Aimless Wanderings of a Fretful Mind

This is the end of Aimless Wanderings of a Fretful Mind...but not a goodbye.

2011-12-31T21:17:00.000-05:00

I've been reevaluating myself as of late. I've just turned 39, closing in on the Big 4-0. My children are not grown or teenagers. I'm on a path of self discovery and growth. I'm looking for ways to improve myself and how I view the world. Looking back on this blog, I noticed a lot of things. I've noticed that I viewed so much of the negativity in the world...so much more so than the good. I fretted about politics and inequity in the world. i bitched about rudeness and lack of respect. I didn't always practice what I preached.

That is one of the reasons why this blog, Aimless Wanderings of a Fretful Mind, is coming to an end. New year, new outlook. I'm not going away as I have started a new blog, called Joy and Positivity, for that is where I wish my life to have more of. There is so much negativity in the world and on the 'Net, that I do not wish to add anymore. I don't plan on delete Aimless Wanderings as I think it will be a good example of how one can move to a better mindset.

Now I can hear the grumblings. "Is the new blog going to be a bunch of Pollyanna B-S?" Well, maybe. My goal is to have a blog of positve, happy, motivating, and inspiring messages. If it's not positive, it won't be here. If I don't have anything positive to say, I won't post it. It's a simple as that.

So, I hope that you will join me at Joy and Positivity.

So,

Herman Cain to "Occupy Wall Street" protesters: Don't blame Wall St, blame yourself

2011-10-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20116087-503544.html

Wow...really? When I researched Herman Cain's background, I saw that his mother was a cleaning lady and his father was a chauffeur. His parents apparently worked very hard for what they had and to provide for him, so it seems rather rude, given his roots, that he would say such as thing.

There are A LOT of us out here that work our butts off and are even making pretty good money, but we still struggle. Why? Because health care went up, because our groceries went up, because gasoline went up....I can keep going, but most of us who live in the middle class already know.

To me, it just shows how out of touch Herman Cain is with the very same people he wants to lead.

No thanks!

Look what's happening out in the streets.....

2011-10-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Got a revolution, got a revolution!

I would love to be down there! As long as the protests stay peaceful, I don't see the problem with citizens speaking out against the excesses of this country!

Bullying is for Losers!

2011-09-30T07:13:00.000-05:00

I know this story is a few days old, but this is about Lady Gaga paying tribute to Jayme Rodemeyer at the IheartMusic festival.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/25/jamey-rodemeyer-lady-gaga-bullying_n_980144.html?ir=Parents

On a side note, I also read that even after death, Jayme is still being bullied through the social networks he was on, as well as his sister. Sad!

Bullying is for losers!

And it doesn't matter if you are a teenager or an adult doing the bullying....you're still a loser.

More from the Florida GOP Debate....

2011-09-26T07:28:00.000-05:00

I call BS...Santorum claims that he didn't hear the boos towards the gay soldier and although Gary Johnson supported the repeal of DADT, he didn't say anything because he said he was afraid of talking out of turn at his first debate.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/183683-gop-candidates-distance-selves-from-booing-of-gay-soldier-at-debate

About Rick Santorum's comments about DADT at the Florida GOP Debate (as well as the audience reaction)

2011-09-23T06:29:00.001-05:00

So, first it was applause that during Rick Perry's term as governor of Texas, over 200 people on death row have been executed, then there was the audience member that thought that we should let sick people without insurance die, and now, at the Florida GOP debate, a few thought it appropriate to boo a soldier that asked Rick Santorum about what he would do about the repeal of DADT (which I will address later in the post). Now, I am not going to say that in all these instances that it reflects the thoughts of all Republicans, Conservatives or Tea Partiers, but it does place a dark cloud over the opinion of the candidates when their audience acts as such. My question is to those that DO agree with the booers....Is that how it works? Support the troops.....except if they are gay?

Now to address Santorum. In response to the soldier's questions about DADT, Santorum said this:

"I would say any type of sexual activity has absolutely no place in the military. The fact they are making a point to include it as a provision within the military that we are going to recognize a group of people and give them a special privilege to, and removing don't ask don’t tell. I think tries to inject social policy into the military. And the military's job is to do one thing: to defend our country..."

Let me clue you in, Mr. Santorum....The repeal of DADT does nothing to include a provision to give gay and lesbian soldiers special privileges. If fact, with the repeal of DADT it gives ALL soldiers equal treatment. Let me say that again...with the repeal of DADT, sexual orientation is not even included in the equation because it never should have been there IN THE FIRST PLACE. In fact, in my opinion, when DADT was in effect, it gave special privileges to straight soldiers because they were ALLOWED to be who they are, they were ALLOWED to be welcomed home by the one they love without reprisal, they were ALLOWED to fall in love with who they wanted to without having to be afraid of losing their job, and they were allowed to be in a relationship and still make a career for themselves in the military.

Santorum stated further that if he was President that he would reinstitute DADT because he believes that "sex is not an issue" and that it should be kept to "yourself whether you are heterosexual or homosexual." I only agree with Santorum on one point...it should not be an issue if you are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. I don't believe, however, that you should have to keep it to yourself. Now, don't get me wrong here because I know where some of you may go. I'm not advocating ANY couple, straight, gay, or bi to be having sex in public for all to see. I don't want to see tongue kissing and heavy petting from ANYONE while I am standing in line at the grocery story, but that seems to be what those against gay marriage or gays in the military think. What did the Family Research Council say? Oh yeah, right...that with the repeal of DADT that there will be a rise in homosexual behavior and man rapes. Like now that there is no DADT that soldiers are going to be getting in on in their foxholes. I'm waiting for the next Conservative to say. "What's next...sex with animals?"

But I digress.....The problem is this...the Republicans MAKE it an issue. It shouldn't be an issue if a gay couple wants to marry or adopt a child and it shouldn't be an issue if a gay man or woman wants to serve their country. The fact is, it shouldn't be an issue if the person is gay at all....the issue should be that they are a person, no different than the next, that just wants to live and love freely. THAT'S what the issue should be.

Loving Unconditionally....pass it on!

2011-09-22T06:40:00.001-05:00

Soldier tells father that his is gay - youtube

I saw a clip of this on the Jon Stewart show last night and wanted to share it. This soldier goes by the name of AreYouSuprised on Youtube and he had been chronicling his life as a gay man in the military for the last few months. He did this anonymously, not showing his face, as DADT was still in effect.

Within hours of the repeal of DADT, he finally showed his face to the world and called his father to finally tell him he was gay. The soldier was scared...he sounded like a little boy when he asked his father if he still loved him. His father's response is that he loved him....no matter what!

Loving Unconditionally....pass it on!

Had a very confusing night last night....Death Penalty Thoughts

2011-09-22T06:25:00.000-05:00

Last night was a very confusing night for me as I watched some of the news coverage of the Troy Davis case. I knew that there were some questions of the man's guilt and I knew that a lot of people have spoken out against the execution. I actually found myself saying to whatever Divine Spirit that is out there to "not let this happen". I felt that way because there genuinely seems to be some doubt that Troy Davis was actually guilty. I found myself confused because when Casey Anthony was up for the death penalty, it was the lack of evidence and the fact that a lot of the evidence in her case was circumstantial that kept her from getting the death penalty. Yet, even with the fact that she lied to police about what happened to her little girl, she pretty much walked, not even a charge of child neglect or anything relating to her baby girl. She looked guilty as hell, but they couldn't prove it. In some instances, I am sure that some people think that Troy Davis looked guilty as hell....but did they really prove it without a reasonable doubt?

I say I was confused because while I was worried about whether an innocent man was about to die, word came that Lawrence Russell Brewer was put to death in Texas. I didn't even bat an eye....I even made a comment of "Buh-bye now!!"

Why the difference? Because with Brewer, there was no doubt. He was actually proud of his part in the death of James Byrd, Jr. He had no remorse for dragging a man to his death. In fact, the night before his execution, he was quoted as saying that he had no regrets and he'd do it all over again if he had the chance. I'm not ashamed to say that I feel no compassion for an individual like this...in fact, I think lethal injection was too good for him.

It was a very though provoking night. I found myself questioning the death penalty in one case and supporting it the next....

Carl Gibson - Texas Republicans Should Read the Bible

2011-09-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

Actually...it wouldn't hurt a lot of Christians to re-read their Bible....

Carl Gibson - Texas Republicans Should Read the Bible

Anderson Cooper 360-Keeping Them Honest - Bullying (Jayme Rodemyer)

2011-09-21T06:32:00.000-05:00

This is a long post, so I warn you if you are of little attention span...

Last night I decided to watch Anderson Cooper 360 and I was drawn in by the story of Jayme Rodemeyer. Jayme was a 14 year old freshman from Buffalo, NY who committed suicide after being relentlessly bullied over his sexual orientation. It hurt my heart to hear about this child, a boy no older than my youngest son, a child that felt that death was better than putting up with the taunts he had to face every day.

As the segment moved on, I was brought to outrage over comments I heard from Kentucky Republican Mike Harmon. Now, there was a bill in the Kentucky State House that expanded their already existent antibullying legislation to include bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, or disability. It was moving along as expected until Rep. Harmon added an amendment that would not "prohibit any student from expressing their personal religious beliefs as long as that expression does not include physically harming a student or damaging a student's property." This was then followed by another amendment from Rep. Tom Moore (R-Elizabethtown) that added "that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit or deny the civil expression by any student of religiously based opinions on issues related to sexual orientation." Then Harmon went whole hog when he added an amendment to allow individuals with a concealed deadly weapon licence to be able to carry that weapon without limitation on any publically funded college. Well, you can well guess that the bill is now stalled in Appropriations.

Rep. Harmon was quoted as stating, "Someone just in conversation saying, well, you know, I think homosexuality is a sin. Well, we don't want that child to be bullied because they have a certain moral or religious belief. And we don't want -- certainly don't want them to be labeled a bully just because they have that particular belief."

So essentially what Represenatives Harmon and Moore are saying is that if a student calls out a homosexual (or I guess anyone that doesn't live up to their own religious beliefs) that they shouldn't be labeled a bully.

It's been also suggested that all these anti-bullying laws are a way for homosexuals to push their agenda....

