Sen. Dodd Comments After the FISA Victory

Thank you Sen. Dodd. Thank you American citizens who are paying close attention and not willing to lose our government and constitution without a fight.

Jamie Leigh Jones - KBR Gang Rape ABC 20/20 Report

I don't even know how to comment

unreal Reality

via TPMuckracker:

The U.S. has just released 15 more Guantanamo Bay detainees, bringing the total number of detainees who have never been charged or tried to 485. This leaves approximately 290
detainees, of which the government plans to prosecute about 80 in military tribunals. A portion of the remaining 200 have been cleared for transfer provided some nation will accept them. 1 detainee has been convicted in the history of the Guantanamo system. (USA Today)

Despite the failures of the military tribunal system at Guantanamo,
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that his push to close the prison camp has run into “obstacles” from the administration’s lawyers and Dick Cheney. Cheney “opposes bringing detainees to the US under such a system, because they would receive greater legal rights.” (Financial Times)

I am having a really hard time dealing with the reality of what our country has become.


I am having enormous difficulty dealing with the reality that apparently no one really gives a shit except maybe some ACLU lawyers and a blog or two......


On a different note I just want to say thank you to my husband for helping me so much the past week - you are amazing

Henry Kravis makes $51,369 PER HOUR. You pay more taxes.

This is our America

Heckuva Job DHS! 5 Years of Corporate Cronyism

Let's take some time to connect the dots.....

take 7:07 mins to listen

Democracy v. Pad Thai

Last night I made Pad Thai for the first time. It turned out pretty well. I was happy because I love me some Pad Thai. yummy.

It is harder to find joy in things lately. You know why? I think I am depressed. and angry. confused. bitter. and totally f*cking scared.

And you know what the messed up part is?

I have every reason to be!!!!!

Its ridiculous that everybody isn't freakin out right now.

I know we Americans want to be comfortable. We want to concentrate on the here and now. How beautiful our child's face looks, or how fun a movie was, or how a favorite recipe turns out.

But we have stopped doing our duty. We have forgotten and/or ignored a very important gift our founding fathers and mothers gave us, because we would rather have someone take care of it. How can we be surprised?

Naomi Wolf writes in her book The End of America: Letters of Warning to a Young Patriot:

"It is not just the young who are disconnected from democracy's tasks at just the moment that the nation's freedoms are being dismantled; in my travels across the country, I have heard from citizens of all backgrounds who feel alienated
from the Founders' idea that they are the ones who must lead; they are the ones who must decide and confront and draw a line. They are the ones who matter. This book is written for them."

Yes it is true. A democracy only works if the people partake in it. And if we were truly being patriotic and living up to American beliefs we would at the very least be paying attention.

Yes, it is true that our media has decayed to a point of destructive blather. But it is also true that independent media is findable. Especially if you have access to internet or cable.

But the sticking part is that we have to look for it on our own. We must start finding and digesting information to make informed decisions as citizens. And the timing is crucial. Just ponder these facts:



We are heading into a major financial crisis.

Our administration is on the road towards war with Iran.

The Patriot Act, Military Commissions Act, (and most recently) The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act


Scary things are happening. A storm is coming to America and we have the chance to see it and prepare for it.

Information is the key

Please take time to research what is going on with our country. Watch Democracy Now! and visit its website. Get Current TV. Surf Youtube (you might see some freakin adorable cats as a side benefit). Watch the debates and realize how riCOCKulous they are. Demand more from your representative. Check out and read books from your library. Get involved and honor the premise of our country.

I will try to post more on my blog. I guess I will concentrate more on politics then personal issues. At the moment I think it is more important. I think this storm is going to suck big time and I really want my friends and family to be okay.

Peace.

Thanksgiving Feast

I'm a little late, but this youtube sums up life at the moment.....

Support the Writers!!

This explains the writer's strike PLUS gives us a mini Daily Show dose.....John Oliver yum

I recommend renting some videos (or get them from the library for free!) and watching "Dirty Jobs" until the strike is over. Let the studios know their channels ain't nuthin without writers.

Peace.

Ducks!

Pictures of ducks in Estes, and a silly critter.

These pics are for Oliva and Mia - we love you!!!!!!

Peace

Lee Camp Child Healthcare

damn kids.....

BOOOOOO!!

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! We certainly did. Last Sunday, Alex had a friend over and we carved pumpkins. The weather was so nice we carved them on the porch.

While Jeff and the girls carved, I was in the kitchen making cookies and toasting pumpkin seeds.

