Bringing Hope

Although the FBI reports that murders nationwide have 'leveled off', a Northeastern University study suggests quite the opposite for the black youth. Although the complete study will be released next Monday, some of the statistics which have been reported are alarming. For example, last year "426 black males between the ages of 14 and 17 were killed in gun crimes", which is up 40% from 2000. "An estimated 964 in the same age group committed fatal shootings in 2007 — a 38 percent increase from seven years earlier". Northeastern criminologist James Alan Fox, who co-authored the study, commented, "there is an urgency for reinvestment in children and families. In essence, we need a bailout for kids at risk."

My Take: This is a horrific trend, which seems to only be getting worse. The author's of this study suggest that is the Bush's administration's fault for moving funding away from 'hometown security' to 'homeland security'. What?!? This is not about government funding, money could not solve this issue. This is about families. This is about parenting. You can not blame the government for something you can't take care of on your own, in your own home. Bill Cosby, in his controversial speech, said "if there was parenting, he wouldn’t have picked up the Coca Cola bottle and walked out with it to get shot in the back of the head. He wouldn’t have. Not if he loved his parents. And not if they were parenting! Not if the father would come home. "

Barack Obama reiterated the same concepts in his Father's Day Speech, where he said "We know the statistics - that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison." He gave suggestions to the congregants on how to improve these unacceptable situations, the first was by setting an example of excellence for the children. "If we want to set high expectations for them, we've got to set high expectations for ourselves." This example of excellence is one reason I am excited he did win the election, and will be the 44th President of the United States. What better example of being an involved and loving husband and father, setting a 'high expectation' for himself and achieving it. I hope and pray that this will make a difference in the lives of the black youth, and that in 10 years from now, Northeastern University will have better statistics to report.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for making this past year more interesting, and challenging me to learn more! It has been a GREAT year! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

One more reason to hate President Bush

Behind the major media's and American public's back, President Bush and the power-hungry Vice President Cheney 'have waged a clandestine operation inside the White House' which has involved thousands of our troops and private Presidential meetings kept of his public calendars. What has been their top-secret effort that they didn't want public attention for?

Read Here and comment on your thoughts.

Pull out your SPF!

WARNING! This post may contain insane rantings of a biologically uneducated mom. Proceed at your own risk.

The sun may have an effect on our climate. Shocking, I know. Disturbing, I understand. Stop hyperventilating, let me explain. The sun, the ultimate source of light and heat for our solar system, also has cycles and systems and 'climate changes'. These changes can in turn effect our cycles, temperatures, and 'climate changes'. Many aspects of the sun may effect these changes such as sunspots, solar winds, solar magnetic fields. The solar output is considered one of the extraterrestrial factors that effects 'global warming'. Now, I am not talking about E.T.-phone-home, it is referring to outside-earth-contributors. Others listed were variations in the Earth's orbital characteristics, and interstellar dust. There are also a variety of internal factors, such as: volcanic emissions, continental drift, atmosphere/ocean heat exchange, surface reflectivity, atmospheric chemistry-including the fabulously trendy carbon dioxide variations.

Before you discount me as a lunatic and burn me at the stake, (which would be bad for our environment), let me assure you I am not attempting to single-handedly discredit Al Gore after the debate is obviously over regarding global warming. I am humbly, and merely suggesting there are more causes for the cyclical changes of our earth. And that the human contribution to these astronomical events is most likely minimal. Why on earth would we assume we have the absolute power of controlling the temperatures, tide levels, ice caps, etc? However, I do believe in doing our parts to keep our earth clean, minimize pollution of air, water, and land. As it has been mentioned before, we are stewards of this earth, and will be held responsible for our actions.

A few articles I read here, here, and here.

New Gambling Cushion

The Nevada Gaming Commission Control Board has approved a new measure which will be applied to all Casino's and Gambling facilities, beginning January 1, 2009. This measure was in response to the recent financial crisis which is hitting Las Vegas and Reno particularly hard. There are several controversial items within the Cushion measure which have raised major opposition from Casino owners. Peter Bernard, Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, responded with the age-old saying "Desperate times call for desperate measures". These are several of the 'desperate' measures:

• Casino's, and any gambling institutions, are required to provide each occupant a minimum of $50 to begin play. "This allows all those who want to gamble, the opportunity." said Bernard. "We don't want to exclude or discriminate anyone who is willing to participate." It also provides an opportunity to finance any spending above the initial $50.