Now I'm getting mad. I'm just going to say it. I don't care what your religion is. If your child is calling someone a faggot in the hallways, then they are a bully. If your child is calling someone evil or deviant or sinful, then they are a bully. If your child feels the need to belittle and demean a person because that person is different, then YOUR CHILD IS A BULLY and if you advocate it then YOU ARE A BULLY, TOO!

What else would be allowed if a child is given free reign because of their religious beliefs? A girl wearing pants (Deuteronomy 22:5)? A haircut (Leviticus 19:27)? Wearing polyester (Leviticus 19:19)? Where does it end? Look, this isn't about the LGBT community trying to push their agenda. It's about protecting our children. When I worked as a Youth Advocate for a local independent living center, we were fiercely trying to bring attention to the bullying of children with disabilities. We were faced with a lot of people who thought that bullying was a right of passage...a thing we all much go through, but I'm going to tell you all something...it's worst now than it was when we were kids.

I was bullied as a kid myself. I was bullied because of where I lived, I was bullied because of what car my mother drove, I was bullied for being poor, and I was bullied for how I looked. One day I remember was a day that I didn't bring a lunch because I wanted to lose weight due to being picked on for being chubby. A boy I had a crush on saw me sitting there and said, "Hey....are you not eating lunch because you're too poor to eat or so fat you want to lose weight?" Double burn...didn't like him anymore, but it hurt, but at least I could see the one that bullied me and after I looked him dead in the eye and told him to f*** himself, I moved on, but not all kids are like I was...not all kids speak out.

The difference between now and then is the advent of technology and our increasing lack of compassion and civility for one another. A child can be bullied anonymously through Facebook and Formspring. People can make wild accusations about a child and they cannot even defend themselves. In this day and age of cell phones, a child can be photographed and that photo sent to hundreds of people within minutes. Also, in this society, there is too much focus on what we look like and what we have, and children are made fun of and harrassed everyday for not having the latest electronic device or clothing line. Television shows that broadcast the worst of culture and society (I'm looking at you, Jersey Shore) teach our kids to be douche nozzles to each other. Worst of all, parents are just as bad, pretty much encouraging the behavior.

It needs to stop and all adults need to be concerned with the effects of bullying in society. ALL children should be protected from bullying. These same people that think that bullying should be allowed towards a LGBT teen or a pagan kid wearing a triple goddess pendant would be the first ones to cry if their little Johnny was harassed due to the cross around his neck.

One week before Jayme Rodemyer took his own life he posted this online:
"I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens. What do I have to do so people will listen?"

It's time we accepted people for the diverse individuals that they are. School should be about learning...not a fashion show and not a church. We need to be better to each other and better examples to our children.

Wow...accusations based on heresay....Watertown Mayoral Election turns negative...

2011-09-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110915/NEWS03/709159899

Correction...it was quiet and pretty much NOT negative until Graham officially entered the race yesterday. So, Roxanne Burns (who supports Graham) says that ten years ago Smith said (in a private conversation) that he wanted to close the library and Jeff Graham is using it as a talking point....oh but let Smith bring up the Breen issue and Smith is bringing up old news. Wow...this feels like a high school student council election.....

"Well, Mary heard that Jennifer's brother told her that Timmy picks his nose, so therefore he shouldn't be Student Council President...."

Mayor Graham announces big for Mayor with some swipes at his opponent. (My rebuttal)

2011-09-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

http://newzjunky.com/news/0916graham_smith.htm
Well, it seems like Mayor Graham couldn't announce his bid for re-election without some shots at his opponent, Jeff Smith.

While I don't know where Graham gets his information on how geothermal and solar energy are "failed alternative energy" plans, I can't see where trying to bring the City to a cleaner energy source is a bad thing.

As far as jobs, as a person that has been looking for a permanent, full time job in Watertown for the past two years, I challenge Mayor Graham to show me where these jobs are...unless you count the myriad of restaurants that have popped up here as jobs.

And as far as partisan politics....how can he call out Smith for being introduced by a Democrat but argue that him being introduced by a Republican is acceptable because somehow it's different for him? I have a personal story to show how non-partisan Jeff Smith can be. While at the Dunkin' Donuts on Washington Street this morning, I ran into Jeff Smith. Larry was standing next to him and told him, "Oh, by the way, we are voting for you." Smith thanked us and when I stated, "Yeah, I never vote Republican but I'm voting for you!" (Yeah, my mouth switch doesn't work sometimes!), Smith reminded me that this was non-partisan. He didn't thank me for defecting on this election, he didn't spout any retoric, or bash anyone...just was thankful for the support.

Don't even get me started on Graham's questionable support for Govenor and later talking about the questionable sort that attend Tragically Hip and Godsmack concerts....I could be here all day!

Regarding Obama's Jobs Bill and the Dems lack of warm fuzzies over it...

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is really just a cut and paste from a response I made on a thread at the Jefferson County Web Board. What are your thoughts?

Yes...I read that in the NY Times today. I know that I will get thrown under the bus for this, but here goes.....

How bout we all quit fighting over WHO should pay taxes and just go back to us ALL paying our fair share? Yes, put the payroll tax back to where it was, make the big businesses pay their share (none of this GE paying no federal tax BS), and don't single out which industry takes a hit. And while we are at it, start bringing back those programs where instead of drawing unemployment or welfare, work on the infastructure and other programs that will build this country.

I will GLADLY pay 2% more on my taxes if it will get the country back on track and I believe that a lot of other people would feel the same way if our extra two percent wasn't wasted, but if I...a lowly working class girl, am going to cough up my part, then those in business and in the upper income brackets should damn well do so too.

September 11th - 10 years later

2011-09-11T00:01:00.011-05:00

It's funny how is seems like a moment ago, yet a lifetime away.

I woke up on September 11, 2001, just like any other weekday. It was a beautiful fall day. The sky was clear blue and the air was cool and crisp here in Northern NY, just like it was in New York City. I got ready for my job as a Federal Technician on Fort Drum and got my kids off to school. My (now ex) husband was off to classes at SUNY-IT in Utica.

We had the radio on at work mostly for background noise when I heard the music interrupt and the announcer state that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. My initial reaction made me think of the aircraft that hit the Empire State Building in 1945 (actually it's not the only time as another plane hit 40 Wall Street in 1946). Although it had been a while, with the proximity of the airports around the city, it was possible it was an accident.

Then at 9:03am, the second plane hit and I said out loud, "This isn't an accident!" We were all stunned. Eventually the television in the break room came on and there were the Towers...black smoke billowing across the beautiful blue sky. Then 9:37am come the report that the Pentagon was hit and 10:03am, Flight 93 goes down in Shanksville. Sometime during all this, Fort Drum is locked down...I tried to call my husband and we got a few words in but his phone was dying and I was worried about my children, who were at school. At one time, I went outside to look at the sky, half expecting to see our doom come by way of air here on the post. I found an empty room in my building and cried.

I remember when the first Tower fell. The man standing next to me was a volunteer Fire Chief and as we watched numbly and in disbelief, he simply said, "There it goes."

As a member of the National Guard, we were required to sign in and report and were told to go home to await anything new. I went right to my kids and hugged them with all my heart. I wasn't sure if I was going to leave them soon or not. Luckily, we weren't activated (although a part of me really wanted to...that's what I joined the Guard for!) That night, after the kids went to bed, I cried some more....

I cried for my children because I felt the world I knew...the world with some joy and innocense was gone.

I cried for myself because I had wasted so much time worrying about little shit when the world was generally good and now it had all changed.

But mostly I cried for all those faces I saw and all the voices I heard. People walking away from those Towers covered in dust, looking dazed. All of those people (a few with roots in NNY like Richard O'Connor, Watertown Class of 1970, and Shannon Adams, Clifton-Fine Class of 1994) that went to work or boarded a plane and never saw their families again. All of the family members holding pamphlets and photos begging for someone to please help them find their loved one.

Once word got out that Osama Bin Laden was responsible, for the first time in my life that I remembered, I said, "We should carpet bomb the shit out of that area until it's nothing but glass!" Of course, that was out of anger and my opinion has changed because killing their innocents doesn't bring ours back.

Ten years later and it still affects us, but in different ways. We're still at war and our soldiers are coming home broken in mind and body. Our country is struggling economically and sometimes morally. The unity we all felt after the Attacks has given way to politcal, religious, and ideological bickering.

This day, ten years later, not only would I like to see us remember those we lost on 9-11, but to also remember that feeling of unity that we felt. We seemed to have lost it.

Coming back with a lot to say.....

2011-09-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

I have been wildly inconsistent on this blog. When I homeschooled I felt I had a lot to add to the blogosphere. I wanted to share my experience of homeschooling so that others that were starting their own journeys could find some ideas and support. After the kids went back, I did wonder what I had to add. I wondered why I believed that anyone would want to hear what I had to say. Why would anyone give a rats ass about what I do, what I believe, how I live. Maybe there isn't...maybe there is, but maybe someone will read what I write and say, "I feel the same way!" and won't feel alone anymore.

I have a lot to say on a variety of topics. I can talk politics one moment and go into a discussion on a book I am reading in the next. I can tell you my tricks to save money on groceries and then go on a rant on the state of the economy. I can tell you how much I love my family and I can tell you how it's been a bitch just losing ten pound. That's how it is with me so we will see how it goes.

Oh, NOW it's official...Nashville billboards claim Jesus will return May 21, 2011 | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

2010-12-02T16:43:00.001-05:00

And they mean it this time :)

Nashville billboards claim Jesus will return May 21, 2011 | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Dignity and Courage - 55 years later -Rosa Parks sparks Civil Rights Movement - Andrew Glass - POLITICO.com

2010-12-01T06:25:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how one act can mean so much to a movement, to the world. Bless you, Ms. Parks.

Rosa Parks sparks Civil Rights Movement - Andrew Glass - POLITICO.com

Thefts, stampedes make Black Friday blue for some – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

2010-11-27T14:15:00.000-05:00

This is why I always stay the hell away from shopping on Balck Friday. It makes me wonder what happened to holiday goodwill.

Thefts, stampedes make Black Friday blue for some – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Body Scans and Pat Downs

2010-11-22T18:45:00.001-05:00

see more Historic LOL

see more Historic LOL

Ritchie files lawsuit in 48th District election-The Valley News Online

2010-11-20T09:46:00.001-05:00

Ritchie files lawsuit in 48th District election - The Valley News Online

Fiscal Conservative: one who advocates avoiding deficit spending.

