- As of May 2008, 13% of the 100 top-grossing films of all time were made by either Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. – The Week Magazine, 5/2/08
- 47% of dogs in the United States sleep in a family member’s bed. – The Week Magazine, 8/10/07
- 2.4% of all newlyweds are over 65, says the U.S. Census Bureau. – Arizona Daily Star, 7/30/06
- 76% of American commuters drive to work alone. – The Week Magazine, 6/6/08
- 55% of all deaths caused by firearms in the United States are suicides. – San Diego Union, 7/1/08
- 2.4% of all Americans are in the criminal justice system somehow. 7,200,000 Americans are now either behind bars, on probation, or on parole. – The Week Magazine, 6/27/08
- Americans throw out 27% of the 350,000,000 pounds of food they buy each year. – New York Times, 5/18/08
- 70% of all trees cut for use as Christmas trees are whisked to departing trucks by helicopter. – The Week Magazine, 12/28/07
- 23% of all the psychiatrists in the country are in the New York City metro area. – The Week Magazine, 5/19/06
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Go America!
Did you know these nine facts about America?
Just a bit confusing...
So what exactly do you do when you have two different doctors saying different things about diet?
On the one hand I have a doctor telling me to forget about my calorie and fat intake and keep a real close eye on my carb intake.
The other doctor is telling me to watch my calorie, fat and carb intake.
These two views completely go against each other.
The second doctor's advice not only narrows down what I can eat anywhere, but it also then makes my grocery bill much much higher, which I just cannot afford to strictly follow. The first doctor's advice isn't as restrictive, but it does limit the food and it also isn't as hard on money as the second doctor's.
The second doctor is backed up by a nutritionist. No idea if the first doctor is.
What I'm thinking is 'do what is easier on your wallet...if you can't afford to commit 100% then don't commit at all.' Which of course points to following the first doctor's advice.
Problem is I won't be the only one following either advice and I don't think the other is really sold on the first doctor's advice because they know very little about it. Another problem is we don't have much time to try doing one for a few months or years then if it doesn't work try the other. And yet another problem is that the second doctor's advice might work for my other, but so far I have found myself extremely hungry instead of satisfied, which as we all know is not going to help me keep to the diet.
According to doctor the second my intake of calories should be no more than 1300 and my fat no more than 30 grams a day.
Doctor the first says that for the first few weeks my net carb (again that is when you subtract the Dietary fiber grams from the total carbohydrate grams) intake should be no more than 20 a day.
Problem the first:
Please tell me how I am to follow them both? Doctor the second never gave any guidelines to just how many carbs I should be taking in so telling me to watch my carb intake is a joke. After calling doctor the second's dietitian she said about 60g of net carbs a day.
What if that's not enough or too many carbs for me to loose weight? My other needs to stay away from fat in order for his liver to shrink so that when he goes into surgery doctor the second doesn't have to make a huge incision.
The only reason I am trying to figure this out is because I want my other and I to succeed in our endeavor. What's the point of doing it if you don't succeed?? If we're both on the same page, then there's no chance of having food in the house that could be a bad temptation.
What's even worst, is that everyone has their own thoughts and 'beliefs' on the matter of dieting, but what works for one person, doesn't mean it's going to work for another. And there really is no right or wrong, despite what a lot of health nuts want to believe. Reminds me of religion actually.
I guess the only thing that can be done is to try a little of both. Never feel bad about what is eaten and the most important is to get enough exercise. At least that last part we're doing well in.
On the one hand I have a doctor telling me to forget about my calorie and fat intake and keep a real close eye on my carb intake.
The other doctor is telling me to watch my calorie, fat and carb intake.
These two views completely go against each other.
The second doctor's advice not only narrows down what I can eat anywhere, but it also then makes my grocery bill much much higher, which I just cannot afford to strictly follow. The first doctor's advice isn't as restrictive, but it does limit the food and it also isn't as hard on money as the second doctor's.
The second doctor is backed up by a nutritionist. No idea if the first doctor is.
What I'm thinking is 'do what is easier on your wallet...if you can't afford to commit 100% then don't commit at all.' Which of course points to following the first doctor's advice.
