I am so frustrated, I must have deleted my second part to describing day 2. Probably because mom and I were so lazy after the Spa. We literally came back to the apartment and slept a good part of the afternoon. I guess the "lavender" aroma therapy helped with Insomnia.
However, before the Spa we walked all around the Abu Dhabi Mall. This is a three story mall. Mom thought it was a really big mall. We saw all the Abaya shops and noted how it was very much like an American mall. All I could think about was what she would think when she saw Marina mall tomorrow.
We basically got dinner ready for Tricia and Sarah, a homemade enchilada dinner including sopapillas. I think it will be Tricia's favorite part of our visit.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 2 Abu Dhabi: Pictures of the Spa
Mom and me at the Spa Day! Check out how fancy this is. We had our own room for facials and massages. Look at these fancy duds, the robes were so comfy and the slippers nice.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 1 Abu Dhabi - the Corniche
Hello everyone, it is our first full day in Abu Dhabi. Sunday doesn't count because we basically got off the plane and went to bed. :-) What we primarily did today was walk all along the Corniche (the man-made beach). We saw the "public" beach, the "singles" beach, as well as the "Family beach." Basically women are allowed on all the beaches, but only women and families are allowed in the "family beach" area.
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
We walked probably about 4-5 miles as we walked to the Emirates Palace. The grounds are huge and extensive. If we had taken a cab we would have gone in. However, instead we took pictures from outside the walls and walked back to the Prestige Car Building, where my sister's apartment is. (Basically, in Abu Dhabi there are no addresses, you get around by telling the cab drivers the "names" of the building you want to go to.)
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
On our walk back we stopped at a grocery store (Food is very important) called Spinny's. Spinney's is probably one of the larger grocery stores in town and yet it is smaller than most grocery stores back home. What makes Spinney's a big deal is that it has the forbidden pork room. Basically, because this is a Muslim country, pork is kept completely separate from the rest of the store. You have to walk through a door in the back of the store past the sign that says "non-Muslims only" to buy some real bacon. Otherwise you have turkey bacon, veal bacon, or other strange tasting kind of meats.
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
Spinney's is also one of the few places you can buy alcohol. Alcohol is technically illegal here, you must have an alcohol license in order to buy alcohol. To buy alcohol you have to go in a separate unmarked door next to Spinney's and then walk out with a "black bag" carrying your purchases. I didn't buy any alcohol because we don't have licenses but my sister explained this to me.
(Pictures coming soon, we don't have a cord to mom's camera.)
On our way back we also passed a number of Mosques. They are pretty much on every corner/block for Muslims to stop and pray in. Here are just a few. Mom took pictures of the many fountains as well. It is amazing how "green" everything is here and how much water they use.
Finally, we get home just in time for Tricia to get here and then we are off to dinner at one of their favorite expensive restaurants, Oceans.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
We leave Saturday morning and get there Sunday night... that is a long flight.
At the beginning of the trip we are anxious and excited, but also a little scared. I am most thankful that the airspace in Europe was opened again, but I am not counting my chickens yet because we have to make it to and out of Frankfurt.
Mom getting ready to leave Phoenix for a 26 hour flight.
Mom's blank passport at the beginning of the trip.
Proof I was there too.Here is a picture of us in Frankfurt, we only got the chairs...