This is the platform that Patty Ritchie ran on and apparently the North Country ate it up, because she leads Darrell Aubertine, our incumbant in NY's Senate District 48, in votes and absentee ballots.

So, if your opponent has already conceded AND you are ahead in votes, what is fiscally conservative about a special SUNDAY petition to file a lawsuit for a court review of the ballots that could cost NYS taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars?

A Look Back into History as our budget hits almost 4 trillion...

2010-11-18T20:54:00.001-05:00

As I listen to the upcoming battle on the Bush tax cuts, the talks on what to cut to manage the budget, and the ever present hand ringing over our budget getting higher and higher, I am reminded of a time in history when the homefront played their part in helping their country fight and win a war.

Back in WWII, our country was coming out of a Great Depression. It was essentially the war that brought us back from this Depression. Jobs were created, an armed force had to be trained, and weapons had to be built. Men and women went to war and many civilians worked in factories in order to provide our forces with what they needed to win.

It doesn't sound too much different than what we are doing today, but there is one thing that was prevalent in WWII that is not seen today. The civilian homefront was willing to sacrifice to provide for the war. Not only was food rationed to avoid shortages, but families worked their victory gardens to provide and can food, they gave up the bumpers to their cars to scrap metal drives, drove their cars on wooden wheels to provide rubber, and bought war bonds. The homefront was an essential part to the success of WWII.

Have we as a national community become so "me" driven, become so disconnect, that we see our country struggling in a war, our economy continuing to falter, that we are seriously considering cutting Social Security and Medicare, but yet not willing to sacrifice one iota of our comfort? We continue to drive our big cars without considering a carpool, we waste food, we sit at home with our internet and satellite TV, and we care more about whether Bristol Palin should have really moved ahead on "Dancing with the Stars" than the war in Afghanistan.

Where's the homefront sacrifice? Where are the programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) or the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)...you don't have a job but want to work, fine, then work for the country building roads and buildings instead of drawing on the system. It is time we got our heads out of our asses and decided that getting our country back on track is worth giving up some comforts for. This isn't a Republican or Democrat thing. This isn't a poor, working class, or millionaire fight. This should be a fight we all fight if we want our country to be great again.

From Brooklyn to Manhattan - 1899 - Thomas Edison film

2010-11-09T20:15:00.006-05:00

Train traveling from Brookly to Manhattan...pretty cool film!

THE NORTH COUNTRY DEMOCRAT: Buying “American” Just got Easier

2010-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Good to know since the holiday season is coming upon us!!

THE NORTH COUNTRY DEMOCRAT: Buying “American” Just got Easier

Doris Kearnes Goodwin on The Colbert Report

2010-11-04T19:06:00.001-05:00

This is an awesome analysis on the Elections. Ms. Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and a Presidential historian. This is why we need to know our history...when you don't know your past, you can't learn the lessons for the future.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Doris Kearns Goodwin

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

2010 Election

March to Keep Fear Alive

GOP leader's top goal: Make Obama 1-term president

2010-11-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

OK..now see?! This is what I am talking about! Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell is taking an aggressive stance that to me looks like there will be no working together or compromising in Washington...as usual.

GOP leader's top goal: Make Obama 1-term president

A "Golden Age of Hollywood" Moment

2010-11-04T07:55:00.001-05:00

Last night, I watched "Saratoga Trunk" on Turner Classic Movies. This movie starred Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper, in which Ingrid Bergman played a woman who, along with her mother, is shunned from New Orleans society, and she comes back to seek revenge for how her mother was treated. Part of her plan is to marry a rich man so she too could be rich and look down her nose to those that shunned her. Enter the cog in the gears, Gary Cooper, a Texas gambler.

Here's my "Golden Age of Hollywood" moment....

Gary Cooper in a white suit with a big white hat. Justin Timberlake was mistaken when he stated he was bringing sexy back because sexy was there in 1945 when 44 year old Gary Cooper, all 6'3 of him, strutted around in that suit, flashing that slow, lazy grin of his.....*sigh*!

My first post in months and big surprise...it's about politics.

2010-11-02T21:15:00.002-05:00

I am watching the results come in on CNN and I can honestly say that I am not surprised. I'm not going to fault the Republicans for gloating as I did the same thing two years ago when my party swept the Nation. I'm not happy about all this, and as I hear that the Republicans will gain control of the House, I still hope for the Democrats to keep the Senate.

Many are calling this a referendum to President Obama, which I think is unfair. I do not understand how people could think that ANYONE, Democrat or Republican, could fix this country in two years. No, I believe it's a referendum on the peoples disgust with their Congress. They are disgusted with promises not kept and of politics as usual when usual is bickering and stalemates. Honestly, I am not sad that Nancy Pelosi lost her control of the House. Two years ago, I applauded the "girl power" moment of when we had a female Speaker of the House only to be left disillusioned that she was just as bad as the rest of them.

As important as this election was, I found I didn't have the heart to get too involved. I didn't phone bank, I didn't canvass, I didn't even stand and hold a sign this year. I voted...that's all. Why? Because I'm tired. I saw this election season as one of the nastiest that I have ever seen. Both Democrats and Republicans engaged in dirty politics and attack ads. Both sides robocalled, phone banked, and sent mailings to voters to within an inch of their sanity. What I want to see is campaigns that focus on the issues. I want to see elected officials work together with each other and with our President. Is that so much to ask? I think not.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake | Eating Well

2010-04-26T13:22:00.001-05:00

Another winner in the quest to feed my family a little bit healthier. I was able to buy the whole wheat pastry flour at my local natural foods store, The Mustard Seed. I used organic cane sugar (like Sugar in the Raw but a bit finer, also from The Mustard Seed) and lowfat buttermilk instead of the nonfat because I couldn't find it (probably should have looked at The Mustard Seed for that, too :) ).

Anyway, the family scarfed it! It was really moist and tasty. My notoriously picky 12 year old even liked it!! I will definitely be making it again.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Eating Well

Squee Alert!! Meet Einstein, the world's smallest horse who weighs less than a newborn baby | Mail Online

2010-04-26T06:05:00.003-05:00

OK...now this has got to be one of the cutest things I ever saw!!

Meet Einstein, the world's smallest horse who weighs less than a newborn baby Mail Online

The Associated Press: Tax Day rhetoric aside, Americans' bills are lower

2010-04-16T06:58:00.002-05:00

The Associated Press: Tax Day rhetoric aside, Americans' bills are lower

Well, well...look at that. Despite the Tea Partier signs, with their Taxed Enough Alreadies and scores of misspelled signs, American's are actually paying LOWER TAXES this year. Hmmmm......

That's ok...they'll find something else to hate Obama for.....

Eating Well Recipe - Hamburger Buddy

2010-04-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

I made this recipe tonight for my family and they all loved it!! It tastes very similar to Hamburger Helper but without the sodium and preservatives, making it well worth the time (about 40 minutes) it took to prepare it. I substituted 1 tablespoon of corn starch for the 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 cup of plain non-fat yogurt for the sour cream. Even my youngest ate it and he's pretty picky!! Served with a green salad, it was a great family meal!

Happy, healthy eating, all!!

Eating Well -Hamburger Buddy

Deadliest Catch - Season 5, Episode 1

2010-04-14T06:09:00.001-05:00

I have to admit. I got out of the habit of watching "The Deadliest Catch". I still watched it from time to time, but didn't watch it with the voracity that I once did. That was, of course, until Captain Phil died. Now I have to watch it.

There is a certain poetry to it. Watching Captain Phil at the helm of the Cornelia Marie, talking with the other captains stating that he was just lucky to be there, trying to do what is right by his battling boys, all the while the viewer knowing that Captain Phil is already gone.

After I watched this episode, I sat and pondered it. The quote "A life lived in fear is a life half lived" came to mind. If this is true, then Captain Phil truly lived. That man didn't seem afraid of anything, did he? Riding motorcycles, sporting tats, smoking another one even though he knew it's killing him (not that I condone that), and spending most of his life doing one of the most dangerous jobs ever. I mean, Ernest Hemingway himself probably couldn't come up with a better bad ass!!

Captain Phil....I'm going to miss ya!!

What can I say? It's a Monday!

2010-04-12T14:08:00.002-05:00

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How to Stop Feeling Like Your Life Isn't Good Enough - wikiHow

2009-11-29T13:18:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I fall in the trap of thinking my life isn't good enough...I become blind to what I have. Here is a great article I read today and I am passing it on. Have a great day, everyone!!

How to Stop Feeling Like Your Life Isn't Good Enough - wikiHow

Acorn, Unions, and Dems...Oh My!! Hoffman alleges vote fraud in NY 23

2009-11-19T08:55:00.001-05:00

I knew this was coming.....

Hoffman alleges vote fraud in NY 23 - The Scorecard - POLITICO.com

Keep talking, crazy man.....hopefully your minions will start to see how crazy you are.....

The sexiest man alive: Johnny Depp - CNN.com

2009-11-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

Oh, yeah!! Damn right....

The sexiest man alive: Johnny Depp - CNN.com

Biggest Loser - 11/17/09

2009-11-18T09:15:00.002-05:00

Well, we are down to now two more episodes of the Biggest Loser and last night was Makeover Week. I pretty much saw it coming that they would dye Danny's hair and shave off Rudy's beard...neither one I was too happy with.

Yes, I know Danny looked younger, but what it this problem stylists have with gray hair. I mean Danny IS 39. Some of us have gray hair by then, but hey, if he likes it, he should keep it. Rudy looks good without the beard, but I also think the beard, when trimmed and neat works better for him.

They all looked great after their makeovers. Jen Wielgus, on another site,stated that Allen looked the best, looking super fly in his shimmery suit....I have to agree.

Well, in a nutshell though, I have been kind of hoping for Amanda to go in the last few weeks because I am tired of her whining and saying "it's too hard", but either she toughened up or editing worked in her favor because she lost 9 pounds. The guys pretty much kicked ass, with Danny losing 12 pounds, Rudy losing 15, and Allan losing 5. The two remaining women, Rebecca and Liz, lost 3, putting them below the yellow line. Liz at first didn't show much fight, but finally pleaded a case I agreed with...Rebecca is 25 and she is 49....this IS her last chance and she needs the house more.