Problem is I won't be the only one following either advice and I don't think the other is really sold on the first doctor's advice because they know very little about it. Another problem is we don't have much time to try doing one for a few months or years then if it doesn't work try the other. And yet another problem is that the second doctor's advice might work for my other, but so far I have found myself extremely hungry instead of satisfied, which as we all know is not going to help me keep to the diet.
According to doctor the second my intake of calories should be no more than 1300 and my fat no more than 30 grams a day.
Doctor the first says that for the first few weeks my net carb (again that is when you subtract the Dietary fiber grams from the total carbohydrate grams) intake should be no more than 20 a day.
Problem the first:
Michelina's Lean Gourmet Flatbreads Chicken Club.
Serving size One package
Calories 290
Total Fat 7g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 870mg
Total Carbohydrate 42g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 3g
Protein 15g
Net Carbs 40g
Please tell me how I am to follow them both? Doctor the second never gave any guidelines to just how many carbs I should be taking in so telling me to watch my carb intake is a joke. After calling doctor the second's dietitian she said about 60g of net carbs a day.
What if that's not enough or too many carbs for me to loose weight? My other needs to stay away from fat in order for his liver to shrink so that when he goes into surgery doctor the second doesn't have to make a huge incision.
The only reason I am trying to figure this out is because I want my other and I to succeed in our endeavor. What's the point of doing it if you don't succeed?? If we're both on the same page, then there's no chance of having food in the house that could be a bad temptation.
What's even worst, is that everyone has their own thoughts and 'beliefs' on the matter of dieting, but what works for one person, doesn't mean it's going to work for another. And there really is no right or wrong, despite what a lot of health nuts want to believe. Reminds me of religion actually.
I guess the only thing that can be done is to try a little of both. Never feel bad about what is eaten and the most important is to get enough exercise. At least that last part we're doing well in.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Something of Importance.
Will possibly not be found here....sadly. Although I could have sworn there was something I really wanted to say or share...oh well. If it is important it will pop back into my head.
Until then I would like to share with you a comedian that I truly enjoy. His name is Jeff Dunham and he is an American ventriloquist. He has three Comedy Central specials; Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself, Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, and Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special and a new show that premiers Thursday October 22, 2009. You can find him all over Youtube and he's even got a little space over on Myspace that has videos and other things you can check out.
I have a Myspace, but I pay no attention to it anymore. Why would I? It's gone seriously downhill in my opinion and has more asshats then nice people who are only interested in getting between groups of friends or people in relationships. The last "What are you doing?" thing from me was that Myspace is a toxic place. Which is how I actually feel. So being the smart young lady that I am, I stay away from Myspace. Still have a profile on it, I just am not there.
Ahhh, I knew it would pop back into my head! I KNEW it! :)
My trip to Lubbock Texas was very educating! In so many ways...first perhaps the important things learned.
I am on the cusp of being morbidly obese according to the BMI and what doctors say a person should fall. Let me put it perhaps a bit easier for you...
So after you check what your BMI is with the link provided above and see where you fall on that table, you have a better idea what I'm talking about. Please note that the BMI does not work if you are heavily muscled. Muscle weights more than fat so if you have a lot of muscle mass, the any BMI calculator is going to be wrong. If you're really worried, see your doctor. Also, I'm not a doctor. Don't ask me!
My BMI is 44. Yes, I am chubby, I actually wear my weight well and I love food. I no longer get the exercise needed to keep me at a healthy weight as I used to. I think it all started with my graduation gift of a 1975 AMC Hornet. But that's not as important as the things I learned from The Advanced Bariatric Surgery Center.
Which of course is in Lubbock Texas and the reason I was there (Although I think I have a friend that lives/lived there). What I learned from visiting and getting information on gastric by-pass made me a bit sad and also made me think.
According to Dr. Syn obesity is the result of genetics and environment. All humans are genetically prone to storing fat, since back in the caveman days it was the ones who could store it that survived when food was scarce. The ones with the high metabolisms didn't obviously so their genetics weren't as likely to be passed on. Environment should be an easy one to determine. Take a look around, count how many fast food restaurants there are now compared to....let's say 1920. It is now completely acceptable and normal for people to eat out instead of at home. So you've got that...
Then there's the myth that "Surgery is the easy way out."
What in the hell is easy about surgery? Even before I went down there (down then over?) I knew there is nothing ever easy about any surgery. There is a .5% chance of dieing with any surgery. And what a person has to go through after wards is not easy either. You really have to be committed to making a change in your life. You want to add back the 20 years that you lost from being obese in the first place changes need to be made.