The seeds turned out pretty bad (it was a recipe for sweet & spicy pumpkin seeds I had never tried before). But my tried and true recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies came out great! I use dark chocolate chips and store them in the refrigerator - yuuuummmmy





Jeff made a kitty pumpkin for me (I am kinda spoiled that way)

Our pumpkins turned out really nice.

The next night I made pumpkin burgers (like sloppy joes) that turned really well. I didn't take a picture because that would be a little odd, but I highly recommend the recipe.

Otherwise, life is good for us. Well the house is still on the market - we have had some very interested buyers but both turned out to not qualify for enough financing. Selling your house is stressful, but selling your house in a crazy, messed up real estate market is pretty horrible.

Oh well, we will enjoy the winter/holidays and see what happens in the spring. I really do love this house, so I am glad we can spend Christmas here.......I am worried that high gas prices will continue to discourage people from wanting to live in our small town (I am hoping that rising crime will scare people out here - just kidding!).

And the really great news is that my grandfather is doing much better, thanks for everyones' warm thoughts!

Alex's very cute pumpkin all lit up.

Peace

The two talking cats

So far this Fall has been pretty damn stressful. So I am posting these kitties. This is basically how Jeff and I end our days....talking, snuggling, and commiserating.

VoteVets.org Ad on Rush Limbaugh

The Shock Doctrine by Alfonso Cuarón and Naomi Klein

Blah - I have had a cold for a couple days, and now Alex is sick.

Here is a interesting video by Naomi Klein. I saw her interviewed on Democracy Now! and it was quite interesting.

Rudy Giuliani: A Betrayal of Trust

Yep, the architects of "swift-boating" (ie the GOP) are now going to pay the price for lowering the bar.

Giuliani gives me the heebe geebees. The man is a authoritarian pariah.

Power v. Principle

From Taegan Goddard's Political Wire

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan "says the Republican party to which he has belonged all his life deserved to lose power last year for forsaking its small-government principles," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Greenspan delivers the withering critique in his memoir, The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World."

"In the book, scheduled for public release Monday, Greenspan writes that he advised the White House to veto some bills to curb 'out of control' spending while the Republicans controlled Congress. He says President Bush's failure to do so 'was a major mistake.' Republicans in Congress, he writes, 'swapped principle for power. They ended up with neither. They deserved to lose.'

"According to Bloomberg, Greenspan rips Bush "for pursuing an economic agenda driven by politics rather than sound policy, with little concern for future consequences."

Alan Greenspan will be on The Daily Show Tuesday Sept. 18th.

John Edwards - Response to President Bush

I have been pretty busy lately - so I giving some time to John. We do need to come down harder on Congress. Peace

Petraeus: "I Don't Know" if Victory Will Make America Safer

Does it matter anymore when spin influences politics and beliefs more than reality?

How can Americans not be really, really pissed off?

*sigh*

Remember the late 80's?

When our parents were trying to pretend like nothing was wrong, walking around with a smile plastered on their faces, while inside they were shitting bricks and hoping the savings account would get them through?

Well, now its our turn:

Check out these two lovely articles from BBC online

US jobs data shows surprise fall

US employers have cut back on jobs for the first time in four years, Labor Department figures for August reveal.

The Department of Labor said 4,000 jobs were cut in August, prompting the Dow Jones index to fall by 141 points in opening Friday trading in New York.

Market alarm spread because economists had anticipated data showing an increase of 110,000 jobs.

The statistics undermined those hopes and confirmed that recent market turmoil is hitting jobs.
Financial services firms are already laying off staff in the wake of the sub-prime mortgage debacle.

Hirings falter

The Department of Labor also cut its estimates for the number of new employees hired in June and July by a total of 81,000.

It's dreadful...it seems to me almost inevitable we're heading for recession
Analyst Michael Metz

The last time the US economy shed jobs was in August 2003 when the total number employed fell by 42,000.

The figures come in the wake of former Federal Reserve Bank boss Alan Greenspan comparing current market conditions to those preceding earlier crashes.

Michael Metz, chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer & Co in New York, reacted to the latest employment figures with gloom.

"It's dreadful...it seems to me almost inevitable we're heading for recession", Mr Metz said.

The figures will add to pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
Fed chairman Ben Bernanke has stated that he is prepared to act to prevent credit difficulties sparked by the sub-prime crisis from damaging the US economy.

and

Greenspan points to market 'fear'

Current financial turmoil is identical to that seen in earlier stock market crashes, Alan Greenspan has warned.

The ex-Federal Reserve boss compared today's situation to the crash of 1987 and the fallout from the near-demise of Long-Term Capital Management in 1998.

Anxiety over a global credit squeeze triggered by the US housing slump was driven by "fear", he said in a speech.