Don't ask me about what Rudy said about trusting Rebecca, because I don't know....maybe it was something we didn't see because of editing...but anyway, Rebecca was voted off and I am pretty sure that if Amanda falters next week, she will find herself gone too. Kind of good to see people my age kicking 20-something butt.

Rebecca DOES look good though and she should be proud of herself for the half marathon she ran. I was in the military and I don't recall ever running 12 miles in a shot.

They should start calling this show The Biggest Loser Love Connection though...Rebecca and Daniel...who knew?

New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts - Recap - November 15, 2009 - ESPN

2009-11-16T06:09:00.001-05:00

This will definitely teach me NOT to go to bed early on the Colts. I went to bed at 10:45 last night after watching Randy Moss get a touchdown and the score was 31-14. Not wanting to see my Colts get their asses handed to them by the Pats again, I went to bed.

Damn......

New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts - Recap - November 15, 2009 - ESPN

Later add:
I got the next best thing...the highlight reel! Just seeing Tom Brady and Bill Belichick look stunned just puts a big ole' smile on my face.

John Stewart reacts to Sean Hannity's apology.

2009-11-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

John Stewart is always funny...especially when he busts on Fox News.

Take a moment to honor a Veteran this Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T13:22:00.005-05:00

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My whole life I have lived with Veterans. My dear grandfather was a veteran of World War II, my stepfather found his way to Laos during Vietnam, and my man is a veteran of the Iraq War. Living here in Northern NY, we are surround by veterans and their families on Fort Drum. Quite simply, even though none of it is simple, going to war changes a person. One never comes back the same. Please remember that today. Remember the sacrifice of these Veterans and their families today.

Veteran's Day is more than a day off or an excuse for a sale. It's about honoring those that left the safety of their homes and families to fight for something, sometimes coming back broken physically or mentally. Remember that today.

An Open Letter to Employers......

2009-11-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

I have been looking for a full time since May. At first I didn't try too hard, but I kicked up my search in the summer and was hoping to find a new position before my kids went back to public school after 4 years of my homeschooling them. I currently work two part time jobs, but even with the two of them, I do not make 40 hours a week or have many benefits.

In the last 6 months, I have sent out countless resumes and sent enough self nominations to the Army that I have lost count of how many.

Out of all that, I have been to 4 interviews, one of which proceeded to a second interview. In the process of all this I have bought clothes, spent countless hours researching positions, bought the $15 resume paper, motivated myself Stuart Smalley style that I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!, spent gas money and even had to not take hours at my second job to get to an interview.

Do you know what I got in return.....nothing. Not a rejection letter, not an email, not a phone call. With all of them, I followed up with a call or an email asking for a status on my application and interview...one of them, I sent to twice.

Now I know some HR people out there are going to say, "Oh we have LOADS of resumes come in...we can't POSSIBLY answer EVERYONE'S inquires!", and I can understand that when it comes to someone just sending in a resume. If I don't hear from someone I sent a resume to, I just assume that my qualifications don't fit theirs, but when I physically am called into an interview, I expect better than the employer acting like I don't exist.

To me, when a business doesn't send some closure after a face-to-face interview, it comes off as cold, calloused, and unprofessional. Ten years ago I had less experience and education, yet I am having a harder time finding a full time job than I ever have had before. It's almost like ANOTHER part time job trying to find a full time job up here, so when I take the time to go for an interview and I can't even get the common courtesy of a rejection letter, quite honestly it pisses me off.

So, to all employers out there...please understand that looking for work is hard in this economy, please don't make it harder by not having some common human decency. It might be hard to put yourself in the shoes of a job seeker seeing as you have a job, but at least try.

Ok...off my soapbox now!!

Read today's WDT's All Politics Is Local column

2009-11-09T18:44:00.002-05:00

A few days ago, I was on Facebook when one of my Facebook acquaintences linked the article from the Gouverneur Times article that stated that Bill Owens broke four campaign promises in his first hour. Of course, it wasn't long before many of the conservative blogs and news pages picked it up and all the teabaggers were in a frothing at the mouth twitter over how OF COURSE Bill lied....he's a Democrat right and how the people who voted for him were chumps that would soon learn their lesson. You know...the typical Conservative tendency to wait for a failure so they can celebrate the failure just to prove a point.....

Anyway, seems the article was misleading. I won't hash it out here....Jude's blog post does it so much better and with links too.

Good question.....

2009-11-07T17:04:00.002-05:00

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Fox News advances false claim that "House Call" protest was "spontaneous" | Media Matters for America

2009-11-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hey, Fox News....since you seem to not know what spontaneous means, I thought I'd help you refer to the definition:

spon·ta·ne·ous (spŏn-tā'nē-əs)
adj. 1.Happening or arising without apparent external cause; self-generated.

2.Arising from a natural inclination or impulse and not from external incitement or constraint.

3.Unconstrained and unstudied in manner or behavior.

4.Growing without cultivation or human labor.

Note how it states "WITHOUT APPARENT EXTERNAL CAUSE". That means without planning. I suggest you all check your dictionary before using adjectives that aren't relevant.

Fox News advances false claim that "House Call" protest was "spontaneous" Media Matters for America

News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Owens thanks supporters

2009-11-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Owens thanks supporters

How Fox News and the teabaggers lost NY-23 - Daily Kos TV (beta)

2009-11-05T19:37:00.003-05:00

I love how sure Fox News was.......

A video montage showing how Fox’s coverage of the special election in New York’s 23rd Congressional District empowered Republican teabaggers to push aside moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava in favor of a hard-line conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, allowing the first Democratic victory in the district since the Civil War:

BlogTalk: And Now, a Word From the North Country - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

2009-11-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

My, my, my......little ole me ended up on a politics page at the New York Times...although they left out a part of my blog's name, but oh well!!

BlogTalk: And Now, a Word From the North Country - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

Observation from Mayor Graham.....

2009-11-04T10:06:00.002-05:00

I was reading Mayor Graham's blog and saw this.....

-Just heard us referred to on FOX as a sparsely populated, obscure district. Gee, a day ago we were the focus of a movement.

Hahaha......I love to see Fox News flip flop. They couldn't get ENOUGH of us when they thought Hoffman was a shoe in, but NOW we are an obscure district. Hahahahahaaaaaa.....

Take that Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin, et al.!!

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

What happens if you are a Conservative / Tea Party pundit that tries to "make a point" and influence the election of a North Country representative to Congress?

You and your boy LOSES!

Thank you, North Country voters!!

Democrat Bill Owens wins hard-fought race for 23rd congressional seat News from The Post-Standard -

John Stewart - Indicision 2009 - Hoffman passes the Beck Test

2009-11-03T17:57:00.002-05:00

The last three minutes of this clip is about NY-23. It's a riot.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Indecision 2009 - Vote or Keep Going About Your Day

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

"We have a saying in Plattsburgh....no one puts Scozzafava in the corner!"

Hoffman on Hannity

2009-11-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

I know all the teabaggers are bleating about how the Hoffman rally drew more people, but I supposed when the rumor that Sarah Palin might show is put out there, the sheeple will come.

That and music from John Rich after work hours. I noticed the set up that Hoffman had at his rally. Very fancy...I wonder which out of state group paid for that fancy background.

Anyway, I saw this link on Foil Hats Unite and wanted to post it. To quote North Country Liberal:"Here's another example of Hoffman saying nothing but having others carry his message."

Phone Banking at Jefferson County Democratic Headquarters

2009-11-03T13:45:00.003-05:00

Get Out The Vote Phone Banking for Bill Owens on State Street in Watertown. I was there between 9am-1:30pm. It was mostly a positive experience save for some of the backlash of callers that have been robocalled to insanity. Many of those I called, however, voiced their support for Owens and how completely against the idea of having Hoffman as our Congressman they are.

It reminded me of a quote I heard from a man from Dexter at the Owens rally yesterday.....
The only Hoffman I want is on a bun with mustard.

Get out and vote everyone!!! Also, if anyone wished to help at Jefferson County Democratic Headquarters, they most definitely need more help. They are right at 241 State Street...just look for the Owens signs in the window.

An election day appeal!!

2009-11-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

I probably won't have much time to blog today. Between my work shifts, I will be helping out the Bill Owens for Congress campaign. Polls just opened and I want to appeal to North Country Moderates, Independents, and Democrats to vote for Bill Owens for Congress.

Let's show what happens when parties TRULY come together. Let's not let people like Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin, and Rush Limbaugh pick OUR representation.

Moderate Republicans....this Hoffman guy is NOT your guy. Look what happened to Dede Scozzafava and see what is being done to Moderate Republicans. To the Conservatives, YOU are not welcome. No deviation from the narrow line.

Vote common sense. Vote Bill Owens!

Think Progress » Doug Hoffman Praises Glenn Beck As His ‘Mentor’

2009-11-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

Hey, Undecideds! Just something to think about if you are considering voting for Hoffman.

Think Progress » Doug Hoffman Praises Glenn Beck As His ‘Mentor’

VP Biden stumps for Bill Owens

2009-11-02T17:55:00.007-05:00

I was lucky enough to attend the Bill Owens rally at the North Side Improvement League this morning. We were treated to speeches from Assemblywoman Addie Jennie Russell, State Senator Aubertine, and Committee Chair June O'Neill. In each of these speeches, props and thanks went out to Dede Scozzafava.

Bill Owens came in and shook hands with everyone in the room and eventually took to the stage where he gave a great view of his issues and where he stands. He then introduced Vice President Joe Biden. Hopefully you all can see the news reels of Vice President Biden's speech and if I find one on youtube, I will post it. I can't do it justice by telling, it has to be seen. It was a good speech and it was good to see our VP willing to support Bill Owens.

Update: Thanks to Sean Hennessey for sending out the email with the link to VP Joe Biden's speech.

Bill Owens

County Commissioner Sean Hennessey

Doris McLallen and Ted Ford

Watertown Daily Times | SCOZZAFAVA THROWS SUPPORT TO OWENS

2009-11-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hahahaha......The Hoffman supporters have been calling on Dede to drop out for weeks and then when she does, she puts her support behind Owens!!! HAHAHAHAAAAAA......

Watertown Daily Times SCOZZAFAVA THROWS SUPPORT TO OWENS

Op-Ed Columnist - The G.O.P. Stalinists Invade Upstate New York - NYTimes.com

2009-11-01T13:25:00.001-05:00

Op-Ed Columnist - The G.O.P. Stalinists Invade Upstate New York - NYTimes.com

Some highlights of this op-ed piece......