• If a gamer loses everything, he is considered a "bankrupted player", his debt is wiped clean and he is extended another $50 to try again. A player can be considered 'bankrupt' up to three times, then he will no longer be eligible for the $50 beginning bonus, but he is allowed to try again in another establishment. Peter Bernard would like the slogan for Las Vegas to be changed to "Failure is not an option in Vegas".


• If a gamer is considered a "successful player", meaning he has made more than what he has put into the game, he will be taxed on his earnings. The tax will begin at 60%, and will gradually escalate as the earnings get higher. Half of the collected tax will be used to break even the "bankrupted player's" losses, while the other half will be collected by the Nevada Gaming Commission, who has sole authority to determine where the remaining money is spent.

The Nevada Gaming Commission felt that these measures among more, which are included in the Gambling Cushion guidelines, are necessary to level the playing field and remove the risk. Dennis K. Neilander, Chairman of the Gaming Control Board feels that when there is risk, there will be losers. "Gambling in Nevada always had it's risks. That is what we're trying to eliminate. Sure, some players may win. But at the end of the day, there are losers, and we just can't let them leave Nevada feeling like that."

Have you heard?

Before

After

Friday, December 12 while some women and children were working on scrapbooking and crafts in the late evening, the fire alarms sounded at the "Wasilla Bible Church". All the occupants were evacuated safely, but the building suffered around $1 million worth of damage. Federal officials have determined that accelerants were found around the exterior. Currently, there have been no determinations if it is connected to Sarah Palin. She reportedly commented to the Assistant Pastor that "she was sorry if the fire was connected to the 'undeserved negative attention' the church has received since she became the vice presidential candidate Aug. 29."

My Take: Have you heard about this story? I have watched CNN for the past 3 days and also the national nightly news and have not heard more than a quick closing remark. "Oh by the way, Sarah Palin's church suffered fire damage over the weekend....Now for the Person of the Week". I would like to pose this obvious question, what if it was heaven forbid, Pres. Elect Obama's former church, Trinity United Church of Christ? What would the press coverage be then? Both of their churches were in the news during the campaigns, both controversial for different reasons. Yet, someone deliberately sets Sarah Palin's church, which she still attends, on fire while people were present, and there is little outcry. Even the congregants and Pastors have given few interviews, made zero accusations, and have not demanded more press attention. They have quietly continued worshipping in a nearby high school, and began raising funds to rebuild their damaged 2 1/2 year old building. What a sad event for a small, close-knit community, which deserves more interest than a one-lined filler story between Gov. Blagojevich and more cabinet positions being filled. I am actually frustrated with myself for giving attention first to the "McCain's non-endorsement of Sarah Palin", rather than something actually newsworthy. I am only human.

Pseudo-Slam for a Non-Candidate

In a flurry of news reports, a big headline this morning is "McCain Declines to Back Palin for 2012". WHAT?!?! Old Man Winter isn't going to endorse the Veep candidate he was 'so proud of'? He thinks she's incompetent? He is now blaming her for his Presidential loss? She would be the hand basket that would bring this country to hell?

Is this what he is saying?!?!?

No.

In his actual words he said in response to the question if Sarah Palin could count on his support in 2012, "I can't say something like that. We've got some great other young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party." He continued his slams against his former running-mate by saying she 'invigorated the campaign' and he has "great appreciation for her and her family". He continued his non-endorsement by saying "Have no doubt of my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability, but at this stage, again ... my corpse is still warm, you know?" According to the witch doctor in Princess Bride, McCain is just a 'mostly dead' corpse.

My Take: Palin isn't running, yet. Who knows if, in her words, that 'door will open' for her. It is in 4 years and the President Elect hasn't even taken office!!! Why on earth would the media be asking him about whether or not he would endorse a former running mate, who may or may not be running!? And if he did give her a ringing endorsement, come four years if she is running, he is locked in. He can't change his mind, even though 4 years has transpired, without being labeled a flip-flopper. I think McCain did a fabulous job not completely answering the ridiculous question, complimenting Palin and yet leaving the door open for much better candidates. (He mentioned Tim Pawlenty and Jon Huntsman.) Then directing the attention where it needs to be, on the next 4 years and working with the 44th President, Barack Obama. He said it best: "I think we should try to be working constructively together...Will there be areas of disagreement? Of course. We are different parties and different philosophy. But the nation wants us to unite and work together". (Article Here)