"The human race has never found a way to confront bubbles," he said, alluding to booms suddenly grinding to a halt.

'Identical behaviour'

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Greenspan - who headed the Fed between 1987 and 2005 - drew parallels in a speech in Washington with US financial panics down the years, driven either by a collapse in confidence in banks or land speculation turning sour.

The current turbulence is being driven by banks' unwillingness to lend until the full extent of their exposure to the troubled sub-prime mortgage market becomes clear, a situation which threatens to hurt the US economy and spread to other countries.

Fear as a driver, which is going on today, is far more potent than euphoria

Alan Greenspan

History of financial panics

The Federal Reserve has said sub-prime losses could total $100bn and is under pressure to cut interest rates later this month to make borrowing cheaper for banks and consumers.
"The behaviour in what we are observing in the last seven weeks is identical in many respects to what we saw in 1998 and what we saw in the stock market crash of 1987," Mr Greenspan said.
The remarks were made at a meeting in Washington organised by the academic journal Brookings Papers on Economic Activity.

1987 saw the largest one-day peacetime fall in the US stock market, when more than 20% was wiped off the value of the Dow Jones index of leading companies.

The collapse was triggered by the widespread fear that the US economy was set to slow after a period of feverish expansion, in which borrowed money, some of it high-risk, was used to fund huge takeovers.

The financial problems of Long-Term Capital Management, which caused consternation in the global derivatives market, were triggered by the Asian financial crisis of 1997, which spread to Russia and Brazil a year later.

Stock markets in the US recovered relatively quickly after both upheavals.


But our generation is so disillusioned and ironically bitter that we will survive (just like our parent's did only with twice as many drug addictions).

All I can say concerning the possibility of a recession is

"Bring it on, Mutha-scratcher!"

Peace.

New Orleans 2 yrs later

sign the petition here

We are letting our country's humanity and dignity disappear. Please help and become involved.

The only way to make change happen, to progress towards a better nation, is if we stand up and let our voices be heard.

Thank you & Peace.

Cucumber salad and asshole cops

Yea! Our cucumbers turned out delish!

I used them in a very simple cucumber salad recipe from Allrecipe.com. Try it, it is very simple and yum-may:

INGREDIENTS
cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon dried dill, or to taste

DIRECTIONS
Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl. Combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and pour over the cucumber and onions. Stir in dill, cover, and refrigerate until cold. This can also be eaten at room temperature, but be sure to allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour.

You won't be disappointed.

You will, however, be sickened by this story coming out of Canada

It turns out that Quebec police are now ADMITTING the men belonged to them. Holy Undercover Fascists, Batman!

From Democracy Now:

Canadian Police Admit Using Undercover Officers at Protest

In Canada, police in Quebec have admitted they used undercover police officers disguised as demonstrators during the recent protests against the North American leaders summit in Montebello Quebec. Police were forced to make the admission after a video posted on YouTube showed three masked men apparently trying to provoke the crowd and instigate violence. One of the masked men was carrying a rock. The masked men were caught on tape near a line of riot police during a non-violent protest led by union workers. Shortly after one of the union leaders accused the masked men of being police officers and provocateurs, the men pushed their way into a line of riot police. While the riot police handcuffed them, protesters noticed the men were wearing the identical boots as the riot police officers. On Tuesday, union leader David Coles first accused the masked men of being undercover police officers.

David Coles, union leader: We’ve got some peaceful protesters down there we’ve got to protect.

Unidentified woman: Not those people. They’re back in there. They crossed back into the police line.

David Coles: They’re trying to create a riot so that they can suck us all in to get beat up.

Unidentified man: And how do you know it’s a [inaudible] --

David Coles: He stopped us. I looked him in his eye and said, “You’re a cop, aren’t ya?” And his eyes just glazed right up. And I tried to take his mask off. We took it off. We got pictures. They’re provocateurs!The police in Quebec defended their actions saying the undercover officers were not acting as instigators and did not commit any criminal acts.

I am gonna go eat my cucumber salad b/c this world is just too insane.....

Peace.

This is Important

Please watch:



I know FOX News does not seem that influential to our generation. But I cannot stress enough how many Baby Boomers (and older) watch FOX News and believe its fear mongering nonsense.

I will go a step further and say it is a propaganda outlet for the generation currently running our country.

My parents do not watch FOX News (whew) but my in-laws certainly do, and they totally believe what they are being told. They are the people voting and talking politics in their communities, churches, and homes. We cannot let them lead our country into war with Iran.

As our generation finally begins to understand the world and our country's role in creating misery, inequality, and destruction - we are depressed and cynical (hello Prozac!).