"Who exactly is the third-party maverick arousing such ardor? Hoffman doesn’t even live in the district. When he appeared before the editorial board of The Watertown Daily Times 10 days ago, he “showed no grasp” of local issues, as the subsequent editorial put it. Hoffman complained that he should have received the questions in advance — blissfully unaware that they had been asked by the paper in an editorial on the morning of his visit."

"Last week it turned out that Hoffman’s prime attribute to the radical right — as a take-no-prisoners fiscal conservative — was bogus. In fact he’s on the finance committee of a hospital that happily helped itself to a $479,000 federal earmark. Then again, without the federal government largess that the tea party crowd so deplores, New York’s 23rd would be a Siberia of joblessness. The biggest local employer is the pork-dependent military base, Fort Drum."

"But the electoral math is less interesting than the pathology of this movement. Its antecedent can be found in the early 1960s, when radical-right hysteria carried some of the same traits we’re seeing now: seething rage, fear of minorities, maniacal contempt for government, and a Freudian tendency to mimic the excesses of political foes. Writing in 1964 of that era’s equivalent to today’s tea party cells, the historian Richard Hofstadter observed that the John Birch Society’s “ruthless prosecution” of its own ideological war often mimicked the tactics of its Communist enemies."

"The same could be said of Beck, Palin and their acolytes. Though they constantly liken the president to various totalitarian dictators, it is they who are re-enacting Stalinism in full purge mode."

Watertown Daily Times | SCOZZAFAVA SUSPENDS 23RD CAMPAIGN

2009-10-31T09:30:00.002-05:00

Watertown Daily Times SCOZZAFAVA SUSPENDS 23RD CAMPAIGN

Not happy to hear about this.....Dede Releases her supporters to support who they choose

2009-10-31T09:21:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if this is good or bad for Owens.....

Political IV: Breaking News

Jefferson's Leaning Left: Doug Hoffman flounders with local trivia.

2009-10-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share some sentiments from a local blogger regarding Doug Hoffman's performance at a recent debate with Bill Owens and Dede Scozzafava. Doesn't look like he fared too well........

Jefferson's Leaning Left: Doug Hoffman flounders with local trivia.

Stewart annihilates Fox News' purported opinion-news division: "It's a perpetual revulsion machine"

2009-10-30T10:50:00.003-05:00

Isn't is a shame when some of the most honest news comes from a Comedy Central show? John Stewart, as he frequently does, hits the nail on the head about Faux News.

Stewart annihilates Fox News' purported opinion-news division: "It's a perpetual revulsion machine"

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Make sure you watch until the end to see what Fox is trying to spew regarding supposed Obama "indoctrination" in the schools. It should be noted that it was one school, seven months ago, and parents were sent home the words and had no problem with it. It didn't, however, stop Fox "News" from jumping on it and making an issue out of it!

More Right Wing B-S....Obama’s way means ‘lights out’ for Vegas, Wynn says - Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 | 2 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun

2009-10-28T09:02:00.001-05:00

It's funny. It seems that many of the people that are so outspoken against Obama are the ones that have a lot, have enough, have what they need, and just want to make sure that they continue to get more. That's what it is, isn't it? People like Steve Wynn aren't really concerned about where this country is headed....their more concerned about THEIR way of life and if Obama's plans take a little bit of their millions out of their fat bank accounts, their all out on Fox screaming "SOCIALISM!"

Well, I'll call it as I see it! It's self-centered BULLSHIT!

Obama’s way means ‘lights out’ for Vegas, Wynn says - Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 | 2 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun

30 reasons why Fox News is not legit | Media Matters for America

2009-10-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

30 reasons why Fox News is not legit | Media Matters for America

Watertown Daily Times | All Politics is Local

2009-10-25T09:57:00.003-05:00

All Politics Is Local

I am a little late on this one, but I hope you all will check out Jude Seymour's post called (Shakes head at Republican Leadership). Jude really did his homework on this one showing the "controversy" surrounding Dede Scozzafava's nomination as nothing more than "fake controversy generated by bloggers who live outside this district and have their own agendas."

This should be required reading for Michelle Malkin, Glenn Beck, and any conservative Republican that keeps stating that Ms. Scozzafava's nomination was done behind closed doors.

Check out this great quote in regards to the selection of a Republican candidate in July 9th's Watertown Daily Time and try to figure out who stated it......

"I think the whole process is fantastic! Hopefully, by doing this, we'll get a candidate the people can get behind."

Ding, ding....times up! This jewel came from the lips of a Lake Placid accountant named Douglas L. Hoffman. Yes....THAT Doug Hoffman! It came from "Nine 'apply' for post in 23rd", July 9, WDT.

Now, let me state that I am voting for Bill Owens. This race, this seat in Congress, is too important for us North Country Dems. We have put candidate after candidate against John McHugh to no avail....this time, we actually have a shot. I am excited at the prospect of a Democrat in the 23rd Congressional District seat.

So, why have I posted so much on Dede Scozzafava? Because I think what the Republican party has done to her is sad and ridiculous. I think how the North Country Republicans turned their back on her and how this became a nation-wide "bash Dede" fest by Conservatives just shows how mean spirited the party can be. You can't sit there and talk about how you embrace Christian Conservative values, then at the same time call Dede the wide range of insults that I have seen on conservative blogs. Not very Christian-like, but as I can see, very Conservative-like.

Like I said.....Ms. Scozzafava, when this is all over, please consider moving over to the Democratic Party. Why stay with a party that threw you to the wolves so quickly and didn't stand up for you when you needed it? It's like being in an abusive relationship. Break free, Dede!

Hoffman bombs on local issues quiz - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

2009-10-23T05:17:00.000-05:00

Hoffman bombs on local issues quiz - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Wonder how long it takes the Hoffman campaign to state that the Watertown Daily Times is just another liberal, Obama-loving news source like CNN and the "mainstream media"?

Maybe if Hoffman wasn't paying so much attention caring if Sarah Palin, Fox News, or Michelle Malkin wanted his time, he would have done his homework on the local issues.

Fox News vs. Obama - Obama didn't start this war

2009-10-22T18:31:00.003-05:00

I know it seems like I am on a rant against Conservatives lately....ok, I am, more than likely caused by the local Congressional Election, but I have also seen A LOT of Tea Party signs praising Fox News for their exceptional news coverage.

FOR REAL?? This is what you all count as "real" news? It's like watching Maury Povich or Jerry Springer....really? FOR REAL?? THIS is what got all of you Tea Partiers into a lather??

Here's an idea. Quit watching the news! ALL of it! Or if you must, please research the story. Knowledge is power, my friends, and all Fox is doing is using scare tactics to get people riled.

2009-10-22T18:22:00.003-05:00

Check this out all!! Glenn Beck, without his usual tears, first states that he doesn't pay attention to local politics but then proceeds to say that Dede Scozzafava is supported by ACORN!! HaHaHa....silly Conservatives. Do you KNOW how crazy you sound!!?

Tick tock...tick tock...that's the sound of the time left on Republican control of the North Country. 12 days and counting......

I know this is late, but.......

2009-10-22T18:07:00.003-05:00

If I was Dede Scozzafava, after yesterday's photo op fiasco, my campaign manager would be out of a job. To quote Perry White from his Watertown Daily Times column Outside Looking In:

"Then on Wednesday, candidate Scozzafava marched down to the Doug Hoffman headquarters to give a sort of Twitterized press conference, and when the film hit the nightly news, there was Dede in a tasteful, muted salmon suit absolutely surrounded by a sea of bright red Hoffman for Congress posters. I don’t know what she was saying; all I could do was stare, mouth open in amazement, at this visual. I’m certain that about half the people who saw it thought she was quitting the campaign and throwing her support to the Conservative Party candidate, because that was certainly the image that lingers."

I was most certainly surprised being that just the day before this clusterf--- Hoffman stated that Dede should step down. Is Dede's campaign manager a secret Conservative operative sent by the wing-nut Tea Party Brigade to actually undermine her campaign?

Hmmm....don't know! I still think my prediction of October 16th is going to come true.

I'll just sit back and enjoy the show, then cast my vote for Bill Owens on November 3rd.

NY-23: Hoffman Calls on Scozzafava to Leave the Race « The Washington Independent

2009-10-20T17:28:00.001-05:00

NY-23: Hoffman Calls on Scozzafava to Leave the Race « The Washington Independent

I am just going to say this.....if I can't have the pleasure of seeing a Democrat take the seat of NY's 23rd Congressional District, I would be placated to see Dede wipe the floor with Doug Hoffman. Why? Because the statement his campaign put out stating that Dede Scozzafava should bow out of the race just shows the arrogance of the candidate. Dede Scozzafava has every right to be in this election, Mr. Hoffman...even more than you do. Oh...here's another quote from Doug Hoffman....“It’s time for conservatives to show the Republican establishment who’s in charge.” Well, Mr. Hoffman, if who's in charge of the Republican party is the Conservatives, then I actually feel sorry for the Republicans right now.

This might come as a shock to many of you who read this blog, but as much as I would like to see Bill Owens win the seat, you won't get me to take smack about Dede Scozzafava. I think the Conservatives are going to kick themselves in the ass when North Country Dems are celebrating and they are crying all because they had to be all high and mighty of where Dede stands on issues. Shit...if evil incarnate Michelle Malkin is going as far as to call Dede a Leftist RINO, then she can't be ALL bad, can she? All I can say is come on over to the blue side, Dede...we won't treat you as such and we probably have better cookies.

You know what bugs me about Mr. Hoffman's sentiment and the sentiment of many Conservative Republicans? It's that they think they are better than the rest of us? They think they have the moral high ground on everyone from Democrats, to moderate Republicans, to gays and lesbians, to minorities, to people of other faiths, to women who face the decision of abortion....ALL of us. And many of them, do it with nastiness and disdain under the guise of Christian love and compassion. It makes me think of a bumper stick I once saw:

The Weekly Standard - Scozzafava Calls the Cops

2009-10-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Weekly Standard

Look at that....a conservative reporter tries to employ some in-your-face, guerilla journalism and has the cops called on him. Funny, I wonder where John McCormack's outrage for members of his own party was when Bush was bullshitting our country. Hmmmm.....

Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy - WSJ.com

2009-10-16T07:44:00.003-05:00

Oh, those crazy tea-partiers.....
Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy - WSJ.com

Here's how I think the NY Congressional District 23 race will go and seeing as Owens is ahead in the polls and thus adding some validity to my point, here goes....

The Conservatives / Tea Partiers are going to cut off their noses to spite their faces because Dede Scozzafava is just too moderate (or liberal as they like to put it) for their Shi'ite conservative tastes. Then Owens will win and we Dems will have our first Democrat in this seat since the Civil War, no small feat since sometimes I feel like I am living in the Republican armpit of an otherwise Blue State. Owens win won't be a landslide, but enough to win. Then there will be some weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth from conservatives / tea partiers as they bemoan how this country is going to hell in a hand basket with Barack HUSSAIN Obama (trust me on this....the tea partiers favorite thing to do is to whip out that middle name, usually on a misspelled sign). After the hubbub dies down, they will just patiently (or maybe not) await the Rapture while listening to Rush or watching Glenn Beck shed an ocean of tears, because they KNOW it's coming, considering a Muslim is running this country (their words, not mine).

There....I have it recorded so I can say I called it.

How Awesome is this!!?? Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize#####

2009-10-09T05:23:00.000-05:00

WCBS NEWSRADIO 880 - President Barack Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize#####

Only two other U.S. Presidents have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and Jimmy Carter in 2002.

Thank the Heavens for this product.....No Pudge Fat Free Fudge Brownie Mix

2009-10-08T11:21:00.003-05:00

When I was eating low fat awaiting my gall bladder surgery, I was a little bummed because I am a lover of brownies. I wasn't able to find a whole lot that I could or dared eat, then one day at The Mustard Seed here in Watertown, I found one of the best fat free foods that I have ever tasted.

It's called No Pudge Fat Free Fudge Brownie Mix. These are pure heaven. All you add is a cup of fat free vanilla yogurt, mix, bake, and you have fat free brownies that taste no where near fat free. I have tried their Mint and Regular varieties and I bought a box of the cappuccino to try over the weekend. These brownies are the bomb, plain and simple. Even my kids eat them like there is no tomorrow.

Now that I trying to live a healthier lifestyle, these are definitely a lifesaver on those PMS, chocolate craving days when yogurt just won't do!!

You can find the No Pudge website at http://www.nopudge.com/index.html. There is a list of store that sell it and I see they have ice cream, too, but the link won't open. I might have to go on an expedition for No Pudge Ice Cream!!

Raped at 8 and left for dead, a victim raises her voice - CNN.com

2009-10-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

I came across this story today. Let's hope this remarkable woman finds her justice.

Raped at 8 and left for dead, a victim raises her voice - CNN.com

Biggest Loser - Goodbye Sean and Antoine

2009-09-30T08:16:00.003-05:00

I am SOOO going to miss Sean and I am so pissed at Tracy. Sean was all sweetness and light and Tracy has proved herself to be a power hungry, conniving troll. Both Sean and Antoine about made me cry with their sacrifice for Shaye. I just hope she proves worthy of their good heartedness.

Having never watched this show before, I was thrown by the head games that are played. It seems to me that considering that most of the crew is morbidly obese and should just be focusing on getting healthy, giving them options like dissing their trainers and offering cupcakes to gain power but it did give one of the funniest quotes I have ever heard, from dear Sean....

''In my brain, I was like in the Bahamas sipping cupcakes. I wanted to rub cupcakes all over my body.''

LOL!!!

But on the brightside, both Antione and Sean look great! Sean has lost 120 pounds and Antoine has lost 105 pounds since leaving the House. I can't wait to see how they look at the finale.

And a little extra, extra...Sean has a new baby girl and Antoine has a love life courtesy of Week 1's Alexandra. I knew it was Antione as soon as Alexandra said she was in love with someone in the house. Ok...I knew it was either Antoine or Daniel, but Antoine seemed a better match.

All I can say is I hope Tracy goes DOWN!!

Homes for Troops - SFC Roy Mitchell - Carthage, NY

2009-09-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

From Homes for Our Troops...

SFC Roy Mitchell was serving in Afghanistan when was severely injured on November 23, 2003. He was riding in a regular Humvee that was not equipped with up-armored modifications with 11 other soldiers and embedded reporters. On the day before Thanksgiving in 2003, on his second deployment to Afghanistan, the vehicle he was riding in hit an anti-tank mine along the Pakistani border.

The insurgents had armed the device to detonate on the third strike, and Mitchell was in the third vehicle to run over it.

Right now, Roy currently lives on post housing with his wife and children. Help us build them a home that will accommodate his needs and enable him and his family to concentrate on recovery and their future.

Please consider donating supplies or labor or making a monetary donation!

One week post op

2009-09-25T08:26:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been exactly one week since I had my gallbladder out and I can honestly say I feel pretty good. On Monday, Larry and I ventured out to the Burrville Cider Mill and to the store which ended up tiring me out a bit. I went back to work on Tuesday, but left early because the more I moved, the more I ached.

Tuesday and Wednesday was a little rough as all my incisions, inside and out, were healing which made everything in my abdominal area feel tight.

This morning I woke up feeling just a little bit of tugging in my ab area, but otherwise felt quite well. I mean I still have to heal and get used to eating whole meals again, but other than that I haven't had any of the horror stories I read on the Net.

I go to my post op appointment on Wednesday and they will remove the steristrips, which I can't wait for...they are itchy as hell sometimes.

Have a great weekend all!!

Giant's Ruin the Party!

2009-09-21T07:59:00.001-05:00

Tony Romo cost the Dallas Cowboys with questionable decisions - Don Banks - SI.com

If anyone watched this game last night, you were not disappointed....well, unless you were a Cowboys fan. The Giant's defense was stellar and Eli Manning was on fire, most of the time. I also think we have some new stars in Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. 10 passes caught a piece! Both bringing in a touchdown!

It just goes to show you. Jerry can build a building worthy of Vegas...he can have cage dancers along with his cheerleaders....he can have 7 story screens and the former President come to his game to flip the coin, but it doesn't mean you are going to neccessarily win....

ESPECIALLY WHEN THE G-MEN COME TO TOWN!!! GO GIANTS!

After Gallbladder Surgery - So far, so good

2009-09-19T07:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday at around 1pm I had gallbladder surgery, or in medical terms, a Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This surgery happened because 3 months ago I had a gallbladder attack that sent me to the emergency room. Now I already knew that I had gallstones as when I had my appendectomy in 2007, the doctor said that I had gallstones but since I was asymptomatic, he chose not to remove it as I would already be recovering from an open appendectomy. Even before I knew I had gallstones I did have what I called "my weird stomach aches" under my rib cage after my second son was born so I am sure that I have been dealing with this for years.

I walked into ambulatory as calm as I could be, but once I was in my gown and had my I.V. set up, I started to get nervous so after the anesthesiologist came in, they gave me a sedative, or as Dr. Gosslin, my surgeon called it, the happy juice. I don't know what it was, but it was some good stuff. The only thing was that I was so sedated and happy, I forgot to ask Dr. Gosslin if I could keep the stones to look at later. Oh well!

It's all kind of a blur after that as it's in bits and pieces. I must have fell asleep because the next thing I remember I am in the hall going towards the operating room but had to quickly turn around to reach out for Larry. Then I was in the OR and they were asking me to move to the other bed. They said I would have a little pain as they put in my anesthesia (which I later found out was propofol, the same stuff Michael Jackson OD'ed on). They weren't kidding. That stuff HURT...the second time it stung me I started to whimper, but the OR nurse put a mask over my face and said, "It's ok...breathe deep...you won't feel anymore.....". I am guessing she said pain because I was out that fast.

Next thing I know, the recovery nurse is waking me telling me it's all over and I went, "Huh?" I thought I was still getting ready. So much for my fear of being aware during surgery. The breathing tube left my throat a little sore and swollen feeling and I got a nasty case of the shakes that were brought under control by Demerol, sweet Demerol. I say that because honestly I think coming out of the anesthesia was the worst part of the surgery. Those shakes were a bitch.

I remember that the clock on the wall said 2:35pm when I came out of the anesthesia. I got up, sat on a recliner, drank some ginger ale, slept some because I was still groggy, and went to the bathroom. I was asked if I wanted to change into my clothes, which I did. The nurses asked if was ok, that they didn't want me to feel rushed and I didn't. I just wanted to get home. I was back in my chair at home by 5:00pm.

Everything is great so far. I had some toast and some chicken broth with crackers. I also had a couple cups of tea and some Sprite. I haven't had to take one pain pill and I slept fairly good last night. I am a little sore right now and my throat hurts from the anesthesia, but I am surprised at how good I feel.

Some things I highly recommend for anyone getting this surgery....

1. If you have time before your surgery, try to keep your gallbladder under control with low fat foods and lots of fluids. No high fat or fried foods as it only inflames the gallbladder. If it's not inflamed, it lessens the chance of complications.

2. Get up and move as soon as you can, but don't overdo it. This advice was given to my by the preop nurse. The quicker you get up, the less the gas pain of when they inflated your belly is. I got up quite a bit yesterday and let out quite a few unladylike belches, but at least I didn't have some of those grueling gas bubble pains I read about.

I have ended this post with a picture of my incisions. If you are queasy or don't want to see a hellacious case of stretch marks, feel free to quickly scroll past it. I am just posting it for anyone getting this surgery to know what is expected.

Biggest Loser - Second Chances

2009-09-16T11:08:00.003-05:00

I watched Biggest Loser for the first time ever and I am already hooked. I know that with all reality shows, a lot is created with editing, but this has to be the most "real" reality show I have ever seen. I mean, you can't fake how much these people need help and you can't fake what they have all gone through. One woman lost her entire family in a car accident, one lived on the streets with her drug addicted mother, one is a father that doesn't want to die should his kids be too young to remember him. Pretty real stuff.

Actually, the three I described are the three I am rooting for. Abby lost her husband, 5 year old daughter, and 18 day old son three years ago when someone driving at high speed drifted over into the lane of her family's van. Shay is a social worker and, at 476, is the biggest contestant The Biggest Loser has ever had. Sean is a youth pastor who, according to his bio, feels his mission is to encourage and inspire people. I don't know what he's my third choice...he just seems like such a nice guy and means well.