The flight was really long, but three planes later we finally arrived in Abu Dhabi Airport. We made it. I don't have any pictures because we were so tired I am not sure we remembered to take any. The Abu Dhabi Airport is lovely though, I will take a picture when we leave to go to Barcelona. We each watched at least three to four movies before getting to Abu Dhabi, and even though we left Saturday morning, we got to Tricia apartment about 11pm Sunday night and went straight to bed.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Silencing the country
I wanted to wait a few days to make sure I still felt the same way. It has been a couple of weeks since a senator was "silenced" thus "silencing" thousands of people in the nation. It has been a few days since a senator's vote was bought, and there was no public outrage from the other 59 states that will have to pick up the tab and pay for health care for one state. Even worse, no public outrage from the people who put those representatives in office who simply turned a blind eye and allowed it, going along with the "party" line instead of actually reading what they were signing and acknowledging the tit-for-tat that had to occur to get the ONE vote needed to pass without compromise so that it passed by more than one vote. That doesn't seem right to me. Doesn't it seem that there is something wrong with a piece of legislation when one person can hold an entire party hostage to get an "out?" And yet it seems no one cares. The headlines have been barely covering it.... no one seems to realize the underhandedness that is going on. I think a friend at work is right, there need to be term limits on senators and congressman. Our president has a term limit, so should they so instead of taking forever to go no where or worrying so much about being re-elected as opposed to actually doing a good job they can concentrate on making good decisions for our country.
I am really starting to think the government is too big brotherish now. I thought the point of the federal government was national security, primarily from outside entities. When did it become their job to determine every aspect of our lives? I think I have to read more on this whole tea part movement by the libertarians if only to support them so that there can be more diversity in the senate and congress so that "one vote" can't just be bought to get the job done. Maybe if we had three parties in congress and the senate it would actually require negotiation. Don't people realize it isn't about WINNING it is about doing what is right for everyone. Having some people not have to pay, entire states get to opt out, etc... that is not what we meant for congress to do. We meant for congress to come to a compromise where everyone gives in a little.
It is a scary time.
I am really starting to think the government is too big brotherish now. I thought the point of the federal government was national security, primarily from outside entities. When did it become their job to determine every aspect of our lives? I think I have to read more on this whole tea part movement by the libertarians if only to support them so that there can be more diversity in the senate and congress so that "one vote" can't just be bought to get the job done. Maybe if we had three parties in congress and the senate it would actually require negotiation. Don't people realize it isn't about WINNING it is about doing what is right for everyone. Having some people not have to pay, entire states get to opt out, etc... that is not what we meant for congress to do. We meant for congress to come to a compromise where everyone gives in a little.
It is a scary time.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Over a year
LOL, it may have taken awhile but I am finally taking the first step to printing some of my pictures from my trip around the world that occurred over a year ago now. Here is one of my time in France. It really was amazing. I wandered around this day, all on my own. It took me awhile, but I made it to the tower. Then it started raining when I was ready to leave. Let me say, I was soaked pretty quickly. I had so much fun until the rain started. But I did get some good pictures before then.Sunday, September 06, 2009
The short wish list
In trying to figure out how to start saving my money to buy stuff... I created a short list of things to buy:
- Landscaping for the backyard ($3000)
- A big TV ($1000)
- A Gun, according to Ben I need this ($500)
- Office furniture ($600)
- Car ($18,000 or whatever gives me a $250 car payment)
Why is stuff so expensive? :-(
- Landscaping for the backyard ($3000)
- A big TV ($1000)
- A Gun, according to Ben I need this ($500)
- Office furniture ($600)
- Car ($18,000 or whatever gives me a $250 car payment)
Why is stuff so expensive? :-(
The Cover Monster!
When I go to sleep, I love to be covered. In the summer or winter, I have to have blankets. Have you ever shared a bed with someone who gets really hot that they sleep on top of the blankets or without any at all, well at least at the beginning of the night...
Then you find that somehow, in the middle of the night, they become the "cover monster" and steal all of the blankets and sheets.
I don't really care, I don't get mad, I just find it hilarious. :-)
Then you find that somehow, in the middle of the night, they become the "cover monster" and steal all of the blankets and sheets.
I don't really care, I don't get mad, I just find it hilarious. :-)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
To Those of You Born 1930 - 1979
I received this forward from my aunt - if I ever have a kid, this is how they are going to be raised.
To Those of You Born 1930 - 1979
(Original Author Unknown)
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
F irst, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K..