But too much is riding on our actions and voices.

We cannot screw over future generations. (Although it is tempting because we have been royally screwed by the generation supposedly looking out for us)

But now we are going to have to suck it up and become active players in the world - politically and personally. Otherwise our kids won't even have the *luxury* to know we didn't fight for them. It will be too late.

I know this sounds dire - but frankly, it is.

Corporations and corrupt politicians are running our country into the ground. Democracy and patriotism have been reduced to propaganda buzzwords. As a generation, we need to take them back and have them mean something again.

We have tools to understand and filter information in the world. We need to use them. We cannot be selfish or lazy at this point.

An important first step is reclaiming the media. Find truly independent news resources (like Democracy Now!) and USE THEM.

Not many of us are watching news networks (Daily Show is the only mainstream outlet we got - and it is comedy, sigh) BUT we need to understand what is happen in our country in order to stop it. So use the freakin internets! Educate yourself, and our peers.

Also take a moment to sign the FOXATTACKS open letter to other networks asking them not to take us (and our parents) down the same BS road of invading Iran.

http://foxattacks.com/iran?utm_source=rgemail

Sure we are a bitter, unrepresented, powerless generation totally immersed in consumerism and celluloid "info-tainment" but ummmm,

we can change that.

Peace.

Garden pics!

We have been eatin some yummy veggies from the garden lately:

onions

cucumbers

carrots

And in the garden, our sunflowers are growing...

higher than Alex!

(We have been playing a lot of badminton this summer)

My basil is doing well, and I have been using it in meals quite a bit

I hope the tomatoes turn out

And the pumpkins should be big for Halloween

Enjoy the rest of your summer

Peace.

Now this is some Funny shite....

Historical Quote of the Day
from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire


"A moment I've been dreading. George brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the political one who lives in Florida. The one who hangs around here all the time looking shiftless. This so-called kid is already almost 40 and has never had a real job. Maybe I'll call Kinsley over at The New Republic and see if they'll hire him as a contributing editor or something. That looks like easy work."

-- Ronald Reagan in his recently published diaries, May 17, 1986.


Peace.

Ron Paul vs. Morton Downey Jr.'s audience 1988

For all you Ron Paul freaks out there........enjoy and have a hellva weekend.

The Flaming Lips The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

Adios, Karl.

This youtube is dedicated to you.

A busy week, I must say

Whew, I can't believe its been almost a week since I posted. A lot has been going on...

Monday August 6th was our 2 year wedding anniversary! Can you believe it? It has been frickin Won-der-ful. I cannot believe I lucked out and found Jeff (okay with a little help from D & K, thanks guys).

I have never experienced this level of relationship before. There is a human on this earth that I can be totally, genuinely, utterly MYSELF with. No pretense, no facade, no vanity.....just straight up Kristin Sue. I trust him with my hopes, fears, mistakes, dorkiness, and fragility. And he trusts me right back. Pretty damn amazing!

We went to the Blue Vervain as we do every year. It was really, really good. I love that tradition, heehee.

So we are a little older, wiser, freakier, and keep falling deeper and deeper for each other.

Kick-ass

This week we also spent some time with my niece Emily. Very, very fun going to Olde Tyme Photography and dressing up like 50's vixens. We also walked around Manitou, got some fudge and candy, and drank from the springs around town. We ate at Paninos and all was good with life.

Yesterday Alex started 6th grade!! Damn that girl is growing up quickly. She loves being a 6th grader and her teacher seems really cool. So she is happy (especially since she has a locker for the first time).

My daughter is a 6th grader!??!!

So we have been busy, busy, busy.

Tomorrow is D's wedding shower during the day, and going out on the town with the girls at night. Today all of us in the bridal party are going to the spa! Ahhhhh, yes.

Oh yeah, I also made pesto from the basil in my garden:

I had to use walnuts instead of pine nuts because I didn't feel like driving 20 mins to Safeway.

The pesto turned out yummy.

And I helped grow the basil!

Kick-ass

Hope everyone had a great week also

PEACE

Capitulation on FISA

This is my letter to Sen. Ken Salazar that I just sent today:


Obviously you do not take your promise to fight for Coloradans seriously.

I feel betrayed by your actions as my representative. Your vote shows your inability to understand how the executive branch misuse of power has *decimated* rural Colorado. If you cannot make the connect between the executive branch's complete and utter lack of compassion for the American people, and your capitulation of FISA then you should not represent us.

Because WE are the ones suffering from widespread corruption and loss of freedoms.

