FOX News? Newt Gingrich and Exxon?
Now, you can do more than wonder. You can help decide who wins - in a Bracket of Evil.
CREDO is trying to figure out who is the most evil person (or organization) in American politics. I just voted for my picks in categories like Media, Government, and Maverick, and you should too! Just head to:
Bracket of Evil
Hard to pick from a group like this . . . Good luck
Now, you can do more than wonder. You can help decide who wins - in a Bracket of Evil.
CREDO is trying to figure out who is the most evil person (or organization) in American politics. I just voted for my picks in categories like Media, Government, and Maverick, and you should too! Just head to:
Bracket of Evil
Hard to pick from a group like this . . . Good luck
Friday, March 20, 2009
Is Anybody Listening?
President Obama watched this video and tonight on 20/20 they showed his answer to it.
The pain this country is going through is carrying over to our children.
I wish the Republicans in this country would join in to find solutions instead
of just being obstructionists.
Give us their plan, not just their criticism.
The pain this country is going through is carrying over to our children.
I wish the Republicans in this country would join in to find solutions instead
of just being obstructionists.
Give us their plan, not just their criticism.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Good by Alexis.
Hubba is not a happy camper today and neither is Flash.
American Idol's results show sent home their favorite last night.
Little Alexis Grace ( mini me Dolly Parton with out the extra chest accouterments)
and more of a blues singer.
I thought her rendition of Jolene was a little copy cat and may have been her downfall.
It shows the importance on this show of song choices.
Unfortunately the teeny boppers who are willing to redial over and over to vote for their
favorite's weren't dialing her number.
I wasn't surprised and told Hubba to be prepared to see either Alexis or Megan go home.
Personally I was hoping it would be Michael Sarver a country singer want a be
who I didn't think did all that great in comparison.
Hubba was convinced that Adam Lambert (the Broadway here I come, Rocker)
who had destroyed his idol Johnny Cash''s song Ring of Fire, was going to be on the chopping block.
I knew that wasn't gonna happen, he forgets who does the voting and anyway the judges would never let Adam leave this early.
Adam will be in the finals with Danny Gokey my soul man.
Adam was taught a wee lesson last night when Ryan made him stand with Alexis and sweat a little.
Maybe he will rethink his persona, remembering this is for a recording contract and not some Las Vegas
stage show.
The final ten will be going on tour and it will be one of the best groups they ever had.
I don't think Alexis is going to have to worry, with that powerful voice she has a career waiting for her, but I do wish the
Idol makers would add her to their tour.
This video shows a lot of what she is capable of, but no way how good she actually is.
American Idol's results show sent home their favorite last night.
Little Alexis Grace ( mini me Dolly Parton with out the extra chest accouterments)
and more of a blues singer.
I thought her rendition of Jolene was a little copy cat and may have been her downfall.
It shows the importance on this show of song choices.
Unfortunately the teeny boppers who are willing to redial over and over to vote for their
favorite's weren't dialing her number.
I wasn't surprised and told Hubba to be prepared to see either Alexis or Megan go home.
Personally I was hoping it would be Michael Sarver a country singer want a be
who I didn't think did all that great in comparison.
Hubba was convinced that Adam Lambert (the Broadway here I come, Rocker)
who had destroyed his idol Johnny Cash''s song Ring of Fire, was going to be on the chopping block.
I knew that wasn't gonna happen, he forgets who does the voting and anyway the judges would never let Adam leave this early.
Adam will be in the finals with Danny Gokey my soul man.
Adam was taught a wee lesson last night when Ryan made him stand with Alexis and sweat a little.
Maybe he will rethink his persona, remembering this is for a recording contract and not some Las Vegas
stage show.
The final ten will be going on tour and it will be one of the best groups they ever had.
I don't think Alexis is going to have to worry, with that powerful voice she has a career waiting for her, but I do wish the
Idol makers would add her to their tour.
This video shows a lot of what she is capable of, but no way how good she actually is.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Natasha Richardson
I have a very close friend whose son was in a serious pole vaulting accident when he was a sophomore in high school.
It put him in a coma for 3 weeks but
remarkably with much therapy
he did recover.
He does suffer from some brain damage and has to use seizure medication but is able to work and lead a productive life.
Years later another friend fell backwards down some steps, hit his head causing a bleed on the brain and spent 1 year in a nursing home
recovering.