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times,we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no person al computers, no Internet and no chat rooms
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were NO lawsuits from these ACCIDENTS. YES real ACCIDENTS.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ? ~
To Those of You Born 1930 - 1979
(Original Author Unknown)
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
F irst, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K..
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times,we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no person al computers, no Internet and no chat rooms
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were NO lawsuits from these ACCIDENTS. YES real ACCIDENTS.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ? ~
Arizona, Guns, and the National News
The local news reported that Arizona had made national headline news because of some protesters. These protesters were protesting President Obama as he was speaking to Veterans. What is sad, is I am not quite sure exactly what these protesters were concerned about. Was it Health care? Was it Gun Control?
Whatever it was got lost because of the 12 people who decided to demonstrate their constitutional right to bear arms. 12 individuals took their guns to the protest as a display of their civil rights. Arizona is an open-carry state. These individuals exercised their rights in a safe and responsible manner and they are receiving backlash for it.
They were not anywhere near the president, nor were their any reported incidents. Who is to say that the presence of these people didn't actually aid in a peaceful protest.
These demonstrators are not my concern. They are showing their guns and I can make a cognizant choice to avoid them or be wary of engaging them. The people who actually scare me are the individuals with illegally concealed weapons. The ones who break in to houses, or rob people at gun point. The individuals who do not follow the law. The real criminals who bear arms not to protect their homes or themselves but to harm others.
The large portion of the public feels the need to protect themselves. http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/05/19/2838754-should-loaded-concealed-guns-be-allowed-in-national-parks
As we continue to reduce police, fire, and other protective services budgets the responsibility falls on individuals to protect themselves and their families. As I have gained friends in law enforcement, and even reported on the news, at least locally.
http://www.kpho.com/news/19791931/detail.html
It seems that in violent home invasions, chances of surviving are increased if people fight back as evidenced by this woman.
http://www.abc15.com/content/news/centralsouthernarizona/other/story/Survivor-of-S-Arizona-home-invasion-shot-back-at/yEGMMHP470Sxf_xAkqNyrA.cspx
Don't you at least want the option to be able to protect yourself if your life ever feels absolutely threatened? Whether at home or on public lands? How dangerous is it to go to a grocery store nowadays? I know that I do everything I can to avoid putting myself in bad situations. Avoid parking by over sized vehicles, always scan the area around me, am suspicious of everyone.
However, all of that is only preventative, if in a real dangerous situation in my home or my car what true "defense" do I have? I am going to fight to the end, I do know that but many times fighting does no good when the criminal has a gun, knife, weapon of any kind because they KNOW as a law abiding citizen you have nothing to protect you and can take advantage of the situation.
Even with my alarm, the alarm company will call first to make sure you are okay, then after they try the three numbers on the account they call and dispatch the police. It takes police 3-5 minutes to get to a location (minimum!) when they know it is an active emergency. When it is an alarm being "tripped" they can't go gun blazing because they have no proof there is a problem so it typically takes more time for someone to get there and help. Even then, Police can't just come in guns blazing to save you, they have to assess a threat and then proceed. A lot can happen in 3-5 minutes.
Try it, sit there and literally count every single second... pause after each number to magnify the effect... because when you are pumped full of adrenaline and scared to death... those seconds seem like hours. Everything slows down... and those 3-5 minutes feel like hours especially if you are being hit, raped, or violated in anyway. In 3-5 minutes you could be dead!
Are you sure you don't want the option to have something to protect you? What would you chose to protect you? A tazer? Good luck with your aim you get one shot! A stun gun, good luck getting close enough if they have a gun or knife! Mace? If it gets on you first you are as disabled as the criminal, so what happens when there is more than one person? A baseball bat, you can do some damage, but again... if you don't take them out in one hit... now all you have did was piss them off. What is the solution? You shouldn't protect yourself? Just wait for the police?
How frustrated do you get when you have had to wait for the police when you get in a car accident? How are you going to feel when it is your life in the balance?