Change is not easy.
Take 1,000 people, put them at the base of Everest and tell them to climb to the top. Tell them they have to do it or they'll be shot dead. How many people are actually going to make it up there? No training is given, perhaps some tools and supplies but not many, a lot of different opinions on how to best make it to the top is available for those who want it, but pretty much they are on their own.
How many would make it to the top?
It's basically the same thing when it comes to the morbidly obese and dieting. Out of 1,000 who try to do it on their own only 5 will actually make it. Surgery is the first choice and generally the only choice for a lot. The people who would actually sit there and tell these people that they should have the willpower enough to be able to push themselves away from the table and just stop eating or stick to a diet don't know shit. They're always, and I do mean always the ones who have never suffered with obesity at any level above BMI 29.
If you've never been there, don't pretend to know how to come back from that place. Don't assume anything...that only makes an ass out of you....not me. ;)
If you are obese don't be ashamed of needing surgery. At least you have taken a step to improve yourself knowing damn well that something needs to change and you have the courage to change it. Do not let those narrow minded people out there make you feel bad about anything.
And for the love of God do not do the Lap-band. It is bad for you. You will not loose weight. It's extremely hard to find any actual data on the research done on lap-band in Belgium where it first came out back in 1994 (year might be wrong, but it was the 90s) and there is new results showing why the lap-band, vertical banding, Gastroplasty, Jejuno-ileal bypass, VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) doesn't work. I can tell you what Dr. Syn told us, but unless the results can actually be found that isn't bias to the Lap-band, all you have is what I've been told and opinions.
When people with the above procedures (Called Restrictive [Vertical Banded, Gastroplasty for example] or Malabsorptive [Jejunoileal Bypass for example]procedures) try to eat heavy solid foods like beef and vegetables they end up throwing it back up, but soft foods like Hershey's syrup and cake stay down because they can easily pass by the band or small opening left in the stomach. How can you loose weight if the only foods that pass through are the ones that aren't good for you? Even if you chew the heavy foods up well and only eat a little bit at a time, you're still throwing them back up, so naturally you're going to eat the foods that don't make you puke. And naturally, you're not going to loose weight this way.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass however is different and has in-total the most favorable efficacy, durability and complication profile when done by a trained/experienced bariatric surgeon.
I think the real key here is to find an experienced and trained bariatric surgeon. Not a doctor who went to a weekend retreat in the mountains to learn how to place a lap-band on a pig. They have no idea what a slip looks like, or any signs of a slip. Check out doctors who only do bariatric surgeries. Nothing else and I am sure they can tell you better than I what to do.
Sadly I cannot accurately remember everything that was said on Tuesday. This is what I remember and I will admit some of it might be off. I'm not a doctor. Talk to someone who is. Dr. Syn is a bariatric surgeon and nothing else. I've linked to his web-site and I suggest you check it out. Get more information.
Personally, I rather have one surgery and not have to worry about 'adjustments' in a foreign object in my body.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass isn't a bunch of flowers and joy either though. A lot of changes in eating habits have to be made. No more eating out (at least at first), no more soda (ever) and having to be very careful what goes into the mouth, making sure there's enough protein and other vitamins so that malnutrition doesn't happen isn't freaking easy.
Don't choose a surgery based on price. That is foolish. Your health in all aspects is too important to let money make the deciding factor. I personally have no medical insurance at all and I will have to save up to have any surgery. But all this gives me the time I need to at least try to be one of those 5 in 1,000. Like I said, I'm pretty much on the cusp at a BMI of 44. If I can eat right, get out more there could be a chance of my BMI dropping. Or even after all my attempts I might still need surgery. I don't know. I rather not have surgery because I do not do well in hospitals. I've been in too many of them as a visitor and I become anxious and quite scared. Not a good thing for being a patient.
Perhaps that fact will help. Maybe I'll get support from my family. Maybe my mindset and lifestyle will change. Probably having someone in the home who plans to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery will also help.
Guess we'll wait around and see.
The other thing I learned in Lubbock?
They have some damn nice homes! VERY nice houses!