He is now home and finally back to a somewhat normal life.
I also have a nephew who was in a car accident that caused a severe concussion and a blood clot on the brain
he almost died.
He also suffered some learning disability from the injury.
But all of them lived.
That is why I was shocked when I heard
the tragic news of Natasha Ricardson's death and found it so hard to believe.
A skiing accident on a beginners hill?
At the time it sounded so minor.
I think there had to be pre-existing condition of some kind,
to cause such damage, maybe a weakness in the blood vessels around the brain.
I guess we won't know until the autopsy is completed.
Another lesson showing us how fragile life is.
My sympathy goes out to her family.
It put him in a coma for 3 weeks but
remarkably with much therapy
he did recover.
He does suffer from some brain damage and has to use seizure medication but is able to work and lead a productive life.
Years later another friend fell backwards down some steps, hit his head causing a bleed on the brain and spent 1 year in a nursing home
recovering.
He is now home and finally back to a somewhat normal life.
I also have a nephew who was in a car accident that caused a severe concussion and a blood clot on the brain
he almost died.
He also suffered some learning disability from the injury.
But all of them lived.
That is why I was shocked when I heard
the tragic news of Natasha Ricardson's death and found it so hard to believe.
A skiing accident on a beginners hill?
At the time it sounded so minor.
I think there had to be pre-existing condition of some kind,
to cause such damage, maybe a weakness in the blood vessels around the brain.
I guess we won't know until the autopsy is completed.
Another lesson showing us how fragile life is.
My sympathy goes out to her family.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Just a pretty face in an empty shell !
This is Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) on Fox Business railing against earmarks, she is just one of many Republicans who are speaking out on one side of their mouth while requesting their own Pork.
But Bachmann took her hypocrisy a step further, claiming that she has signed an anti-pork pledge.
In actuality:
"according to Legistorm, Bachmann has requested 7 earmarks in Fiscal Year 2008 costing tax payers a total of $3,767,600. Some examples:
- $94,000 for Sheriffs Youth Program of MN
- $335,000 for Equipment Acquisition for Northland Medical Center
- $803,000 for Replacement Small Buses, St. Cloud Metro Bus
As MSNBC’s David Shuster noted, Bachmann indeed signed the Club for Growth’s ‘No Earmark’ pledge back in 2008. While she clearly broke this pledge, Bachmann’s name is curiously absent from the list of lawmakers making the same pledge for 2009."
This woman has no shame and I wish that the media would start reporting
all of her lies.
Keith Olberman did a good job Friday night including her again as one of his "Worst Persons" in the world
Now watch this pretty little things as the lie oozes out of her mouth.
Thanks to thinkprogress.org and Keith Olberman for this information.
But Bachmann took her hypocrisy a step further, claiming that she has signed an anti-pork pledge.
In actuality:
"according to Legistorm, Bachmann has requested 7 earmarks in Fiscal Year 2008 costing tax payers a total of $3,767,600. Some examples:
- $94,000 for Sheriffs Youth Program of MN
- $335,000 for Equipment Acquisition for Northland Medical Center
- $803,000 for Replacement Small Buses, St. Cloud Metro Bus
As MSNBC’s David Shuster noted, Bachmann indeed signed the Club for Growth’s ‘No Earmark’ pledge back in 2008. While she clearly broke this pledge, Bachmann’s name is curiously absent from the list of lawmakers making the same pledge for 2009."
This woman has no shame and I wish that the media would start reporting
all of her lies.
Keith Olberman did a good job Friday night including her again as one of his "Worst Persons" in the world
Now watch this pretty little things as the lie oozes out of her mouth.
Thanks to thinkprogress.org and Keith Olberman for this information.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Hope we can believe in !
Maybe there is hope for this country.
I saw this on the DL Hugley show, I know many religious
people who feel this way and voted for Obama.
They are the real Christians, not the ones who claim to be born again and then
preach hate speech against the Gay Community.
I am so proud that today President Obama signed an executive order restoring funding for research on all lines of available stem cells.
Now the research can begin and maybe lives can be changed.
I saw this on the DL Hugley show, I know many religious
people who feel this way and voted for Obama.
They are the real Christians, not the ones who claim to be born again and then
preach hate speech against the Gay Community.
I am so proud that today President Obama signed an executive order restoring funding for research on all lines of available stem cells.
Now the research can begin and maybe lives can be changed.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
8 things about the Minnesota Senate recount
I am doing this "meme" for Riot Kitty,
only because I don't have to tag anyone.
Here are the rules.
1. You’ve got to post a link from the person who tagged you.
2. List 8 things that you know about on your chosen subject. You get to choose the subject.
3. You don’t have to tag anyone but you can if you want. If you do, let them know on their blog that they’ve been tagged.
4. List the rules.
I have chosen to update the Senate recount in Minnesota.
Currently we only have one Senator representing us and Amy Klobuchar is doing an excellent job, but I wonder when she sleeps.
Up the roller coaster everyone. then down.
1.On November 4th, 2008 Norm Coleman thought he won the Senate race by 215 votes, he said if he was behind he would have conceded.
2. Minnesota law said Nay, automatic recount followed.
3.Coleman challenged thousands of Franken ballots, the court ruled against him on most of them.
4.Jan. 5th the Election board certifies the recount results that show Franken leading by 225 votes..
5. Remember # 1?
Coleman did not step aside he filed a law suit instead.
6. Republican leaders urge Coleman to continue his fight and delay Franken's seating as long as he can. They make a commercial urging supporters to send money to help with Coleman's court case.
7. March 6th the Minnesota Supreme Court denies Al Frankens petition for a certificate of election. They said a certificate can't be issued until the legal case is over. Al Franken's case is now being presented to the court.
8. Norm Coleman has a press conference and suggests another election should be held and hints he may take case to US Supreme Court
Remember # 1
only because I don't have to tag anyone.
Here are the rules.
1. You’ve got to post a link from the person who tagged you.
2. List 8 things that you know about on your chosen subject. You get to choose the subject.
3. You don’t have to tag anyone but you can if you want. If you do, let them know on their blog that they’ve been tagged.
4. List the rules.
I have chosen to update the Senate recount in Minnesota.
Currently we only have one Senator representing us and Amy Klobuchar is doing an excellent job, but I wonder when she sleeps.
Up the roller coaster everyone. then down.
1.On November 4th, 2008 Norm Coleman thought he won the Senate race by 215 votes, he said if he was behind he would have conceded.
2. Minnesota law said Nay, automatic recount followed.
3.Coleman challenged thousands of Franken ballots, the court ruled against him on most of them.
4.Jan. 5th the Election board certifies the recount results that show Franken leading by 225 votes..
5. Remember # 1?
Coleman did not step aside he filed a law suit instead.
6. Republican leaders urge Coleman to continue his fight and delay Franken's seating as long as he can. They make a commercial urging supporters to send money to help with Coleman's court case.
7. March 6th the Minnesota Supreme Court denies Al Frankens petition for a certificate of election. They said a certificate can't be issued until the legal case is over. Al Franken's case is now being presented to the court.
8. Norm Coleman has a press conference and suggests another election should be held and hints he may take case to US Supreme Court
Remember # 1
Friday, March 06, 2009
Final 13 !
I was disappointed last night, that the judges chose to balance out their final 12 by choosing Jasmine Murray over a couple superior male singers.
If they were going to add another female I think they should have gone with Jessie Langseth or
Tatiana who is a far superior singer compared to a couple female choices.
I think it was her quirky personality that
kept her out.
Jessie again made a poor song choice, I would have thought she had learned her lesson.
But her vocals are better then 16 year old Jasmine.
I wasn't surprised when they added Anoop at the end to make it a final 13.
He is a teeny boppers dream, and they vote.
Without seeing the 13 finalist's perform together, I am going out on a limb and predicting the final 6.
Scott MacIntire will be there, not because he is a better singer then the rest, but his cute factor and blindness is appealing to those that do the voting.
The same goes for Jorge Nunez and Anoop Desai
Topping my list and maybe in the final 3 are
Lil Rounds, the best female singer since Fantazia and Jennifer Hudson.
Adam Lambert, he has personality to go along with his Broadway voice.
I hope to hear him sing an Elvis song before this competition is over.
Last but not least, David Gokey who is so appealing and has the sound I would pay to hear.
Anyone of these 3 can win it all if they make the right song choices, and all 3 of them have a career no matter what.
Now I have to point out, last year a couple of my favorites were long gone in the early shows, they kept making bad song choices.
Then all of a sudden David Cook came out of no where.
Right now he is my favorite all time American Idol so anything can happen.
This was my favorite performance Tuesday night.
If they were going to add another female I think they should have gone with Jessie Langseth or
Tatiana who is a far superior singer compared to a couple female choices.
I think it was her quirky personality that
kept her out.
Jessie again made a poor song choice, I would have thought she had learned her lesson.
But her vocals are better then 16 year old Jasmine.
I wasn't surprised when they added Anoop at the end to make it a final 13.
He is a teeny boppers dream, and they vote.
Without seeing the 13 finalist's perform together, I am going out on a limb and predicting the final 6.
Scott MacIntire will be there, not because he is a better singer then the rest, but his cute factor and blindness is appealing to those that do the voting.
The same goes for Jorge Nunez and Anoop Desai
Topping my list and maybe in the final 3 are
Lil Rounds, the best female singer since Fantazia and Jennifer Hudson.
Adam Lambert, he has personality to go along with his Broadway voice.
I hope to hear him sing an Elvis song before this competition is over.
Last but not least, David Gokey who is so appealing and has the sound I would pay to hear.
Anyone of these 3 can win it all if they make the right song choices, and all 3 of them have a career no matter what.
Now I have to point out, last year a couple of my favorites were long gone in the early shows, they kept making bad song choices.
Then all of a sudden David Cook came out of no where.
Right now he is my favorite all time American Idol so anything can happen.
This was my favorite performance Tuesday night.
Friday, February 27, 2009
American Idol 2009 - week Two
This weeks American Idol show was a disappointment.
Most of them didn't perform up to their potential
I do think the top 3 , Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert
were the best performances of the night.
Leaving behind one of my favorites Kai Kalama. and also Jessie Langseth
kid sister of Johnny Lang.
Jessie's song choice "Betty Davis Eyes" was one of the worst of the night, I never liked that song and groaned when
she said what she was singing.
She is a blues/rock singer that has been very popular in Mpls. clubs.
Because the woman field is weak this year she could make it into the wild card
show.
One last chance for her if she does, but I have my doubts.
Disappointing to me were most of the song choices that were made and I would love to know
who really makes those decisions.
Former contestant Casey Carlson from Mpls. has said she was talked into the
song she sang by The Police in the first week, and it was horrific.
I would love to know what goes on behind the scenes when these
Kids are choosing their songs..
Some of my favorites from Hollywood week didn't make it but I expect to see
several of them in the Wild card show.
The only real competition Danny Gokey has for the moment, is Adam Lambert.
Adam has an awesome voice and no matter what happens he is on his way to Broadway.
I can't wait to hear him sing my favorite Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody, in the finals.
Most of them didn't perform up to their potential
I do think the top 3 , Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert
were the best performances of the night.
Leaving behind one of my favorites Kai Kalama. and also Jessie Langseth
kid sister of Johnny Lang.
Jessie's song choice "Betty Davis Eyes" was one of the worst of the night, I never liked that song and groaned when
she said what she was singing.
She is a blues/rock singer that has been very popular in Mpls. clubs.
Because the woman field is weak this year she could make it into the wild card
show.
One last chance for her if she does, but I have my doubts.
Disappointing to me were most of the song choices that were made and I would love to know
who really makes those decisions.
Former contestant Casey Carlson from Mpls. has said she was talked into the
song she sang by The Police in the first week, and it was horrific.
I would love to know what goes on behind the scenes when these
Kids are choosing their songs..
Some of my favorites from Hollywood week didn't make it but I expect to see
several of them in the Wild card show.
The only real competition Danny Gokey has for the moment, is Adam Lambert.
Adam has an awesome voice and no matter what happens he is on his way to Broadway.
I can't wait to hear him sing my favorite Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody, in the finals.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Winter Wonderland !
I just got home in time.
Snow has started and according to our wussy meterologists we are
being hit with a major snow storm.
We'll see if they are right this time.
Our snow was all gone so this fluffy stuff looks good and it is quite nice outside.
Hey what can I say, I think I was a Eskimo in a former life.
Snow has started and according to our wussy meterologists we are
being hit with a major snow storm.
We'll see if they are right this time.
Our snow was all gone so this fluffy stuff looks good and it is quite nice outside.
Hey what can I say, I think I was a Eskimo in a former life.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I got chills !
If there was anyone out there watching President Obama tonight that didn't
get goose bumps I suggest you check your heart to see if it's still beating.
I felt sorry for Governor Bobby Jindal of LA.
who was given the job of replying for the Republicans.
He was lame as he tried to defend the obstructionist party.
Our President knocked it out of the park tonight and he did it with out being on steroids.
get goose bumps I suggest you check your heart to see if it's still beating.
I felt sorry for Governor Bobby Jindal of LA.
who was given the job of replying for the Republicans.
He was lame as he tried to defend the obstructionist party.
Our President knocked it out of the park tonight and he did it with out being on steroids.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscars 2009
I think last mights Oscar show was probably one of the best I can remember.
I loved how they brought out 5 award winners each time to introduce the nominees and give it that personal touch.
Hugh Jackman did a great job and I liked the musicals spots.
Funniest moment was with Steve Martin and Tina Fey,
they are brilliant.
I didn't quite understand the Best song category.
None of them were anything we'll be humming in the future and why wasn't The Wrestler by The Boss nominated?
I loved seeing Sean Penn win best actor, knowing it will be a thorn in the side of Bill O'Reilly and other Fox news ilk.
The Reader is one of my favorite books, but I haven't had a chance to see the movie yet, I think Kate Winslet was a great choice to play Hannah.
It is on my list of must sees along with Milk.
I'm sure everyone knew Heath Ledger was going to win, that was a teary moment for me.
Last night was pure escapism , a couple glasses of Pinot Grigio and watching my favorite stars.
The camera showed me Robert Downey Junior many times, that was nice !
Though I do miss some of the oldies, I don't necessarily want to see them aging before me.
I wish they could have given Jerry Lewis an award back when he was still healthy, and I also wish Sophia had picked a more flattering dress.
I don't think older woman with saggy breasts should be wearing low cut dresses
I loved how they brought out 5 award winners each time to introduce the nominees and give it that personal touch.
Hugh Jackman did a great job and I liked the musicals spots.
Funniest moment was with Steve Martin and Tina Fey,
they are brilliant.
I didn't quite understand the Best song category.
None of them were anything we'll be humming in the future and why wasn't The Wrestler by The Boss nominated?
I loved seeing Sean Penn win best actor, knowing it will be a thorn in the side of Bill O'Reilly and other Fox news ilk.
The Reader is one of my favorite books, but I haven't had a chance to see the movie yet, I think Kate Winslet was a great choice to play Hannah.
It is on my list of must sees along with Milk.
I'm sure everyone knew Heath Ledger was going to win, that was a teary moment for me.
Last night was pure escapism , a couple glasses of Pinot Grigio and watching my favorite stars.
The camera showed me Robert Downey Junior many times, that was nice !
Though I do miss some of the oldies, I don't necessarily want to see them aging before me.
I wish they could have given Jerry Lewis an award back when he was still healthy, and I also wish Sophia had picked a more flattering dress.
I don't think older woman with saggy breasts should be wearing low cut dresses
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Cookie Cougar
Those of you that know me also know I am an Idol Fan.
I have loved talent shows going back to the old Arthur Godfrey show
in the late 50's.
Those were the days of one TV in a house hold, and my dad had control
of the set.
We as a family watched most shows together accept
when he was working the late shift, then my sister and I had control.
I leaned towards the musical shows.
A new season of Idol and I am disappointed that they haven't changed the voting method.
There has to be a better way then teeny boppers sitting on the phone for hours voting their brains out.
This year has a lot of great singers and personalities.
My favorite Danny Gokey made it through to the final 12
I love his voice, it reminds me of Elliot Yamin from Season 5
only Danny has a better look,
a Robert Downey Jr. look.
Give a Listen while You tube still has it.
I have loved talent shows going back to the old Arthur Godfrey show
in the late 50's.
Those were the days of one TV in a house hold, and my dad had control
of the set.
We as a family watched most shows together accept
when he was working the late shift, then my sister and I had control.
I leaned towards the musical shows.
A new season of Idol and I am disappointed that they haven't changed the voting method.
There has to be a better way then teeny boppers sitting on the phone for hours voting their brains out.
This year has a lot of great singers and personalities.
My favorite Danny Gokey made it through to the final 12
I love his voice, it reminds me of Elliot Yamin from Season 5
only Danny has a better look,
a Robert Downey Jr. look.
Give a Listen while You tube still has it.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Anxiety is the worst !
Today Hubba had a to have a Echo Cardiogram to check out a heart murmur he has had for some time.
Doctor just being cautious and covering all her bases.
Our regular Doctor retired a couple years ago and after
40 something years it is straining to break in a
new one.
While I was in the waiting room a lady about 50 ish
came in and sat down, obviously very upset.
She was shaking and wiping tears, the receptionist came over to get her information and I heard the panic in her voice.
She was there to see a Cardiologist and have some tests.
The receptionist left and I sat trying to mind my own business and read my book.
But soon it was impossible, I went over to see if I could get her some coffee or water or something.
She began to cry, and said she was having a horrible day.
Her daughter didn't want to take off work for fear of losing
her job so her son in law
dropped her off and she didn't know what time he could come and get her.
She shouldn't have been alone.
She said she had been having problems and was blaming it on her allergies,
her blood pressure is very high and her Doctor couldn't
seem to get it regulated.
(I know that feeling).
I tried to reassure her that the Doctors would find the problem and she would soon feel better.
I told her to ask the Doctor for some medication to calm her and she said he had given her
a prescription,
but the drug store was so packed and she just couldn't stand there any longer.
I recognize a panic attack when I see one (been there more then once)!
I hope the Doctor did something to relax her before he sent her home, or she was going to stroke out.
I just sat there and let her talk till Hubba came out.
I told her to try and relax and let the Doctors handle everything.(easy to say).
She thanked me for sitting with her and I got my things and we left.
I wish now I had just stayed there till she was called in.
In that short time I found out without asking one question,
that she was 59, divorced,unemployed
and worrying about the economy.
I suspect she was dealing with a lot of anxiety and panic
from fear of the unknown.
I will always wonder what was wrong and if they could help her.
If you think of it tonight remember this lady in your prayers.
Doctor just being cautious and covering all her bases.
Our regular Doctor retired a couple years ago and after
40 something years it is straining to break in a
new one.
While I was in the waiting room a lady about 50 ish
came in and sat down, obviously very upset.
She was shaking and wiping tears, the receptionist came over to get her information and I heard the panic in her voice.
She was there to see a Cardiologist and have some tests.
The receptionist left and I sat trying to mind my own business and read my book.
But soon it was impossible, I went over to see if I could get her some coffee or water or something.
She began to cry, and said she was having a horrible day.
Her daughter didn't want to take off work for fear of losing
her job so her son in law
dropped her off and she didn't know what time he could come and get her.
She shouldn't have been alone.
She said she had been having problems and was blaming it on her allergies,
her blood pressure is very high and her Doctor couldn't
seem to get it regulated.
(I know that feeling).
I tried to reassure her that the Doctors would find the problem and she would soon feel better.
I told her to ask the Doctor for some medication to calm her and she said he had given her
a prescription,
but the drug store was so packed and she just couldn't stand there any longer.
I recognize a panic attack when I see one (been there more then once)!
I hope the Doctor did something to relax her before he sent her home, or she was going to stroke out.
I just sat there and let her talk till Hubba came out.
I told her to try and relax and let the Doctors handle everything.(easy to say).
She thanked me for sitting with her and I got my things and we left.
I wish now I had just stayed there till she was called in.
In that short time I found out without asking one question,
that she was 59, divorced,unemployed
and worrying about the economy.
I suspect she was dealing with a lot of anxiety and panic
from fear of the unknown.
I will always wonder what was wrong and if they could help her.
If you think of it tonight remember this lady in your prayers.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Grammy's
Even though I didn't know some of the nominees,
I really enjoyed the Grammy's last night.
Never heard of Adele or Duffy and
I am not a big fan of Rap, as cute as Kanye is I wouldn't buy any of his CD's.
Never been a fan of Kid Rock either,
his attitude turns me off more then his "music" ?
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles face contortions ruined her performance for me.
But Carrie Underwood was great.
I am more into Rhythm and Blues,
Last night Jennifer Hudson stole the show and she blew me away again, she is fantastic.
Hard to believe she was kicked off American Idol
Al Green and Jamie Fox awesome.
I felt sorry for Whitney Houston, her nerves showed and people are implying she was on the sauce, but I don't think so.
I hope she can revive her career, but her voice sounded pretty scratchy last night,
maybe caused by cigarettes.
Oh I didn't forget Sir Paul, never could.
I really enjoyed the Grammy's last night.
Never heard of Adele or Duffy and
I am not a big fan of Rap, as cute as Kanye is I wouldn't buy any of his CD's.
Never been a fan of Kid Rock either,
his attitude turns me off more then his "music" ?
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles face contortions ruined her performance for me.
But Carrie Underwood was great.
I am more into Rhythm and Blues,
Last night Jennifer Hudson stole the show and she blew me away again, she is fantastic.
Hard to believe she was kicked off American Idol
Al Green and Jamie Fox awesome.
I felt sorry for Whitney Houston, her nerves showed and people are implying she was on the sauce, but I don't think so.
I hope she can revive her career, but her voice sounded pretty scratchy last night,
maybe caused by cigarettes.
Oh I didn't forget Sir Paul, never could.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Any Answers?
Watching what is going on in Washington right now causes my blood pressure to rise.
The hypocrisy of the Republicans is grating on my nerves.
For eight years they were in charge, spending like crazy as they also cut taxes to their rich friends.
As a friend of mine and former Congressman said.
" We were paying down the national debt when I left and Bush's doubling it to $11 trillion while creating a total economic disaster has in part created this kind of grab bag mentality in DC.
The Republicans never objected for 8 years and everything they are complaining about in the stimulus is only worth 6 days of their damn Iraq war."
The Republicans don't have any solution other then to cut taxes.
One example, they want to give a 10,000.00 tax cut to anyone buying a house, but that is only going to help those that can afford the new house,
those that qualify for a loan, not those losing their homes.
I know many of them got themselves into this mess by buying homes they couldn't afford.
But then there are those who are behind because they lost their jobs.
I have 3 kids and 2 Grand sons with mortgages, whose to say they won't be next.
I still haven't heard any Republican explain the missing millions in Iraq.
Why aren't those companies being forced to pay back the money they lost?
Why aren't they being charged for sub standard work which has caused the deaths of so many of our own military.
Does anyone out their have a solution to this quagmire ?
Many of you have years to catch up again, because eventually things will turn around.
But some of us are on the slope down hill and seeing our retirement being eaten up by the rich is
making it impossible to keep my blood pressure at a normal level.
I am going down to the family room to catch up on HBO's Big Love, maybe that will
sooth my brain, if not I'll try some wine.
The hypocrisy of the Republicans is grating on my nerves.
For eight years they were in charge, spending like crazy as they also cut taxes to their rich friends.
As a friend of mine and former Congressman said.
" We were paying down the national debt when I left and Bush's doubling it to $11 trillion while creating a total economic disaster has in part created this kind of grab bag mentality in DC.
The Republicans never objected for 8 years and everything they are complaining about in the stimulus is only worth 6 days of their damn Iraq war."
The Republicans don't have any solution other then to cut taxes.
One example, they want to give a 10,000.00 tax cut to anyone buying a house, but that is only going to help those that can afford the new house,
those that qualify for a loan, not those losing their homes.
I know many of them got themselves into this mess by buying homes they couldn't afford.
But then there are those who are behind because they lost their jobs.
I have 3 kids and 2 Grand sons with mortgages, whose to say they won't be next.
I still haven't heard any Republican explain the missing millions in Iraq.
Why aren't those companies being forced to pay back the money they lost?
Why aren't they being charged for sub standard work which has caused the deaths of so many of our own military.
Does anyone out their have a solution to this quagmire ?
Many of you have years to catch up again, because eventually things will turn around.
But some of us are on the slope down hill and seeing our retirement being eaten up by the rich is
making it impossible to keep my blood pressure at a normal level.
I am going down to the family room to catch up on HBO's Big Love, maybe that will
sooth my brain, if not I'll try some wine.
Monday, February 02, 2009
The Day the Music Died
I remember this day well, heart breaking
for all their fans.
Buddy Holly is the one most seem to remember, I liked the Big Bopper and Richie Valenz too, but
I was more into Elvis back then.
for all their fans.
Buddy Holly is the one most seem to remember, I liked the Big Bopper and Richie Valenz too, but
I was more into Elvis back then.
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