Sorry everyone, this is the real world. Everyone has the potential for good, but not everyone is good!
Whatever it was got lost because of the 12 people who decided to demonstrate their constitutional right to bear arms. 12 individuals took their guns to the protest as a display of their civil rights. Arizona is an open-carry state. These individuals exercised their rights in a safe and responsible manner and they are receiving backlash for it.
They were not anywhere near the president, nor were their any reported incidents. Who is to say that the presence of these people didn't actually aid in a peaceful protest.
These demonstrators are not my concern. They are showing their guns and I can make a cognizant choice to avoid them or be wary of engaging them. The people who actually scare me are the individuals with illegally concealed weapons. The ones who break in to houses, or rob people at gun point. The individuals who do not follow the law. The real criminals who bear arms not to protect their homes or themselves but to harm others.
The large portion of the public feels the need to protect themselves. http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/05/19/2838754-should-loaded-concealed-guns-be-allowed-in-national-parks
As we continue to reduce police, fire, and other protective services budgets the responsibility falls on individuals to protect themselves and their families. As I have gained friends in law enforcement, and even reported on the news, at least locally.
http://www.kpho.com/news/19791931/detail.html
It seems that in violent home invasions, chances of surviving are increased if people fight back as evidenced by this woman.
http://www.abc15.com/content/news/centralsouthernarizona/other/story/Survivor-of-S-Arizona-home-invasion-shot-back-at/yEGMMHP470Sxf_xAkqNyrA.cspx
Don't you at least want the option to be able to protect yourself if your life ever feels absolutely threatened? Whether at home or on public lands? How dangerous is it to go to a grocery store nowadays? I know that I do everything I can to avoid putting myself in bad situations. Avoid parking by over sized vehicles, always scan the area around me, am suspicious of everyone.
However, all of that is only preventative, if in a real dangerous situation in my home or my car what true "defense" do I have? I am going to fight to the end, I do know that but many times fighting does no good when the criminal has a gun, knife, weapon of any kind because they KNOW as a law abiding citizen you have nothing to protect you and can take advantage of the situation.
Even with my alarm, the alarm company will call first to make sure you are okay, then after they try the three numbers on the account they call and dispatch the police. It takes police 3-5 minutes to get to a location (minimum!) when they know it is an active emergency. When it is an alarm being "tripped" they can't go gun blazing because they have no proof there is a problem so it typically takes more time for someone to get there and help. Even then, Police can't just come in guns blazing to save you, they have to assess a threat and then proceed. A lot can happen in 3-5 minutes.
Try it, sit there and literally count every single second... pause after each number to magnify the effect... because when you are pumped full of adrenaline and scared to death... those seconds seem like hours. Everything slows down... and those 3-5 minutes feel like hours especially if you are being hit, raped, or violated in anyway. In 3-5 minutes you could be dead!
Are you sure you don't want the option to have something to protect you? What would you chose to protect you? A tazer? Good luck with your aim you get one shot! A stun gun, good luck getting close enough if they have a gun or knife! Mace? If it gets on you first you are as disabled as the criminal, so what happens when there is more than one person? A baseball bat, you can do some damage, but again... if you don't take them out in one hit... now all you have did was piss them off. What is the solution? You shouldn't protect yourself? Just wait for the police?
How frustrated do you get when you have had to wait for the police when you get in a car accident? How are you going to feel when it is your life in the balance?
Sorry everyone, this is the real world. Everyone has the potential for good, but not everyone is good!
Ugh Boys!