Until then I would like to share with you a comedian that I truly enjoy. His name is Jeff Dunham and he is an American ventriloquist. He has three Comedy Central specials; Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself, Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, and Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special and a new show that premiers Thursday October 22, 2009. You can find him all over Youtube and he's even got a little space over on Myspace that has videos and other things you can check out.
I have a Myspace, but I pay no attention to it anymore. Why would I? It's gone seriously downhill in my opinion and has more asshats then nice people who are only interested in getting between groups of friends or people in relationships. The last "What are you doing?" thing from me was that Myspace is a toxic place. Which is how I actually feel. So being the smart young lady that I am, I stay away from Myspace. Still have a profile on it, I just am not there.
Ahhh, I knew it would pop back into my head! I KNEW it! :)
My trip to Lubbock Texas was very educating! In so many ways...first perhaps the important things learned.
I am on the cusp of being morbidly obese according to the BMI and what doctors say a person should fall. Let me put it perhaps a bit easier for you...
| BMI | Obesity Category |
| Below 19 | Underweight |
| 20-24 | Normal |
| 25-29 | Overweight |
| 30-34 | Obese |
| 35-39 | Severely Obese |
| 40-49 | Morbidly Obese |
| 50+ | Super Obese |
My BMI is 44. Yes, I am chubby, I actually wear my weight well and I love food. I no longer get the exercise needed to keep me at a healthy weight as I used to. I think it all started with my graduation gift of a 1975 AMC Hornet. But that's not as important as the things I learned from The Advanced Bariatric Surgery Center.
Which of course is in Lubbock Texas and the reason I was there (Although I think I have a friend that lives/lived there). What I learned from visiting and getting information on gastric by-pass made me a bit sad and also made me think.
According to Dr. Syn obesity is the result of genetics and environment. All humans are genetically prone to storing fat, since back in the caveman days it was the ones who could store it that survived when food was scarce. The ones with the high metabolisms didn't obviously so their genetics weren't as likely to be passed on. Environment should be an easy one to determine. Take a look around, count how many fast food restaurants there are now compared to....let's say 1920. It is now completely acceptable and normal for people to eat out instead of at home. So you've got that...
Then there's the myth that "Surgery is the easy way out."
What in the hell is easy about surgery? Even before I went down there (down then over?) I knew there is nothing ever easy about any surgery. There is a .5% chance of dieing with any surgery. And what a person has to go through after wards is not easy either. You really have to be committed to making a change in your life. You want to add back the 20 years that you lost from being obese in the first place changes need to be made.
Change is not easy.
Take 1,000 people, put them at the base of Everest and tell them to climb to the top. Tell them they have to do it or they'll be shot dead. How many people are actually going to make it up there? No training is given, perhaps some tools and supplies but not many, a lot of different opinions on how to best make it to the top is available for those who want it, but pretty much they are on their own.
How many would make it to the top?
It's basically the same thing when it comes to the morbidly obese and dieting. Out of 1,000 who try to do it on their own only 5 will actually make it. Surgery is the first choice and generally the only choice for a lot. The people who would actually sit there and tell these people that they should have the willpower enough to be able to push themselves away from the table and just stop eating or stick to a diet don't know shit. They're always, and I do mean always the ones who have never suffered with obesity at any level above BMI 29.
If you've never been there, don't pretend to know how to come back from that place. Don't assume anything...that only makes an ass out of you....not me. ;)
If you are obese don't be ashamed of needing surgery. At least you have taken a step to improve yourself knowing damn well that something needs to change and you have the courage to change it. Do not let those narrow minded people out there make you feel bad about anything.
And for the love of God do not do the Lap-band. It is bad for you. You will not loose weight. It's extremely hard to find any actual data on the research done on lap-band in Belgium where it first came out back in 1994 (year might be wrong, but it was the 90s) and there is new results showing why the lap-band, vertical banding, Gastroplasty, Jejuno-ileal bypass, VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) doesn't work. I can tell you what Dr. Syn told us, but unless the results can actually be found that isn't bias to the Lap-band, all you have is what I've been told and opinions.
When people with the above procedures (Called Restrictive [Vertical Banded, Gastroplasty for example] or Malabsorptive [Jejunoileal Bypass for example]procedures) try to eat heavy solid foods like beef and vegetables they end up throwing it back up, but soft foods like Hershey's syrup and cake stay down because they can easily pass by the band or small opening left in the stomach. How can you loose weight if the only foods that pass through are the ones that aren't good for you? Even if you chew the heavy foods up well and only eat a little bit at a time, you're still throwing them back up, so naturally you're going to eat the foods that don't make you puke. And naturally, you're not going to loose weight this way.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass however is different and has in-total the most favorable efficacy, durability and complication profile when done by a trained/experienced bariatric surgeon.