So, those are my picks.

I am going to predict that watching this show is going to encourage me (after I recover from the gallbladder surgery) to get up and move. I mean if these people can, why not me, right?

Michelle Malkin and the anatomy of the 2 million protester lie | Media Matters for America

2009-09-15T12:34:00.000-05:00

Oh...was there a Tea Party over the weekend? I must have decided to not pay attention to scores of frothing at the mouth wingnuts that still think Obama is an illegal alien. Seriously, I had to look it up after saying to myself "Isn't there a Tea Bagger party coming up?"

Anyway, I guess everyone from Michelle Malkin to Glenn Beck to El Rushbo are (gasp...what a surprise!) inflating their numbers about how many attended the D.C. Rally.

Michelle Malkin and the anatomy of the 2 million protester lie | Media Matters for America

Film heartthrob Patrick Swayze dies of cancer at 57 - CNN.com

2009-09-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

Film heartthrob Patrick Swayze dies of cancer at 57 - CNN.com

Beautiful man....beautiful heart. What a fighter he was at the end, and with such grace. May he rest now and dance in heaven.

Honey Corn Muffins

2009-09-14T09:36:00.002-05:00

I made these muffins last night to go alone with my beef stew and they are fabulous. It is from a book called "The Fitness Kitchen: Recipes for a Fad-Free Lifestyle" by Shelly Sinton, a book I highly recommend if you are looking for nutritious, low fat recipe ideas. I substituted the two large eggs with a container of egg substitute and the 1% milk with skim.

Make 12 muffins.

Wet Ingredients-
In a medium bowl, combine the following:
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat 1% milk
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup honey

Dry Ingredients-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1 cup stone-ground yellow or white cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Pour wet ingredients into bowl of dry ingredients and blend until just moist; batter will be slightly lumpy. Evenly divide batter into muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes. remove muffins from pan and serve warm with jalapeno jelly and a pat of butter.

Each muffin has 123 calories, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 1.5 grams of fat.

I didn't do the jalapeno jelly, but I did dunk them in the little bit of beef stew I let myself have so my nasty gallbladder didn't attack me. I even had one for breakfast today because they are just sweet enough to be good for breakfast AND with a stew.

In other words...perfect!

What a weekend.....

2009-09-14T09:00:00.005-05:00

All I can say is that I have just had the weekend of weekends!

First off, what can I say about seeing Cirque du Soleil's "Alegria" at the War Memorial except how completely awesome it was. Parts of it was so beautiful theatrically that I almost cried. My boys, ages 16 and 12, LOVED it. It was so great to bring my kids to something like this...something that is true art...no tv's, no computers, just art in it's finest. I imagine that this will start my Cirque du Soleil addiction. I used to watch it on Bravo, but it's a whole other thing to see it right in front of you!!

Afterwards, we went to the Carousel Mall and had dinner at Johnny Rockets, a 50's style theme restaurant. At first I was a little leery about going there because I knew it was diner food....lot's a burgers and fries, not good for the gallbladder at all, but imagine my surprise when I found this goodie on the menu:
Streamliner - (100% Soy Boca Burger) - The original meatless Boca burger, with grilled onions, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, pickle, and mustard.
Now I know what many of you are thinking....a 100% soy burger is not your definition of a "goodie", but trust me...aside from a little too much mustard and pickles, easily remedied by removing some, it was REALLY good and I didn't have to resort to the usual grilled chicken breast sandwich that I always end up getting when I eat out. It's amazing what one finds to eat when one is forced to eat low fat. It isn't as yucky as it seems.

I could tell you about shopping at the Mall, but with two teenage boys in tow, it would just be a rehash of "but I don't need any more new clothes" and "why can I get this but not that", and "are we DONE yet?!" so I will fast forward to seeing "9" at the Carousel Mall theater.

"9" is directed by Shane Acker and the feature-length expansion of his Academy Award-nominated 2004 short film of the same name. The screenplay for the feature is by Pamela Pettler (Monster House); directors Tim Burton (Beetlejuice) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) are among the feature version’s producers.

Here's the "9" trailer that sent Larry and I to HAVE to see it. (Float your cursor over "9" trailer to go to the link)

Ok...this movie absolutely ROCKED. I loved every bit of it...the story, the message, the animation, the characters, the action, and yes, the creepiness of it. All four of us were totally spellbound by it and my youngest, as he walked out of the movie, stated that we definitely have to get it on DVD. It's a shame that Regal Cinemas here in Watertown chose not to play "9", which was FANTASTIC, yet continued to play "G.I. Joe-Rise of Cobra",which pretty much sucked.

Anyway...onto Sunday!

I spent the entire day in my pajamas. Took a shower...put my pjs back on. I made a beef stew to die for (if I do say so myself) with some lowfat honey cornbread muffins, helped my kids with their homework and watched the Giants win their first regular season game (Indy and Philly won too, so extra sweet...not sweet about McNabb's broken rib though).

Ahhh...this was a great weekend with my family!

Trying to make a comeback....

2009-09-12T10:42:00.002-05:00

Bet you all thought I fell off the face of the Earth, but here I am, little ole' me, trying to make a comeback to the blogosphere. My absence had little to do with my not having things to say...that is a great impossibility, as I ALWAYS have something to say. I suppose my "dropping out" had more to do with the question in my head that kept nagging at me...

"Who gives a flying ^&%$ what you think and have to say?"

Seriously, it does take a little bit "full of oneself" to think that people actually want to spend time reading what your opinions are, but then something occurred to me....

Something I say may help someone feel not so alone. I know I feel that way sometimes when I search the internet and find that someone is in the same boat as me, such as how hard it is to find a full time job in a bad economy, or making the decision to send your kids back to public school after homeschooling, or how a person felt having their gall bladder removed, such as I will on the 18th. A few years back when I dealt with panic disorder and took myself off Paxil, I found a load of people that were going through the same thing, and believe me, it was helpful.

So yes....I am back, journal my adventures (or misadventures) in Northern NY. Today my day is full. I dropped my son off to an art class at the Y, then the family is off to Syracuse to see "Cirque de Solei", then we are off for some shopping for the boys at the Carousel Mall, have some dinner and then hit the movie "9", which we are catching there only because the local Salmon Run Mall doesn't seem to be up to playing it.

Catch you all soon.....

P.S. How 'bout Obama's speech on health care reform, eh? Quite powerful, I think. Gotta love a leader who annunciates....

Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50 - CNN.com

2009-06-26T06:37:00.000-05:00

Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50 - CNN.com

I know Michael Jackson was weird. I know he had his issues. After the allegations of child abuse, I chose not to follow him or his music, but at the same time, I find myself sad that a man who was a large cultural icon of my childhood is gone.

I tend to look at Michael Jackson like two different people. The Michael Jackson of the Jackson 5 era, or the "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" eras, is how I chose to view him and his musical genius. The Michael Jackson that was larger than life, the one that made one stand in awe of his talent.

I think that Michael Jackson was a victim of his own fame and family. It's a shame he could not overcome them.

Ch...ch...ch...changes....

2009-06-21T16:49:00.002-05:00

First of all, let me wish a very Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there....it reminds me of a quote I have heard;
Any fool can be a Father, but it takes a real man to be a Daddy!!

It makes me think of all those fathers, not just the biological ones, but the stepfathers, the life partners, the uncles, the grandfathers...any man that has stepped in to be a caring, supportive, role model to a child so that child feels protected and loved. It also makes me think of all the single moms who have to be both mom and dad...to all, this day is for you!!

It is also the first day of summer, the summer solstice, and to Pagans, Midsummer. Here is an article about the Pagan holiday of Midsummer. To all my Pagan friends, a Blessed Midsummer to you all!!

I have been scarce and my family has been through a lot of changes as of late. First of all, we have moved into the city, which is new to me seeing as I have always lived in the country. It is nice though. We live in a great section of town and the kids love it. The other place we lived was not a good fit. It was too small and the fact that we had neighborhood kids that tended to be hoodlums didn't help either. No, we are happier here than there....each boy has a room and this place has a better feel to it...more like a home.

We have also made a decision for me to go back to work and to end our homeschooling journey. My boys are now 16 and 12 and it seems that we need to find a new direction in their education. With this decision, my oldest can attend BOCES for auto trades. Both of the boys have toured their new schools to be and seem to be really excited about it...which is a relief as I have had periods of swinging from being excited about this new chapter in my life, to complete and total guilt of not homeschooling anymore, but I think we had a good time while it lasted and we have more exciting things to come.

Well, it is off for dinner...take care all!!

St. Patrick's Editorial Piece

2009-03-16T10:48:00.002-05:00

I saw this on the Watertown Daily Times online. It's a great editorial piece. Being of Irish decent myself, it is quite meaningful.

If you're Irish, you must remember this

By JOHN CARBERRY

TIMES STATE EDITOR

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2009

You're already making plans.

Tuesday night will be a time for celebration. You'll get off work early. Depending upon your parish, you may or may not enjoy some corned beef and cabbage with a side of soda bread and without Lenten guilt.

Then it's on with your favorite green sweater and off to whichever is your favorite genuine Celtic watering hole for the evening. Maybe you'll wear the funny foam fedora or the plastic shamrock pin they hand out at the door. Maybe you'll even taste the green beer offered by the bartender who offers everyone a strained brogue. Maybe you're Irish just for the day. After all, it's St. Patrick's Day.

Well, it's all fine by me.

Heck, I might be the guy with the pint or the teacup standing next to you.

But if your connection to the Emerald Isle is deeper and more permanent than the dye in those drinks, add one thing to the revelry Tuesday night:

Remember who you are.

You are the product of thousands of years of Celtic determination. From the time when Ireland's legacy of poetry and law began — long before the Greek word "Christos" would be applied to a radical Jewish rabbi — through the time an ex-slave named Patrick brought home that rabbi's message, through Europe's Dark Ages when Irish scholars saved Western civilization from oblivion, through the invasions of the Vikings, and through the centuries-long murderous campaign of the English, men and women whose genes designed your body and spirit fought tirelessly against long odds to survive.

It was seldom easy. At its best, it was the ancient battle to scratch a life from the earth, to beat back hunger and disease and build a culture. At its worst, it was genocide, with nearly half of Ireland's 8 million natives killed or driven off in a single generation and much of that culture erased.But, if you are of Irish descent and you're reading this, some ancestor of yours conquered those odds. They somehow summoned the necessary will and courage to survive. They were determined not to be erased. You're the victory. You're the heir.

So I ask again, during this celebration of Patrick, remember who you are.

Then keep remembering.

When someone points out the poor or the homeless with disgust and waxes aloud about how they are the way they are because they lack the intellect or the character to improve themselves, remember you're the child of a people once made poor and homeless.

When someone tells you that some racial group is inherently inferior because of its alleged laziness and tendency toward violence, sexual obsession or drug addiction, remember you're the child of a people whose rights and rich culture were disregarded with these same claims.

When politicians talk about the problem of world hunger, about how the economics of the wealthy and well-fed cannot be threatened by the distribution of food to the desperate, remember you are the child of a people left to die when their one crop failed, while food was exported from their island for the profit of the wealthy and well-fed.

When political leadership or wealth come to you and circumstance and ego call you to indulge in the exercise of power for the sake of the powerful alone, remember you are the child of a people who long suffered under such tyrants.

My friend, you and I, the children of the Irish scattered around the globe, have a special honor and obligation each March 17. The honor is we get to watch the world celebrate — however misdirected and uninformed it may be for most — one of history's most brave and charismatic and democratic figures, our figure, the shepherd-slave Patricius who became St. Patrick. We eat the meals, watch the parades, and go to the pubs and know that, while the guests are happy, this party belongs to us.For me, that's always been a source of pride.

But with that pride comes the obligation, the debt we owe the men and women who faced swords, tyrants and hunger and determined to live, to somehow find a way to create us, and that obligation is simple:

Remember who you are.

John Carberry, the grandson of Jack O'Cairbre and Katie O'Brien of Cappamore, County Limerick, is the state editor of the Watertown Daily Times.

Rush to the President: Debate Me

2009-03-06T11:14:00.000-05:00

If you can stomach the transcript, see where Rushbo wants to debate Obama.

Rush, I have news for you...

1. You have to know how to debate first in order to do so. Low blow jabs and condescending phrases is NOT debating

and

2. I suppose we should expect the next four (and hopefully eight years) to be filled with your whining about the GOP losing the White House....oh well, no different than the Clinton Years, I suppose.

It's ok, Rush...just take one of your prescriptions and sleep it off.

Rush to the President: Debate Me

Saw this on PunditKitchen.com

2009-02-26T11:08:00.001-05:00

Thought it was a good one.........

Sometimes I wonder if old Edward R. is rolling over in his grave over what constitutes news nowadays.......

CCFC Slideshows on Advertising to Children

2009-02-25T10:48:00.006-05:00

CCFC Slideshows on Advertising to Children

Part I
Part II

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not one of those parents that will blame the media for all the worlds woes. I don't blame McDonald's for my youngest having to struggle with his weight. That is on me. On me for allowing him to sit and play his video games instead of going outside. On me for caving when he said he wanted McDonald's instead of insisting on healthier choices. As a parent, I now have to watch him work hard to lose the extra weight he gained, knowing I helped him get there. His father and I finally had to put our foot down or we were going to watch our son get more and more unhealthy. It is hard, however, to keep this healthy lifestyle going when a child is bombarded with food ads every 5 minutes on TV.

Which brings us to TV limits. I think that this is one of the best ways to go if one wishes to have a healthy, well-adjusted, non-materialistic child.

Just my opinion......

Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood

2009-02-24T20:02:00.004-05:00

This organization has been in the news lately due to it's recent crowning of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Barbie as the worst toy of the year and speaking out against the fact that at least 1/3 of items in the Scholastic Book Club flyers at schools are not books, but toys. The CCFC was also the organization that filed with the FTC over the Baby Einstein series.

I had to check this organization out, mostly because I wanted to see if they were one of those alarmist, overprotective agencies that scope out Disney movies for naughty words in the grass. What I found on this site was actually eye opening.

Even before finding this site, I have wondered about what is happening to our kids today. Yes, I know, I know...every generation says, "I just don't know about kids today!!" but having worked with children in the past and presently, I am concerned. Part of the reason I pursued a career in child care and early childhood teaching is because I always thought it was refreshing how children see the world with new eyes, how everything is fresh and new to them and through them, no matter how jaded one becomes, the world still seems magical.

Sometimes I wonder if the only age group that applies to is infants and toddlers because quite honestly I feel that our children are becoming jaded themselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are some of the things I have noticed:

No matter how small the girl, she seems to have on low rise pants. Sometimes the added disaster of words on their ass are present. Why am I seeing more and more little girls dressing like hoochie mamas? I saw a little girl at the mall in high heels during Christmas Break. No..she wasn't wearing a dress and there were HEELS...big girl heels made for a little foot.

I have seem so many kids with Nintendo DS's or cell phones at the table in restaurants, that I want to scream!

Many children don't know how to play creatively anymore. Trust me, I have seen it. Give them free reign with arts and crafts or a box of loose Legos and some of them look at you like you are asking them to explain Einstein equations. They simply don't know how to freely create without a Lego Set with instructions to tell them what to create. Look at many of the Legos and Lincoln Log Sets....there is no room for free creativity, just the one creation. I took all of my sons Lego kits and threw them into one box....they had no choice but to get creative with them.

Recently I presented a paper house craft to a group of 2-6th graders, thinking it would be pretty cool for them to color, cut, and assemble them. Most of them turned up their noses and said "Ummm, no!" Afterwards, I overheard one say, "I'm bored" while they other said, "Well, duh...there's nothing to do!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been on a mission lately to bring things back to basics in my house. I have been noticing a disturbing trend in television geared towards children. I have to completely agree with the CCFC....through our children, advertisers and companies are trying to create super consumers. Just today, I asked my son to watch some Cartoon Network and tally up how many commercials directed towards children to buy something were present. In 45 minutes he counted 19 with averages to about 2 ads per minute. This was around noon so I imagine after 5pm, it amps up even more.

So what do we do as parents? Well, since I have expressed my new direction for this blog, I will post what I as one parent is doing to counteract consumerism in my household and how I am trying to bring us back to basics.

However, right now, I need to close as this post is long and it is getting late.

Take care all and good night.

I'm Back!

2009-02-23T12:28:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know...it isn't like the Queen of England or Angelina Jolie has come back after a long absence...just little old me with my little old blog that a very few seem to read, but I do like writing...it has been my passion since I was a child, so I continue when the mood strikes me.

On my last post, I mentioned that I was going to put more work into my homeschool blog, but I have since dismantled that blog. To me, blogging on two blogs is a bit too much. I had originally decided to go with the two because I wanted to put out informative information on homeschooling, but feared that my politics might turn some people off, so I had the two, keeping my politics and my homeschooling separate, for the most part. Then I thought to myself that this is me....mother, homeschooling parent, liberal, political...the list goes on, and why not put it all in one spot. So one change you will see is more of my homeschooling adventures with my boys.

I also plan on posting more of my photos that I take as I move about Northern NY. Some may find it dull, but others, like my friend in Tennessee, may find it a hoot that I trudge through snow 6 months out of the year.

This blog will continue it's same Aimless Wanderings, maybe even more so, but this is me, and so it is.

What to talk about now??

2008-11-24T09:30:00.003-05:00

Hmmm...I am sure everyone has noticed that I have not posted much since the Election, if at all. I guess after being caught up in the fever of the Election season, I am at a loss of what to talk about that would be interesting to everyone. My life is pretty basic. I homeschool, I work, and I live....

For now, I am going to post what I find interesting. Rant when I need to....muse when I should....

I am also going to pay more attention to my other blog, A North Country Homeschool Adventure. It's a homeschooling blog that was supposed to follow our adventures in homeschooling, but unfortuneatly, that went by the wayside too. I am sure that anyone that visits it thinks we don't do anything during our homeschool day, but I assure you we do....I just haven't had the time to post it.

So, if you don't find me here, you will find me there.

Yes,we can....and we did!!

2008-11-05T07:29:00.002-05:00

I voted!!

2008-11-04T18:15:00.003-05:00

I voted Working Families for all my candidates except for Obama / Biden. Call me superstitious, but I wasn't taking any chances.

I was voter number 357 at the Felts Mills Fire Hall and when I asked the elections worker there if they had a larger than normal turn out, she said they had been steady all day and that this is more than what she has seen in the past.

Well all...I am off to the Italian American Club to (hopefully) celebrate an Obama / Biden, Aubertine and my other candidates victory!!

30 Foot Obama Dances on Building - iReport.com

2008-11-04T15:58:00.000-05:00

I saw this on CNN's iReport! I am loving it!!

30 Foot Obama Dances on Building - iReport.com

Doing my part on Public Square

2008-11-04T15:50:00.004-05:00

I started out with a sign for Aubertine, then I thought, "What the hell!?" and whipped out my Obama sign. Since I was across the street from the Dem HQ's I ran across and got an Addie Jenne Russell and a Mike Oot sign. I guess I covered it for our party today.

In my hour and a half on Public Square, I got a lot of thumbs up, quite a few "Go Obama"'s, amd only a few thumbs downs and two "Obama sucks". It was pretty positive and civil, except maybe the bird that got flipped at me.....a thumbs down would have sufficed.

If you wish to help with local campaigns today...

2008-11-04T08:36:00.002-05:00

After playing a little bit of phone tag, starting with Ted at Danger Democrat, I have some phone number for our local campaigns.

According to Emmett at the Aubertine campaign, they are looking for people to do some visibility for Aubertine, such as putting out signs and standing at intersections with signs. Aubertine campaign headquarters are behind the Marcy Building in Watertown and the phone number there is 788-4024.

The Addie Jenne Russell campaign is looking for people to canvass and phone bank. Their headquarters are at 95 Public Square, Suite 206 in Watertown and the number there is 777-4900.

I have no Watertown area address for the Mike Oot campaign, but their number is 315-420-6776, if you want to call and see what that campaign needs.

Take care all!!! The kids and I are off soon to help with the local campaigns and maybe I can do some visibility for Obama while I am at it!!

It's Election Day!!! Get Out and Vote!!

2008-11-04T07:24:00.003-05:00

Here in NY, the polls opened at 6am and will be open until 9pm. This is an important election and as Americans, we should use our voices through our votes.

Remember.....537 voters decided the 2000 Election. If you think your vote doesn't mean anything, it does!!