To vote yes on *any* bill that expands the powers of this Attorney General, is a slap on the face to us. You have ceded your last remaining legislative powers to the executive branch because of threats by Bush to keep you in session until you pass the exact FISA legislation he demands.

If you did not for see how this vote would effect your constituents and your integrity, then obviously you are out of touch with your own party and the wishes, beliefs, and ideals of America.

I am appalled and extremely frustrated by your lack of caring for the people you represent. I would suggest that you leave the politics of fear behind and instead trust in the Constitution and the crucial role of checks and balances in our government.



Salazar was one of 16 Senate Dems who gave into Bush's domestic wiretapping demands yesterday.

Shameful and appalling. This ceding of legislative power to the executive branch has major repercussions for all of us.

I would suggest looking into this matter and letting your voice be heard. If we don't get involved, we will all be screwed.

Especially our children. What kind of country are we leaving them?

Peace

Ha ha! Bill got schooled by Chris Dodd

Go Dodd! Stand up to lousy media.

Where's Obama and Clinton on this issue?



Edwards has made it clear that he thinks Fox News is crappy.



But Seriously folks.......



Go see the Simpsons Movie! It's awesome

Libertyville Abortion Demonstration

I think this really needs to be addressed. This is an important video in regards to the abortion debate. It also clearly shows the gap between religious beliefs and reason.

I have been blogging mainly about politics recently. Unfortunately the time is here to address political issues directly because they are severly impacting our lives. (middle class quality of life that is - they have been messing with the lower class for a lot longer)

The Sexiest Picture of Stephen Colbert EVER

The Sexiest Picture of Stephen Colbert EVER
Originally uploaded by No Fact Zone.net

It's Tuesday, I'm bummed out.

So I am posting a HOT picture of Stephen Colbert - Enjoy

I threw up a little in my mouth......

once again. Here's why:


From the November 8 broadcast of Fox News' The Radio Factor with Bill O'Reilly:


O'REILLY: Hey, you know, if you want to ban military recruiting, fine, but I'm not going to give you another nickel of federal money. You know, if I'm the president of the United States, I walk right into Union Square, I set up my little presidential podium, and I say, "Listen, citizens of San Francisco, if you vote against military recruiting, you're not going to get another nickel in federal funds. Fine. You want to be your own country? Go right ahead."


And if Al Qaeda comes in here and blows you up, we're not going to do anything about it. We're going to say, look, every other place in America is off limits to you, except San Francisco. You want to blow up the Coit Tower? Go ahead.

The face of Nazism and the KKK

according to Bill O'Reilly, I rival the Nazis and KKK in my hate because I am a member of The Daily Kos website.

I have been reading The Daily Kos for as long as I have been blogging (5 or 6 months?). Anywhoo, imagine my surprise when a tv pundit calls me a Nazi, KKK member............or worse.

I am extremely offended and appalled. Although my friends, family, and loved ones might have different political and religious beliefs than me, we share the same morals and values. The people who know me well might call me idealistic, naive, annoying, different, etc. But they would not compare me to a Nazi. Fascism, oppression, and totalitarianism make me weep. Openly, and more frequently in my soul, when I see the death, destruction, horror and pain that happens *daily* in our world.

Sooooo, a reasonable conclusion could be made that Bill O'Reilly is lying. In fact, he is.

It would appear that Fox News and Bill O'Reilly lie a lot. Because they like $$$. And the most effective way for them to make $$$ is to scare people. To insulate people. To have their viewers sooo paranoid that they will chose to blindly watch Fox News and never question the "facts" they are being given.

That is power folks.

Well, I for one am sick of it. (And yes, being compared to Nazis and the KKK was the last straw)

It is time to call Fox News and Bill O'Reilly on their lies and misinformation campaign.

If you do not like your sister, daughter, friend, lover, or blogger being called a hate-filled individual like the Nazis and KKK

.......or perhaps you are more offended by Fox News continually making "mistakes" such as this.

Then please go here to foxattacks.com . Watch the video, decided for yourself what is important in a media outlet, and start letting advertisers know you will not be shopping with them until they stop advertising on a program that lies about global warming and the environment.......................

and oh yeah - and calls Sisterfish a Nazi.

Peace.

Back-Talk #2 DOJ Scandal and Impeachment

Confused? Watch this.

Then contact your representatives (even if it is Lamborn *sigh*). A quick email or phone call actually DOES make a difference. Everybody just needs to take the time. We can't give up on America. Thank you.

Ask A Ninja Special Delivery 4 Net Neutrality

A good way to understand Net Neutrality. A really important issue for anyone using the series of tubes known as the internets.

Gotta Wake Up....

