OK- we are approaching the deadline for the point at which all us regular people are going to suffer from another financial setback that is completely preventable but because of the stubborn assholes that run our government will probably cause our retirement funds to tank yet again. I am so sick of this bullshit. I want to retire next year and do something else with my life but I will probably be forced into waiting it out a little longer to allow my money to come back from the brink. Did anyone see the Too Big to Fail documentary? Remember that happened during the last of Bush's reign when the Democrats controlled congress!
Why do these A- holes continue to waiver? Because they all have money and can afford to sit on the fence pretending to have their stupid "principles". And I am going to say it the truth is- there are people that look at Obama and can not make any concessions because they can not compromise with black man. Racism is the heart of all the bull shit going on the last 3 years. The tea party is one faction that will not commit to compromise. They were elected by the same dumb asses that do not believe in evolution or global climate change. Let me tell you pricks something- we have had debt for a very long time and wars are the biggest reason we are in debt. Yes there are intitlement programs that absorb a great deal of money and these programs do need reform. The only way that we will not be in debt is to tax the rich. It just makes sense.
Don't get me wrong- the democrats are just as bad. They spent years wasting time when they had both houses of congress and they didn't accomplish much. They are the biggest bunch of wimps I have ever seen. I was watching Bill Maher two weeks ago and he had Marc Maron on and he basically called out the Dems because they are the biggest bunch of babies. You can't do anything without including all factions. "OMG- you forgot to include the Jewish transvestites in your last campaign raiser- apologize or the blue states won't elect you!"
I am so over this posturing. We need a government that can govern in due time and compromise and make laws that are necessary to please the majority of the people. Donald Trump is not the majority- but there are a lot of stupid idiots living in trailers that love him- Why?
I believe in my heart that our president is trying very diligently to bring us out of the mess we are in. I don't agree with everything he does-but I believe he has a good heart and he can feel the pain of the middle class and poor people. I hate the lobbyists and the hold they have over our congress.
A-holes in congress, please listen to the "little people" and come up with a plan for our budget! I personally have worked hard for almost 30 years and someday want to be able to actually have the money I saved in order to retire!
***PS- I do not harbor any angst against people that have trailer- homes. Your personal income may force you to buy or rent a low- income dwelling but you really shouldn't admire people that are super wealthy and pay a much lower percentage of their earning in taxes- does that make sense to anyone out there?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fathers
I was fortunate to have the greatest daddy. He passed away on Christmas eve of 2007 and was in very bad health for six years before he passed away. Yesterday I went to my best friend's dads funeral ( Mr. B). He was buried on my dad's birthday and my dad passed away on Mr.B's birthday. I was very impressed with all of Mr. B's accomplishments. He was a wonderful father of four very accomplished children and also had four terrific grandchildren. He was a retired career military officer. He was very religious and instilled his core values with love instead of terror.
My Dad was the same. He was very religious and he had a tough upbringing during the depression. He really raise his mother and his mom and dad divorced in the 1930's- which was practically unheard of at that time. His mom was an alcoholic and he and his sister learned early how to fend for themselves. He turned to sports and was a top high school athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He played football against George Blanda at a neighboring high school. I believe George Bland holds the record for the oldest pro football player. Those coal- miner kids came from very tough stock.
My dad turned 18 on July 27, 1945 and enlisted in the army. He fortunately went through basic training and was about to be shipped off to Japan, when the war ended and he was among the first Americans to go to Hiroshima and witness the devastation caused by a hydrogen bomb. He served his 2 years and was about to reenlist to go to Korea and decided to come home and go to college. That was a fortunate choice because all of his army buddies that went to Korea did not return.
He became a teacher and later a guidance counsellor. He worked on developing schedules for a high school that had 600-700 students per class and before the computer he did all the schedules by hand. His students loved him as did my sister and I. He was a really loving parent. Just as he took care of his alcoholic mom, he also was charged with caring for a schizophrenic wife. He had a good heart and even though he could have left the dysfunction, he stuck it out.
During the last six years of his life, I watched him deteriorate. He maintained a positive attitude and I came to visit him as often as I could. I treasure the time I got to spend with him and I learned so much about his childhood and his inner thoughts. We had fun together and I called him every day. I miss his voice and a really miss that cheering greeting I got each day. I have no one that I can call every single day, that wouldn't get sick of hearing my voice. He was the greatest and I was so lucky to have one parent that treasured my existence.
We threw him a party when he turned eighty and one of his former students came up to me and said- your dad saved my life. He explained he was lost in high school and was about to enlist to go to Vietnam. My dad looked at his grades and convinced him to go to college and he became a high schoolteacher and coach. He said that none of the guys he knew that went to Vietnam came back. My dad let him know he believed in him and also saved him.
Mr. B and my dad lived separate but similar lives. Mr. B was black and had to overcome growing up in the south before civil rights. His children harbor no grudges towards anyone for this. My dad raised two accomplished girls that survived our childhood ordeals and also each raised daughters that are really terrific kids also.
Bless you Pop-pop and Grandpa B!!!
My Dad was the same. He was very religious and he had a tough upbringing during the depression. He really raise his mother and his mom and dad divorced in the 1930's- which was practically unheard of at that time. His mom was an alcoholic and he and his sister learned early how to fend for themselves. He turned to sports and was a top high school athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He played football against George Blanda at a neighboring high school. I believe George Bland holds the record for the oldest pro football player. Those coal- miner kids came from very tough stock.
My dad turned 18 on July 27, 1945 and enlisted in the army. He fortunately went through basic training and was about to be shipped off to Japan, when the war ended and he was among the first Americans to go to Hiroshima and witness the devastation caused by a hydrogen bomb. He served his 2 years and was about to reenlist to go to Korea and decided to come home and go to college. That was a fortunate choice because all of his army buddies that went to Korea did not return.
He became a teacher and later a guidance counsellor. He worked on developing schedules for a high school that had 600-700 students per class and before the computer he did all the schedules by hand. His students loved him as did my sister and I. He was a really loving parent. Just as he took care of his alcoholic mom, he also was charged with caring for a schizophrenic wife. He had a good heart and even though he could have left the dysfunction, he stuck it out.
During the last six years of his life, I watched him deteriorate. He maintained a positive attitude and I came to visit him as often as I could. I treasure the time I got to spend with him and I learned so much about his childhood and his inner thoughts. We had fun together and I called him every day. I miss his voice and a really miss that cheering greeting I got each day. I have no one that I can call every single day, that wouldn't get sick of hearing my voice. He was the greatest and I was so lucky to have one parent that treasured my existence.
We threw him a party when he turned eighty and one of his former students came up to me and said- your dad saved my life. He explained he was lost in high school and was about to enlist to go to Vietnam. My dad looked at his grades and convinced him to go to college and he became a high schoolteacher and coach. He said that none of the guys he knew that went to Vietnam came back. My dad let him know he believed in him and also saved him.
Mr. B and my dad lived separate but similar lives. Mr. B was black and had to overcome growing up in the south before civil rights. His children harbor no grudges towards anyone for this. My dad raised two accomplished girls that survived our childhood ordeals and also each raised daughters that are really terrific kids also.
Bless you Pop-pop and Grandpa B!!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Heylia's Back!
For all of you Weeds fans- great news Heylia's back. I was watching Weed's with my daughter last night and right before the show started I said- wouldn't it be great if they bring back Conrad and Heylia? Last weeks episode showed a side splitting dark comedy moment when an unknown Afghanistan pot grower was blown up by his jealous wife. The point being that there wasn't going to be any supplier for a while- plus the explosion came out of nowhere, somehow that was hysterical!
Anyway most of the people that I know that love the series Weed's haven't been as happy with the whole Mexican drug lord storyline. I think everyone was just missing the dynamic between Heylia and Conrad and Nancy. Well at least we know that Heylia is back! Dean was also with Heylia so maybe Celia will be back soon. We all miss hating Celia too!
I just want to send a shout out to the writers of Weeds. I think that Doug and Andy are fantastic comic sidekicks. I like that every season has a new dynamic. They are definitely not glamorizing the world of drug dealing. They have highs and then dynamic tragedy and somehow they make it all funny. Cheers to the Weeds cast. I would say they are my second favorite comedy of all time. I have to give first place to Seinfeld, since they had to be on the network and they made it funny without the use of foul language and sex.
Favorite weeds moment- Uncle Andy explaining masturbation to young Shane in the first season- it is a classic!
Best Comedies of all time:
1. Seinfeld
2. Weeds
3. Archie Bunker- All in the family
4. MASH
5. Curb your Enthusiam
Best Dramas of all time:
1. LOST
2. Dexter
3. Mad Men
Anyway most of the people that I know that love the series Weed's haven't been as happy with the whole Mexican drug lord storyline. I think everyone was just missing the dynamic between Heylia and Conrad and Nancy. Well at least we know that Heylia is back! Dean was also with Heylia so maybe Celia will be back soon. We all miss hating Celia too!
I just want to send a shout out to the writers of Weeds. I think that Doug and Andy are fantastic comic sidekicks. I like that every season has a new dynamic. They are definitely not glamorizing the world of drug dealing. They have highs and then dynamic tragedy and somehow they make it all funny. Cheers to the Weeds cast. I would say they are my second favorite comedy of all time. I have to give first place to Seinfeld, since they had to be on the network and they made it funny without the use of foul language and sex.
Favorite weeds moment- Uncle Andy explaining masturbation to young Shane in the first season- it is a classic!
Best Comedies of all time:
1. Seinfeld
2. Weeds
3. Archie Bunker- All in the family
4. MASH
5. Curb your Enthusiam
Best Dramas of all time:
1. LOST
2. Dexter
3. Mad Men
Monday, July 25, 2011
Curb is Back!
I am a big Larry David fan. I loved Seinfeld before it really caught on and I still think it was the funniest show of all time. Curb your Enthusiasm is also a great show. I was really excited it was finally back on HBO. The first show was disappointing- as my sister said- the dialog was a bit forced. The second show was funny- it had Richard Lewis and was back to the regular standards. Last night's show was extremely amusing. Susie was back and she is my favorite. Her daughter stole the show. The Palestinian-Jewish feud was a really clever story-line. Calling Larry the social assassin was genius!
I wish actual Israeli-Palestinian talks could be influenced by the David method of diplomacy. They could use a little humor over there. Will there ever be a solution? The answer is no. When both sides think they are absolutely right, there will never be a peace agreement. This same concept can be applied to our government. Both the democrats and the republicans will not budge and all that happens is that nothing gets accomplished. President Obama call in the "social assassin" and maybe Boehner, Pelosi, Cantor and Reid will remove the sticks from their asses and agree on something!
I wish actual Israeli-Palestinian talks could be influenced by the David method of diplomacy. They could use a little humor over there. Will there ever be a solution? The answer is no. When both sides think they are absolutely right, there will never be a peace agreement. This same concept can be applied to our government. Both the democrats and the republicans will not budge and all that happens is that nothing gets accomplished. President Obama call in the "social assassin" and maybe Boehner, Pelosi, Cantor and Reid will remove the sticks from their asses and agree on something!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Insanity
I just got back from a visit to the Jersey Shore. This means spending time with my egg donor. As I have previously referenced my mother, you are all aware that she can be an interesting character. I have learned that a visit must be limited to 3-4 days. She can "behave" somewhat, with a few snarky comments here and there. After 4 days all hell will break loose.
During the good old days, when I was a child,the common treatment for schizophrenia was electric shock treatment. I believe that my mother has undergone this 20+ times. The result was a zombie-like persona that had no ability to lash out for at least 2-3 months. One of the therapists must have suggested that she write a daily log of her activities, since she couldn't remember much. This resulted in "the book". This daily log has been done ever since I can remember and has always been left out for all to view in the kitchen. Since acknowledging our contributions are pretty much only ever done in writing and never out loud- the goal of any stay at my mother's house is to be mentioned in the book.
My brother-in-law has had a good run lately. I believe during the weekend of the 4th he made the book on 3 separate occasions. Basically, in order to make the book you have to do a chore that improves the quality of life for my mother. Just coming to visit is not book-worthy. You must answer the Janet Jackson question- "What have you done for me lately!" Unfortunately for my brother-in -law, he did not make the book when I was there. Poor guy cut the tree branches from the neighbors trees, hedged the grass and fixed the lawn around the newly dug city water meter. He did not make the book. Absolute defeat! I took everyone out to dinner and made the book. No sweat necessary. I have learned my lesson from previous visits.
Albert Einstein said- the definition of insanity is: repeating the same behavior and expecting a different result.
During the good old days, when I was a child,the common treatment for schizophrenia was electric shock treatment. I believe that my mother has undergone this 20+ times. The result was a zombie-like persona that had no ability to lash out for at least 2-3 months. One of the therapists must have suggested that she write a daily log of her activities, since she couldn't remember much. This resulted in "the book". This daily log has been done ever since I can remember and has always been left out for all to view in the kitchen. Since acknowledging our contributions are pretty much only ever done in writing and never out loud- the goal of any stay at my mother's house is to be mentioned in the book.
My brother-in-law has had a good run lately. I believe during the weekend of the 4th he made the book on 3 separate occasions. Basically, in order to make the book you have to do a chore that improves the quality of life for my mother. Just coming to visit is not book-worthy. You must answer the Janet Jackson question- "What have you done for me lately!" Unfortunately for my brother-in -law, he did not make the book when I was there. Poor guy cut the tree branches from the neighbors trees, hedged the grass and fixed the lawn around the newly dug city water meter. He did not make the book. Absolute defeat! I took everyone out to dinner and made the book. No sweat necessary. I have learned my lesson from previous visits.
Albert Einstein said- the definition of insanity is: repeating the same behavior and expecting a different result.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The summer of the "DL"
Well- today is the big day. My 21 year old just got her driver's licence. Hallelujah! I learned what the hand rail above the the passenger seat in your vehicle is used for this summer! I generally use the two in the back seat for hanging dry cleaning. The one up front is for parents that are teaching their kids to drive and for trying to hang on for dear life while also trying not to appear to have any fear! The first two weeks of driving lessons were very tense. I have a beautiful, smart, creative daughter-but common sense and basic sense of direction is not part of her normal persona.
If you wonder, why is she just getting her license now and she is already 21-good question. We did get her the permit when she was younger. We did practice driving then. But the primary reason that WE did this was because I made her. The problem is that she has no reason to learn. She takes a bus everywhere at college and has no need to get a licence. Hopefully for her last year of college she will take the car and live in an apartment instead of a dorm and try to be an adult. Have I babied her? absolutely! It is totally my fault. I am always trying to make her life so much better than mine was that I unfortunately made it too Kooshy! I hope I haven't ruined her by making her life easy. Time will tell-but I have a feeling she will become a wonderful young artist and although this summer has been full of internal strive for me ( actually both of us). It was worth it!
If you wonder, why is she just getting her license now and she is already 21-good question. We did get her the permit when she was younger. We did practice driving then. But the primary reason that WE did this was because I made her. The problem is that she has no reason to learn. She takes a bus everywhere at college and has no need to get a licence. Hopefully for her last year of college she will take the car and live in an apartment instead of a dorm and try to be an adult. Have I babied her? absolutely! It is totally my fault. I am always trying to make her life so much better than mine was that I unfortunately made it too Kooshy! I hope I haven't ruined her by making her life easy. Time will tell-but I have a feeling she will become a wonderful young artist and although this summer has been full of internal strive for me ( actually both of us). It was worth it!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
U2
I recently had the opportunity to go to the U2 extravaganza in Philadelphia. The makeup concert from 2 years ago- the 360 tour. The tickets were an early birthday present form my sister and it was the best concert EVER! I think there were 70,000 people there. The stage could be seen from all sides of Lincoln Financial field. there was a circular LED screen that towered over the stage and the digital images and camera work made it certain that everyone could have a great view of the band.
My favorite part was when Gabrielle Gifford's husband got on the screen and introduced the song "Beautiful Day" from up in the space shuttle. That was really special. My daughter got the whole concert experience because we were siting close by a girl that threw up and an obnoxious guy that smoked a joint and practically had intercourse with his girlfriend after starting a verbal battle with the guy next to him. Those two were not in the same group by the way. We truly had a great time and we laughed at the A-holes next to us and just focused on the show!
The concert tickets my sister gave us was one of the best birthday presents ever. My very best present ever was when she threw me a party for my 21st birthday (back in the dark ages). It was a complete and total surprise. I mean- I was about to cry because no one at college had remembered or mentioned my birthday and I was feeling very sad. One of my friends offered to take me out for a drink at the last minute and brought me over to the party. I had the greatest time and even did a beer bong. That is when you hold a huge funnel up and fill it beer and you have to suck it down in one swallow. Good times! So I did sow the wild oats in my younger days. I guess Karma is a bitch!
My favorite part was when Gabrielle Gifford's husband got on the screen and introduced the song "Beautiful Day" from up in the space shuttle. That was really special. My daughter got the whole concert experience because we were siting close by a girl that threw up and an obnoxious guy that smoked a joint and practically had intercourse with his girlfriend after starting a verbal battle with the guy next to him. Those two were not in the same group by the way. We truly had a great time and we laughed at the A-holes next to us and just focused on the show!
The concert tickets my sister gave us was one of the best birthday presents ever. My very best present ever was when she threw me a party for my 21st birthday (back in the dark ages). It was a complete and total surprise. I mean- I was about to cry because no one at college had remembered or mentioned my birthday and I was feeling very sad. One of my friends offered to take me out for a drink at the last minute and brought me over to the party. I had the greatest time and even did a beer bong. That is when you hold a huge funnel up and fill it beer and you have to suck it down in one swallow. Good times! So I did sow the wild oats in my younger days. I guess Karma is a bitch!
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