We got a new big screen TV for each other for Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Reenactment
This is a reenactment of Ryan's accident in 2004 which actually ended instead with a totaled Geo. I guess we didn't have Bridgestone tires.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. It is a time to be happy for all of the good things we have in our lives. I have been unbelievably blessed in my life. From family, to friends, to health, to experiences, I don't think I could ask for anything more. One recent blessing Ryan and I have had is in hosting Birte, our exchange student from Germany, for a semester. Tomorrow she will be experiencing her first Thanksgiving celebration. It has been fun showing her our traditions and things in America. And through this experience it has actually made me more appreciative of my country.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Times They Are A-Changin'
Check out the song, "The Times They Are A-Changin" sung by Keb Mo (music written by Bob Dylan). It's really moving and speaks a lot of what is going on in our country now.
See the lyrics:
Come, gather 'round people wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide the chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon for the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who that it's namin'
For the loser now will be later to win
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt will be the one who has stalled
There's a battle outside and it's ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come mothers and fathers throughout the land
And don't criticize what you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand
For the times, they are a-changin'
The line, it is drawn and the curse, it is cast
The slow one now will later be fast
And the present now will later be past
And the order is rapidly fadin'
And the first one now will later be last
For the times, they are a-changin'
See the lyrics:
Come, gather 'round people wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide the chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon for the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who that it's namin'
For the loser now will be later to win
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt will be the one who has stalled
There's a battle outside and it's ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times, they are a-changin'
Come mothers and fathers throughout the land
And don't criticize what you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand
For the times, they are a-changin'
The line, it is drawn and the curse, it is cast
The slow one now will later be fast
And the present now will later be past
And the order is rapidly fadin'
And the first one now will later be last
For the times, they are a-changin'
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Go Electric!
The Mini E Field Trial
100% electric Mini Cooper
Up to 500 applicants will be selected to purchase a 1-year lease of the Mini E...
UNFORTUNATELY, to be eligible you must live in Southern California or the New York / New Jersey area.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New bangs?
My bangs were getting too long, so I cut them, but cut more in the process. Thought I'd try something new. I'm considering getting my hair cut shorter too. What do you think? Be honest.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Ryan Marsh - The Best Husband Ever
I have the best husband ever. I knew I had a pretty wonderful guy when we started dating and when we got married. Recently things have confirmed it even more.
I have been feeling under the weather for the past few weeks and Ryan has taken over so many of things I have had to do. He has taken Birte places and picked her up, he has gone to the grocery store, cleaned the house, completed work for All-State choir auditions, gotten up in the middle of the night to get me medicine, fixed dinner, taken on other assignments I was supposed to do and did them instead, been there through my grandmother's death, given advice on school projects I was trying to get done while he was trying to do his work, all of this in addition to HIS regular home and school work. He has done all of this this without complaint. He has done all of this earnestly, so I can rest and get better.
And the best thing of all he has endlessly listened to my complaining and worrying of how I'm feeling and talked me through it. I've always known that he is a great person, but when stressful periods of life hit you see the true colors of someone and Ryan has been kind and helpful and put me first sacrificing his sleep and time for me.
I love you Rynee!
I have been feeling under the weather for the past few weeks and Ryan has taken over so many of things I have had to do. He has taken Birte places and picked her up, he has gone to the grocery store, cleaned the house, completed work for All-State choir auditions, gotten up in the middle of the night to get me medicine, fixed dinner, taken on other assignments I was supposed to do and did them instead, been there through my grandmother's death, given advice on school projects I was trying to get done while he was trying to do his work, all of this in addition to HIS regular home and school work. He has done all of this this without complaint. He has done all of this earnestly, so I can rest and get better.
And the best thing of all he has endlessly listened to my complaining and worrying of how I'm feeling and talked me through it. I've always known that he is a great person, but when stressful periods of life hit you see the true colors of someone and Ryan has been kind and helpful and put me first sacrificing his sleep and time for me.
I love you Rynee!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Michael Moore's 10 Step Bailout Plan
Below are the 10 steps in Moore's plan:
1. APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO CRIMINALLY INDICT ANYONE ON WALL STREET WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS COLLAPSE.
2. THE RICH MUST PAY FOR THEIR OWN BAILOUT.
3. BAIL OUT THE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, NOT THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BUILD AN EIGHTH HOME.
4. IF YOUR BANK OR COMPANY GETS ANY OF OUR MONEY IN A "BAILOUT," THEN WE OWN YOU.
5. ALL REGULATIONS MUST BE RESTORED. THE REAGAN REVOLUTION IS DEAD.
6. IF IT'S TOO BIG TO FAIL, THEN THAT MEANS IT'S TOO BIG TO EXIST.
7. NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE PAID MORE THAN 40 TIMES THEIR AVERAGE EMPLOYEE, AND NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD RECEIVE ANY KIND OF "PARACHUTE" OTHER THAN THE VERY GENEROUS SALARY HE OR SHE MADE WHILE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY.
8. STRENGTHEN THE FDIC AND MAKE IT A MODEL FOR PROTECTING NOT ONLY PEOPLE'S SAVINGS, BUT ALSO THEIR PENSIONS AND THEIR HOMES.
9. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, CALM DOWN, AND NOT LET FEAR RULE THE DAY.
10. CREATE A NATIONAL BANK, A "PEOPLE'S BANK."
1. APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO CRIMINALLY INDICT ANYONE ON WALL STREET WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS COLLAPSE. Before any new money is expended, Congress must commit, by resolution, to criminally prosecute anyone who had anything to do with the attempted sacking of our economy. This means that anyone who committed insider trading, securities fraud or any action that helped bring about this collapse must go to jail. This Congress must call for a Special Prosecutor who will vigorously go after everyone who created the mess, and anyone else who attempts to scam the public in the future.