Getting the boot

President George W. Bush has become great at dodging things. I doubt he thought he'd ever have to dodge a pair of shoes. Muntazer al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist based out of Cairo, hurled not one, but two shoes at President Bush's head while shouting in Arabic, "This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" during a press conference in Iraq. Throwing shoes is almost an unforgivable sign of disrespect in the Arab world, and images were seen of Iraqi's throwing their shoes at Saddam statues after being liberated from his tyranny. Iraqi officials condemned his act, and asked his employer, al Baghdadiya television, for his resignation. Those close the reporter has stated he has "always hated President Bush" and has made several disparaging comments about the U.S. President Bush referred to the incident as a 'bizarre moment' and said he 'is not insulted'. Even while coming up from the first-shoe-ducking, he had his cowboy smile on his face.

My take: When I first saw it, I laughed. It was too preposterous to be true! A shoe? Really? Then after watching it being replayed on every news station, I found it very sad. A few thoughts occurred to me. First, although it is most likely the reporter used his shoe to display an Arabic tradition of shame, I also think there is a possibility there was a little less to it. All the reporters must have gone through security, and could not bring any questionable items. Not that I think he would bring a weapon in, but I think he would be limited to what he was wearing for items to throw. And his jacket or tie wouldn't make it to the podium. Shoes seem the logical choice for aerodynamics and speed. I doubt that was his main reason, but who knows.

Secondly, and most importantly, the really important story is being missed here! What was Bush doing over there in the first place? To visit the troops one last time before leaving office, and to sign the US-Iraq security agreement which Bush's National Security Adviser, Stephen Hadley has described as "a unique [pact] in the Arab world because it was publicly debated, discussed and adopted by an elected parliament." He continued, "the trip proved that the U.S.-Iraq relationship was changing with Iraqis rightfully exercising greater sovereignty and the U.S. in an increasingly subordinate role." According to the A.P., "the bilateral agreement calls for all American troops to be withdrawn by the end of 2011, in two stages. The first stage begins next year, when U.S. troops pull back from Baghdad and other Iraqi cities by the end of June." I see this as a huge step, not just for the U.S. but also for Iraq. Why is this not the lead story? I could see it now... "Bush signing a 'time-table for withdrawal'". The "Shoe Incident" might be today's headlines, but the reason behind President Bush's trip is much more significant and should be more recognized.

Welcome to the U.S...S.R?

The House passed the Auto-Bail Out last night, which now moves on to the Senate. This bill would grant the big 3 auto companies $14 billion, and create the new position of "Car Czar". What's that, you say? A "Car Czar"? Were we transported to the 18th Century Russia? The Car Czar will provide the necessary oversight of the three automakers, can force them into Chapter 11 bankruptcy if they don't meet the requirements, and aid in business restructuring. Who could serve as Car Czar? Here are a candidates that have been suggested:

Michael the Rich: As current mayor of New York City, he is a savvy businessman and listed as Forbe's 8th Richest American. He is a switch hitter, both Republican and Democrat, that is. He has explained his 'fiscal conservative'-ness in this way: "means improving the efficiency of delivering services by finding innovative ways to do more with less" and "And most importantly, being a fiscal conservative means preparing for the inevitable economic downturns — and by all indications, we've got one coming". (2007)

Mitt the Great...Turnaround: Former Presidential Candidate, Former Governor of Massachusettes, Former Chairman of the Salt Lake Olympics, Former VP of Bain & Co., Former... lots of things. While leading a spin off company, Bain Capital, their average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was 113 percent. In 1990, Bain & Co. was facing financial collapse. As CEO, Romney managed an effort to restructure the firm's employee stock-ownership plan, real-estate deals and bank loans, while increasing fiscal transparency. Within a year, he had led Bain & Company through a highly successful turnaround and returned the firm to profitability without layoffs or partner defections.(reference) He is also known for the great turnaround of the SLC Olympic Games, which before he arrived was under corruption investigation and was close to an embarrassing collapse. He turned it around, with a high revenue of $100 million, and donated his salary to charity.

Iacocco
+

Michael J. Jackson
+

Henry Kissinger?

Iacocca-Michael J. Jackson-Kissinger Combo: According to automotive insider, Jack Young, this would be the perfect combination of qualities. He stated, "the ideal candidate would possess the manufacturing skills of Lee Iacocca, former president and CEO of Chrysler, who is credited with reviving the company; have the retail abilities of Michael Jackson, CEO of AutoNation, the largest chain of auto dealerships in the country; and have the diplomatic skills of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to negotiate with the auto unions "to realign and restructure their compensation and benefits package to enable domestic manufactures to be competitive."

I am against the Auto-Bailout, just as I was completely against the Financial Bailout. And how is that 'necessary piece of legislation' working out? Don't know what the companies are doing with the money? Sect. Paulson isn't using it for what was promised? Is anyone surprised!?!? Why on earth do we believe this will save the car companies? Is it because there will be over-sight from a CAR CZAR?!?!? I think the language used is foreshadowing of upcoming years of our free-market system. It is not coincidence that a communistic term 'czar' is being used, because a communistic theory is being applied! Although I think that the names floating around of who would be the Car Czar would be great assets to help these failing companies, it should NOT be a governmental position!

Christmas Carol

Blagojevich is Going to Jail!

In the tune of 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town!'

You better watch out,

Your phone has a bug.

There is little doubt,

You're a narcissistic thug.

Blagojevich is going to jail!

He screwed the Tribune

And eventually the Cubs

A Children's Hospital

Also got his snub.

Blagojevich is going to jail!

He looks like Erik Estrada

But Elvis is his man.

Obama's seat brought him nada,

But to be thrown in the can!

Oh, he better watch out

He has no friends.

Will corruption in Chicago

Finally end?

Blagojevich is going to jail!

In spreading the Christmas cheer, I thought we could share a quote from the always generous Governor Rod Blagojevich. "If . . . they’re not going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take [Obama's vacated Senate seat]. It is a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for nothing.” In response to President Elect Obama's appreciate for considering his 'Candidate #1', Blago said, "They’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them!" That's the Christmas Spirit! Thank you for reminding us Rod that the true meaning of Christmas is found in bribery, corruption and 'bleeping' expletives.

Retroactive Judiciary

"Hey, I remember this glove....good times, good times..."

"You mean the law applies to me?"

Today, OJ Simpson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for 12 criminal charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. He will be eligible for parole in 6 years. In September of 2007, he held two memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel, then took his/their stuff when he left. In his defense, he claimed, "This was the first time I had an opportunity to catch these guys red-handed who were stealing my property. I did not mean to hurt anyone, I did not mean to steal anything, just my own stuff. I just wanted my personal things back… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anybody." The judge and jury seemed to disagree with him.

This begs the question, is this a conviction and sentencing based solely on this act or what he should have been found guilty of 13 years ago? Is this a retroactive sentence? My humble opinion is, he is an arrogant, self-absorbed man who believed that laws and rules don't apply to him. He got away with murder (literally!) in 1995, and believed that he do whatever pleased him without any consequences. Yet, I don't think the punishment fits this crime. I won't complain though! The judicial system must be blind, but she has a great memory.

Islam Doll

Reportedly, Fisher Price's "Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle and Coo" doll has a wider vocabulary than 'mama' and 'dada'. This baby doll isn't new, so my apologies if you've already heard about this story! Along with typical baby vernacular and cooing, some have reported (and posted on Youtube) the doll saying "Islam is the light" or "Satan is king". Fisher Price is also producing more possibly controversial dolls:

Mormon Missionary Duck: Although a duck, it stays clear of water unless used for baptismal purposes. This land abiding duck is well-manufactured with clean cut lines and oozes innocence and compassion. Instead of quacking, the duck gives a long introduction beginning with "Good afternoon. We're two representatives of..." The Mormon Missionary Duck contains two ducks per package.

Pick a God, any God! Fisher Price has also produced a line of Hindu God Hand Puppets. Packaged in groups of 10, your combinations for fun is endless! Energize your yoga and meditation rituals with the Krishna God literally at your finger tips. Only available to those in the Brahmin varna.

Tickle me, Buddha! This cuddly God giggles when you rub his belly, as found in many China King Buffets. Be careful with this adorable doll, because it might be great grandma reincarnated, punishment for her past life. Just don't lose one, because Karma is a...

Sister Mary Catherine Porcelain Doll: Her exterior looks fragile, but she is virtually indestructable. Underneath that flowing robe, is a discipline paddle for those uncontrollable kids. But don't worry kids, you only have to pull her out twice a year, for Easter and Christmas Eve. She is great for snack time! She doubles as a wafer and wine dispenser!

FLDS Doll: This beautifully old-fashioned doll is widdled down from oak, and adorned with home-spun clothing. She knows how to make home-made bread, chop wood, and fluff the bangs. Don't let that lean frame fool you, she was made with birthing hips. The FLDS doll comes in sets of 5 girl dolls and one old-man doll.