From an article on Firedoglake by Christy Hardin Smith:

The nation’s founders lived through the upheaval of a revolutionary war and watched the European continent erupt in petty battles over territories that had been long-coveted by a few monarchs across the continent for centuries. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the nation’s laws were designed as a stop-gap against tyranny. From Scott Horton in Harper’s:


As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, on September 18, 1787, a certain Mrs. Powel shouted out to him: “Well, doctor, what have we got?,” and Franklin responded: “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Like many of the Founding Fathers, he was intensely concerned that the democratic institutions they were crafting would deteriorate over time. In particular, they were concerned—and talked ceaselessly during the convention about the risk that, under pressures and exigencies of war, a tyrant would collapse their system into something closer to the monarchy that they had just defeated. Over the intervening 220 years, the republic has maintained itself, though not without close calls. And today, while we face what may be the gravest challenge in the nation’s history, our media will serve up the next chapter in the life of Paris Hilton.

Near the close of the Second World War, Learned Hand–a man who embodies everything that constitutes a good citizen, a great judge and a patriot–made a powerful speech at the Great Lawn in Central Park. “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women,” he said, “when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. While it lies there it needs no constitution, no law, no court to save it.” This observation may be obvious, but it is an obvious truth which at this point goes unstated. Our Constitution and values will only survive the present onslaught if we remain conscious of them and recall the great cost at which they were secured. The current events are far more momentous than some partisan political struggle. For the next generation of Americans, they will define what this country has become.

We all need to get involved before our collective apathy has won (has it already? some days it feels like it).

The simplest way to get involved?? Call or email your representative and let your voice be heard. It is simple and easy.....and it is why we have representation.

C'mon now, if you truly like this country we all live in, it is time to become involved. No more excuses.

Are you ready freddy? Great, then click here and start voicing your opinions, frustrations, and hopes for our country.

Ben Franklin double dog dares you.

Peace.

How come

.....the sh%t is hitting the fan, and no one is noticing the horrible smell in the room? Seriously. It is a bit worrying that no one is freaking out. Because it is some pretty nasty sh%t, and it effects all of us. Apparently the mainstream media doesn't have a sh%t detector, which is crazy since its job is suppose to be to spotlight sh%t going on in our country so we stay informed.

Here is an excerpt from Firedoglake today:

Our Media Is Missing the Story of the Century

As the New York Times lead editorial recognized Sunday, the Bush White House is now in complete and open defiance of all lawful Congressional efforts to hold the executive accountable for misconduct and possible crimes committed by members of the White House staff. Just as Bush claimed he had an inherent right to disregard Congressional statutes (e.g., FISA, the Geneva Conventions, signing statements) and the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, or to cover up WH complicity in crimes (via commuting Scooter Libby’s prison term), the President is now claiming he can ignore any Congressional oversight of White House misconduct.

I’ve almost given up waiting for the media’s most public faces to express outrage over what is happening. The Administration has so systematically undermined the Constitution’s established checks and balances and means of accountability via Congressional and judicial oversight that there is virtually nothing left to check their lawless excesses except impeachment and removal from office. Fielding’s moves suggest that Bush and Cheney just want to “bring it on.”

The traditional media can’t seem to get their heads around how dangerously unAmerican this is and how serious a threat it poses to our constitutional framework. And there are too many in the media like the editorial writers at the Washington Post who pretend that the Administration might be more cooperative if only the Congress would be less insistent and simply offer the WH a face-saving compromise.

So I’m going to appeal to whatever remaining instincts the journalists in our media might still have as news people, and as Americans. There’s a story here, folks; a really big story. The details may be hard to follow, but the basics are simple: we are already deeply into a constitutional crisis deliberately provoked by a brazenly lawless Administration, a regime that is violating the laws with impunity because it regards itself as above the law, and a regime that is openly daring Congress to impeach it. Can any of you smell a story here?

All I can say is this sh%t really stinks! Don't we want to address it?

Peace.

Dead Milkmen - Nutrition

A song to supplement my previous rant.

MSNBC: 75 PERCENT OF AMERICANS OVERWEIGHT BY 2015

Here is the MSNBC article.

It states:

If people keep gaining weight at the current rate, fat will be the norm by 2015, with 75 percent of U.S. adults overweight and 41 percent obese, U.S. researchers predicted on Wednesday.

A team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore examined 20 studies published in journals and looked at national surveys of weight and behavior for their analysis, published in the journal Epidemiologic Reviews.

“Obesity is a public health crisis. If the rate of obesity and overweight continues at this pace, by 2015, 75 percent of adults and nearly 24 percent of U.S. children and adolescents will be overweight or obese,” Dr. Youfa Wang, who led the study, said in a statement.

Can we address this issue in the same manner we address other issues that threaten the health and happiness of Americans? ie Terrorism

Why is it that we are not taking a serious look at WHY obesity is a public health crisis? Is it that we are really that ignorant that we believe that being overweight is just because someone doesn't have enough will-power or stamina?

That is ridiculous! And by feeding into that utter insanity we are not bothering to look at the ACTUAL causes and problems.

Our food supply SUCKS

Fast food really SUCKS and is affordable - especially for poor people

Corporations like Sam's, Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway, etc - want consumers to consume. DUH They don't give a rat's patoody about our health or the ramifications of selling us huuuuge portions.

AND to top it off we are lulled into a comatose state with TV, video games, the internets

I am the first to admit that I am no better than anyone else. I frickin love Taco Bell, Cable TV, and sittin on my ass.

But at least I am pissed off and frightened about my health and the health of my love ones. So it is incredibly hard (I ain't gonna lie), but now fast food is the exception, we limit our TV time, and I try to read as much as possible about food choices and the crap in the food we eat.

I really recommend What to Eat by Marion Nestle and Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food by Eric Schlosser.

It's not a matter of being "weak" or "lazy" that we are over-weight. It is a matter of ignorance and lack of time in our lives. We all need to take responsibility for our health....the first important step is educating ourselves.

No fad diets, no guilt inspired memberships to Curves that never get used.......I am talking about going to the library, bookstore, internet and feeding our brains first.

Once our brains are on board, our bodies will be happier and much more amendable to eating better portions, exercising, and stepping away from the pharmaceuticals.

This is OUR public health crisis.

Peace

Up All Night with Sen. Tom Harkin

Confused about what is happening in Congress? Noticing how the Mainstream Media is labeling this "Political Theater". IT'S NOT THEATER. Its the Democrats in Congress trying to let YOU, the people, know the situation.

Republicans are refusing to publically voice their position on the war. And they are using spin and as much "Political Theater" as possible to keep you misinformed.

Bullshit on that!

ABBA - 1980 Super Trouper

My daughter, Alex, has been at her cousins this past week - and her dad's this weekend. I miss her!

So I am sharing some ABBA in honor of Alex. She is a serious ABBA fan......and a Super Trouper!

My Trees

Its a small step for me, but I love my lemon and lime trees. I am not a house plant type. ESPECIALLY since I have never bought one. Thus, if I am ever in a position to take care of one I get really resentful. I never asked for that kind of responsibility! Fortunately my husband understands and waters his own plants.

However, I did buy my trees and I love them. And now they are starting to show fruit!! Check this crazy shit out:

Can you see the lime in the upper right?

Baby limes

Almost there!

Budding lemons

Ahhhh, I love them. I do not resent them in the slightest.

On another note, Jeff and I went hiking on the lower Barr Trail yesterday. The switchbacks kicked....my....ass. I dunno why I choose a freakin hard trail because I am a NOVICE. Oh well, we still had fun. And I like it when Jeff looks out for me (um, hon, your face is bright red and you are breathing like a bull in heat. You might want to stop for a while).

I am still doing my 3 mile power walk at the Paint Mines every morning, so hopefully I will be in better shape by the end of this summer.

****UPDATE********************************************************

Some rascally varmint stole the lime from my tree! It's gone! That sucks the big one. Stay tuned to see if any other lemons and/or limes survive!

*********************************************************************

PEACE.

Michael Moore Rips Wolf Blitzer/CNN

Amazing how Michael Moore can piss off so many people (who most likely haven't even seen his movies).

He's right, CNN, FAUX NEWS, the Networks....are not journalists. They are shills working for the corporations that run them.

If this exchange makes you uncomfortable - perhaps it is because as a society we have been lulled into thinking that the media's job is to provide the answers, fears, positions for all of us.

Bullshit! The media is suppose to report the FACTS and unbiased information which leads to DEBATE. Something that is hard to do with a TV.

We all need to wake up.

Rollins on impeachment

Give it up for Rollins - I love you too, man.

Still breathing (part II)

The lake was fun - but I need to finish up my vacation diary.

After our life changing excursion in the Redwoods we headed up the coast to the house my folks had rented. My parents had encouraged us to stop at the sea lion caves if we had the time. We got there 15 minutes before they closed. It was really cool. They had an outside platform where you could look down at all the sea lions on the beach. There was a lot and they seemed pretty content hanging out in the sun.

Next we took an elevator 208 feet down into the sea lion cave. It was loud, and stinky, and awesome. All those sea lions! Their cave was huge and amazing, and they were all piled on top of each other enjoying the scene. Another extraordinary experience for us.

Sea Lion Caves in Florence, Oregon

We got to my parents elegant vacation house on the rocky, Oregon beach. It was very nice to not be in a hotel! We got some local grub. Fish & Chips and clam chowder. excellent

The next morning we were looking through the industrial size telescope my parents brought (haha) and we saw whales!!!! Beautiful. When you see creatures so majestic and different from yourself, it puts your life in perspective. We all liked the whales a lot :) We also saw some starfish clinging on the rocks through the telescope. I like starfish.

That day we continued up the coast to our next rental place in Netarts, Oregon.

We stopped at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Lots to see......huge crabs, starfish, jellyfish, puffins, too friggin-cute-for-words otters, an octopus, seals, and lots of FISH. Another great place to visit. We got some cool video that hopefully we will put on youtube some day.

A couple miles down the road was The Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center at OSU. Very educational and fun. I got to touch a starfish!!

We got to our next residence and it was very nice. Alex got to sleep up in the loft, and Jeff and I had a bedroom with huge picture windows showing the ocean. Loved it!

A short path led to the beach and we hung out there quite a lot. We even built a swanky sandcastle.

It was too cold to go swimming in the ocean. But just getting our legs wet and exploring the beach at high and low tide was awesome.

The next day we went to the Tillamook Air Museum . A must see museum if you are into airplanes, blimps, WWII, history, or beautiful buildings. I really liked this museum, so did Jeff & Al.

Next stop the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory. We saw the cheese being cut, packaged, etc and had some yummy, yummy ice cream.

The next day we took some time to relax and chill out. We saw the Cape Meares Lighthouse and the Octopus Tree. Just some more sights to blow our minds and make us feel wondrous.

Finally it was time to head home. This time we took the shorter route.

(We drove through Portland. I would love to go back and visit Portland again.)

As we were driving through Oregon we saw the signs for Bonneville Dam. Jeff wanted to stop and I was cool with that. I had no idea what an informative and interesting place the visitor center would be. We got to see fish, some quite huge, going up the steps to the other side of the dam. They have windows in the lower level of the building, underneath the water, to see the fish swim by. The dam was a visual rush of course. They also had a fish hatchery with a 10 foot sturgeon!!! Freakin Awesome!!!

By then we were happy and exhausted and headed home. We had such a cool vacation. What a good feeling to see other places, and learn so much about other creatures, history.......and ourselves.

Visit Oregon!

My (early) Fourth of July Post

We are going to the lake tomorrow, so I wanted to post a bit of relevant history:


"We may congratulate ourselves that this cruel war is nearing its end....But I see in the future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war. God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."

Abraham Lincoln, "Letter to Col. William F. Elkins, Nov. 21, 1864"


Twenty-two years later was the landmark Supreme Court decision Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad.

However, corporations are not "persons" they have no soul or ethical conscience.

We have seen our government become corrupt and self-serving.

Instead of waving flags or idolizing politicians this 4th of July.....let us study history, understand our Constitution, and take action to preserve the integrity of The United States of America.

Thank You & Peace.

And........breathe (Part 1)

Well, we are back from a friggen AWESOME vacation. I can't get over how wonderful it was. We did so much cool stuff and it went so smoothly. Driving 3000 miles in the family car could have produced some scary results, but amazingly enough no one had a meltdown. Okay Jeff and I got a bit cranky at times, but Alex was incredible. No complaints, no whining. She was a role model for us.

My favorite part of the trip was walking on the beach. My folks renting very cool houses on the beach for our stay. You just walked down to the ocean. I really, really loved it.

We started off driving through Colorado to Wyoming. We stayed the night at Rawlins and it sucked. Then we drove through Utah and Nevada. We spent the night at Sparks, Nevada which was much better. On to California where we took the highway from hell across the mountains and we went to Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park was very beautiful and informative for geeks like us.

We arrived in Eureka, CA and spent the night. It seemed like an odd town, we didn't get a chance to explore it much because we were off on our mighty road trip up the coast on Highway 101.

We stopped the first chance we got to get up close and personal with the ocean.

Next stop: REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK!!!!

So breath-taking. So beautiful. So ENORMOUS!!!

We hiked up to a beautiful waterfall and met a very smart ranger. It was profoundly extraordinary.

We bought the Dr. Seuss book "The Lorax" and read it as we drove through. Okay, I know that is geeky. But it is one of my favorite books, and the story fit perfectly with the mind blowing experience that is The Redwoods. We are going back someday, some way.

Well, I am going to stop here for today. But there is much, much, more to come!!!

Stayed tuned.

Peace