2. THE RICH MUST PAY FOR THEIR OWN BAILOUT. They may have to live in 5 houses instead of 7. They may have to drive 9 cars instead of 13. The chef for their mini-terriers may have to be reassigned. But there is no way in hell, after forcing family incomes to go down more than $2,000 dollars during the Bush years, that working people and the middle class are going to fork over one dime to underwrite the next yacht purchase.
If they truly need the $700 billion they say they need, well, here is an easy way they can raise it:
a) Every couple who makes over a million dollars a year and every single taxpayer who makes over $500,000 a year will pay a 10% surcharge tax for five years. (It's the Senator Sanders plan. He's like Colonel Sanders, only he's out to fry the right chickens.) That means the rich will still be paying less income tax than when Carter was president. This will raise a total of $300 billion.
b) Like nearly every other democracy, charge a 0.25% tax on every stock transaction. This will raise more than $200 billion in a year.
c) Because every stockholder is a patriotic American, stockholders will forgo receiving a dividend check for one quarter and instead this money will go the treasury to help pay for the bailout.
d) 25% of major U.S. corporations currently pay NO federal income tax. Federal corporate tax revenues currently amount to 1.7% of the GDP compared to 5% in the 1950s. If we raise the corporate income tax back to the level of the 1950s, that gives us an extra $500 billion.
All of this combined should be enough to end the calamity. The rich will get to keep their mansions and their servants, and our United States government ("COUNTRY FIRST!") will have a little leftover to repair some roads, bridges and schools.
3. BAIL OUT THE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, NOT THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BUILD AN EIGHTH HOME. There are 1.3 million homes in foreclosure right now. That is what is at the heart of this problem. So instead of giving the money to the banks as a gift, pay down each of these mortgages by $100,000. Force the banks to renegotiate the mortgage so the homeowner can pay on its current value. To insure that this help does no go to speculators and those who have tried to make money by flipping houses, this bailout is only for people's primary residence. And in return for the $100K paydown on the existing mortgage, the government gets to share in the holding of the mortgage so that it can get some of its money back. Thus, the total initial cost of fixing the mortgage crisis at its roots (instead of with the greedy lenders) is $150 billion, not $700 billion.
And let's set the record straight. People who have defaulted on their mortgages are not "bad risks." They are our fellow Americans, and all they wanted was what we all want and most of us still get: a home to call their own. But during the Bush years, millions of them lost the decent paying jobs they had. Six million fell into poverty. Seven million lost their health insurance. And every one of them saw their real wages go down by $2,000. Those who dare to look down on these Americans who got hit with one bad break after another should be ashamed. We are a better, stronger, safer and happier society when all of our citizens can afford to live in a home that they own.
4. IF YOUR BANK OR COMPANY GETS ANY OF OUR MONEY IN A "BAILOUT," THEN WE OWN YOU. Sorry, that's how it's done. If the bank gives me money so I can buy a house, the bank "owns" that house until I pay it all back -- with interest. Same deal for Wall Street. Whatever money you need to stay afloat, if our government considers you a safe risk -- and necessary for the good of the country -- then you can get a loan, but we will own you. If you default, we will sell you. This is how the Swedish government did it and it worked.
5. ALL REGULATIONS MUST BE RESTORED. THE REAGAN REVOLUTION IS DEAD. This catastrophe happened because we let the fox have the keys to the henhouse. In 1999, Phil Gramm authored a bill to remove all the regulations that governed Wall Street and our banking system. The bill passed and Clinton signed it. Here's what Sen. Phil Gramm, McCain's chief economic advisor, said at the bill signing:
"In the 1930s ... it was believed that government was the answer. It was believed that stability and growth came from government overriding the functioning of free markets.
"We are here today to repeal [that] because we have learned that government is not the answer. We have learned that freedom and competition are the answers. We have learned that we promote economic growth and we promote stability by having competition and freedom.
"I am proud to be here because this is an important bill; it is a deregulatory bill. I believe that that is the wave of the future, and I am awfully proud to have been a part of making it a reality."
This bill must be repealed. Bill Clinton can help by leading the effort for the repeal of the Gramm bill and the reinstating of even tougher regulations regarding our financial institutions. And when they're done with that, they can restore the regulations for the airlines, the inspection of our food, the oil industry, OSHA, and every other entity that affects our daily lives. All oversight provisions for any "bailout" must have enforcement monies attached to them and criminal penalties for all offenders.
6. IF IT'S TOO BIG TO FAIL, THEN THAT MEANS IT'S TOO BIG TO EXIST. Allowing the creation of these mega-mergers and not enforcing the monopoly and anti-trust laws has allowed a number of financial institutions and corporations to become so large, the very thought of their collapse means an even bigger collapse across the entire economy. No one or two companies should have this kind of power. The so-called "economic Pearl Harbor" can't happen when you have hundreds -- thousands -- of institutions where people have their money. When you have a dozen auto companies, if one goes belly-up, we don't face a national disaster. If you have three separately-owned daily newspapers in your town, then one media company can't call all the shots (I know... What am I thinking?! Who reads a paper anymore? Sure glad all those mergers and buyouts left us with a strong and free press!). Laws must be enacted to prevent companies from being so large and dominant that with one slingshot to the eye, the giant falls and dies. And no institution should be allowed to set up money schemes that no one can understand. If you can't explain it in two sentences, you shouldn't be taking anyone's money.
7. NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE PAID MORE THAN 40 TIMES THEIR AVERAGE EMPLOYEE, AND NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD RECEIVE ANY KIND OF "PARACHUTE" OTHER THAN THE VERY GENEROUS SALARY HE OR SHE MADE WHILE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY. In 1980, the average American CEO made 45 times what their employees made. By 2003, they were making 254 times what their workers made. After 8 years of Bush, they now make over 400 times what their average employee makes. How this can happen at publicly held companies is beyond reason. In Britain, the average CEO makes 28 times what their average employee makes. In Japan, it's only 17 times! The last I heard, the CEO of Toyota was living the high life in Tokyo. How does he do it on so little money? Seriously, this is an outrage. We have created the mess we're in by letting the people at the top become bloated beyond belief with millions of dollars. This has to stop. Not only should no executive who receives help out of this mess profit from it, but any executive who was in charge of running his company into the ground should be fired before the company receives any help.
8. STRENGTHEN THE FDIC AND MAKE IT A MODEL FOR PROTECTING NOT ONLY PEOPLE'S SAVINGS, BUT ALSO THEIR PENSIONS AND THEIR HOMES. Obama was correct yesterday to propose expanding FDIC protection of people's savings in their banks to $250,000. But this same sort of government insurance must be given to our nation's pension funds. People should never have to worry about whether or not the money they've put away for their old age will be there. This will mean strict government oversight of companies who manage their employees' funds -- or perhaps it means that the companies will have to turn over those funds and their management to the government. People's private retirement funds must also be protected, but perhaps it's time to consider not having one's retirement invested in the casino known as the stock market. Our government should have a solemn duty to guarantee that no one who grows old in this country has to worry about ending up destitute.
9. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, CALM DOWN, AND NOT LET FEAR RULE THE DAY. Turn off the TV! We are not in the Second Great Depression. The sky is not falling. Pundits and politicians are lying to us so fast and furious it's hard not to be affected by all the fear mongering. Even I, yesterday, wrote to you and repeated what I heard on the news, that the Dow had the biggest one day drop in its history. Well, that's true in terms of points, but its 7% drop came nowhere close to Black Monday in 1987 when the stock market in one day lost 23% of its value. In the '80s, 3,000 banks closed, but America didn't go out of business. These institutions have always had their ups and downs and eventually it works out. It has to, because the rich do not like their wealth being disrupted! They have a vested interest in calming things down and getting back into the Jacuzzi.
As crazy as things are right now, tens of thousands of people got a car loan this week. Thousands went to the bank and got a mortgage to buy a home. Students just back to college found banks more than happy to put them into hock for the next 15 years with a student loan. Life has gone on. Not a single person has lost any of their money if it's in a bank or a treasury note or a CD. And the most amazing thing is that the American public hasn't bought the scare campaign. The citizens didn't blink, and instead told Congress to take that bailout and shove it. THAT was impressive. Why didn't the population succumb to the fright-filled warnings from their president and his cronies? Well, you can only say 'Saddam has da bomb' so many times before the people realize you're a lying sack of shite. After eight long years, the nation is worn out and simply can't take it any longer.
10. CREATE A NATIONAL BANK, A "PEOPLE'S BANK." If we really are itching to print up a trillion dollars, instead of giving it to a few rich people, why don't we give it to ourselves? Now that we own Freddie and Fannie, why not set up a people's bank? One that can provide low-interest loans for all sorts of people who want to own a home, start a small business, go to school, come up with the cure for cancer or create the next great invention. And now that we own AIG, the country's largest insurance company, let's take the next step and provide health insurance for everyone. Medicare for all. It will save us so much money in the long run. And we won't be 12th on the life expectancy list. We'll be able to have a longer life, enjoying our government-protected pension, and living to see the day when the corporate criminals who caused so much misery are let out of prison so that we can help reacclimate them to civilian life -- a life with one nice home and a gas-free car that was invented with help from the People's Bank.
1. APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO CRIMINALLY INDICT ANYONE ON WALL STREET WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS COLLAPSE.
2. THE RICH MUST PAY FOR THEIR OWN BAILOUT.
3. BAIL OUT THE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, NOT THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BUILD AN EIGHTH HOME.
4. IF YOUR BANK OR COMPANY GETS ANY OF OUR MONEY IN A "BAILOUT," THEN WE OWN YOU.
5. ALL REGULATIONS MUST BE RESTORED. THE REAGAN REVOLUTION IS DEAD.
6. IF IT'S TOO BIG TO FAIL, THEN THAT MEANS IT'S TOO BIG TO EXIST.
7. NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE PAID MORE THAN 40 TIMES THEIR AVERAGE EMPLOYEE, AND NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD RECEIVE ANY KIND OF "PARACHUTE" OTHER THAN THE VERY GENEROUS SALARY HE OR SHE MADE WHILE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY.
8. STRENGTHEN THE FDIC AND MAKE IT A MODEL FOR PROTECTING NOT ONLY PEOPLE'S SAVINGS, BUT ALSO THEIR PENSIONS AND THEIR HOMES.
9. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, CALM DOWN, AND NOT LET FEAR RULE THE DAY.
10. CREATE A NATIONAL BANK, A "PEOPLE'S BANK."
1. APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO CRIMINALLY INDICT ANYONE ON WALL STREET WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS COLLAPSE. Before any new money is expended, Congress must commit, by resolution, to criminally prosecute anyone who had anything to do with the attempted sacking of our economy. This means that anyone who committed insider trading, securities fraud or any action that helped bring about this collapse must go to jail. This Congress must call for a Special Prosecutor who will vigorously go after everyone who created the mess, and anyone else who attempts to scam the public in the future.
2. THE RICH MUST PAY FOR THEIR OWN BAILOUT. They may have to live in 5 houses instead of 7. They may have to drive 9 cars instead of 13. The chef for their mini-terriers may have to be reassigned. But there is no way in hell, after forcing family incomes to go down more than $2,000 dollars during the Bush years, that working people and the middle class are going to fork over one dime to underwrite the next yacht purchase.
If they truly need the $700 billion they say they need, well, here is an easy way they can raise it:
a) Every couple who makes over a million dollars a year and every single taxpayer who makes over $500,000 a year will pay a 10% surcharge tax for five years. (It's the Senator Sanders plan. He's like Colonel Sanders, only he's out to fry the right chickens.) That means the rich will still be paying less income tax than when Carter was president. This will raise a total of $300 billion.
b) Like nearly every other democracy, charge a 0.25% tax on every stock transaction. This will raise more than $200 billion in a year.
c) Because every stockholder is a patriotic American, stockholders will forgo receiving a dividend check for one quarter and instead this money will go the treasury to help pay for the bailout.
d) 25% of major U.S. corporations currently pay NO federal income tax. Federal corporate tax revenues currently amount to 1.7% of the GDP compared to 5% in the 1950s. If we raise the corporate income tax back to the level of the 1950s, that gives us an extra $500 billion.
All of this combined should be enough to end the calamity. The rich will get to keep their mansions and their servants, and our United States government ("COUNTRY FIRST!") will have a little leftover to repair some roads, bridges and schools.
3. BAIL OUT THE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, NOT THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BUILD AN EIGHTH HOME. There are 1.3 million homes in foreclosure right now. That is what is at the heart of this problem. So instead of giving the money to the banks as a gift, pay down each of these mortgages by $100,000. Force the banks to renegotiate the mortgage so the homeowner can pay on its current value. To insure that this help does no go to speculators and those who have tried to make money by flipping houses, this bailout is only for people's primary residence. And in return for the $100K paydown on the existing mortgage, the government gets to share in the holding of the mortgage so that it can get some of its money back. Thus, the total initial cost of fixing the mortgage crisis at its roots (instead of with the greedy lenders) is $150 billion, not $700 billion.
And let's set the record straight. People who have defaulted on their mortgages are not "bad risks." They are our fellow Americans, and all they wanted was what we all want and most of us still get: a home to call their own. But during the Bush years, millions of them lost the decent paying jobs they had. Six million fell into poverty. Seven million lost their health insurance. And every one of them saw their real wages go down by $2,000. Those who dare to look down on these Americans who got hit with one bad break after another should be ashamed. We are a better, stronger, safer and happier society when all of our citizens can afford to live in a home that they own.
4. IF YOUR BANK OR COMPANY GETS ANY OF OUR MONEY IN A "BAILOUT," THEN WE OWN YOU. Sorry, that's how it's done. If the bank gives me money so I can buy a house, the bank "owns" that house until I pay it all back -- with interest. Same deal for Wall Street. Whatever money you need to stay afloat, if our government considers you a safe risk -- and necessary for the good of the country -- then you can get a loan, but we will own you. If you default, we will sell you. This is how the Swedish government did it and it worked.
5. ALL REGULATIONS MUST BE RESTORED. THE REAGAN REVOLUTION IS DEAD. This catastrophe happened because we let the fox have the keys to the henhouse. In 1999, Phil Gramm authored a bill to remove all the regulations that governed Wall Street and our banking system. The bill passed and Clinton signed it. Here's what Sen. Phil Gramm, McCain's chief economic advisor, said at the bill signing:
"In the 1930s ... it was believed that government was the answer. It was believed that stability and growth came from government overriding the functioning of free markets.
"We are here today to repeal [that] because we have learned that government is not the answer. We have learned that freedom and competition are the answers. We have learned that we promote economic growth and we promote stability by having competition and freedom.
"I am proud to be here because this is an important bill; it is a deregulatory bill. I believe that that is the wave of the future, and I am awfully proud to have been a part of making it a reality."
This bill must be repealed. Bill Clinton can help by leading the effort for the repeal of the Gramm bill and the reinstating of even tougher regulations regarding our financial institutions. And when they're done with that, they can restore the regulations for the airlines, the inspection of our food, the oil industry, OSHA, and every other entity that affects our daily lives. All oversight provisions for any "bailout" must have enforcement monies attached to them and criminal penalties for all offenders.
6. IF IT'S TOO BIG TO FAIL, THEN THAT MEANS IT'S TOO BIG TO EXIST. Allowing the creation of these mega-mergers and not enforcing the monopoly and anti-trust laws has allowed a number of financial institutions and corporations to become so large, the very thought of their collapse means an even bigger collapse across the entire economy. No one or two companies should have this kind of power. The so-called "economic Pearl Harbor" can't happen when you have hundreds -- thousands -- of institutions where people have their money. When you have a dozen auto companies, if one goes belly-up, we don't face a national disaster. If you have three separately-owned daily newspapers in your town, then one media company can't call all the shots (I know... What am I thinking?! Who reads a paper anymore? Sure glad all those mergers and buyouts left us with a strong and free press!). Laws must be enacted to prevent companies from being so large and dominant that with one slingshot to the eye, the giant falls and dies. And no institution should be allowed to set up money schemes that no one can understand. If you can't explain it in two sentences, you shouldn't be taking anyone's money.
7. NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE PAID MORE THAN 40 TIMES THEIR AVERAGE EMPLOYEE, AND NO EXECUTIVE SHOULD RECEIVE ANY KIND OF "PARACHUTE" OTHER THAN THE VERY GENEROUS SALARY HE OR SHE MADE WHILE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY. In 1980, the average American CEO made 45 times what their employees made. By 2003, they were making 254 times what their workers made. After 8 years of Bush, they now make over 400 times what their average employee makes. How this can happen at publicly held companies is beyond reason. In Britain, the average CEO makes 28 times what their average employee makes. In Japan, it's only 17 times! The last I heard, the CEO of Toyota was living the high life in Tokyo. How does he do it on so little money? Seriously, this is an outrage. We have created the mess we're in by letting the people at the top become bloated beyond belief with millions of dollars. This has to stop. Not only should no executive who receives help out of this mess profit from it, but any executive who was in charge of running his company into the ground should be fired before the company receives any help.
8. STRENGTHEN THE FDIC AND MAKE IT A MODEL FOR PROTECTING NOT ONLY PEOPLE'S SAVINGS, BUT ALSO THEIR PENSIONS AND THEIR HOMES. Obama was correct yesterday to propose expanding FDIC protection of people's savings in their banks to $250,000. But this same sort of government insurance must be given to our nation's pension funds. People should never have to worry about whether or not the money they've put away for their old age will be there. This will mean strict government oversight of companies who manage their employees' funds -- or perhaps it means that the companies will have to turn over those funds and their management to the government. People's private retirement funds must also be protected, but perhaps it's time to consider not having one's retirement invested in the casino known as the stock market. Our government should have a solemn duty to guarantee that no one who grows old in this country has to worry about ending up destitute.
9. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, CALM DOWN, AND NOT LET FEAR RULE THE DAY. Turn off the TV! We are not in the Second Great Depression. The sky is not falling. Pundits and politicians are lying to us so fast and furious it's hard not to be affected by all the fear mongering. Even I, yesterday, wrote to you and repeated what I heard on the news, that the Dow had the biggest one day drop in its history. Well, that's true in terms of points, but its 7% drop came nowhere close to Black Monday in 1987 when the stock market in one day lost 23% of its value. In the '80s, 3,000 banks closed, but America didn't go out of business. These institutions have always had their ups and downs and eventually it works out. It has to, because the rich do not like their wealth being disrupted! They have a vested interest in calming things down and getting back into the Jacuzzi.
As crazy as things are right now, tens of thousands of people got a car loan this week. Thousands went to the bank and got a mortgage to buy a home. Students just back to college found banks more than happy to put them into hock for the next 15 years with a student loan. Life has gone on. Not a single person has lost any of their money if it's in a bank or a treasury note or a CD. And the most amazing thing is that the American public hasn't bought the scare campaign. The citizens didn't blink, and instead told Congress to take that bailout and shove it. THAT was impressive. Why didn't the population succumb to the fright-filled warnings from their president and his cronies? Well, you can only say 'Saddam has da bomb' so many times before the people realize you're a lying sack of shite. After eight long years, the nation is worn out and simply can't take it any longer.
10. CREATE A NATIONAL BANK, A "PEOPLE'S BANK." If we really are itching to print up a trillion dollars, instead of giving it to a few rich people, why don't we give it to ourselves? Now that we own Freddie and Fannie, why not set up a people's bank? One that can provide low-interest loans for all sorts of people who want to own a home, start a small business, go to school, come up with the cure for cancer or create the next great invention. And now that we own AIG, the country's largest insurance company, let's take the next step and provide health insurance for everyone. Medicare for all. It will save us so much money in the long run. And we won't be 12th on the life expectancy list. We'll be able to have a longer life, enjoying our government-protected pension, and living to see the day when the corporate criminals who caused so much misery are let out of prison so that we can help reacclimate them to civilian life -- a life with one nice home and a gas-free car that was invented with help from the People's Bank.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Picture of the Month - September 2008
Happy Birthday to Ryan! He turned 29 on Tuesday, but we just celebrated it today with our parents coming to Midway.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Muppet Show Returns!
After 27 years, the Muppet Show returns to TV! Not quite in the same form, but a new movie. I wish the network would bring back the original shows. They were so good.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Picture of the Month - September 2008
This is a picture from our trip to Chicago over Labor Day weekend. It was a lot of fun. Chicago is such a great city!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Palin What??
Here is a quote from an Alaskan Moveon.org member regarding John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin:
"I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A Woman" in that position."—Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK
Unbelievable. And ladies, make sure you take a good thought about her last statement.
And if any of you even care about what's happening with the environment at all, you should get upset about this article.
If Obama does not win this election our country will have more trouble than it's already in and I'm moving to Canada...anybody with me?
"I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A Woman" in that position."—Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK
Unbelievable. And ladies, make sure you take a good thought about her last statement.
And if any of you even care about what's happening with the environment at all, you should get upset about this article.
If Obama does not win this election our country will have more trouble than it's already in and I'm moving to Canada...anybody with me?
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Butterfly Effect
If you would like something to lift your spirits, read this article, The Butterfly Effect. It is a bit lengthy, but it's worth it. It will make your day. Thanks Ryan for sending it to me.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The World of Wii
We have now entered the world of game systems. Ryan and I bought a Nintendo Wii the other day. (It is actually an early birthday present to us from Ryan's mom.) It has changed our life.
We both have played Wii before, but realized that you never really experience Wii until you own one. Wow.
Today my parents and Ryan's parents were visiting. We all played. First we tried bowling. The parents got a pretty good handle at it. We tried tennis, baseball, boxing, and the most hilarious, Cow Racing! It was a hoot! No one was very good at it and my mom and Ryan's mom were dying laughing the entire time. We got some good pictures and video on my mom's camera.
Later Ryan and Birte decided to box. Here are some of the pictures in "bullet time."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New Floor Pictures - FINALLY!!
I know you've all been waiting, asking for this! Well, here it is: the New Floor Picture Collage!
(Yes, I've gone collage crazy. I just learned to do it on Photoshop.)
Anyway, this is our new tile floor. It looks really great. You shouldn't take my word for it, come on down to Midway and see for yourself!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
FC, NA, Jeff Theatre Documentary
Here is an article on the documentary of the Floyd Central, New Albany, and Jeffersonville High School theatre departments. Check it out if you were a FC thespian!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Kentucky Horses!
Ryan, Birte, and I went driving one of the first days she arrived and we were lucky to happen upon these horses being out near the road!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Picture of the Month - August 2008
This month's picture is of me and Birte behind my Mini Cooper. Ryan took this picture after we had parked and left the car to pet some baby horses.
FC Graduating Class of 1998: 10 F*$%in' Years
So, this past weekend was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Floyd Central's 1998 graduating class, mine. It's unbelievable to me that it has been 10 years; it's gone so quickly. At first I wasn't going to go mostly because I just didn't want to. But the closer it got and the more I thought about it I realized I would be disappointed later if I didn't go. All-in-all, I'm glad I did.
The first part of the evening was dinner at the Bristol on Bardstown Rd. with the people in the picture above (from front left: Amy Vondielingen, Me, Sarah Cosper, Mike Cosper, Scott Ferguson, Jeremy Quillo, Emily Ferguson, Carrie Quillo, Erin Mulloy). For me, this was the best part of the evening. It was so nice to see all of them and good to spend one-on-one talk time!
After dinner we headed (nauseously) to Nio's on Bardstown Rd. This is where the big party was taking place. As I walked in I felt very overwhelmed. So many faces, so many names rushing through my head, where do I begin, I thought. The reunion was pretty much what I expected, people were there who it was nice to see and other people who I could've gone the rest of my life and never wanted/needed to see. It was strange to hear how many people were married and already had two or three kids! It was funny to see some who looked older, but in actions never have changed. It was typical to realize the same people gravitate to one another. And to sum it up it was interesting to see that high school is still the same whether it is 1998 or 2008.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Birte's Arrival
This is at the Lexington Airport. Ryan and I brought her flowers cut from our garden and the International Coordinator brought her balloons all colors of the German flag. She was tired, but seemed to be glad to be here. We're so happy to have her staying with us!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Brickyard 400 Pictures
This is Dad and me standing the in the Paddock section and with the race cars lined up behind us.
One of the "Menards" (hehe) cars in the pit. Unbelievable how fast the pit crew worked!
Dad with his pit radio headphones on.
The big screen showing the lineup before the race began.
We're getting new floor!
Here are some before shots of our lovely builder original flooring. You see we have a bit of wood, a bit of carpet (with carpet tape on it from one of the previous BRILLIANT owners who decided to tape down a rug on the carpet), and my favorite, VINYL!
Today is the first day of construction, so I'll have some update pictures as we go.
Farewell to the nasty floor, hello to new porcelain tile! Woo Hoo!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Brickyard 400
Yesterday I did something that I never really thought I would do. I went with my dad to the Indianapolis Speedway to watch the Brickyard 400! This was an awesome experience much to my surprise. I had a pre-conceived notion of the "NASCAR fan" and wasn't much interested in becoming one.
Here's a bit of background information:
A teacher at New Albany HS sent out an email asking if anyone would be interested in the two extra tickets he had for the Brickyard 400. My mom (who now works at New Albany HS as an English teacher - for anyone who didn't know) claimed them for my dad and one of his friends. It turned out that his friend could not go and I told Mom that I would be interested. I thought, "hey, why not."
We left yesterday at 9:30 a.m. The drive up was great (in my parents' new car) as I programmed the car numbers into the cool pit radios Dad borrowed from his boss. We arrived in Indy at 12:00 about a mile from the Speedway and parked, unloaded our gear, and set out on foot following the sea of Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr., Jimmie Johnson t-shirts and coolers toward the track. We got to our gate, sweaty and hot, and entered. We entered the paddock area and our first sight was the cars lined up in rows on the track. How beautiful! We walked a little farther and sound our section. The seats were great! We were in Stand C which is covered (shaded) seating on the pit side, after the 4th turn, on the final stretch of track before the finish line. We got situated on our bleacher spots and chilled for a bit having some lunch and such.
The NAHS teacher, Bill, who offered the tickets arrived shortly after and parked next to us on the bleachers. (Having him there throughout the race was so nice because he explained things that were going on and told things to watch.) So, the race began at 2:00. Prior to the start, there was the singing of "America, the Beautiful" and "Star Spangled Banner" and then a parade of the drivers. Following the parade the drivers entered their cars and the famous words were spoken, "Drivers, start your engines!"
The cars had two warm-up laps around the track with the pace car leading. I was trying to take pictures from our seats when Bill told me that I was welcome to go down closer and to get pictures. So, I climbed down the bleachers to the front row of our section. Excellent view! I got there as the cars rounded the 4th turn of their second warm-up lap. The pace car moved out of the front into the pit and the green flag waved and THEN...the exhiliration of 43 mega-powered cars pushing the pedal to the metal!!! It totally was an adrenaline rush just witnessing it - the LOUD sound and the speed of the cars whizzing by! WOW!! I can't even explain how intense it was!! This was the absolute best part of the race!!
The first 15 laps consisted of the crowd intense with their cheering and booing and two wrecks due to tire blow-outs (AWESOME!). Since we were on the pit side we got to see the quick work of the pit crews plus got to see all of the cars as they paraded into the pit during yellow flags. Throughout the duration of the race there were quite a few yellow flags supposedly due to debris on the track. Also, the lead driver changed many times, so it was up in the air who the winner was to be. As we entered the final laps Jimmie Johnson seemed to take over the lead and retained to win it. The Brickyard 400 is a 160 lap race lasting about 4 1/2 hours. It is one of strategy, intensity, focus, and balls!!
As it turns out, no, I did not become a NASCAR fan, but DO have a bigger appreciation for the race. It was really, really cool! I would definitely go again and I recommend anyone who gets a chance to go.
*Pictures coming soon.
Here's a bit of background information:
A teacher at New Albany HS sent out an email asking if anyone would be interested in the two extra tickets he had for the Brickyard 400. My mom (who now works at New Albany HS as an English teacher - for anyone who didn't know) claimed them for my dad and one of his friends. It turned out that his friend could not go and I told Mom that I would be interested. I thought, "hey, why not."
We left yesterday at 9:30 a.m. The drive up was great (in my parents' new car) as I programmed the car numbers into the cool pit radios Dad borrowed from his boss. We arrived in Indy at 12:00 about a mile from the Speedway and parked, unloaded our gear, and set out on foot following the sea of Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr., Jimmie Johnson t-shirts and coolers toward the track. We got to our gate, sweaty and hot, and entered. We entered the paddock area and our first sight was the cars lined up in rows on the track. How beautiful! We walked a little farther and sound our section. The seats were great! We were in Stand C which is covered (shaded) seating on the pit side, after the 4th turn, on the final stretch of track before the finish line. We got situated on our bleacher spots and chilled for a bit having some lunch and such.
The NAHS teacher, Bill, who offered the tickets arrived shortly after and parked next to us on the bleachers. (Having him there throughout the race was so nice because he explained things that were going on and told things to watch.) So, the race began at 2:00. Prior to the start, there was the singing of "America, the Beautiful" and "Star Spangled Banner" and then a parade of the drivers. Following the parade the drivers entered their cars and the famous words were spoken, "Drivers, start your engines!"
The cars had two warm-up laps around the track with the pace car leading. I was trying to take pictures from our seats when Bill told me that I was welcome to go down closer and to get pictures. So, I climbed down the bleachers to the front row of our section. Excellent view! I got there as the cars rounded the 4th turn of their second warm-up lap. The pace car moved out of the front into the pit and the green flag waved and THEN...the exhiliration of 43 mega-powered cars pushing the pedal to the metal!!! It totally was an adrenaline rush just witnessing it - the LOUD sound and the speed of the cars whizzing by! WOW!! I can't even explain how intense it was!! This was the absolute best part of the race!!
The first 15 laps consisted of the crowd intense with their cheering and booing and two wrecks due to tire blow-outs (AWESOME!). Since we were on the pit side we got to see the quick work of the pit crews plus got to see all of the cars as they paraded into the pit during yellow flags. Throughout the duration of the race there were quite a few yellow flags supposedly due to debris on the track. Also, the lead driver changed many times, so it was up in the air who the winner was to be. As we entered the final laps Jimmie Johnson seemed to take over the lead and retained to win it. The Brickyard 400 is a 160 lap race lasting about 4 1/2 hours. It is one of strategy, intensity, focus, and balls!!
As it turns out, no, I did not become a NASCAR fan, but DO have a bigger appreciation for the race. It was really, really cool! I would definitely go again and I recommend anyone who gets a chance to go.
*Pictures coming soon.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Let's Motor Electrically!
Check out the new model of Mini Coopers. Coming next summer the Mini Cooper Hybrid. Are you in?
Go watch a video from Popular Mechanics on the new addition to the Cooper family.
Go watch a video from Popular Mechanics on the new addition to the Cooper family.
Did you purchase a new iPhone 3G?
Well, if you've already received it (or are still waiting for it to be shipped) consider what to do with your old cell phone.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Picture of the Month - July 2008
Yes, our clothes match; we're in our concert attire. Anyway, another beautiful day in Europe. This time standing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. Oh, the places we went!
Europe Picture 3 - Matterhorn
We are standing in front of one of the tallest peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn. It was beautiful, clear skies, but very cold. The last time were there it was much warmer, but the Matterhorn was covered completely with clouds and we couldn't get a good shot.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Europe Picture 2 - Exchange Student
Ryan and I are hosting a German exchange student in the fall. Her name is Birte. We were lucky to meet her and her mother in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on one of the final days we were in Europe. They were on their way to Frankfurt to get Birte's visa and took a detour to meet us in Rothenburg. We spent about two hours with them having dinner and getting to know one another. Both she and her mother are really wonderful people. We're looking forward to having her!
Europe Picture 1 - Venice
Here is a quick shot I took of Ryan and me in front of St. Mark's in Venice. Oh the beauty! And one of the best things about that day was the temperature. It was a lovely 89 degrees. Very nice for Venice.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Yay! Home!
We're back from our European excursion with the high school kids. It was a great trip, but very tiring. It feels as if I haven't slept in 2 1/2 weeks. I will post some pictures soon.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Recycling Search Tool
Use Earth911 recycling search tool to help locate a recycling center near you. You can also find out where to take difficult to recycle items such as paint and batteries.
I've now added it to my site in the right column.
I've now added it to my site in the right column.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Midway Horses
Ryan and I took a scenic route from Lexington to Midway last week and happened upon a horse farm (imagine that in Central Kentucky) with SIX, yes SIX baby horses! We saw them running and playing with one another! It was a picture perfect scene and something to see that completely makes one's day.
So we went back this weekend and took some pictures. It was a bit too late and we were lacking some light, so we'll return again for some better pictures. Anyway, here's an up-close shot I got of one of the babies.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Yuck
This is how I'm feeling today because I have some weird eye allergy that I can't seem to get rid of. It pops up every few weeks and I look like I'm 60 years old because my eyes dry out and get all wrinkly. Help.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Katrina Help
What an embarrassing and sad mess. These things make me so angry, but what can I do as an individual to help?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Environmentalism?
What are we doing as environmentalists? Not the right things. This article depresses my excitement of the "little things" we are doing such as recycling and reducing driving and such. It seems to be all for nothing. Because, which so surprises me, not all cities/towns have recycling programs and we all know of the WONDERFUL mass transit system we have in this country. These changes have to be big. And, I like how they said in the article, let's make it is race to be the first country to make these drastic environmental changes, like the race to send a man to the moon.
On a happier note, something that I have found that is worthwhile to invest in (hopefully) is Native Energy. This is a program that Ryan and I donate to each year to help develop alternative energy options such as wind and methane. You can choose where you money is used. We request ours to go to wind power. Check it out.
On a happier note, something that I have found that is worthwhile to invest in (hopefully) is Native Energy. This is a program that Ryan and I donate to each year to help develop alternative energy options such as wind and methane. You can choose where you money is used. We request ours to go to wind power. Check it out.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Love Coloring
Yes, yes, I know Bret, another picture and no true blogging. Deal with it; that's what my site has become.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Tiff and Ryan's Derby Picks
Eight Belles - Win
Recapture the Glory - Place
Big Truck - Show
Gayego - Win
Recapture the Glory - Place
Monba - Show
Recapture the Glory - Place
Big Truck - Show
Gayego - Win
Recapture the Glory - Place
Monba - Show
Picture of the Month - May 2008
April showers bring May flowers! This is an Iris from my garden; oh so beautiful they are!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Arrrggh!!