Have you ever noticed how an idea isn't a good idea until the guy thinks of it? No matter how many times you mention something or indicate you want to do something and try to put out feelers to see if others are interested, boys seem to go deaf. But when they come up with the same idea a short while later, it is a great idea and they are super excited and energetic and ready to plan the whole thing out. When you are ready to plan, they are ho-hum, yeah whatever. I am sick of it. That is why I have taken to doing things by myself. It just sucks that there is no one there to share the memories with to relive later. Grr... fine, you want me to plan. I am going to plan.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My letter to my congressman
Hello and good day,
I am writing to urge you to think very long and hard about the new health care reform proposals being presented to congress. I have been a lifelong democrat/liberal but with the growing debt, lack of demand by our party for personal responsibility, and now the continued reward for irresponsibility this additional legislation will provide is too much.
This legislation is not addressing the needs of the people who actually pay for their health care, which is what we are truly concerned about. Being denied services such as surgery, physical therapy, and medication because of health insurance bureaucracy is my problem. I am tired of paying... paying for the housing, food, bills, clothes, cars, and schools of irresponsible individuals who have no desire to help themselves and instead choose to live of the system. Buying drugs, or Nike shoes, new cars, houses they can't afford, etc, while as a responsible citizen who make educated and informed decisions to live responsibly must pay for their being without any say in how my income taxes (which are nearly 40% by the way) are spent and who gets my help.
Because I chose not to have children until I can afford them, I am taxed. Because Jane Doe knows she can get more money for each kid she has more. It is not about religion, it is not about abortion, it is about responsibility. The reality is, families cost this country more so they should be contributing more to our government and how it functions.
It is time for true equality. Equality of taxation and responsibility. Our Constitution states the "pursuit" of happiness is a right. I cannot pursue happiness because I am paying for the happiness of others who are not "pursing" anything. It is time for a straight across federal income tax that treats everyone equal. Not based on income, family size, or anything. To be equal would mean we are all treated the same by the government. What we have now is preferential treatment for the lowest non-contributing portion of society who are "exempt" from taxes.
During the election, Obama spoke of service. Write into the health care bill and any other bill that provides money to individuals who are "hard pressed" to earn it through service. How many government buildings, national parks, federal roads, state roads, public parks, private volunteer opportunities exist in this country. If people want something from the government, they should give back in anyway they can. Pick up trash for all I care. People can log and submit community service as payment for the services they receive, if they can't earn an income to pay taxes.
I am tired of the "riders" on bills so that they "get pushed through." I am tired of lobbyists and congress deciding things without public input. I am tired of problems not being addressed because of the double-dealing.
Tell me how, I can work toward a constitutional amendment that "bans" riders on bills.
Tell me how I can work toward a constitutional amendment that guarantees my right to bear arms so the bad guys are the only ones with guns.
I want to know how "we the people" can actually get things done to address problems instead of use a tit-for-tat method which helps no one and never addresses the problem.
I am writing to urge you to think very long and hard about the new health care reform proposals being presented to congress. I have been a lifelong democrat/liberal but with the growing debt, lack of demand by our party for personal responsibility, and now the continued reward for irresponsibility this additional legislation will provide is too much.
This legislation is not addressing the needs of the people who actually pay for their health care, which is what we are truly concerned about. Being denied services such as surgery, physical therapy, and medication because of health insurance bureaucracy is my problem. I am tired of paying... paying for the housing, food, bills, clothes, cars, and schools of irresponsible individuals who have no desire to help themselves and instead choose to live of the system. Buying drugs, or Nike shoes, new cars, houses they can't afford, etc, while as a responsible citizen who make educated and informed decisions to live responsibly must pay for their being without any say in how my income taxes (which are nearly 40% by the way) are spent and who gets my help.
Because I chose not to have children until I can afford them, I am taxed. Because Jane Doe knows she can get more money for each kid she has more. It is not about religion, it is not about abortion, it is about responsibility. The reality is, families cost this country more so they should be contributing more to our government and how it functions.
It is time for true equality. Equality of taxation and responsibility. Our Constitution states the "pursuit" of happiness is a right. I cannot pursue happiness because I am paying for the happiness of others who are not "pursing" anything. It is time for a straight across federal income tax that treats everyone equal. Not based on income, family size, or anything. To be equal would mean we are all treated the same by the government. What we have now is preferential treatment for the lowest non-contributing portion of society who are "exempt" from taxes.