I think the real key here is to find an experienced and trained bariatric surgeon. Not a doctor who went to a weekend retreat in the mountains to learn how to place a lap-band on a pig. They have no idea what a slip looks like, or any signs of a slip. Check out doctors who only do bariatric surgeries. Nothing else and I am sure they can tell you better than I what to do.
Sadly I cannot accurately remember everything that was said on Tuesday. This is what I remember and I will admit some of it might be off. I'm not a doctor. Talk to someone who is. Dr. Syn is a bariatric surgeon and nothing else. I've linked to his web-site and I suggest you check it out. Get more information.
Personally, I rather have one surgery and not have to worry about 'adjustments' in a foreign object in my body.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass isn't a bunch of flowers and joy either though. A lot of changes in eating habits have to be made. No more eating out (at least at first), no more soda (ever) and having to be very careful what goes into the mouth, making sure there's enough protein and other vitamins so that malnutrition doesn't happen isn't freaking easy.
Don't choose a surgery based on price. That is foolish. Your health in all aspects is too important to let money make the deciding factor. I personally have no medical insurance at all and I will have to save up to have any surgery. But all this gives me the time I need to at least try to be one of those 5 in 1,000. Like I said, I'm pretty much on the cusp at a BMI of 44. If I can eat right, get out more there could be a chance of my BMI dropping. Or even after all my attempts I might still need surgery. I don't know. I rather not have surgery because I do not do well in hospitals. I've been in too many of them as a visitor and I become anxious and quite scared. Not a good thing for being a patient.
Perhaps that fact will help. Maybe I'll get support from my family. Maybe my mindset and lifestyle will change. Probably having someone in the home who plans to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery will also help.
Guess we'll wait around and see.
The other thing I learned in Lubbock?
They have some damn nice homes! VERY nice houses!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Well...didn't see that coming....
Thursday 8 October, Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils his brand new production “LOVE NEVER DIES” at a global launch in London. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long awaited new show will have its World Premiere in London at the Adelphi Theatre on Tuesday 9 March 2010 followed by New York on Thursday 11 November and in Australia in 2011.I have been a phan for ages and adored the 2004 movie. I've seen Phantom of the Opera on stage three different times ages ago when I lived in Seattle. (I've also seen Cats on stage before it stopped playing) I would be delighted to see this in London, but of course that's not looking like it'll happen. At least an opportunity for it to happen has yet to present itself.....I do have until March though. *wink*
“LOVE NEVER DIES” continues the story of ‘The Phantom’, who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of Coney Island, far across the Atlantic. Set 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of ‘The Phantom’ from Paris, this show is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue...in which music and memory can play cruel tricks...and ‘The Phantom’ sets out to prove that, indeed, “LOVE NEVER DIES”.
“The Phantom of the Opera”, based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux, has proved a huge success the world over and has been seen by over 100 million people, making it the single most successful entertainment entity in history. The show has been translated into 15 languages and appeared in over 25 different countries including China, Brazil, Poland and Korea. “The Phantom of the Opera” opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on 9 October 1986 starring Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford and celebrates its 23rd London birthday tomorrow on 9 October. “The Phantom of the Opera” won a staggering 50 awards worldwide, whilst global album sales currently stand at over 40 million copies.
Other news, apparently Darth Vader made an appearance in the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this year. It made it's first appearance in 2007. I haven't been to the Fiesta since 2003 I think....it's been awhile to say the least. If you live in New Mexico or love balloons and haven't heard of this yearly event, then you my friend must get out of the house. Seriously....this time of year it is a royal bitch to drive through Albuquerque...which is why I am at home. The Fiesta ends tomorrow and on Monday we (just me and my guy) get to drive through on our way to Lubbock TX. We have business to do there and we'll be back home late, LATE Tuesday night. There will be death to the 15 year old if he even thinks about throwing a party. You think Darth Vader's bad...wait until you cross me...there is a reason one of my nicknames is Darth...seriously. Not funny.
Just thought I'd take a moment to say how much I love my dear close to me friends....all two of them. -_-; It's hard to keep a hold of friends when you or they move (specially since one of them is part of the Army life) or your lives just go in a different direction. I know I have more than just two friends, but the ones I'm thinking about are ones I've had for years. That doesn't happen to often with me. I have a nasty habit of outgrowing friends or acquaintances. Although a small search on pipl.com shows that a friend from a long time ago seems to be following me....and by that I mean living in parts of the country I had lived a few years ago. I just found that interesting and shared it for no other reason.
Apparently LSU has a real live tiger as their mascot. No, seriously...and he is very well taken care of too. Which is good....yeah, no Tony the tiger jokes...his name is Mike. That just makes me want to go to LSU...Mike was named 5th best mascot in the nation. I'm surprised it's only fifth. I would have thought he would have at least come in first. Sparty from Michigan State, Ralphie of Colorado and Purdue Pete from Purdue round out the top five. Yeah...nice ESPN. Sometimes you really do suck. Specially since I get your ruddy magazine and I can't read articles on the web-site without having to buy an Insider Pass....yeah suck it babe, not getting any money out of me.
Still like the Mike the Tiger though...
Been reading Dan Brown's new novel The Lost Symbol. I have to stop from time to time to figure out the codes here and there because I find that stuff fun and pleasurable. Also trying to see if I can't figure it out before the characters do. Although that's sort of difficult since the book has already been written....yeah talk about possibly being confusing. LOL.
Getting a headache from being on the computer for so damn long, so I'm going to get back to my book. As in the one I'm reading, not writing.
Monday, October 5, 2009
WOW....just Wow!
I think every true American in this country should take an afternoon and go see Michael Moore's Capitalism A Love Story. Seriously. Go now.
Why might you ask?
Why not?
Did you know there was almost a Second Bill of Rights? Do you know why there isn't or even what those rights would have given us? Without cheating and reading the Wikipedia article I linked.
Did you know that the company you work for might get more out of your death than your own family? That in the inner circles of your company this practice is rudely called Dead Peasant Policies? How about that it's been going on for a very long time and it's not small businesses doing it, but rather the large ones? And apparently even if you quit or are fired, they can still collect when you die.
How about the fact that if your house gets foreclosed upon, you don't have to leave? Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur took to the House floor telling the American People to make them prove they now own your home.Demand the bank to produce the original mortgage note. Nine times out of ten they won't be able to find it. "So I say to the American people, you be squatters in your own homes. Don't you leave." That there have actually been people "squatting" in the homes they have been asked/told to leave and yet after a time, the bank has just given up on trying to make them leave.
I have to say I learned a lot of things while I watched this movie. Things I think we as Americans ought to know. Granted, Michael Moore might not be the greatest of teachers, but at least he's a starting point. At least the things that were covered in the documentary got me and others to really start thinking and curious. What's great is the haven't-been-seen-in-decades archives of FDR's State of the Union Address that introduced the Second Bill of Rights. Little bits and pieces of evidence and of course the tug-on-your-heartstrings footage of people just like us.
Of course, like Arianna Huffington points out in the above snippet of article (full version here) the most important question of all: "What can I do?"
You can of course Bear Witness over at The Huffington Post, but really what is that going to do for where you live?
That's a good question, one myself I have no answer for. Maybe you'll have better luck and share it with others. Of course no matter what one or all of us do, if we really want our country to be great we have got to stand together on all things. Not just when our tallest buildings get hit by terrorists. The ones who are hurting us won't take just one of us seriously. Look at what has happened to Michael Moore. For 20 years he's been trying to get into that building. If we rally and LEGALLY do things to get their attention that we do not plan on living in a country where only 1% of it has wealth while the other 99% suffer, starve and work hard. Equal rights, share the wealth, etc.
But please, what ever you choose to do, do it in a safe legal and mature way. Don't destroy private property, don't ruin something that someone worked hard for even if you believe they didn't actually work for it. All that says is that those who aren't part of that 1% are not smart or deserving of the wealth. Kill them with "kindness" people.
Now, because life has its ups and downs, it's time for a few good laughs and other articles.