I cannot stand the petty stuff that this political debate is discussing!!!!!!!!! Get to the real issues, DAMN IT!!!!!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
This is across the highway from our house where the stockyards were going to go.
Woodford project to include winery
By Greg Kocher
VERSAILLES --
A winery will be part of the mix of a new residential and commercial development in Midway.
The winery will be on the site of an existing barn at Midway Station, the site north of Interstate 64 where Lexington developer Dennis Anderson plans to put new houses, townhouses, offices, second-story apartments and restaurants.
"We're making space here where people can live, work and integrate all these uses together," said Dick Murphy, a Lexington lawyer who represents Anderson.
Anderson announced the development last summer, but the rezoning for those uses has been on hold since last fall as he finalized purchase contracts with the Woodford County Economic Development Authority, the current landowner. The property is now zoned for agricultural, commercial and industrial uses.
On Monday, the Technical Review Committee forwarded the rezoning proposal to the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission.
The committee considers matters such as drainage, utility easements and roads. If it finds no serious problems, it forwards rezoning proposals to the planning commission for consideration.
A public hearing about the Midway Station rezoning is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 29 at Midway College.
Murphy did not identify the winery, but said it will be a new business and not part of an existing one in Central Kentucky.
Vineyards for the winery would be on greenspace throughout the property, said Tony Barrett of Barrett Partners Inc., a landscape architecture firm.
The latest development plan shows greenspace on the western edge along Ky. 341, on the southwestern border along Interstate 64, and on the eastern edge of the property.
Anderson also proposes 80 units of commercial/residential space; 29 units of office/residential space; 153 units of "attached residential" space such as townhouses; and 343 single-family houses.
The plan shows suggested acreage for a church in the center of the development, although Murphy said no church has expressed an interest in the site.
The plan also shows two community centers, one at the northern tip of a "central lawn" greenspace and another on the far eastern edge of the property near Interstate 64.
The commercial and office uses are on the western side of the property near Ky. 341.
Anderson, who did not attend Monday's meeting, is best known for Townley Centre near the intersection of Leestown Road and New Circle Road in Lexington.
Townley Centre has a Holiday Inn Express, Applebee's, Walgreen's, Fazoli's, Taco Bell, Community Trust Bank and several other restaurants and offices.
By Greg Kocher
VERSAILLES --
A winery will be part of the mix of a new residential and commercial development in Midway.
The winery will be on the site of an existing barn at Midway Station, the site north of Interstate 64 where Lexington developer Dennis Anderson plans to put new houses, townhouses, offices, second-story apartments and restaurants.
"We're making space here where people can live, work and integrate all these uses together," said Dick Murphy, a Lexington lawyer who represents Anderson.
Anderson announced the development last summer, but the rezoning for those uses has been on hold since last fall as he finalized purchase contracts with the Woodford County Economic Development Authority, the current landowner. The property is now zoned for agricultural, commercial and industrial uses.
On Monday, the Technical Review Committee forwarded the rezoning proposal to the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission.
The committee considers matters such as drainage, utility easements and roads. If it finds no serious problems, it forwards rezoning proposals to the planning commission for consideration.
A public hearing about the Midway Station rezoning is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 29 at Midway College.
Murphy did not identify the winery, but said it will be a new business and not part of an existing one in Central Kentucky.
Vineyards for the winery would be on greenspace throughout the property, said Tony Barrett of Barrett Partners Inc., a landscape architecture firm.
The latest development plan shows greenspace on the western edge along Ky. 341, on the southwestern border along Interstate 64, and on the eastern edge of the property.
Anderson also proposes 80 units of commercial/residential space; 29 units of office/residential space; 153 units of "attached residential" space such as townhouses; and 343 single-family houses.
The plan shows suggested acreage for a church in the center of the development, although Murphy said no church has expressed an interest in the site.
The plan also shows two community centers, one at the northern tip of a "central lawn" greenspace and another on the far eastern edge of the property near Interstate 64.
The commercial and office uses are on the western side of the property near Ky. 341.
Anderson, who did not attend Monday's meeting, is best known for Townley Centre near the intersection of Leestown Road and New Circle Road in Lexington.
Townley Centre has a Holiday Inn Express, Applebee's, Walgreen's, Fazoli's, Taco Bell, Community Trust Bank and several other restaurants and offices.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
HA! I love you Sarah Huff!
I just found this email you sent me back in the fall about these silly shirts and reminiscing of our corn poem.
Ah, how grand are old memories!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Shed Makeover
Dad and I spent today giving our backyard shed a makeover. We installed peg board and shelving to better organize it. It looks a thousand times better. It was so good to spend time with my dad doing this.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Picture of the Month - April 2008
This picture was taken at the Brauhaus in Chicago during our weekend visit with Bret! Yummo, German food!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour
Are you in?? Just an hour away for the Eastern US. Participate in Earth Hour and turn off your lights today for an hour beginning at 8:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
New Tree
My new tree has arrived! This was a Christmas present from John and Shari.
It was planted last Thursday while I was at work and was a nice surprise when I came home. It's a Heritage Birch, a really hardy tree.
Make your yard and this world more beautiful and plant a tree! Arbor Day is April 25.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Snow Again!
Pictures coming...nevermind...no pictures coming. I forgot to take some and now it's all melted. I suck.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hooray Snow!
We finally have gotten a true taste of winter with a whapping 3 inches of snow!! It really IS pretty!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Picture of the Month - February 2008
This picture of the month is the first in a series of "old school" pictures, reminiscing years gone by. Hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Floating Continents of Trash - Picture of the Month - January 2008
What is wrong with our world? I mean, really? I get so depressed with every word I read. And this doesn't just mean that this waste is left out there UNRECYCLED to sit for years and years, but it is harming animals who are consuming this waste. It's said that there is so much in these "garbage islands" that it is too far to clean up. More communities must enforce recycling and governments must fund them.
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