During the election, Obama spoke of service. Write into the health care bill and any other bill that provides money to individuals who are "hard pressed" to earn it through service. How many government buildings, national parks, federal roads, state roads, public parks, private volunteer opportunities exist in this country. If people want something from the government, they should give back in anyway they can. Pick up trash for all I care. People can log and submit community service as payment for the services they receive, if they can't earn an income to pay taxes.
I am tired of the "riders" on bills so that they "get pushed through." I am tired of lobbyists and congress deciding things without public input. I am tired of problems not being addressed because of the double-dealing.
Tell me how, I can work toward a constitutional amendment that "bans" riders on bills.
Tell me how I can work toward a constitutional amendment that guarantees my right to bear arms so the bad guys are the only ones with guns.
I want to know how "we the people" can actually get things done to address problems instead of use a tit-for-tat method which helps no one and never addresses the problem.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
So much death
I wish I was better read or more well versed with the greatest authors so I could find some profound quote on death. Over the last few weeks, there seems to have been a number of "deaths" among "celebrities" in this world. Ed McMahon was followed by Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, the Oxy Clean guy (Billy Mays, a famous NFL quarterback was murdered (McNair), and now Walter Cronkite.
So much death... and all at in a condensed amount of time. This on top of 40 years ago today they landed on the moon, the economic crisis, the move toward socialized health care with a trillion dollar price tag to do it. The world is changing.
A former manager once told me that deaths of "good" people occurs when their energy and spirit are needed in the world to revitalize the earth's spirit and inject good back into the world. Many of these deaths have done that. Farrah's fight with Cancer brought people together. Jackson's dancing and music made us feel good and remind us to have fun. Billy Mays that life is too short and you have approach life with energy and gusto. McNair, that violence is sometimes unexpected and we all have to do our part to make the world a better place by living according to our highest morals. And now Cronkite.
I hope that Cronkite's death rejuvenates the field of journalism. Brings people back to the industry to provide real researched reporting, with less opinion and more fact. I hope it encourages reporters to again ask the hard questions whether they "support" a person or not, and actually especially if they support him or her. Ask those direct questions, because in this age of information overload, we need direct clear answers. We need someone who will not be afraid of looking bad by asking Obama why he hasn't written a bill to propose instead leaving it up to congress to do ALL the work. We need someone who is going to challenge the Republican party asking specific members WHY they are not for equal right in recognizing families differ and a "domestic" partner should be afforded the same right, and recognizing that will "rebuild" a home foundation with TWO parents because it will be allowed and accepted.
Someone who is going to challenge Senate committees, lobbyists and businessman to focus on a solution and do the research to bring to light all the "deals" that happen that aren't in the best interest of "the people." Who are aware of, inspire, and even demand that those with money and power are socially responsible and hold themselves to a higher ethical standard.
Walter Cronkite, I hope that your spirit goes out and brings honesty, integrity, curiosity, and a renewed vigor to seek out the truth in the field of Journalism.
So much death... and all at in a condensed amount of time. This on top of 40 years ago today they landed on the moon, the economic crisis, the move toward socialized health care with a trillion dollar price tag to do it. The world is changing.
A former manager once told me that deaths of "good" people occurs when their energy and spirit are needed in the world to revitalize the earth's spirit and inject good back into the world. Many of these deaths have done that. Farrah's fight with Cancer brought people together. Jackson's dancing and music made us feel good and remind us to have fun. Billy Mays that life is too short and you have approach life with energy and gusto. McNair, that violence is sometimes unexpected and we all have to do our part to make the world a better place by living according to our highest morals. And now Cronkite.
