North Korea

We've all heard a lot about this xenophobic little country that sits on the other side of the world. Its neighbor to the south has been threatened, along with the United States, with harsh militaristic tactics.

The threat of "nuclear" war is imminent, according to the propaganda machine of North Korea.

Kim Jong Un, the untested boy, who inherited his power from his father and grandfather, is trying to fill some really big (er...) shoes by picking a fight with the biggest bully on the block (i.e., the United States).

Here's what I think:

1. The Chinese aren't doing much to calm down the rhetoric spewing from the Korean Peninsula, which makes it harder to swallow for countries like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

2. The United States seems to be stirring in the pie, too, by sending in fighter jets to South Korea and beefing up its missile detection network in the Pacific. This only serves to encourage Kim.

3. If the United States is going to "up" the stakes, then it needs to make it a real life exercise. With the blessing--or disinterest of China--the United States needs to take care of business by either withdrawing its beefed up operations in the region; thereby, calling Kim's bluff. Or, simply carpet-bomb the little third world country back to the Chinese border, starting at the DMZ and pushing northward.

This would show them that the "boiled pumpkin" really does have teeth and knows how to use them. I know it is cruel for the innocent people who are stuck between a rock and China, but it really is the only way to give this little country a chance for any kind of new start in the international community.

I'm not advocating an occupation. It is more of a calling card: "Hi, we received your message and dropped by. If you want to see us again, just use our name on the television...or drop a note-in-a-bottle into the sea! See ya, Uncle Sam."

Easter

On this holiest of holy days, I want to reflect on probably something I have probably already said at some other time and/or some where else.

Facebook is a good place to keep in touch with people, but it is also a good place to be reminded of how foolish people can be. I am far from the most religious/spiritual person on the planet, but I don't take take out of my day (irony here) to tell people about it by plastering their Facebook walls with countless posts.

Whereas, Christmas has a since of joviality and the spirit of giving (and, yes, a virgin birth for good measure), Easter is simply a day to celebrate something that to me is quite absurd to me: execution, burial and resurrection.

So what's my point?

Were people executed by crucifixion? Yes.

Were people buried in caves/tombs? Sure.

Did someone come back from the dead after a crucifixion? Nope.

Yes, Easter is more about the eggs and bunny rabbits, for me. After all, Easter was originally a pagan celebration of fertility (duh, it's spring). I'll take my fertile little bunnies and life-giving chickens' eggs over the belief that some Jewish person chose to die for my sins, had to be buried for three days, and then brought back miraculously from the dead for all the world to marvel, even 2,000+ years later!

Pope Francis

During the second day of Conclave, the cardinals elected an Argentine as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first pope to be elected from Latin America.

Hugo Chavez Dead

Venezuela's vice president, Nicolas Maduro, has announced the death of the country's president, Hugo Chavez.

Now what will happen to the price of oil?

Benedict XVI Renounces Papacy

I suppose there is some consolation that one person can see that he or she is not fit for the job they have and do the right thing by stepping aside. It would seem that Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Christ, and fisherman of men, will stand down from his position as the head of the world's Roman Catholic Church on February 28.

His successor will be selected by 118 cardinals, or Princes of the Church. Of the 118, Benedict has appointed 67.

What do you call it? Resignation? Abdication?

According to his own words, the Pope is "renouncing" it. He's casting it off. His burden is lifted.

There be kings here!

Who knew that a king's final resting place could be under a parking lot?

It would seem that fate was true for English King Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet family to rule, who died in battle over 500 years ago.

This only proves that in the end we are nothing but bones wedged under someone else's dirt. It's still terribly interesting!

"Why I Raise My Children Without God"

I found an article (iReport) on CNN that I really enjoyed reading. It spoke to many of the same feelings I have, although not as a parent, about God. As a child, I believed in God not out of his ability to be rational or fair, or out of love, but out of fear of what would happen to me if I failed to do so. I was taught that God was behind every bush and corner, and we never knew when he would spring out and cast us into Hell for any minor transgression. Growing up led me to the realization that God is no different than the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, or Jack Frost. It's just that somewhere along the way, our ancestors forgot to inform us that God was a similar imaginary figure. God may not be such a terrible concept, if he wasn't so violent and full of malice. God teaches hate, and makes those who do hate bold. If only everyone could agree to simply love and accept each other unconditionally. I tell children that everyday: Simply accept each other as we are. (I think there may be a hymn about that.)

 

I did not write nor do I own the following material. It is available, as of the date of this blog's publishing, at: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-910282

 

 

God is a bad parent and role model.

If God is our father, then he is not a good parent. Good parents don’t allow their children to inflict harm on others. Good people don’t stand by and watch horrible acts committed against innocent men, women and children. They don’t condone violence and abuse. “He has given us free will,” you say? Our children have free will, but we still step in and guide them.

God is not logical.

How many times have you heard, “Why did God allow this to happen?” And this: “It’s not for us to understand.” Translate: We don’t understand, so we will not think about it or deal with the issue. Take for example the senseless tragedy in Newtown. Rather than address the problem of guns in America, we defer responsibility to God. He had a reason. He wanted more angels. Only he knows why. We write poems saying that we told God to leave our schools. Now he’s making us pay the price. If there is a good, all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves his children, does it make sense that he would allow murders, child abuse, wars, brutal beatings, torture and millions of heinous acts to be committed throughout the history of mankind? Doesn’t this go against everything Christ taught us in the New Testament?

The question we should be asking is this: “Why did we allow this to happen?” How can we fix this? No imaginary person is going to give us the answers or tell us why. Only we have the ability to be logical and to problem solve, and we should not abdicate these responsibilities to “God” just because a topic is tough or uncomfortable to address.

God is not fair.

If God is fair, then why does he answer the silly prayers of some while allowing other, serious requests, to go unanswered? I have known people who pray that they can find money to buy new furniture. (Answered.) I have known people who pray to God to help them win a soccer match. (Answered.) Why are the prayers of parents with dying children not answered?

If God is fair, then why are some babies born with heart defects, autism, missing limbs or conjoined to another baby? Clearly, all men are not created equally. Why is a good man beaten senseless on the street while an evil man finds great wealth taking advantage of others? This is not fair. A game maker who allows luck to rule mankind’s existence has not created a fair game.

God does not protect the innocent.

He does not keep our children safe. As a society, we stand up and speak for those who cannot. We protect our little ones as much as possible. When a child is kidnapped, we work together to find the child. We do not tolerate abuse and neglect. Why can’t God, with all his powers of omnipotence, protect the innocent?

God is not present.

He is not here. Telling our children to love a person they cannot see, smell, touch or hear does not make sense. It means that we teach children to love an image, an image that lives only in their imaginations. What we teach them, in effect, is to love an idea that we have created, one that is based in our fears and our hopes.

God Does Not Teach Children to Be Good

A child should make moral choices for the right reasons. Telling him that he must behave because God is watching means that his morality will be externally focused rather than internally structured. It’s like telling a child to behave or Santa won’t bring presents. When we take God out of the picture, we place responsibility of doing the right thing onto the shoulders of our children. No, they won’t go to heaven or rule their own planets when they die, but they can sleep better at night. They will make their family proud. They will feel better about who they are. They will be decent people.

God Teaches Narcissism

“God has a plan for you.” Telling kids there is a big guy in the sky who has a special path for them makes children narcissistic; it makes them think the world is at their disposal and that, no matter what happens, it doesn’t really matter because God is in control. That gives kids a sense of false security and creates selfishness. “No matter what I do, God loves me and forgives me. He knows my purpose. I am special.” The irony is that, while we tell this story to our kids, other children are abused and murdered, starved and neglected. All part of God’s plan, right?

When we raise kids without God, we tell them the truth—we are no more special than the next creature. We are just a very, very small part of a big, big machine–whether that machine is nature or society–the influence we have is minuscule. The realization of our insignificance gives us a true sense of humbleness.

I understand why people need God. I understand why people need heaven. It is terrifying to think that we are all alone in this universe, that one day we—along with the children we love so much—will cease to exist. The idea of God and an afterlife gives many of us structure, community and hope.

I do not want religion to go away. I only want religion to be kept at home or in church where it belongs. It’s a personal effect, like a toothbrush or a pair of shoes. It’s not something to be used or worn by strangers. I want my children to be free not to believe and to know that our schools and our government will make decisions based on what is logical, just and fair—not on what they believe an imaginary God wants.

Barack Obama takes his second (third) oath of office

In what was a very low key event, held in the Blue Room of the White House, Barack Obama officially began his second term as president of the United States shortly before noon today.

This time they did not "flubbed" the oath of office.

The ceremony with all the "pomp and ceremony" begins tomorrow, since today is Sunday.

Trillion Dollar Coin

The recent uproar over the "trillion dollar coin" has brought up some economic questions for me, as a person and teacher.

My students have asked me in the past how come we can't just print more money and let people have it to spend how they see fit. It sounds like a stupid idea, on the surface, but it would seem that our government might be willing to do it.

My go to response is that money has to have a guarantee of its worth. I suppose since we know longer use a gold standard, it is merely the word of the Federal Reserve that the money is good for whatever its face-value may be.

In essence, I suppose a platinum trillion dollar coin is a solution...from a child's perspective. If the government can do that, why not simply strike a $17,000,000,000,000 coin and pay off the national debt with a brand new surplus in the Treasury?

We really can have our cake and eat it too!

Kim Kardashian

You know, thinking back on 2012, we've had a lot of ups and downs. We weathered a presidential election, fiscal cliffs, the Mayan calendar apocalypse and revived the gun debate, but I really believe the most historic moment of this year happened today. It's fitting that such an event occurred on the very last day of 2012: the announcement that Kim Kardashian is having a baby!

When future historians write about this year, they'll glaze over the other 365 days (it was a leap year, after all) for this one super magical moment. America is blessed with such great news. Everything else just seems awkwardly superficial!

Happy 2013!

Newtown Tragedy vs. NRA $$

As the memories of the children who died last Friday in the horrific Connecticut elementary school shooting begin to fade from national attention, the media is settings its sights on the legacy of the killer and the fate of semi-automatic weapons.

Much like the fabled second coming of Jesus Christ, we await "major news" from the NRA. I will wait starry-eyed, with goose flesh the size of Bordeaux grapes, and baited-breath for the glorious revelations of the NRA! (I am surely green with envy as I write.)

I'm positive that many politicians will be checking their re-election coffers twice this holiday season to see just how much extra treasure the NRA has put in their stocking.

After all, it's not guns that kill en masse; it's deranged lunatics with semi-automatic weapons who do.

I feel like the NRA may be working on a plan to resurrect Charlton Heston for a new pro-gun ad campaign.

Dollar Bill

I have some free advice for the United States Treasury, since they will undoubtedly spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money to figure out the answer to a decades old question: How can we get Americans to stop using dollar bills and adopt the use of a dollar coin?

The answer is simple: stop printing dollar bills!

Wow! I feel so, so smart for having thought of that. If the populace has no alternative other than to use the dollar coin, then the dollar bill can finally retire.

And, yes, in this case, billions of dollars can be saved if we switch from our dependence on paper to metal.

Afternoon Delight

Last night my mom and I were having a conversation about people in general. Mom made a comment about how "crazy" people are in the world. I thought on what she said for a few seconds, before I realized that while she was making her observation she was giving a haircut to a dog.

It gave me a good tickle!

Yassir Arafat

Yes, it's a story worthy of the Комитет государственной безопасности​ (KGB), Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo), and/or (let's do one more) Ministerium für Staatssicherheit (Stasi)...or maybe, too, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)...okay that was two more.

But now I digress!

The remains of former PLO leader, Yassir Arafat, are being exhumed as I type this missive in hopes to quash, or sustain, the suspicions of his wife that he was clandestinely poisoned by the המוסד למודיעין ולתפקידים מיוחדים‎--MOSSAD--or Israeli intelligence agency.

Arafat met his demise in a Paris military hospital in 2004 of unknown circumstances. Since his death, clues have surfaced that point to the possibility that he had been poisoned by polonium, which had been used as a method of assassination by the (defunct?) KGB on one of their former jabber-jawed agents in the United Kingdom. After all, they found evidence of the isotope on the former PLO leader's clothing.

Okay, maybe that part is hearsay and construed partly from my own wild imagination, but the truth remains that there exists a veil of a less than natural demise.

I think it is a ploy to rebury him in Jerusalem, since he was denied that courtesy by the Israeli government, citing, "Jerusalem is the burial place of Jewish kings, not of Arab terrorists."

That's harsh!

Personally, I'd like to see what he was keeping under that thing he wore on his head. I guess there are reasons I'm not invited to every exhumation!

Election 2012

Just before Elections 2014 & 2016 get started, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Election 2012. More than a billion dollars was spent on a single day's outcome. Certainly Election Day is a big deal, as we elect representatives on the national, state, and local levels; however, I am left feeling unimpressed by so-called Big Money's attempt to sell Mitt Romney.

It's no surprise that I voted for Barack Obama, even though my state went for Romney. I would do it again. I believe that our ideas, needs, wants, and hopes are bigger than the 47%, the 1%, or any other minority group. I am more than a Democrat, a Kentuckian, a believer that we can all do better than what we are doing now; I am an American.

I once heard that America's best days are always ahead of it. I believe that statement. How could our ancestors have seen our today from their yesterday? How could they have envisioned a nation such as ours from the deepest depths of the Civil War, two World Wars, Great Depression, Cold War, and so much more adversity?

We are more than our fears, our prejudices, our insecurities. Yes, we are the authors of our own stories. Each story is combined with a neighbor's story, and another's, and so it goes. We are a nation that perseveres. The next rainbow will always be the brightest. Tomorrow's dawn the sweetest, because we live within it.

We can dream, we can hope, we can conquer. No matter what we are told those three principles hold true, from the lowest of the low to the highest of the high, and everyone in-between. We have been to the stars. We have seen what we can accomplish.

We know there is more!

Poor Mitt

Dear Mittens,

Go fuck yourself.

Sincerely,

Day One

iPhone 5

It's not quite Hurricane Sandy material, but I had a little drama with my iPhone friend(s).

Last Christmas, I bought myself (because I give the best presents) an iPhone 4s. On a recent road trip, I dropped it onto the blacktop of a convenient store parking lot. The screen went crack and it was quite unattractive. So, I call up my Verizon rep, and she talks me into upgrading to the new iPhone 5. Let's face it, the insurance plan you buy is worthless. They tried to get me to pay a $169 deductible, or pay $199 for a brand new phone. Hmmm...let me think.

Well, you get the picture of what happened. I had to wait, though, to get the sucker delivered to me. I guess those workers in China are slow. Yesterday it shows up, and I have to program this thing. It wasn't as easy as the iPhone 4s. There was a lot of talk of SIM cards, then the phone talked about SIM failure and an invalid SIM. I stressed about it all night long.

Today, I started driving toward the big city, because I'm sort of out in the boonies. It turns out that it just needed a better connection to Verizon's network. It started working...abracadabra!

The iPhone 5 is cuter, lighter, and a bit more friendly toward my large hands. Other than that, it is pretty much identical to the iPhone 4s. I'm sure there are some techies out there who would argue that point with me, but for a run of the mill operator, it's the same!

But, look on the bright side, no more cracks to look through to see my stuff! (:

Big Bird-gate

Like many others, I watched Wednesday night's debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. I agree with Obama. Who was that guy? He was a new person. I suppose someone had shaken the Etch-a-Sketch just before the debate, so that he could transform himself into a lover and liker of many things. We found out that he likes green jobs, but he would never fund them. We found out that he likes coal. And he really loves Medicare (i.e., senior citizens of the 47%).

The thing that caught a lot of people's attention was Romney's attack on PBS's Sesame Street. Mitt Romney likes Big Bird, but he isn't going to borrow any more money from those loan shark Chinese to keep him on the air. This caused a lot of uproar in the media.

What do I think?

I doubt that Big Bird and his pals are the main cause of America's economic woes. I find it incredulous of Romney to attack a children's show in the middle of a presidential debate. That doesn't seem very presidential to me.

Let's talk about what presidential means.

Did Mitt Romney win the debate?

He certainly came off stronger than I expected. Obama was more reserved in his debate style. Many people say that it means Romney was the over-all winner. The winner of a debate is circumspect at best. He may have won in the eyes of some, but I saw it as more of a strategy on the part of the Obama team.

The debate was a platform for Romney to hang himself politically. He had to make himself seem more human and likable from the standpoint of the 47% of independent voters, who he slashed in a private melee with his top 10% of political contributors. Now that Romney has laid it all out on the line before a nationally televised audience, he can't take back anything he has said. I believe the next debates will show a much more concise and ruthless Obama. Wednesday's debate was more about feeling out where Romney "really" stands on domestic issues.

Romney is running on his record as one-term governor of a liberal New England state, who created the very model of Obamacare, and the CEO of a slash-and-burn capital investment firm. (What happened to the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics?) Obama is running on his record as President of the United States, which is a much more visible platform.  Romney has a lot of personal demons to exorcise, as well. He must figure out how Romneycare is different from Obamacare. Of course, I realize that it was on a state-level, but it worked. Why shouldn't it work for the entire nation? (I believe that Obamacare doesn't go far enough. But, that's for a Clinton presidency.)

As a final thought, I am reminded of a 1995 Michael Douglas movie, The American President. Douglas plays an incumbent president who is mired in a harmless personal scandal with a Washington lobbyist, which is lampooned by his rival for the presidency, played by Richard Dreyfuss. Dreyfuss' character always ends his speeches by declaring he is "running for president." I think we saw a little of that in Romney on Wednesday night; in that the only consistent issue we have seen from Romney is that he is "running for president." Everything else he has flip-flopped on like a big dead-eyed mackerel!

This message is Big Bird approved!

Rebirth of the Ottoman Empire

It's hard to know when Republicans are being literal or figurative. Case in point: Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX).

After thanking "Barack Hussein Obama," who's Muslimhood is between him and God, Congressman Gohmert goes on to criticize President Obama (and President Clinton...where does President Dubya Bush fit into this sordid equation?) for helping to restore a second-coming of the Ottoman Empire.

Is he for real?

According to him, all of the President's failed Middle East policies are going to create a lot of problems for Israel. I wonder if Gohmert's new Turkey will look back to the issue of its last caliph, Abdulmecid II, for leadership?

Like most Republicans, he didn't get into specifics on how this imminent threat to world peace was going to play out.

Shocking!

Mind you, of course, this all took place on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

Bill Clinton

Let's repeal the 22nd Amendment and put this man back to work in the White House!

Religion + Politics

As a small boy, I grew up as a God-fearing (moreso confused) Baptist. I'm not sure what brand of Baptist we were, though. All I know is that Baptists hate everyone and everything that doesn't grace their doors (and sometimes even then) on Wednesday evenings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings. This includes the Baptists less than a mile down the road. Forget the Pentecostals.They never had a chance in hell of getting into Heaven. But I digress.

With that said, I find it hard to accept that someone like Mike Huckabee, who is a born-again Evangelistic, Bible-thumping, sometimes lay Baptist pastor would endorse someone as evil and unwholesome as a John Smith worshipping, Book of Mormon-believing, Mormon underwear wearing, hellbound sinner like Mitt Romney for president of the United States. After all, he's already standing at Satan's door knocking.

It doesn't add up for me.

Now before you call me a hater and a religious bigot, this is just the religious brainwashing I grew up with as a small child. If you have read anything else I have posted, you will clearly see that I do not adhere to any religious dogma at all in my wiser years. Religion, to put it gingerly, is passe. I believe in gay sex, pharmaceutical drugs and 1980s rock-n-roll.

Instead, such endorsements speak volumes about a person's true beliefs. Let's face it, Huckabee doesn't really have any religious faith besides the Republican Party. He is so caught up in the Party's dogma that he is simply willing to risk his alleged eternal soul to endorse someone as close to being the Anti-Christ as Mitt Romney.

Another life lesson I have learned from my years as a Baptist is that you can somewhat forgive people who aren't Christians. You can forgive Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Pagans, Buddhists, Fire Walkers, and the like, because they are heathens who do not know any better. Of course, you aren't required to like or accept them. Just pray that they find the Baptist Christ. But, by God, if you proclaim some semblance to Christianity, and it ain't Baptist, you better watch out. You will be judged, and judged harshly.

So, Governor Michael Dale Huckabee, you, sir, are a hypocrite and liar! God has your number and she ain't none too pleased, sir!

Pregnancy=No Rape

I tell people that I learn something new everyday. Yesterday was no exception to that rule. According to a member of the United States Congress, Todd Akin (R-MO), pregnancy does not occur when legitimate rape has been committed. I suppose that the female body has a way of warding off the sperm of a rapist. But, if you say it's rape, and you get pregnant, then it's not really rape.

Representative Akin sounds like a real piece of work. The sad thing (other than he is an elected official) is that he is running for the Senate this fall. What's interesting now is that Republican leaders are attempting to get Akin to withdraw from the race. These leaders include Kentucky's own bigot, Mitch McConnell, who is the Minority Leader in the Senate.

The more you know!

Mitt the Twit

I couldn't have said it better myself than the English. I guess Mitt Romney wants to take credit for the London Olympics, even though he proclaimed them a singular failure. Mitt probably started the initial planning of the current games during the 2002 Winter Olympics, which were held in fabulous Salt Lake City, Utah, and the single-handed mastercraft of Mitt Romney.

Mitt stay classy!

Aurora, Colorado

Yesterday's travesty at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater was just that: a travesty. First, I heard the Second Amendment nut jobs saying that if all the movie-goers had had a weapon that none of this would have happened. I wonder how that would have worked out? I'm sure the shoot-out at the OK Corral would have looked tame, in retrospect. Then it turns out that James Holmes, the gunman that is being glorified by the media, obtained all of his weapons legally. After all, he had no criminal background.

With that said, yes, it would seem that the screening to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals worked on the front-side of this story, but I'm not sure why American citizens need semi-automatic weapons. Yes, he also bought pistols and a shotgun, but I believe we can accept that this damage was done by the semi-automatic weapon, an AR-15 assault rifle, he bought--legally.

On a final note, as I've been surfing through the news channels on television, and on the Internet, all I can see is news about the Aurora shooter. Some say that they shouldn't focus on the shooter, but on the victims. So far, it seems to be all about the shooter. I'm always fearful of a "copycat," who may want a piece of the spotlight.

"If I were a Kennedy"

This is too funny!

I blame George W. Bush

Conservatives are crying their eyes out today after the Supreme Court upheld Obamacare's primary mandate stating each American must have health insurance by 2014 or face a tax. The highlight was that seemingly conservative Chief Justice John Roberts joined the liberal majority (5-4) in upholding the most polarizing portion of Obama's legislation; he even crafted its opinion!

Now, I cannot confess to have any love lost on Chief Justice Roberts. He is a George W. Bush appointee, after all, who came with high conservative backing during his nomination and confirmation to the Court. I thought Republicans were surely going to win a victory in the healthcare reform battle, with people like Roberts sitting on the bench, but boy was I (and many other people) wrong. Even CNN and Fox News incorrectly reported that the mandate had been overturned this morning.

It just goes to show that sometimes a Bush appointee can join with Clinton and Obama appointees when the stakes for our nation are highest.

7,000 Years

The nation of Egypt has waited "7,000 years for today," according to one Egyptian. According to him it has taken over 7,000 years for Egypt to go from an autocratic state, ruled by pharaohs, who in part drew their power from the gods themselves, to an elected despot, who represents another zealous faction swearing allegiance to another religious dogma. (That's a whole other concern.)

The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsi, declared that he was the candidate to represent all of Egypt. While those are commendable goals, he mustn't forget that his nation is formally ruled by a military council that garnered its power at the collapse of Egypt's previous president, Hosni Mubarak. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has dissolved parliament, at the behest of the nation's supreme court. It's rule is seemingly unhindered by recent developments.

It is my hope that Egypt can find true democracy through the majority's voice. The majority spoke last year when it rose up against then-President Mubarak and declared that it would no longer accept the rule of its nation's oligarchy. Mubarak has since found himself indicted, tried, found guilty and sentenced to life for his crimes against those who rose up against the government.

Whether the oppression came from a self-appointed, pseudo-dictator, like Mubarak, or the self-appointed military apparatus that rules firmly today, Egypt must rise out of the ashes of its own history to find its path into the future.

Parasites

I'm not a dog person. I never really liked dogs, but I can tolerate them. They just seem too needy and overly pleasing compared to my sloth-like, hedonistic values. They must always know their place. And that place is at least 100 feet from me at all times. Last year, in the spring I think, my parents got a dog. Now mind you, they have had dogs in the past. Of course, 90% of them ended up ran-over in the middle of the highway, but not this new dog. She's blessed.

This little furry dog, that probably weighs ten pounds, is the pride-and-joy of my parents. It is the child they never had. They dote, they spoil, they indulge this horrid thing. The irony is that my mother is the one who used to criticize her own aunt for the same actions. But now, they are one in the same. It's like the two musketeers of well fed rat-dogs.

This dog, of course, lives in the house. She eats her weight in cat shit each day. My mother says she is fickle, because she doesn't eat her over-priced, designer dog food. (Mother, though, overlooks the previous stated fact about the kitty snacks.) In fact, this dog eats anything that goes into her mouth, with the exception of dog food. I've seen her devour used toilet tissue, Kleenex, anything in the garbage basically.

Then, there's the humping. I didn't realize this, because I'd never seen it before, but female dogs are humpers. This dog humps anything with or without a pulse. I'm an exception. Mom says is shows she is dominate over all she surveys. She surveys me and goes the other way. I'm not mean to her, perse; I just set limits. I suppose I am the surrogate alpha. She has tried the crawling on her belly, eyes lowered routine with me, but I'm not buying it. She's selfish. Unyielding. As am I. I will persevere.

Am I jealous? You bet. This dog has received attention that I was denied as a child. My mother's kisses and acceptance was all being saved for this dog. I've surmised that it may be her way of compensating for grandchildren she has never had. Perhaps, if she had small kids to love, then the dog I so unlovingly call Cujo, may take a backseat. But somehow I doubt it. Even my father takes her on long, tethered walks that I never got as a boy. It's absurd!

I did once tell mom that if this dog--and I--survived her and Dad, not to fear. Whichever of them goes last--Mom or Dad--would get the pleasure of taking the dog with them into eternal bliss. A companion for the ages. I'm a good son, goddamnit!

The Mexican Candidate

Forget the "Manchurian Candidate," at one time a Mexican Republican was running for president!

A lot has been made of Barack Obama's birth certificate. Birthers run this issue into the ground in the 2008 presidential election, and of course, since it is a new election cycle, they are coming out of the wood-work and insane asylums again to discredit the president. The only thing is that former Michigan governor, Jorge, I mean George Romney, who was the father of Mitt Romney, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. It gets better. George Romney was a candidate for the 1968 Republican nomination. What could be more precious?

Now, I suppose 1968 was a gentler time for politics (NOT!). People didn't ask for piddly things, like birth certificates back then. (What Republican would let the Constitution get in their way, after all?) The only time I have ever heard of someone being required to produce a birth certificate was when a black man decided to run for the highest office in the land.

In the end, I suppose it is best that Jorge Romney lost the Republican nomination to "Tricky Dick" Nixon! It kept the process honest. (Ha! Ha!)

Illinois Rant

I don't think this video needs an introduction! Okay, okay. I'll introduce it: Illinois Republican lawmaker Rep. Mike Bost goes insane on the floor of the Illinois' House.

Allergies continue

Since my last post about my allergies, I have had little relief. Apparently, I am susceptible to oak and grass pollen, which have been in great abundance here lately. Today, I had had enough and decided to go get my old stand-by pick me ups: Rocephin and Decadron in the tuckus.

Already I feel 100% better. My nose is clear. I am not coughing anymore. My chest feels open with my lungs full of air. I feel a better now than I have in weeks. My voice even sounds better and I can hear again! The benefits of these drugs outweigh the possible side-effects, for me at least. :)

Tanning Mom is the real Coppertone girl!

Suddenly, my tan isn't looking so good! Thanks Tanning Mom for ruining my summer!

98th annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

For some reason I really connected to this video that compared Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, and the President's dog, Bo.

The Iron Lady

I recently watched the movie, The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I was very taken with the movie. Partly, because of Streep's wonderful performance and how well her make-up was done to show an aged Thatcher. The movie portrays a modern Margaret Thatcher as her memories flash back to earlier episodes of her life, through her battle with dementia.

For me, the most poignant part of the movie is the very beginning. It shows Thatcher, who has escaped from her home under the nose of her personal bodyguards, to buy a pint of milk. Dressed in an overcoat and headscarf, her celebrity goes unnoticed by the other customers and Indian cashier, as she is asked to fork over an outrageous 49p for the milk. She looks overwhelmed by her surroundings as she walks down the sidewalk carrying her blue plastic grocery bag.

Sure, there are probably lots of liberties taken in the creation of this movie; however, I think it makes a very important statement about a world leader who was instrumental in many world events! Of course, Meryl Streep helps. :)

Allergies!

Yesterday, I made the mistake of sitting outside for an extended period of time. Of course, that was more than enough time for my nose to be filled with pollen, which caused me to have a very bad night! I'm still reeling from the effects.

My eyes are itchy, my head is exploding, my nose is running, my throat is scratchy, I feel like I could puke, I have no physical energy, and even my back hurts! (What's up with that?) Spring and fall always bring these symptoms to me. I don't know what else to do, when it comes to treating these symptoms. I have an air purifier in my bedroom, that is supposed to remove allergens. I think it does a pretty good job, but it can't remove everything. On the pharmaceutical side I have been taking a plethora of drugs. I am currently taking Prednisone 10mg, Singulair 10mg, Flonase 50mcg, and Allegra 180mg. Last night, I added 400mg of Advil to the list. I thought about Benadryl, but that may be redundant, since Allegra is an antihistamine. I may take Benadryl tonight; it will help me sleep.

I don't know what else I can throw at it! I won't be going outside unless I absolutely have to, that is for sure.

Pimpin' ain't easy!

When I read the charge levied against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of aggravated pimping, I literally burst out laughing. It is almost like a joke. Even now, my fingers are filled with laughter, as I type!

Only in France...

Dick Cheney's Brand New Heart

After living for over 71 years without a heart, former Vice President Dick "Tin Man" Cheney finally got his gift from the wizard yesterday: a sopping, beating, blood-filled, human heart. He is finally free of his heart facsimile!

(Image: http://vicepresidents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cheney-tin.png)

The Terrorist & the Wolf

When an American soldier mows down civilians in a foreign land, it is the duty of the United States government to give him to the people he has offended, in a very meager attempt at atonement.

It doesn't matter what the circumstances were behind it. He acted outside the scope of his mission, and he must pay the price, according to the local laws and customs of the country in which he commits the offence. As many people are aware, being an American doesn't give us carte blanche or a "do-over-card." People died; families were destroyed. If they want to take him to a desolate soccer field and use his head in a game of army-jeep-polo, so be it.

In the words of one my favorite movies, "Feed [him] to the wolves. Let [him] see what they are like."

Slut

Rush Limbaugh is a piece of shit. There, I said it.

Mitt Horror Voting Show

Apparantly, Democrats are causing some havoc in the Michigan open primary. They are cutting down Mitt Romney by voting for his rival, Rick Santorum. It would be very funny (not for Mitt), if he lost his native state of Michigan in today's primary.

Awry Emailing

You have to be careful when you "reply all" to an email. I replied all to an email, from my iPhone, that I thought was just going to my co-workers, and it had my bosses Cc'd, which I didn't see until I was reading the email later.

Of course, I ripped someone that will see the email. Oh well, I was heavily drugged at the time I sent it (due to being sick). I hope that is a viable excuse. Perhaps, they will take it as constructive criticism, or even me taking the initiative.

I am after their job, after all!

Vegas Night

Mitt Romney wins the state of Nevada's Republican Caucus.

I am beyond shocked. Now if there had been two Mormon candidates in the election, and Romney won, I would be even more shocked!

Super Bowl

Geeze!

Penguins are genius!

The president of the Kentucky Senate (and former 2011 gubernatorial candidate) David Williams got a special gift from a very smart bird, named Paula.

It would seem that Paula, the penguin, wasn't blind to Williams' "shitty" ways, considering she messed up his desk!

Newt in South Carolina?

It turns out that Mitt Romney really didn't win the Iowa caucus, but that doesn't really matter, I suppose. (Congrats, Ricky.) Newt Gingrich, who hasn't won a single contest, is poised to win the state of South Carolina today, according to pollsters.

If I had to choose between Romney and Gingrich, I would pick the latter. Romney is too unpredictable. I really don't know where he stands on issues. Newt, on the other hand, we know exactly what he stands for: big business and other traditional Republican ideas! So he is a candidate that Republican voters can take to the bank.

Of course, if I were voting in the South Carolina Republican Primary today, I would vote for Ron Paul!

Republicans & Sex

How come Republicans always want to get in the bed with me? They want to know who I'm having sex with. They want to legislate whether or not I am eligible to use birth control.

The best of all is they want to know if I am into beastiality. Rick Santorum is interested in man-on-dog sex! You kinky bastard.

Iowa

Calling all Republicans!

It looks like Mitt Romney will be your candidate to go up against President Obama; even though, Pennsylvania's uber thin-nosed son, Rick Santorum, came within a few votes, Mitt Romney won the state's caucus last evening.

Wild-eyed Michele Bachmann, who came in sixth place, decided to postpone her campaign indefinitely. Of course, George W. Bush's wanna-be clone, Rick Perry, finished at a paltry fifth place. He originally indicated that his campaign may have been over as he was off to Texas to think things over, but it seems he has decided to stay in the race (for the time being). A bitter Newt Gingrich left Iowa for New Hampshire, after finishing fourth place, and attacking Mitt Romney for his SuperPAC's hateful political ads against him in the latter days of the contest.

Honestly, I was pulling for Ron Paul to win the caucus. It seemed that the entrance polls indicated he was the favorite among young voters, but he only finished in third place. Even though, I'm not sure what Ron Paul has to do with the Republican Party, I respect his strict interpretation of the Constitution; even though, I take a more Jeffersonian view that the Constitution is a "living" document that can bend and change with the needs of the times. It is funny, but I think his take on the United States' foreign policy is pretty much spot on. It is time to reign in the troops and let the world tend to itself. We have many wounds that need licking!

So, it's on to New Hampshire and South Carolina.

2012

I have my seatbelt securely fastened!

U.S. withdraws from Iraq

After almost 9 years in Iraq, the United States military has finally withdrawn from the country. Even after nine years, I'm still trying to figure out why were there in the first place. The only concrete thing I can put my finger on is its cost: 4,500 American lives and $800+ billion.

Thanks, George!

Kim Jong Il dead

South Korea reports that North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, has died.

Healthcare

The CDC reports that about 2.5 million more Americans now have health insurance because of what Republicans have termed "Obamacare."

I say if there are 2,500,000 people (and young people, too) who now have access to decent healthcare insurance, then Obamacare is a perfectly acceptable program in my book!

Rick Perry

Did Rick Perry just say "caughted" in the Iowa Republican debate?

Moths and Feathers

"Moths and feathers" are the only things currently in the country's treasury, according to Representative Michele Bachmann.

11/11/11

I just had to post!

Governor Steve Beshear re-elected

Was there ever any doubt that Democratic incumbent, Steve Beshear, would beat his Republican rival, Senate President David Williams, for the office of governor? I don't think there was much in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In fact, David Williams predicted tonight's outcome during KET's last gubernatorial debate (October 31) when he alluded to his return to the Kentucky Senate after the election was complete. I think that is called a Freudian Slip, people!

Conrad Murray Guilty

Dr. Conrad Murray, the Houston doctor charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, in June 2009, was found guilty by a jury in Los Angeles this afternoon.

Gadhafi Dead

Colonel Muammar Gadhafi was the latest casualty of the NATO-led civil war in Libya. I have heard many conflicting reports, but they did show video and pictures of him bloodied, and then dead. The circumstances may never been known.

The Cake is Baked!

Michele Bachmann just won my vote with her closing comment of, "The cake is baked!"

Let's go USA!

SSRI Holiday Ended

Well, after I thought I could go off of Lexapro, I am now back on the drug at 10mg per day. My job, coupled with daily stress, turned out to be more than I could handle. I am not sure if it is a physiological response or a psychosomatic one, but I found myself becoming increasingly hostile toward my job, and daily life, in general. In addition, I found the "brain zaps," or any trace thereof, ended within two days of resuming my daily Lexapro regimen. I feel much better as a result of taking Lexapro again.

(Yes, I'm a bit tipsy from Stoli, but this was on my mind.)

Niggerhead

Texas Governor Rick Perry stated that he found the name of his family's former hunting lodge to be offensive. I would say so, considering it was "Niggerhead." Of course, that didn't deter him, or his family, from enjoying the time they spent at the lodge over the years.

It's a shame that people--in their right minds--would think this man is fit to be a candidate, Republican or otherwise, for the office of President of the United States!

Racist and extreme to say the least!

Disturbed by Google

Google how could you design such a disturbing Google Doodle? It's Jim Henson's 75th birthday, and Google, in partnership with Jim Henson studios (or something), designed one of their famous doodles for people to tinker around with on the search engine's website. It so happens that one of the creatures (i.e., puppets) eats its neighbor. