i sit here, typing with one hand as the little one commands that i hold/nurse/snuggle her every day after 8pm. sometimes this goes on for more than 2 hours. what this means is my days (or nights) of partying are over for now.
pausing as i wait for confusion and laughter to cease as for anyone who knows me knows i am not a partyier. and hell, i can't even spell the word - but i do like a good time in my own way and where am i going w/all of this anyway????
ah yes, the little one.
breastfeeding is draining what few precious brain cells i have left (due to the partying i did in my younger years). add in sleep deprivation and singing "the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round" every day and you have a recipe for.....
true love.
ah, fooled ya, huh?
i never knew love like this before...
the first time ever i saw your face...
we can take forever just a minute at a time...
so many songs i sing to my little angel everyday - looking into her eyes - seeing heavenly forever/all there is - well...it never tires me. even when i am utterly spent with fatigue. why didn't i do this sooner?
for once i was lost and now i am found...what used to pass my days - keeping up with the latest political and agenda happenings and screaming about it is no longer my passion. a little person, under 15 lbs, is my passion.
and yet i want to present her with the reality as i see it. i want her prepared. aware. strong. courageous. loving and kind. i want to live another 60 plus years so that i can be here for her as she enters her own mid-life experiences. i'm anti-pill but find me an anti-aging pill and i'll take it just to add to that self-assurance.
did i mention she has my eyes? and smile?
did i mention she is adorably beautiful?
did i mention she greets me with a smile each and every morning, without fail?
did i mention i cannot live without her?
did i mention i wonder why i did not do this sooner?
what was i so afraid of?
love?
hmm...
she's discovered television. and is mesmerized by it. the tv 'off' button is the most-used button in the house now. mostly it is now a big square thing with a black face, sitting silently in the living room. it's a silence i can live with.
she loves to dance. i'll turn on some tunes, roberta flack being one of my faves, and she and i will dance, cheek-to-cheek. we've created several spontanteous baby naps doing this.
did i mention there is nothing more calming than your baby's sweet little breathe on your neck?
did i mention there is nothing softer than your baby's skin?
did i mention there is nothing more precious than 5 little fingers stroking your shoulder?
did i mention there is nothing more addictive than inhaling your baby's sweet scent?
i write her letters, expressing my wishes for her and my concerns. i wish for myself, at times, super-hero characteristics. i want to protect her from harm and pain of any kind. i want to clean the slate clean of our world of all the ills and evils so that her life experience can be of the heavenly kind. my one goal is to work to ensure i leave her with a home and land so that she many never know homelessness. and the skills to garden and hunt so that she may never know hunger. i wish for her to be surrounded by good friends, the kind who can be trusted and counted on.
for now, we are focused on learning how to scoot and sit up - on how to catch the drool and spit-up before they find their place on the carpet or mama's clothing. life is good.
and now the clock tells me it is 10:30pm and little one is finally asleep. therefore, it is also time for the mama (that would be me) to tuck myself in to bed as well.
g'night all.
8.19.2010
6.22.2010
Baby Daze
The Led Zeppelin song, Dazed and Confused, in particular the line "been dazed and confused for so long..." has been a theme song in my brain the past 6 weeks. The saying "A baby changes everything" is so true - the brain cells nonwithstanding.
Good lord...
She's changing so fast. And just when I think "at last - she is going to sleep for more than 2 hours" she surprises me and sleeps 30 minutes. Before wanting to eat. Again. For the 50th time. That day.
There are of course lots of opinions on how to cope with this exhaustion. The breast nazi's (pro breastfeeding folks) tell me to ride it out and adjust my attitude. Don't think of it as exhaustion but focus instead on the good I am doing for my baby.
I would focus...IF I COULD.
Then there are the other supposed experts on the other side of the fence who advise to supplement with rice cereal or formula to help stretch out those sleep periods. Then I read where this is a myth.
Then there's the grandparents, who are under the illusion that their children (that would be me) were these perfect babies who slept 4-5 hours at a time off the bat, who rarely if ever cried. Exhaustion? Why, they didn't experience that.
Which proves my point that parents experience infanthood amnesia, which is nature's way of having us forget the struggles of this time period to ensure we have more children. Much like pregnant women experience both pregnancy and delivery amnesia. I can vow for that.
As I said, she is growing fast. Much like a weed. And like a weed she has a purpose. Unlike a weed though, she has a beauty to her that I find intoxicating. It enables me to reach to her when she's crying at 3am wanting to feed, only having done the same thing 2 hours prior.
See ya on the other side of the daze...
Good lord...
She's changing so fast. And just when I think "at last - she is going to sleep for more than 2 hours" she surprises me and sleeps 30 minutes. Before wanting to eat. Again. For the 50th time. That day.
There are of course lots of opinions on how to cope with this exhaustion. The breast nazi's (pro breastfeeding folks) tell me to ride it out and adjust my attitude. Don't think of it as exhaustion but focus instead on the good I am doing for my baby.
I would focus...IF I COULD.
Then there are the other supposed experts on the other side of the fence who advise to supplement with rice cereal or formula to help stretch out those sleep periods. Then I read where this is a myth.
Then there's the grandparents, who are under the illusion that their children (that would be me) were these perfect babies who slept 4-5 hours at a time off the bat, who rarely if ever cried. Exhaustion? Why, they didn't experience that.
Which proves my point that parents experience infanthood amnesia, which is nature's way of having us forget the struggles of this time period to ensure we have more children. Much like pregnant women experience both pregnancy and delivery amnesia. I can vow for that.
As I said, she is growing fast. Much like a weed. And like a weed she has a purpose. Unlike a weed though, she has a beauty to her that I find intoxicating. It enables me to reach to her when she's crying at 3am wanting to feed, only having done the same thing 2 hours prior.
See ya on the other side of the daze...
5.23.2010
Baby Baby Baby!
Mr. N and I welcomed our little girl into the world 2 weeks ago. She's beautiful (looks a lot like her mama so of course she's beautiful) and healthy and just perfect. Labor and delivery was an awesome, surreal experience. It went as planned - a la natural with no medical intervening. 22 hours of labor and 1 hr 45 minutes of pushing. Hurt like hell at times but it's a weird sort of "pain". Nature has a way of making us women forget the pain. Physically I am doing well - healing and resting. Breastfeeding causes the pregnancy belly to disappear quite quickly. It's the lack of sleep that is hard to get used to. Don't think one ever does "get used to" it, frankly. Never thought I'd feel a love like this. It's overpowering at times - something you don't have any control over. Life has totally changed direction for us - new focus for certain. She is, quite literally, the center of our little Universe. As such, blogging is at the bottom of the priority list for the foreseeable future. And that's ok by this new mama.
5.04.2010
Long-Term Unemployed: A Sobering Story
As found on this site.
"Dear Senator Reid:
First I would like to thank you for your work in extending UI benefits to millions of us Americans who depend upon these for basic survival. I also applaud your work on passing health care. I know these were tough tasks, and ones which you put yourself in the line of fire in order to get passed.
Senator I hope you will read my letter carefully. This is probably the single hardest thing I have ever had to sit down and write. I know that you personally know the pain of being a suicide survivor. I am writing today to share my family’s real life tragic experience of the 2009 economic crisis. I am also writing to plead to you for help for a group of us that the Congress has forgotten about - those of us who need a Tier 5 Unemployment Extension because we have exhausted all of our 99 weeks of UI benefits. Those of us who cannot find jobs regardless of how qualified we are, or how hard we look. The country has been deceived into believing that everyone has been looked after with the 60 day extension recently passed. In fact there are millions of us out here who have exhausted all four levels of UI benefits and are scared and suffering. Millions of living and breathing human beings who feel pain and shame, more desperate than we ever imagined we could be. Many of these desperate and scared people without UI benefits will be faced with a very real option that they will consider – unfortunately I am speaking of Suicide.
My dad, S, killed himself March 16, 2009 because he ran out of money and could not find work. My whole family had been devastated by the economy. He was 61 years old and could not take it anymore. He could not figure out how to keep the electric on, buy food, or keep a roof over his head. A day before his electric was to be shut off, and 2 weeks away from eviction, my dad took the hardest walk of his life. He left a note on the dining room table for my sister and I. His suicide letter said “I love you. I had to do this. I ran out of money. I wish you both luck in your lives”. He left the door unlocked with the door key left in the lock. He carefully laid out two suits for us to pick from to bury him in.
I almost caught my dad in time, maybe another 10 minutes and I could have saved him Senator Reid. Dad walked 2 blocks down to the Belmont Memorial Pier in Long Beach at 10:15 am, and walked into the men’s restroom midway down the pier. He took a glock hand gun and shot himself in the head. We called the police when we found the suicide notes. I cannot explain to another human being the depth of pain I feel inside. I will never forget the image of police and coroner’s cars in front of my dad’s condo. I will never forget the looks on the officer’s faces when I walked in. I will never forget hearing the words “they found your dad’s body”. I could not believe what they told. I made the coroner show me his face. They argued and warned that I shouldn’t see this. But I had to, it was my dad, I wanted to understand what was going on. After shifting through many frames cautious so I wouldn’t see the death scene photos she found one with just his face showing, his head was wrapped in a towel. He looked sad and old and asleep. I will never forget the spectator I crossed paths with as he walking out of the restroom laughing because there was not enough of my dad on the restroom wall to entertain him. I will live with horror of this in my head forever. The beach and piers are a really bad place to me now. I avoid the pain they remind me of. I remember looking in my dad’s refrigerator to see how much food he had left. I was desperate to understand what happened at 10:00 am that led us into this horror. There wasn’t much food there. The lights were going off soon, the heat and so on. He must have been terrified. How do you take your last walk knowing you will never touch earth again? How do you walk in that restroom door knowing you will never see daylight or the ocean or your family? I have a million questions Senator. Did he pray? Was he feeling alone and hurt? I will never know the answer to any of these. All I know is that dad left a note in his pant pocket with my phone number for the police to call me when they found him. I know that I will feel really lousy every March 16th and every Father’s Day. On top of this my family could not afford to bury dad. Thank God distant family helped us do what we could not here. Most of congress will never have to figure out how to bury their loved one after a suicide because they have no money.
On a blog for those of us praying and hoping for a Tier 5 Extension I read about another person who has exhausted her benefits. She is, or possibly was by now, 50 years old and had no family other than two dogs and a cat. She was writing about her despair and her only remaining option. Unable to find work and with no UI benefits she has $850 left to her name. Her plan is to take her three pets to a local no-kill animal shelter and give them over, along with her last money to look after them. She is then going home to commit suicide. I wrote back on the blog as did many people and begged her to reconsider this. We offered to be an ear or shoulder and share her fear and pain.
I have called and spoken with most of the senator’s offices and spoken with aids in each office. I relayed my family’s own story of pain and suicide. I also explained about the suicidal woman with the pets. Almost all of these aids acted as if they were bored or indifferent to my call. Each one offered a carefully crafted monotone exit line. However, I spoke with Mike in your Reno office. Mike stopped and listened to my story and my pain. He was the only person I crossed paths with that responded with kindness and compassion. He was kind enough to help me understand the process, and what you are doing to help us seeking a lifeline through Tier 5 Extension. I asked Mike if I write this letter could he please get it to you.
Congress continues to ignore the need for a Tier 5 Extension. I pray you will make this your mission to pass a Tier 5 Extension. There are millions of people out here terrified and suffering. While Congress delays and debates and ignores many of these people will perish. One of these people was my dad. He is not just a tragic story, he was a real living human being to me – he was my dad. Please Senator stop one more person from reaching such a dark and desperate place.
You have my permission to use my story in any manner which you feel appropriate Senator. I ask that you please not use my name or the location of my dad’s death. We already experienced a second page newspaper story the day after dad’s death.
You have my respect Senator. I sincerely hope you will fight for us – we need you right now!
Sincerely,
R"
**A note to those who have not been impacted by the current depression and a note to those who are living comfortably (as in no threat of being homeless or hungry anytime in the foreseeable future): You have an obligation to help out your fellow unemployed human beings. It would be an immense help if you would copy this letter, send it to your representative, then command that the EUC program be extended through years end (at minimum) AND that an additional tier of benefits for the long-term unemployed (aka 'the 99ers') be added. Like it or not, eventually we will all have to deal head on with this issue. The growing number of homeless people are going to have no choice but to begin to take from those who have, especially if services for the needy continue to be cut. The answer isn't to deny them the right to safe shelter and food. The answer isn't to turn this country into an us versus them wild-wild-west atmosphere. The answer is to HELP in any way one can. And a great start is to help those of us in this situation by writing and/or faxing - regularly - your representatives. Thank you.
N.
"Dear Senator Reid:
First I would like to thank you for your work in extending UI benefits to millions of us Americans who depend upon these for basic survival. I also applaud your work on passing health care. I know these were tough tasks, and ones which you put yourself in the line of fire in order to get passed.
Senator I hope you will read my letter carefully. This is probably the single hardest thing I have ever had to sit down and write. I know that you personally know the pain of being a suicide survivor. I am writing today to share my family’s real life tragic experience of the 2009 economic crisis. I am also writing to plead to you for help for a group of us that the Congress has forgotten about - those of us who need a Tier 5 Unemployment Extension because we have exhausted all of our 99 weeks of UI benefits. Those of us who cannot find jobs regardless of how qualified we are, or how hard we look. The country has been deceived into believing that everyone has been looked after with the 60 day extension recently passed. In fact there are millions of us out here who have exhausted all four levels of UI benefits and are scared and suffering. Millions of living and breathing human beings who feel pain and shame, more desperate than we ever imagined we could be. Many of these desperate and scared people without UI benefits will be faced with a very real option that they will consider – unfortunately I am speaking of Suicide.
My dad, S, killed himself March 16, 2009 because he ran out of money and could not find work. My whole family had been devastated by the economy. He was 61 years old and could not take it anymore. He could not figure out how to keep the electric on, buy food, or keep a roof over his head. A day before his electric was to be shut off, and 2 weeks away from eviction, my dad took the hardest walk of his life. He left a note on the dining room table for my sister and I. His suicide letter said “I love you. I had to do this. I ran out of money. I wish you both luck in your lives”. He left the door unlocked with the door key left in the lock. He carefully laid out two suits for us to pick from to bury him in.
I almost caught my dad in time, maybe another 10 minutes and I could have saved him Senator Reid. Dad walked 2 blocks down to the Belmont Memorial Pier in Long Beach at 10:15 am, and walked into the men’s restroom midway down the pier. He took a glock hand gun and shot himself in the head. We called the police when we found the suicide notes. I cannot explain to another human being the depth of pain I feel inside. I will never forget the image of police and coroner’s cars in front of my dad’s condo. I will never forget the looks on the officer’s faces when I walked in. I will never forget hearing the words “they found your dad’s body”. I could not believe what they told. I made the coroner show me his face. They argued and warned that I shouldn’t see this. But I had to, it was my dad, I wanted to understand what was going on. After shifting through many frames cautious so I wouldn’t see the death scene photos she found one with just his face showing, his head was wrapped in a towel. He looked sad and old and asleep. I will never forget the spectator I crossed paths with as he walking out of the restroom laughing because there was not enough of my dad on the restroom wall to entertain him. I will live with horror of this in my head forever. The beach and piers are a really bad place to me now. I avoid the pain they remind me of. I remember looking in my dad’s refrigerator to see how much food he had left. I was desperate to understand what happened at 10:00 am that led us into this horror. There wasn’t much food there. The lights were going off soon, the heat and so on. He must have been terrified. How do you take your last walk knowing you will never touch earth again? How do you walk in that restroom door knowing you will never see daylight or the ocean or your family? I have a million questions Senator. Did he pray? Was he feeling alone and hurt? I will never know the answer to any of these. All I know is that dad left a note in his pant pocket with my phone number for the police to call me when they found him. I know that I will feel really lousy every March 16th and every Father’s Day. On top of this my family could not afford to bury dad. Thank God distant family helped us do what we could not here. Most of congress will never have to figure out how to bury their loved one after a suicide because they have no money.
On a blog for those of us praying and hoping for a Tier 5 Extension I read about another person who has exhausted her benefits. She is, or possibly was by now, 50 years old and had no family other than two dogs and a cat. She was writing about her despair and her only remaining option. Unable to find work and with no UI benefits she has $850 left to her name. Her plan is to take her three pets to a local no-kill animal shelter and give them over, along with her last money to look after them. She is then going home to commit suicide. I wrote back on the blog as did many people and begged her to reconsider this. We offered to be an ear or shoulder and share her fear and pain.
I have called and spoken with most of the senator’s offices and spoken with aids in each office. I relayed my family’s own story of pain and suicide. I also explained about the suicidal woman with the pets. Almost all of these aids acted as if they were bored or indifferent to my call. Each one offered a carefully crafted monotone exit line. However, I spoke with Mike in your Reno office. Mike stopped and listened to my story and my pain. He was the only person I crossed paths with that responded with kindness and compassion. He was kind enough to help me understand the process, and what you are doing to help us seeking a lifeline through Tier 5 Extension. I asked Mike if I write this letter could he please get it to you.
Congress continues to ignore the need for a Tier 5 Extension. I pray you will make this your mission to pass a Tier 5 Extension. There are millions of people out here terrified and suffering. While Congress delays and debates and ignores many of these people will perish. One of these people was my dad. He is not just a tragic story, he was a real living human being to me – he was my dad. Please Senator stop one more person from reaching such a dark and desperate place.
You have my permission to use my story in any manner which you feel appropriate Senator. I ask that you please not use my name or the location of my dad’s death. We already experienced a second page newspaper story the day after dad’s death.
You have my respect Senator. I sincerely hope you will fight for us – we need you right now!
Sincerely,
R"
**A note to those who have not been impacted by the current depression and a note to those who are living comfortably (as in no threat of being homeless or hungry anytime in the foreseeable future): You have an obligation to help out your fellow unemployed human beings. It would be an immense help if you would copy this letter, send it to your representative, then command that the EUC program be extended through years end (at minimum) AND that an additional tier of benefits for the long-term unemployed (aka 'the 99ers') be added. Like it or not, eventually we will all have to deal head on with this issue. The growing number of homeless people are going to have no choice but to begin to take from those who have, especially if services for the needy continue to be cut. The answer isn't to deny them the right to safe shelter and food. The answer isn't to turn this country into an us versus them wild-wild-west atmosphere. The answer is to HELP in any way one can. And a great start is to help those of us in this situation by writing and/or faxing - regularly - your representatives. Thank you.
N.
5.02.2010
Unemployment Rates: State by State
Remember kiddies to double these numbers as they do not include those who have fallen off the unemployment benefits roster nor do they include those who have had to settle for a part-time minimum wage job (as I tell clueless family members: you simply cannot grow an economy or save your ass from poverty on walmart jobs) nor do they include those who have simply given up. These stats are for March of 2010. You can bet those numbers will continue to climb - although I believe one of the reasons why congress has failed to extend the EUC program through years end and has instead allowed the program to lapse for a time before adding a month or so to the program is to help keep the numbers looking "hopeful" (thus allowing hundreds of thousands and/or millions to suddenly drop from the euc program and thus no longer are they included in the UE stats) . It is, afterall, an election year.
***
Michigan 14.1 ▬ 0.0%
Nevada 13.4 ▲ 0.2%
California 12.6 ▲ 0.1%
Rhode Island 12.6 ▼ 0.1%
Florida 12.3 ▲ 0.1%
South Carolina 12.2 ▼ 0.3%
District Of Columbia 11.6 ▼ 0.3%
Illinois 11.5 ▲ 0.1%
Mississippi 11.5 ▲ 0.1%
North Carolina 11.1 ▼ 0.1%
Alabama 11.0 ▼ 0.0%
Ohio 11.0 ▲ 0.1%
Kentucky 10.7 ▼ 0.2%
Georgia 10.6 ▲ 0.1%
Tennessee 10.6 ▼ 0.1%
Oregon 10.6 ▲ 0.1%
Indiana 10.0 ▬ 0.0%
New Jersey 10.0 ▬ 0.0%
United States (national)[4] 9.7 ▬ 0.0%
Arizona 9.6 ▲ 0.1%
Missouri 9.5 ▲ 0.1%
Washington 9.5 ▬ 0.0%
West Virginia 9.5 ▬ 0.0%
Idaho 9.4 ▼ 0.1%
Massachusetts 9.3 ▼ 0.2%
Connecticut 9.2 ▲ 0.1%
Delaware 9.2 ▬ 0.0%
Pennsylvania 9.0 ▬ 0.0%
New Mexico 8.8 ▲ 0.1%
Wisconsin 8.8 ▲ 0.1%
Alaska 8.6 ▲ 0.1%
New York 8.6 ▼ 0.2%
Maine 8.2 ▼ 0.1%
Texas 8.2 ▬ 0.0%
Colorado 7.9 ▲ 0.1%
Maryland 7.7 ▼ 0.1%
Virginia 7.6 ▲ 0.2%
Minnesota 7.6 ▲ 0.1%
Arkansas 7.5 ▼ 0.1%
Wyoming 7.3 ▼ 0.2%
Montana 7.1 ▲ 0.2%
Utah 7.2 ▲ 0.1%
New Hampshire 7.0 ▼ 0.1%
Hawaii 6.9 ▬ 0.0%
Louisiana 6.9 ▼ 0.5%
Iowa 6.8 ▲ 0.1%
Oklahoma 6.6 ▼ 0.1%
Kansas 6.5 ▬ 0.0%
Vermont 6.5 ▼ 0.1%
Nebraska 5.0 ▲ 0.2%
South Dakota 4.8 ▬ 0.0%
North Dakota 4.0 ▼ 0.1%
***
Michigan 14.1 ▬ 0.0%
Nevada 13.4 ▲ 0.2%
California 12.6 ▲ 0.1%
Rhode Island 12.6 ▼ 0.1%
Florida 12.3 ▲ 0.1%
South Carolina 12.2 ▼ 0.3%
District Of Columbia 11.6 ▼ 0.3%
Illinois 11.5 ▲ 0.1%
Mississippi 11.5 ▲ 0.1%
North Carolina 11.1 ▼ 0.1%
Alabama 11.0 ▼ 0.0%
Ohio 11.0 ▲ 0.1%
Kentucky 10.7 ▼ 0.2%
Georgia 10.6 ▲ 0.1%
Tennessee 10.6 ▼ 0.1%
Oregon 10.6 ▲ 0.1%
Indiana 10.0 ▬ 0.0%
New Jersey 10.0 ▬ 0.0%
United States (national)[4] 9.7 ▬ 0.0%
Arizona 9.6 ▲ 0.1%
Missouri 9.5 ▲ 0.1%
Washington 9.5 ▬ 0.0%
West Virginia 9.5 ▬ 0.0%
Idaho 9.4 ▼ 0.1%
Massachusetts 9.3 ▼ 0.2%
Connecticut 9.2 ▲ 0.1%
Delaware 9.2 ▬ 0.0%
Pennsylvania 9.0 ▬ 0.0%
New Mexico 8.8 ▲ 0.1%
Wisconsin 8.8 ▲ 0.1%
Alaska 8.6 ▲ 0.1%
New York 8.6 ▼ 0.2%
Maine 8.2 ▼ 0.1%
Texas 8.2 ▬ 0.0%
Colorado 7.9 ▲ 0.1%
Maryland 7.7 ▼ 0.1%
Virginia 7.6 ▲ 0.2%
Minnesota 7.6 ▲ 0.1%
Arkansas 7.5 ▼ 0.1%
Wyoming 7.3 ▼ 0.2%
Montana 7.1 ▲ 0.2%
Utah 7.2 ▲ 0.1%
New Hampshire 7.0 ▼ 0.1%
Hawaii 6.9 ▬ 0.0%
Louisiana 6.9 ▼ 0.5%
Iowa 6.8 ▲ 0.1%
Oklahoma 6.6 ▼ 0.1%
Kansas 6.5 ▬ 0.0%
Vermont 6.5 ▼ 0.1%
Nebraska 5.0 ▲ 0.2%
South Dakota 4.8 ▬ 0.0%
North Dakota 4.0 ▼ 0.1%
4.24.2010
Think Your Cell Phone Calls Are Private?
I had a neighbor tell me that, a few weeks ago, she was on the phone with her mother. She owns a cell phone. I do not know if her mother was on a land line or cell phone. She told me that she and her mother were talking about the violence in the Middle East and were innocently talking about bombs - namely all of the bombs that were going off over there. Not about making them. Nothing conspiratorial at all.
And yet, just using the terms middle east and bombs warranted an interruption with a computer-generated voice that said their phone call was illegal under code blah blah blah.
Still think you're safe from such monitoring?
And yet, just using the terms middle east and bombs warranted an interruption with a computer-generated voice that said their phone call was illegal under code blah blah blah.
Still think you're safe from such monitoring?
"Frivilous" Lawsuits
Ok, I just had to write up a brief post about this topic as, upon reviewing my latest post on my blog's main page, I see where google had posted an add about ending frivilous medical lawsuits.
Give me a god damn break.
Want to know why medical lawsuits are soaring?
Newsflash: We have a gross shortage of doctors in this country (largely due to the cost of malpractice insurance) and this trend is showing no signs of reversing. Having made contact/friends with those who are either still in the medical system or who once were and got the hell out, I have learned some very interesting tidbits, this shortage of doctors being one. Doctors, especially those who are part of a medium size to large medical practice, have been pressured for years by money hungry, profit-driven administrators to take on more patients, spend less time with them. Surgeons are pressured to pack in more surgeries. This leads to burn out - extreme fatigue - doctors who are simply not capable of performing their duties in the careful, responsible manner in which is necessary. The real outrage should not be aimed towards the patients themselves but towards the administrators whose sole concern is making money (then feigning "concern" when a patient complains) and towards the malpractice attorneys who get away with charging $450/hour and up and/or, who, upon winning their selected case, take over half of the patients winnings. The patient, the victim, gets lost along the way in this very corrupt system. And sometimes, the doctors themselves don't help, especially when they refuse to acknowledge the previous as well as their own ineptness which is by and large due to overworking themselves - sacrificing patient care for the almighty dollar.
I had a medical doctor last week tell me that the United States is becoming a 3rd world nation and much of this is evidenced in the health care system. Yep. And Obama Care is gonna fix all that.
Uh huh.
Give me a god damn break.
Want to know why medical lawsuits are soaring?
Newsflash: We have a gross shortage of doctors in this country (largely due to the cost of malpractice insurance) and this trend is showing no signs of reversing. Having made contact/friends with those who are either still in the medical system or who once were and got the hell out, I have learned some very interesting tidbits, this shortage of doctors being one. Doctors, especially those who are part of a medium size to large medical practice, have been pressured for years by money hungry, profit-driven administrators to take on more patients, spend less time with them. Surgeons are pressured to pack in more surgeries. This leads to burn out - extreme fatigue - doctors who are simply not capable of performing their duties in the careful, responsible manner in which is necessary. The real outrage should not be aimed towards the patients themselves but towards the administrators whose sole concern is making money (then feigning "concern" when a patient complains) and towards the malpractice attorneys who get away with charging $450/hour and up and/or, who, upon winning their selected case, take over half of the patients winnings. The patient, the victim, gets lost along the way in this very corrupt system. And sometimes, the doctors themselves don't help, especially when they refuse to acknowledge the previous as well as their own ineptness which is by and large due to overworking themselves - sacrificing patient care for the almighty dollar.
I had a medical doctor last week tell me that the United States is becoming a 3rd world nation and much of this is evidenced in the health care system. Yep. And Obama Care is gonna fix all that.
Uh huh.
It Must Be Nice...
It Must Be Nice:
*to be a self-proclaimed teabagger and be so heartless as to be against authentically helping others (funding war good - funding welfare bad), to be so blinded to the Constitution as to believe America is a Christian nation (so much for brotherly love and helping those in need), to be so ignorant and downright fucking stupid to be so hateful towards gays...and hey - some spelling lessons are in order...correct spelling does make you appear to be, well, more believable...i'm available for $25/hour to proof your signs, press releases and such...however my overall support for your movement begins and ends there (although i do agree with you, overall, on the idea that we are over-taxed as individuals). capiche?
*to be a self-proclaimed left-leaning progressive who is so blind as to the very fact that, at the CORE of sustainability is MONEY, namely the incomes of the people...the current economic/monetary system is NOT SUSTAINABLE...P E R I O D...one simply cannot proclaim to be progressive and supportive of sustainability until they address this very F A C T...
*to be one of those who are cheering the latest health care reform while BLINDLY REFUSING to acknowledge the VERY FACT that the government REQUIRING any individual to purchase health care (much less auto) insurance is blaringly, obviously unconstitutional not to mention downright outrageous...this is NOT a "good starting point" as many of these folks proclaim...it is a nightmare waiting to explode - burdening an already stressed health care system which is run solely FOR PROFIT ONLY (with decisions being made by "suits" who typically have zero medical training) and has ceased to be about true patient care...
*to be members of our family who are living a comfy life, for whom the system of the past worked beautifully, who have NO CLUE what it's really like to have to "tighten" ones belt.... judging us for our current $$ situation (pulling the typical capitalistic, rugged individualistic method of blaming the victim) while failing to see the GOD DAMN FUCKING TRUTH of the system...i was not joking when i said any further judgments, badgering or other such emotional abuse will warrant me throwing your ass out of our house....and my life.
*to proudly wear one of the various labels...oooh i'm a greenie...oooh i'm a neocon....ooooh i'm a lefty....ooooh i'm a socialist....oooh i'm a ____fill in the blank. get over yourself. you're a human being--amazing, miraculous yet no more special or extraordinary than anyone else. yes, you're a human being. i'm a human being. that's enough of a label, don't you think? labels divide and blind us to the truths, realities and opinions of others. this has been a hard one for me to accept.
*to be a self-proclaimed teabagger and be so heartless as to be against authentically helping others (funding war good - funding welfare bad), to be so blinded to the Constitution as to believe America is a Christian nation (so much for brotherly love and helping those in need), to be so ignorant and downright fucking stupid to be so hateful towards gays...and hey - some spelling lessons are in order...correct spelling does make you appear to be, well, more believable...i'm available for $25/hour to proof your signs, press releases and such...however my overall support for your movement begins and ends there (although i do agree with you, overall, on the idea that we are over-taxed as individuals). capiche?
*to be a self-proclaimed left-leaning progressive who is so blind as to the very fact that, at the CORE of sustainability is MONEY, namely the incomes of the people...the current economic/monetary system is NOT SUSTAINABLE...P E R I O D...one simply cannot proclaim to be progressive and supportive of sustainability until they address this very F A C T...
*to be one of those who are cheering the latest health care reform while BLINDLY REFUSING to acknowledge the VERY FACT that the government REQUIRING any individual to purchase health care (much less auto) insurance is blaringly, obviously unconstitutional not to mention downright outrageous...this is NOT a "good starting point" as many of these folks proclaim...it is a nightmare waiting to explode - burdening an already stressed health care system which is run solely FOR PROFIT ONLY (with decisions being made by "suits" who typically have zero medical training) and has ceased to be about true patient care...
*to be members of our family who are living a comfy life, for whom the system of the past worked beautifully, who have NO CLUE what it's really like to have to "tighten" ones belt.... judging us for our current $$ situation (pulling the typical capitalistic, rugged individualistic method of blaming the victim) while failing to see the GOD DAMN FUCKING TRUTH of the system...i was not joking when i said any further judgments, badgering or other such emotional abuse will warrant me throwing your ass out of our house....and my life.
*to proudly wear one of the various labels...oooh i'm a greenie...oooh i'm a neocon....ooooh i'm a lefty....ooooh i'm a socialist....oooh i'm a ____fill in the blank. get over yourself. you're a human being--amazing, miraculous yet no more special or extraordinary than anyone else. yes, you're a human being. i'm a human being. that's enough of a label, don't you think? labels divide and blind us to the truths, realities and opinions of others. this has been a hard one for me to accept.
4.18.2010
I Wish...
Not that anyone but spammers will read this, much less read this blog anymore...but i wish the following:
~people would stop telling me how i am "glowing" and how "wonderful" i look. I DO NOT FEEL WONDERFUL. I am scared out of my frigging mind of becoming homeless with a baby. I am stressed to the max. I am not sleeping well and it isn't just due to late stage pregnancy symptoms. I am overwhelmed at the idea of raising a child in this fucked up system.
~along those lines i wish people would stop telling me everything is going to be just fine when there is NO PROOF of this. unless you have money and/or support from those who also have money and stability you will not be "just fine". miracles and opportunities are few and far between and it doesn't matter how much you pray or ask for help or THINK IT TRUE - the bottom line is this world is for shit and true idealism and true emotional expression and the acknowledgement of how things TRULY are does not exist.
~i wish the basics needed to survive were not based on the amount of money one has but instead, were provided for all\ - no questions asked.
~along those lines, i wish more people believed the above as i do.
~if there are other universes in which i am living and experiencing, i wish i knew how to go to that reality (in so long it was a reality much more conducive to my needs and values). if i did, i would be there immediately. without question.
~i wish love is all you need was a true concept.
~i wish certain people would stop nagging me/us, badgering me/us and questioning me/us and instead ask that difficult but REAL phrase that is TRULY about helping: "what do you need?" ask and i will tell you!
~i wish i didn't feel so god damn alone.
~lastly, i wish i would win the lottery. that would take away a lot of the unnecessary stress i am experiencing.
~people would stop telling me how i am "glowing" and how "wonderful" i look. I DO NOT FEEL WONDERFUL. I am scared out of my frigging mind of becoming homeless with a baby. I am stressed to the max. I am not sleeping well and it isn't just due to late stage pregnancy symptoms. I am overwhelmed at the idea of raising a child in this fucked up system.
~along those lines i wish people would stop telling me everything is going to be just fine when there is NO PROOF of this. unless you have money and/or support from those who also have money and stability you will not be "just fine". miracles and opportunities are few and far between and it doesn't matter how much you pray or ask for help or THINK IT TRUE - the bottom line is this world is for shit and true idealism and true emotional expression and the acknowledgement of how things TRULY are does not exist.
~i wish the basics needed to survive were not based on the amount of money one has but instead, were provided for all\ - no questions asked.
~along those lines, i wish more people believed the above as i do.
~if there are other universes in which i am living and experiencing, i wish i knew how to go to that reality (in so long it was a reality much more conducive to my needs and values). if i did, i would be there immediately. without question.
~i wish love is all you need was a true concept.
~i wish certain people would stop nagging me/us, badgering me/us and questioning me/us and instead ask that difficult but REAL phrase that is TRULY about helping: "what do you need?" ask and i will tell you!
~i wish i didn't feel so god damn alone.
~lastly, i wish i would win the lottery. that would take away a lot of the unnecessary stress i am experiencing.
4.16.2010
President Signs Yet Another Pitiful Jobless Benes Bill
I must admit this is a great way to take advantage of a desperate populace. Allow a much needed program to lapse, then give the thirsty, (unnecessarily) suffering masses a small glass of water to satisfy them for a couple of months (while, in their totally understandable desperation, these folks give high praise to our learless feaders), only to toss them out into the jungle again once those 2 months are over.
"WASHINGTON — Just hours after Congress passed an $18 billion bill to restore unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, President Barack Obama made it the law of the land. The measure comes as welcome relief to hundreds of thousands of people who lost out on the additional weeks of compensation after exhausting their state-paid benefits. They now will be able to reapply for long-term unemployment benefits and receive those checks retroactively under the legislation."
Please note: This bill does not include additional tiers, which would add more benefits - something the 99ers have been pushing for. (The 99ers refers to the long-term unemployed who have exhausted all of their benefits - the maximum being 99 weeks.)
When you've had over 8 million jobs lost; when the majority of created jobs are in the low-wage service industry; when we failed to have a full recovery from the last "recession"; when we have had decades of, overall, declining wages and outlandish increases in housing, food, education and health care; when you hear the talking media pundits give praise to jumps in the market (which simply means it is being controlled by the rich to give us the illusion that all is well/getting better); when foreclosures took another huge jump last month; when close to 20% of the country is on food stamps (and that does not include the millions who are eligible and either aren't aware they are or are too prideful to apply)...I mean come on now. How can you possibly think that the economy is slowly improving let alone fantasize it is somehow going to return to the good 'ole days? Blind wishful thinking that isn't grounded in reality doesn't serve anyone. Not to say that such a wish isn't impossible as anything is always possible. As long as the motivation, intention and the realization that things must change at the core are present.
"WASHINGTON — Just hours after Congress passed an $18 billion bill to restore unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, President Barack Obama made it the law of the land. The measure comes as welcome relief to hundreds of thousands of people who lost out on the additional weeks of compensation after exhausting their state-paid benefits. They now will be able to reapply for long-term unemployment benefits and receive those checks retroactively under the legislation."
Please note: This bill does not include additional tiers, which would add more benefits - something the 99ers have been pushing for. (The 99ers refers to the long-term unemployed who have exhausted all of their benefits - the maximum being 99 weeks.)
When you've had over 8 million jobs lost; when the majority of created jobs are in the low-wage service industry; when we failed to have a full recovery from the last "recession"; when we have had decades of, overall, declining wages and outlandish increases in housing, food, education and health care; when you hear the talking media pundits give praise to jumps in the market (which simply means it is being controlled by the rich to give us the illusion that all is well/getting better); when foreclosures took another huge jump last month; when close to 20% of the country is on food stamps (and that does not include the millions who are eligible and either aren't aware they are or are too prideful to apply)...I mean come on now. How can you possibly think that the economy is slowly improving let alone fantasize it is somehow going to return to the good 'ole days? Blind wishful thinking that isn't grounded in reality doesn't serve anyone. Not to say that such a wish isn't impossible as anything is always possible. As long as the motivation, intention and the realization that things must change at the core are present.
Oregon Supreme Court Says Employers Can Discriminate Against Employees Who Use Medical MJ
Yeah, that's right. Discriminate.
"SALEM, Ore.—In a long-awaited decision, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that employers are not required to accommodate employees who use medical marijuana. The decision dated Wednesday and posted online Thursday in Emerald Steel Fabricators Inc. vs. Bureau of Labor and Industries involves an employer who refused to hire a temporary worker as a permanent employee after learning he was a medical marijuana user. The Oregon Supreme Court's 5-2 ruling overturned an appellate court ruling that had been based on technical grounds. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act authorizes individuals holding registry identification cards to use marijuana for medical purposes. However, “under Oregon's employment discrimination laws, (the) employer was not required to accommodate employee's use of medical marijuana,” the Oregon Supreme Court majority ruled."
Like the use of the term "accomodate"? What that really means is if you are a patient legally holding a card that gives you the legal right under state law (which the Oregon Supreme Court is supposed to uphold) to use mj for recognized medical conditions, your employer or future employer can refuse to hire you or fire you simply because you hold the card. Said employer doesn't even need to show you are showing up high on the job. The card enough is alone to get you axed. Hence, this is nothing short of discriminatory.
And why in the hell does the fact that in the State of Oregon, being it is legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes as long as it's prescribed by a medical doctor and therefore, patients can be discriminated by employers for following state law?
"The court also concludes that even though the state law authorizes the use of medical marijuana, the federal Controlled Substances Act pre-empts the state law."
Ah yes, the usual trump card played by mindless goons who wouldn't know the terms logic and open-mindedness (Truth) if they were to bite them in their ass. As I often say these days to people who look at such situations and ask Huh?: "You can't make sense out of crazy." And such laws, backed with mindless unsubstantiated dribble are the epitomy of crazy.
Anyone else thinking about the millions of people hooked on legal prescription narcotics? Or sleeping pills? Or the millions who take OTC antihistamines which make many people extremely drowsy? Or what about people who drive for a living and text and/or talk on their cell phones which has been proven to be as deadly (more deadly if you're a driver-texter) as driving drunk?
And yet here we have a case where someone simply has a prescription card for a legal substance, has not been shown to be impaired on the job present or past and yet, the employer has the right to discriminate against them anyway?
Yep. This "crazy" disease just continues the longer the system keeps on plugging away while the majority of the people engage in childish political battles instead of coming together and realizing BOTH SIDES ARE GETTING SCREWED IN THE ASS.
"SALEM, Ore.—In a long-awaited decision, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that employers are not required to accommodate employees who use medical marijuana. The decision dated Wednesday and posted online Thursday in Emerald Steel Fabricators Inc. vs. Bureau of Labor and Industries involves an employer who refused to hire a temporary worker as a permanent employee after learning he was a medical marijuana user. The Oregon Supreme Court's 5-2 ruling overturned an appellate court ruling that had been based on technical grounds. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act authorizes individuals holding registry identification cards to use marijuana for medical purposes. However, “under Oregon's employment discrimination laws, (the) employer was not required to accommodate employee's use of medical marijuana,” the Oregon Supreme Court majority ruled."
Like the use of the term "accomodate"? What that really means is if you are a patient legally holding a card that gives you the legal right under state law (which the Oregon Supreme Court is supposed to uphold) to use mj for recognized medical conditions, your employer or future employer can refuse to hire you or fire you simply because you hold the card. Said employer doesn't even need to show you are showing up high on the job. The card enough is alone to get you axed. Hence, this is nothing short of discriminatory.
And why in the hell does the fact that in the State of Oregon, being it is legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes as long as it's prescribed by a medical doctor and therefore, patients can be discriminated by employers for following state law?
"The court also concludes that even though the state law authorizes the use of medical marijuana, the federal Controlled Substances Act pre-empts the state law."
Ah yes, the usual trump card played by mindless goons who wouldn't know the terms logic and open-mindedness (Truth) if they were to bite them in their ass. As I often say these days to people who look at such situations and ask Huh?: "You can't make sense out of crazy." And such laws, backed with mindless unsubstantiated dribble are the epitomy of crazy.
Anyone else thinking about the millions of people hooked on legal prescription narcotics? Or sleeping pills? Or the millions who take OTC antihistamines which make many people extremely drowsy? Or what about people who drive for a living and text and/or talk on their cell phones which has been proven to be as deadly (more deadly if you're a driver-texter) as driving drunk?
And yet here we have a case where someone simply has a prescription card for a legal substance, has not been shown to be impaired on the job present or past and yet, the employer has the right to discriminate against them anyway?
Yep. This "crazy" disease just continues the longer the system keeps on plugging away while the majority of the people engage in childish political battles instead of coming together and realizing BOTH SIDES ARE GETTING SCREWED IN THE ASS.
4.13.2010
I want my mommy....and a foot massage...and a chauffeur....and a maid....and cook...and oh yeah a bank account with lots of zeros
The return of my mind would be good. And my body, too. And oh yeah - a good night sleep would be WONDERFUL.
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do this blog (it took me 5 times just to type "i'll"). I can't sit in front of this thing for long these days. I'm (nearly) constantly tired. Heartburn occurs regardless of whether I am sitting, standing or lying down. Walking normally left me 3 weeks ago. And we still have things to take care of before this little angel of ours makes her appearance. Of course none of it (with the exception of getting diapers which good lord did any of you know cloth diapers has turned into a science??) matters to her - just her mama and daddy.
Once she arrives, I will be in mama and rest mode 24/7 for some time. Even today, when Mr. N wants to tell me about the latest world happenings, I just kinda space it out, wave my hand and go "uh huh". Not like I don't care. Just cannot process.
Want to hear my latest pregnancy brain fart snafu? I backed the car into our carport post. I haven't hit anything with my car, well, with this particular car, EVER. And I have had it for 20 years, too. But here I was, driving half awake, having come from taking a snooze at the park, attempting to back up the car into our driveway (a definite no-no for me these days as the baby/my belly won't allow me to turn much) - something I've done regularly for years. And yet this time, for some reason, someone moved that damn post without telling me and it had a meeting of the minds with my bumper. Who won? Judging from the bumper and the post, I'd say it was a draw.
Well, Mr. N was so pleased with this. Even my tears didn't persuade him from showing me sympathy (well, for a little while that is). Instead he said that was it. My driving days were over until I give birth.
Yes, that is a thought that pisses me off. Royally. And while he doesn't control what I do - E V E R - he's right. Unless I am driving forward, I shouldn't be behind the wheel of our car. And being I am so tired so much of the time, that only adds to my inability to fully operate anything of the mechanical or moving nature responsibly and safely.
Damn, what did this post start off being? Oh well, who knows! We're at 36 weeks and counting. No signs yet. She could come next week or anytime after that through the middle to end of May. While the idea of birth (ok, pain) kinda freaks me out now and then, an even stronger emotion is the desire to birth her out of my body so I can not only experience being her mama, but so I can GET MY BODY BACK. Sleep on my back. On my belly. Eat a meal or drink a glass of water without experiencing acid reflux. Be able to carry around a little bit of gas without feeling like I want to explode inside. Jump off a park bench. Ride my bike. Drive. Get up without grunting. Walk normally with my hands by my side instead of one instinctively placed on the small of my back. And run. Oh god yes - me the non-runner suddenly wants to RUN. Everywhere. With my arms spread out wide by my sides. Giggling like a school girl while the warrior woman within says "YES. FREEDOM."
Screw all of the other freedoms at the moment. This girl wants to R U N. THAT, to me, as of today, is freedom.
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do this blog (it took me 5 times just to type "i'll"). I can't sit in front of this thing for long these days. I'm (nearly) constantly tired. Heartburn occurs regardless of whether I am sitting, standing or lying down. Walking normally left me 3 weeks ago. And we still have things to take care of before this little angel of ours makes her appearance. Of course none of it (with the exception of getting diapers which good lord did any of you know cloth diapers has turned into a science??) matters to her - just her mama and daddy.
Once she arrives, I will be in mama and rest mode 24/7 for some time. Even today, when Mr. N wants to tell me about the latest world happenings, I just kinda space it out, wave my hand and go "uh huh". Not like I don't care. Just cannot process.
Want to hear my latest pregnancy brain fart snafu? I backed the car into our carport post. I haven't hit anything with my car, well, with this particular car, EVER. And I have had it for 20 years, too. But here I was, driving half awake, having come from taking a snooze at the park, attempting to back up the car into our driveway (a definite no-no for me these days as the baby/my belly won't allow me to turn much) - something I've done regularly for years. And yet this time, for some reason, someone moved that damn post without telling me and it had a meeting of the minds with my bumper. Who won? Judging from the bumper and the post, I'd say it was a draw.
Well, Mr. N was so pleased with this. Even my tears didn't persuade him from showing me sympathy (well, for a little while that is). Instead he said that was it. My driving days were over until I give birth.
Yes, that is a thought that pisses me off. Royally. And while he doesn't control what I do - E V E R - he's right. Unless I am driving forward, I shouldn't be behind the wheel of our car. And being I am so tired so much of the time, that only adds to my inability to fully operate anything of the mechanical or moving nature responsibly and safely.
Damn, what did this post start off being? Oh well, who knows! We're at 36 weeks and counting. No signs yet. She could come next week or anytime after that through the middle to end of May. While the idea of birth (ok, pain) kinda freaks me out now and then, an even stronger emotion is the desire to birth her out of my body so I can not only experience being her mama, but so I can GET MY BODY BACK. Sleep on my back. On my belly. Eat a meal or drink a glass of water without experiencing acid reflux. Be able to carry around a little bit of gas without feeling like I want to explode inside. Jump off a park bench. Ride my bike. Drive. Get up without grunting. Walk normally with my hands by my side instead of one instinctively placed on the small of my back. And run. Oh god yes - me the non-runner suddenly wants to RUN. Everywhere. With my arms spread out wide by my sides. Giggling like a school girl while the warrior woman within says "YES. FREEDOM."
Screw all of the other freedoms at the moment. This girl wants to R U N. THAT, to me, as of today, is freedom.
4.04.2010
Unemployment Stats: The Truth
Don't listen to the bullshit being spewed on television by Obama over how the economy is showing signs of improving. Don't listen to any of these DC insiders talk about how we saw an increase of jobs last month (whereby approximately 50,000 are for TEMPORARY census workers and thereby cannot be viewed as real job gains). Don't listen as they blather on about job loss declining (when in reality how many more jobs can this country lose before showing SOME signs of slowing down - that slowing down simply being the result of nothing much less TO lose). And please don't fall victim to those who say "well at least many people are working part-time or temporary and that's better than nothing", as though a nation of part-timers and temporary workers leads to economic prosperity and recovery.
Instead, look at stats like this for The Truth.
The days of working your ass off, fierce competiting, rugged individualism and busting your hump every day to make enough to pay the banks to provide a roof for yourself (whether you are a "homeowner" or renter you are working to make the banks rich) must end. It begins with stopping such mindless chanting and instead, exploring other means of living, where life is truly about living instead of struggling to survive and get by.
Instead, look at stats like this for The Truth.
The days of working your ass off, fierce competiting, rugged individualism and busting your hump every day to make enough to pay the banks to provide a roof for yourself (whether you are a "homeowner" or renter you are working to make the banks rich) must end. It begins with stopping such mindless chanting and instead, exploring other means of living, where life is truly about living instead of struggling to survive and get by.
Young Girl Doodles On Desk. Gets Hauled Off To Jail.
More evidence of the Nanny State.
"(April 3) -- When 12-year-old Alexa Gonzalez was caught doodling on her desk at Junior High School 190 in Queens, New York, she expected detention and an afternoon on desk-cleaning duty. Instead, she was arrested, led out of her school in handcuffs and detained at a local police precinct for hours, she said. Two months after the incident, Gonzalez and her mother, Maraima Comacho, are suing the New York City Education Department and the New York Police Department for $1 million in damages, claiming excessive use of force and violation of the girl's rights in the ordeal, which Comacho has called a "nightmare." Gonzalez describes the ordeal as traumatizing and excessive, saying that after her Spanish teacher caught her doodling on her desk with erasable green marker, she was "physically dragged by a teacher and an assistant principal" to the dean's office, where school safety officials searched her by placing "their hands inside the rear and front pockets of her jeans." Police were then summoned to arrest her... The legal papers filed by Rosenthal [whereby the family is seeking $1 million in damages] said Comacho was not permitted to accompany her daughter to the precinct and was instead told to go home and wait for a call. The documents also said that Gonzalez was detained in "an enclosed room" at the precinct and handcuffed to a pole for more than two hours."
And what "horrible" thing did this young girl doodle on her desk?
'"I love my friends Abby and Faith," Gonzalez said she wrote, adding "Lex was here. 2/1/10" and a smiley face."
Her punishment? (As if being traumatized and restrained by a bunch of fascists wasn't enough.)
"...Gonzalez was given eight hours of community service and ordered to write a book report and an essay about what she learned from the experience."
Oh how I hope this beautiful young girls says she has learned we live in a fascist, nanny state where writing cute little loving doodles on our school desks, as all young girls do, can result in being dragged away from school, hauled to the police station for hours, whereby your own mother is not "allowed" to come see you and yet Big Bankers and Corporate America Criminals can steal our money, pollute our waterways, soil and bodies with hosts of toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. and get away with it all while puppets like Obama et. al orate verbal wet dreams for hours on television feigning "anger" over these real criminals (while his blind supporters point and say "see? he's on our side!") all the while doing nothing about any of it to truly put an end to the nightmare.
Just one more in a myriad of reasons to HOME SCHOOL.
"(April 3) -- When 12-year-old Alexa Gonzalez was caught doodling on her desk at Junior High School 190 in Queens, New York, she expected detention and an afternoon on desk-cleaning duty. Instead, she was arrested, led out of her school in handcuffs and detained at a local police precinct for hours, she said. Two months after the incident, Gonzalez and her mother, Maraima Comacho, are suing the New York City Education Department and the New York Police Department for $1 million in damages, claiming excessive use of force and violation of the girl's rights in the ordeal, which Comacho has called a "nightmare." Gonzalez describes the ordeal as traumatizing and excessive, saying that after her Spanish teacher caught her doodling on her desk with erasable green marker, she was "physically dragged by a teacher and an assistant principal" to the dean's office, where school safety officials searched her by placing "their hands inside the rear and front pockets of her jeans." Police were then summoned to arrest her... The legal papers filed by Rosenthal [whereby the family is seeking $1 million in damages] said Comacho was not permitted to accompany her daughter to the precinct and was instead told to go home and wait for a call. The documents also said that Gonzalez was detained in "an enclosed room" at the precinct and handcuffed to a pole for more than two hours."
And what "horrible" thing did this young girl doodle on her desk?
'"I love my friends Abby and Faith," Gonzalez said she wrote, adding "Lex was here. 2/1/10" and a smiley face."
Her punishment? (As if being traumatized and restrained by a bunch of fascists wasn't enough.)
"...Gonzalez was given eight hours of community service and ordered to write a book report and an essay about what she learned from the experience."
Oh how I hope this beautiful young girls says she has learned we live in a fascist, nanny state where writing cute little loving doodles on our school desks, as all young girls do, can result in being dragged away from school, hauled to the police station for hours, whereby your own mother is not "allowed" to come see you and yet Big Bankers and Corporate America Criminals can steal our money, pollute our waterways, soil and bodies with hosts of toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. and get away with it all while puppets like Obama et. al orate verbal wet dreams for hours on television feigning "anger" over these real criminals (while his blind supporters point and say "see? he's on our side!") all the while doing nothing about any of it to truly put an end to the nightmare.
Just one more in a myriad of reasons to HOME SCHOOL.
3.25.2010
Health Care. Schmelth Care.
Watching the health care debate play out both on the floor of congress and amongst the left and the right is a bit like watching a group of toddlers attempt to build a bridge (minus the cute factor). They think they know what they're doing, but in reality, they don't.
Congress of course is going to remain on their course of human health destruction with their unwaivering support for corporate insurance companies. Gotta keep capitalism alive and well. Gotta keep those lobbying dollars flowing into their greedy little pockets by the insurance companies. There's really nothing more to add to the behavior of these folks as none is (nor should be) surprising. Same goes for the current administration.
Those on the left, the well-meaning folks that they are, are continuing their pansy-ass type behavior. They pushed and pushed for a single payer option, wanting the insurance companies out of the health care industry altogether (which is the most common sense, fair, just, ethical and moral thing TO do) and yet, when Obama and the Democratic Congress refused to stand by their "supposed" support of including a single payer option, there was no public outcry. Last I heard, Michael Moore was still holding onto his delusional little "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN" ballon while chanting the "Please Mr. Obama, don't tell me you are drinking the same kool-aid as your predecessor." Oh well. At least those radical righties, albeit a scary bunch of folks in some ways, know how to make a point and aren't afraid to show their rage.
Those on the right wish to keep capitalism alive and well and want nothing to do with single payer. Keep government out of their health care choices. (Medicare, anybody?) These folks don't understand the idea of freedom of choice. What's so scary about allowing those who want a single payer option that freedom to do so? All these folks seem to care about is ending welfare and social programs (while screaming "DO NOT TOUCH MY SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICARE!") and while turning a blind eye to the realities of unnecessary suffering around them. I especially love those who chant the tune of Jesus Christ while showing such disdain towards the needy.
That being said however, I will give these righties one more bonus point. While they may not understand freedom of choice nor do they see their own hypocrisy, they do indeed understand the Constitution and are justifiably upset over the idea of mandated insurance, which is clearly unconstitutional and, as of today, 19 attorney general's are challenging this mandate. (Why this same outcry and challenge isn't happening over mandated auto and homeowner insurance is perplexing.)
I will end this little missive with my own thoughts on health care.
1) Health insurance companies have no business nor reason (aside from making people rich off of people's suffering) to be involved at all when it comes to health care. Health Care needs to involve the doctor and the patient only. Period. All other intrusion ends right there.
2) Government is only to be involved to provide proper regulatory measures to ensure the safety of the patients and to provide the financial means for those who cannot afford to provide for health care practices on their own.
3) Doctors need to provide sliding scale fees. The more you make, the more you pay and vice versa.
4) The area of malpractice suits and insurance is a bit foreign to me. However, I was recently told that it is common practice amongst malpractice attorney's to only take cases whereby the outcome is $100,000 or greater in potential winnings. I believe if such attorney's were less "greedy" in terms of their hourly rate and/or the chunk they receive in the end if they win (anything more than 20-25% is indeed, overall, greedy and unnecessary), perhaps this could help put an end to the more extreme cases. And, on the flip side, if doctor's were much better (i.e. properly) trained in such areas as patient communication, compassion, empathy and in the area of pharmaceutical medications and alternative health care practices (and had schedules that were more suitable to their own physical needs), there would be fewer lawsuits. Certainly if the health insurance companies were removed from the scene, doctors would deal with far fewer hassles, paperwork and pressure. In short - they could be themselves - the doctor's they were trained to be instead of some corporate pinhead's puppet (said puppet having received no medical training).
Congress of course is going to remain on their course of human health destruction with their unwaivering support for corporate insurance companies. Gotta keep capitalism alive and well. Gotta keep those lobbying dollars flowing into their greedy little pockets by the insurance companies. There's really nothing more to add to the behavior of these folks as none is (nor should be) surprising. Same goes for the current administration.
Those on the left, the well-meaning folks that they are, are continuing their pansy-ass type behavior. They pushed and pushed for a single payer option, wanting the insurance companies out of the health care industry altogether (which is the most common sense, fair, just, ethical and moral thing TO do) and yet, when Obama and the Democratic Congress refused to stand by their "supposed" support of including a single payer option, there was no public outcry. Last I heard, Michael Moore was still holding onto his delusional little "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN" ballon while chanting the "Please Mr. Obama, don't tell me you are drinking the same kool-aid as your predecessor." Oh well. At least those radical righties, albeit a scary bunch of folks in some ways, know how to make a point and aren't afraid to show their rage.
Those on the right wish to keep capitalism alive and well and want nothing to do with single payer. Keep government out of their health care choices. (Medicare, anybody?) These folks don't understand the idea of freedom of choice. What's so scary about allowing those who want a single payer option that freedom to do so? All these folks seem to care about is ending welfare and social programs (while screaming "DO NOT TOUCH MY SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICARE!") and while turning a blind eye to the realities of unnecessary suffering around them. I especially love those who chant the tune of Jesus Christ while showing such disdain towards the needy.
That being said however, I will give these righties one more bonus point. While they may not understand freedom of choice nor do they see their own hypocrisy, they do indeed understand the Constitution and are justifiably upset over the idea of mandated insurance, which is clearly unconstitutional and, as of today, 19 attorney general's are challenging this mandate. (Why this same outcry and challenge isn't happening over mandated auto and homeowner insurance is perplexing.)
I will end this little missive with my own thoughts on health care.
1) Health insurance companies have no business nor reason (aside from making people rich off of people's suffering) to be involved at all when it comes to health care. Health Care needs to involve the doctor and the patient only. Period. All other intrusion ends right there.
2) Government is only to be involved to provide proper regulatory measures to ensure the safety of the patients and to provide the financial means for those who cannot afford to provide for health care practices on their own.
3) Doctors need to provide sliding scale fees. The more you make, the more you pay and vice versa.
4) The area of malpractice suits and insurance is a bit foreign to me. However, I was recently told that it is common practice amongst malpractice attorney's to only take cases whereby the outcome is $100,000 or greater in potential winnings. I believe if such attorney's were less "greedy" in terms of their hourly rate and/or the chunk they receive in the end if they win (anything more than 20-25% is indeed, overall, greedy and unnecessary), perhaps this could help put an end to the more extreme cases. And, on the flip side, if doctor's were much better (i.e. properly) trained in such areas as patient communication, compassion, empathy and in the area of pharmaceutical medications and alternative health care practices (and had schedules that were more suitable to their own physical needs), there would be fewer lawsuits. Certainly if the health insurance companies were removed from the scene, doctors would deal with far fewer hassles, paperwork and pressure. In short - they could be themselves - the doctor's they were trained to be instead of some corporate pinhead's puppet (said puppet having received no medical training).
Nano Technology: It's Everywhere. And We Don't Know It.
It's been shown to damage dna, contributing to such diseases as cancer and heart disease.
(March 24) -- "For almost two years, molecular biologist Bénédicte Trouiller doused the drinking water of scores of lab mice with nano-titanium dioxide, the most common nanomaterial used in consumer products today. She knew that earlier studies conducted in test tubes and petri dishes had shown the same particle could cause disease. But her tests at a lab at UCLA's School of Public Health were in vivo -- conducted in living organisms -- and thus regarded by some scientists as more relevant in assessing potential human harm. Halfway through, Trouiller became alarmed: Consuming the nano-titanium dioxide was damaging or destroying the animals' DNA and chromosomes. The biological havoc continued as she repeated the studies again and again. It was a significant finding: The degrees of DNA damage and genetic instability that the 32-year-old investigator documented can be "linked to all the big killers of man, namely cancer, heart disease, neurological disease and aging," says Professor Robert Schiestl, a genetic toxicologist who ran the lab at UCLA's School of Public Health where Trouiller did her research."
And where is this ugly technology to be found?
"It's 'in everything from medicine capsules and nutritional supplements, to food icing and additives, to skin creams, oils and toothpaste,' Schiestl says. He adds that at least 2 million pounds of nanosized titanium dioxide are produced and used in the U.S. each year."
And do manufacturers have to tell the consumer their products contain nano technology?
"Consumers have virtually no way of knowing whether the products they purchase contain nanomaterials, as under current U.S. laws it is completely up to manufacturers what to put on their labels."
And is there any movement from Uncle Sam to change this insanity?
"...most federal agencies are doing little to nothing to ensure public safety."
(March 24) -- "For almost two years, molecular biologist Bénédicte Trouiller doused the drinking water of scores of lab mice with nano-titanium dioxide, the most common nanomaterial used in consumer products today. She knew that earlier studies conducted in test tubes and petri dishes had shown the same particle could cause disease. But her tests at a lab at UCLA's School of Public Health were in vivo -- conducted in living organisms -- and thus regarded by some scientists as more relevant in assessing potential human harm. Halfway through, Trouiller became alarmed: Consuming the nano-titanium dioxide was damaging or destroying the animals' DNA and chromosomes. The biological havoc continued as she repeated the studies again and again. It was a significant finding: The degrees of DNA damage and genetic instability that the 32-year-old investigator documented can be "linked to all the big killers of man, namely cancer, heart disease, neurological disease and aging," says Professor Robert Schiestl, a genetic toxicologist who ran the lab at UCLA's School of Public Health where Trouiller did her research."
And where is this ugly technology to be found?
"It's 'in everything from medicine capsules and nutritional supplements, to food icing and additives, to skin creams, oils and toothpaste,' Schiestl says. He adds that at least 2 million pounds of nanosized titanium dioxide are produced and used in the U.S. each year."
And do manufacturers have to tell the consumer their products contain nano technology?
"Consumers have virtually no way of knowing whether the products they purchase contain nanomaterials, as under current U.S. laws it is completely up to manufacturers what to put on their labels."
And is there any movement from Uncle Sam to change this insanity?
"...most federal agencies are doing little to nothing to ensure public safety."
3.19.2010
Contradiction
Today while out and about, I saw a car with two bumper stickers: One saying "end this war" and the other saying "Obama/Biden". How's that Obama-Biden team workin' for them, I wonder?
3.18.2010
Man Videotapes UFO Over Lake Erie
For the past 12 nights, these lights have been captured on video over the skies of Lake Erie between the hours of 7 and 8pm, typically lasting for 2-3 hours.
3.06.2010
The Logical Song: 30 Years Later and Nothing's Changed
I've been spending this afternoon listening to some of my old albums (which, like my cassette tapes and 8-tracks, after 30 years are still intact, still sound awesome, unlike today's "modern technological advances" of CD's and DVD's which begin breaking down after a year or two). At the moment, I'm listening to "Supertramp: Breakfast in America" - a very intuitive, rockin' and socially/politically aware album. One of my favorite songs on the album always has been and still is "The Logical Song". I was just entering my teenage years when this song was popular. At the time, in spite of my tender young age, a lot of my innocence had already been shattered apart for a variety of reasons, some too graphic to depict on this blog, not the least of which was an on-going pressure from adults/the church/the system/teachers/family/neighbors around me to "SHUT UP" with my "radical/naive/unrealistic" etc. etc. etc. opinions. At the time it was one thing when you spoke up and you were male (and straight). When you happened to have breasts and a vagina (or had the penis and liked other humans with penises), the venom shot back at you packed an extra punch of contempt.
Usually. But not always.
When listening to this song way back when, while my brain was still trying to understand some of the concepts, assumptions and words, somewhere within I knew the truth: When You See Things As They Are And Could Be And Aren't Silent About Such Things, You're Gonna Face Attempts Of Silence For The Remainder Of Your Life.
30 years ago and this message was every bit as prevalent as it is today. I think each generation tends to forget this and holds the impression (illusion) that theirs is the only one who has experienced such silencing.
Political and social opinions may change a bit over the generations, but one thing has remained the same and that is the above stated truth in bold.
In honor of the vocal truth seekers, I present you with the words from that wonderful song, "The Logical Song". Keep on speakin' out. Keep on rockin'.
When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily,
joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible,
logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
clinical, intellectual, cynical.
There are times when all the world's asleep,
the questions run too deep
for such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
but please tell me who I am.
Not watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical,
liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're
acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable!
At night, when all the world's asleep,
the questions run so deep
for such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
but please tell me who I am.
Who I am.
Who I am.
Usually. But not always.
When listening to this song way back when, while my brain was still trying to understand some of the concepts, assumptions and words, somewhere within I knew the truth: When You See Things As They Are And Could Be And Aren't Silent About Such Things, You're Gonna Face Attempts Of Silence For The Remainder Of Your Life.
30 years ago and this message was every bit as prevalent as it is today. I think each generation tends to forget this and holds the impression (illusion) that theirs is the only one who has experienced such silencing.
Political and social opinions may change a bit over the generations, but one thing has remained the same and that is the above stated truth in bold.
In honor of the vocal truth seekers, I present you with the words from that wonderful song, "The Logical Song". Keep on speakin' out. Keep on rockin'.
When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily,
joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible,
logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
clinical, intellectual, cynical.
There are times when all the world's asleep,
the questions run too deep
for such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
but please tell me who I am.
Not watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical,
liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're
acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable!
At night, when all the world's asleep,
the questions run so deep
for such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
but please tell me who I am.
Who I am.
Who I am.
3.04.2010
Consumer Alert: Aspartame About To Change Its Name To AminoSweet
Sneaky bastards.
"Aspartame producer Ajinomoto is launching a new initiative that will rebrand the sweetener as “AminoSweet”. Aspartame is used in many foods and beverages marketed as low calorie or sugar-free. However, its reputation has been clouded somewhat by studies that have investigated reports of ill effects. Just to remind you, the side effects of aspartame can include:
Headache
Change in vision
Convulsions and seizures
Hallucination
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain
It can cause many, many other problems as well...Aspartame is the most controversial food additive in history, and its approval for use in food was the most contested in FDA history. In the end, the artificial sweetener was approved, not on scientific grounds, but rather because of strong political and financial pressure. After all, aspartame was previously listed by the Pentagon as a biochemical warfare agent! It’s hard to believe such a chemical would be allowed into the food supply, but it was, and it has been wreaking silent havoc with people’s health for the past 30 years. The truth is, it should never have been released onto the market, and allowing it to remain in the food chain is seriously hurting people – no matter how many times you rebrand it under fancy new names."
Back in the early 90's, my sister-in-law was consuming beverages sweetened with Aspartame. In time, she began suffering debilitating headaches and blurred vision. On an intuitive whim, she decided to go off the crap. Within weeks, her headaches and vision problems disappeared. My spouse used to use this crap as well. For over 20 years, he used it to sweeten his coffee. Coincidentally enough, he developed joint and muscle pain, which to this day have yet to disappear despite his many attempts, both medically and holistically. While some of the issue is likely due to trauma and injury, the possibility certainly exists that, given the amount of time he consumed this crap, it built up in his body.
Of course, Aspartame is just one of numerous substances/chemicals found in our food and water supply and the air that we breath that is creating a host of unnecessary suffering and illness in the people. Makes one long to live on another planet altogether...
"Aspartame producer Ajinomoto is launching a new initiative that will rebrand the sweetener as “AminoSweet”. Aspartame is used in many foods and beverages marketed as low calorie or sugar-free. However, its reputation has been clouded somewhat by studies that have investigated reports of ill effects. Just to remind you, the side effects of aspartame can include:
Headache
Change in vision
Convulsions and seizures
Hallucination
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain
It can cause many, many other problems as well...Aspartame is the most controversial food additive in history, and its approval for use in food was the most contested in FDA history. In the end, the artificial sweetener was approved, not on scientific grounds, but rather because of strong political and financial pressure. After all, aspartame was previously listed by the Pentagon as a biochemical warfare agent! It’s hard to believe such a chemical would be allowed into the food supply, but it was, and it has been wreaking silent havoc with people’s health for the past 30 years. The truth is, it should never have been released onto the market, and allowing it to remain in the food chain is seriously hurting people – no matter how many times you rebrand it under fancy new names."
Back in the early 90's, my sister-in-law was consuming beverages sweetened with Aspartame. In time, she began suffering debilitating headaches and blurred vision. On an intuitive whim, she decided to go off the crap. Within weeks, her headaches and vision problems disappeared. My spouse used to use this crap as well. For over 20 years, he used it to sweeten his coffee. Coincidentally enough, he developed joint and muscle pain, which to this day have yet to disappear despite his many attempts, both medically and holistically. While some of the issue is likely due to trauma and injury, the possibility certainly exists that, given the amount of time he consumed this crap, it built up in his body.
Of course, Aspartame is just one of numerous substances/chemicals found in our food and water supply and the air that we breath that is creating a host of unnecessary suffering and illness in the people. Makes one long to live on another planet altogether...
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