I hope that Cronkite's death rejuvenates the field of journalism. Brings people back to the industry to provide real researched reporting, with less opinion and more fact. I hope it encourages reporters to again ask the hard questions whether they "support" a person or not, and actually especially if they support him or her. Ask those direct questions, because in this age of information overload, we need direct clear answers. We need someone who will not be afraid of looking bad by asking Obama why he hasn't written a bill to propose instead leaving it up to congress to do ALL the work. We need someone who is going to challenge the Republican party asking specific members WHY they are not for equal right in recognizing families differ and a "domestic" partner should be afforded the same right, and recognizing that will "rebuild" a home foundation with TWO parents because it will be allowed and accepted.
Someone who is going to challenge Senate committees, lobbyists and businessman to focus on a solution and do the research to bring to light all the "deals" that happen that aren't in the best interest of "the people." Who are aware of, inspire, and even demand that those with money and power are socially responsible and hold themselves to a higher ethical standard.
Walter Cronkite, I hope that your spirit goes out and brings honesty, integrity, curiosity, and a renewed vigor to seek out the truth in the field of Journalism.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
What I did at work today
Below is a chronology of our experiments with Peeps, those fun colored sugar confections that appear every year around Easter. Remember, we were at work. :-) Here are the emails that summed up our experiments. Identities have been concealed to protect the innocent and integrity of the research.
Official experiment log and responses of the Peep-ologists at company XYZ
March 9, 2009
Entry 1: Initial Experiment 9:30AM
These are the official findings of the “Peep” in the Microwave experiment:
The peep was placed on a paper plate and inserted into the microwave on Medium High for 30 seconds.
There was little or no change in first ten seconds. The peep then began to “puff” up. It stayed rather small for another 5 seconds and then came the dramatic change. The peep become “engorged” and swelled to massive proportions. Seeping beyond the sugar coating and becoming roasted on the inside.
The peep was removed with about 5 seconds remaining.
After viewing the results of the experiment, the participants consumed the peep commenting on the fact that it tasted better than if it had not been “Nuked”. The real drawback to the flavor was that the outside sugar coating got hard and really tasted bad.
So, in conclusion, peeps are good roasted if you can do away with the sugar coating and they are great fun to watch them swell into a massive lump, particularly if you are with a great group of people!!
These official findings will never be published beyond this email. So, don’t go looking for it in a science journal!
Entry 2: News release 10:00AM
Breaking news...in an unprecedented scientific experiment, held in Funsville, USA, peep research specialist Wisp (2009) identified the molecular constitution of the wingless bird. While the Wisp (2009) research demonstrated the breaking point of a peep, further studies are necessary to determine if the Chick Peep's cousin, Rabbit Peep, is made of the same stuff. The lingering question: Will a rabbit peep crack under the same nuclear pressure?
Reference:
Wisp, P. (2009). Personal demonstration of peep show. Company XYZ Kitchen; 3rd Floor.
Entry 3: Competing Theory
Bardin, a burgeoning peep-ologist, theorizes that the Rabbit Peep research will yield similar results to the Chic Peep experiments, performed by Wisp in 2009, with one major difference. Bardin’s theory states that the shape of the Rabbit Peep, while being bombarded internally by microwaves, will expand in a manner that has a higher level of hilari-ous-itude than the Chic Peep. Plus, and perhaps more importantly, there is the finite possibility that the remains of the Bunny Peep will without explanation, end up cradled between two flat, flour based, crunchy confections, with a small bar of processed, hydrogenated, sweetened and solidified product of the coco bean, after which it will miraculously disappear.
Entry 4: Official Findings Phase I, March 9, 2009 10:30AM
The Rabbit Peep experiment brought about drastic changes in the development of marshmallow expansion.
The circumstances and preparations were all consistent with the “chick” peep test. The same temperature was used as was the same microwave, leaving little to question as to the final results.
The microwave was set on medium high for 30 seconds. The rabbit peep began to expand into a massive mess of marshmallow within five seconds. The experiment was stopped at 20 seconds as the peep expanded and began to shrink.
Participants were mixed in their judgment as to which peep tasted better!
Missing from both experiments was chocolate and grahams, which would have added a new dimension to the overall outcome of in this experiment of “Peepology”
Further experiments will be conducted to determine the merging ability of two different peeps. It could solve the age old question as to which came first the chick peep or the bunny peep and which will best stand the test of time!!
Entry 5: Future research
New Peep-ologists are looking to expand Peep research even further. One researcher stated, "I am so excited about this research and wish to join the research team with a new project. Flaming the 'Peep' over open fire."
Is there more to come? Only the future will tell.
Official experiment log and responses of the Peep-ologists at company XYZ
March 9, 2009
Entry 1: Initial Experiment 9:30AM
These are the official findings of the “Peep” in the Microwave experiment:
The peep was placed on a paper plate and inserted into the microwave on Medium High for 30 seconds.
There was little or no change in first ten seconds. The peep then began to “puff” up. It stayed rather small for another 5 seconds and then came the dramatic change. The peep become “engorged” and swelled to massive proportions. Seeping beyond the sugar coating and becoming roasted on the inside.
The peep was removed with about 5 seconds remaining.
After viewing the results of the experiment, the participants consumed the peep commenting on the fact that it tasted better than if it had not been “Nuked”. The real drawback to the flavor was that the outside sugar coating got hard and really tasted bad.
So, in conclusion, peeps are good roasted if you can do away with the sugar coating and they are great fun to watch them swell into a massive lump, particularly if you are with a great group of people!!
These official findings will never be published beyond this email. So, don’t go looking for it in a science journal!
Entry 2: News release 10:00AM
Breaking news...in an unprecedented scientific experiment, held in Funsville, USA, peep research specialist Wisp (2009) identified the molecular constitution of the wingless bird. While the Wisp (2009) research demonstrated the breaking point of a peep, further studies are necessary to determine if the Chick Peep's cousin, Rabbit Peep, is made of the same stuff. The lingering question: Will a rabbit peep crack under the same nuclear pressure?
Reference:
Wisp, P. (2009). Personal demonstration of peep show. Company XYZ Kitchen; 3rd Floor.
Entry 3: Competing Theory
Bardin, a burgeoning peep-ologist, theorizes that the Rabbit Peep research will yield similar results to the Chic Peep experiments, performed by Wisp in 2009, with one major difference. Bardin’s theory states that the shape of the Rabbit Peep, while being bombarded internally by microwaves, will expand in a manner that has a higher level of hilari-ous-itude than the Chic Peep. Plus, and perhaps more importantly, there is the finite possibility that the remains of the Bunny Peep will without explanation, end up cradled between two flat, flour based, crunchy confections, with a small bar of processed, hydrogenated, sweetened and solidified product of the coco bean, after which it will miraculously disappear.
Entry 4: Official Findings Phase I, March 9, 2009 10:30AM
The Rabbit Peep experiment brought about drastic changes in the development of marshmallow expansion.
The circumstances and preparations were all consistent with the “chick” peep test. The same temperature was used as was the same microwave, leaving little to question as to the final results.
The microwave was set on medium high for 30 seconds. The rabbit peep began to expand into a massive mess of marshmallow within five seconds. The experiment was stopped at 20 seconds as the peep expanded and began to shrink.
Participants were mixed in their judgment as to which peep tasted better!
Missing from both experiments was chocolate and grahams, which would have added a new dimension to the overall outcome of in this experiment of “Peepology”
Further experiments will be conducted to determine the merging ability of two different peeps. It could solve the age old question as to which came first the chick peep or the bunny peep and which will best stand the test of time!!
Entry 5: Future research
New Peep-ologists are looking to expand Peep research even further. One researcher stated, "I am so excited about this research and wish to join the research team with a new project. Flaming the 'Peep' over open fire."
Is there more to come? Only the future will tell.
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