I don't know how much of a people watcher any of you are, but I've been known to take a good look around me from time to time no matter where I might be. My favorite place to do this is the local Wal-mart. Why? Because all sorts of people wander into Wal-Mart! And now three guys have created a web-site showing us the "creame ah la creame" of the people who dare come out. Of course this is all about what the people have control over....you know, like their clothes and is worth a few pages look. People of Wal-Mart
Songs to Torture and Intimidate by....and you have to admit...that for some of these, just hearing them once is torture!
And you thought your summer job was bad or weird...meet some celebrities who started like the rest of us.
And in case anyone is wondering, I have been working on that story again. Once again I am recreating it as I discovered something important. My protagonist had no objective. How sad is that to realize???? LOL! But I am glad I discovered my grievous mistake before I tried to send any manuscripts out.
Why might you ask?
Why not?
Did you know there was almost a Second Bill of Rights? Do you know why there isn't or even what those rights would have given us? Without cheating and reading the Wikipedia article I linked.
Did you know that the company you work for might get more out of your death than your own family? That in the inner circles of your company this practice is rudely called Dead Peasant Policies? How about that it's been going on for a very long time and it's not small businesses doing it, but rather the large ones? And apparently even if you quit or are fired, they can still collect when you die.
How about the fact that if your house gets foreclosed upon, you don't have to leave? Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur took to the House floor telling the American People to make them prove they now own your home.Demand the bank to produce the original mortgage note. Nine times out of ten they won't be able to find it. "So I say to the American people, you be squatters in your own homes. Don't you leave." That there have actually been people "squatting" in the homes they have been asked/told to leave and yet after a time, the bank has just given up on trying to make them leave.
I have to say I learned a lot of things while I watched this movie. Things I think we as Americans ought to know. Granted, Michael Moore might not be the greatest of teachers, but at least he's a starting point. At least the things that were covered in the documentary got me and others to really start thinking and curious. What's great is the haven't-been-seen-in-decades archives of FDR's State of the Union Address that introduced the Second Bill of Rights. Little bits and pieces of evidence and of course the tug-on-your-heartstrings footage of people just like us.
Which is why -- although you can bet many will try -- Capitalism: A Love Story can't be dismissed as a left-wing tirade. Its condemnation of the status quo is too grounded in real stories and real suffering, its targets too evenly spread across the political spectrum. Indeed, Jay Leno, America's designated Everyman, was so moved by the film he insisted that Moore appear on the second night of his new show, and told his audience that the film was "completely nonpartisan... I was stunned by it, and I think it is the most fair film" Moore has done.
Of course, like Arianna Huffington points out in the above snippet of article (full version here) the most important question of all: "What can I do?"
You can of course Bear Witness over at The Huffington Post, but really what is that going to do for where you live?
That's a good question, one myself I have no answer for. Maybe you'll have better luck and share it with others. Of course no matter what one or all of us do, if we really want our country to be great we have got to stand together on all things. Not just when our tallest buildings get hit by terrorists. The ones who are hurting us won't take just one of us seriously. Look at what has happened to Michael Moore. For 20 years he's been trying to get into that building. If we rally and LEGALLY do things to get their attention that we do not plan on living in a country where only 1% of it has wealth while the other 99% suffer, starve and work hard. Equal rights, share the wealth, etc.
But please, what ever you choose to do, do it in a safe legal and mature way. Don't destroy private property, don't ruin something that someone worked hard for even if you believe they didn't actually work for it. All that says is that those who aren't part of that 1% are not smart or deserving of the wealth. Kill them with "kindness" people.
Now, because life has its ups and downs, it's time for a few good laughs and other articles.
I don't know how much of a people watcher any of you are, but I've been known to take a good look around me from time to time no matter where I might be. My favorite place to do this is the local Wal-mart. Why? Because all sorts of people wander into Wal-Mart! And now three guys have created a web-site showing us the "creame ah la creame" of the people who dare come out. Of course this is all about what the people have control over....you know, like their clothes and is worth a few pages look. People of Wal-Mart
Songs to Torture and Intimidate by....and you have to admit...that for some of these, just hearing them once is torture!
And you thought your summer job was bad or weird...meet some celebrities who started like the rest of us.
And in case anyone is wondering, I have been working on that story again. Once again I am recreating it as I discovered something important. My protagonist had no objective. How sad is that to realize???? LOL! But I am glad I discovered my grievous mistake before I tried to send any manuscripts out.
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