We're bringing Saxby back

Admittedly, I don't know his platforms or voting record. I know he is a Republican from Georgia who just won a run-off election against Democrat Jim Martin. An initially tight election, the runoff he won with a 57% majority. I honestly don't know the differences between him and his rival, except for their parties. And yet, that is why I am relieved he won. You have probably heard the term 'filibuster proof Senate' in the news, but like majority of Americans (like my hubby) have no idea what it means. A filibuster is a speed bump along the road of passing a bill.

"He's just a bill. A lonely old bill."

Let's keep it relatively simple. When a bill is introduced, several things can happen. One, the Senators can sign a Unanimous Consent Agreement, in which all the Senators agree to set a timeline on debate. This is the most common. Yet, with controversial bills, not all Senators want a timeline, they would rather drag it out, which helps defeat it. This is where a filibuster comes in. A filibuster is an indefinite debate on bills. They can just talk, and talk, and talk, and talk... the bill loses it's momentum and eventually dies.

So why were the Democrats wanting the magic number 60?

The answer lies in another foreign word, cloture. Cloture is a vote to end the yammering. Since 1975, the number needed to obtain cloture is 60. And if one party has 60 or more seats, they are considered a Super Majority, (cue heroic theme song) because in essence they can conduct business and pass bills with the minority's hands tied. Currently, there are 58 Democratic seats in the Senate, one still being contested (Minnesota).

Long story short: I am relieved we have one more in number for the Republicans. The Democrats don't have a shoe-in every time a bill is presented. Of course, we might have a few 'maverick' Democrats or 'maverick' Republicans (I think the word has worn out it's welcome!) who won't vote party line. What will be interesting is to see what Republican's do being the under-dogs. Will they become the 'me-too' party? Or will they stick to core Republican principles: small government, tax relief, free market, etc? As I have said before, we will see!

Behind closed doors

President Elect Barack Obama confirmed the furry of rumors surrounding his choice for Secretary of State. He has officially announced Senator Hillary Clinton as his administrations Secretary of State. In his prepared statement, he described her as "tough and smart and disciplined". And continued in saying, "I was always interested—after the primary was over—in finding ways we could collaborate." Their subdued demeanor may reflect a new tone in their originally rocky relationship.

But those behind the scenes, have a much different story, reports the newest leaked information to the always reliable New York Times. Neither President Elect Obama or Sen. Clinton minced words in regards to their opponents during the 'rough and tumble' primaries. President Elect Obama as a candidate openly criticized Senator Clinton's 'foreign policy' experience saying "What exactly is this foreign policy experience? Was she negotiating treaties? Was she handling crises? The answer is no." According to those close to him, nothing has changed. "He has felt stuck between a rock and a hard place, both being the hard-nosed and pushy Senator Clinton", an anonymous aid confessed. During a heated private conversation between the two former rivals, he reportedly 'offered her the position of the the First Dog, a pit bull in pantsuits' and she retorted 'you're nothing more than a [censored] a suit with a preacher's voice and chicken legs'.


Why would he chose her, you may ask. "He felt he had no choice. Her aides leaked his consideration of her as Secretary pre-emptively". And with the media's automatic praise of his 'choice', he felt he had 'no choice'. Clinton aides also hint that this is the 'natural stepping stone' to the office of the President, as in days of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, etc. She will be the third woman Secretary of State, 'undoubtedly regretfully not the first', sighed Obama, who finds her thirst for power distasteful. "That is the only explanation I could find for her sticking with a chronically cheating husband", President Elect Obama expressed to US Weekly. He jokes, "My wife would have had my manhood hanging from the mailbox if I even considered it. Literally!" We will see if Sen. Clinton, or soon to be Secretary Clinton will do something similar with his manhood. All jokes aside, President Elect Obama is definitely collecting a 'team of rivals' which could be powerful or powerfully disasterous.

Is it just me, is this a step back for women's rights?

Sure, she can't be President, let's just make her his Secretary?

Interesting Dialogue

I found this Youtube video, made by a Professor of Theology, Scripture and Catholic Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University, about being 'appaled at anti-Mormon slurs'. After posting this video to his website, there has been a long discussion back and forth. I've commented a few times, but it has been interesting to 'people watch'. How do people respond? How do people explain their views? With facts or opinions or passionate beliefs? Just thought I'd pass along the website, if you're interested.

http://singinginthereign.blogspot.com/2008/11/catholics-appalled-at-anti-mormon-slur.html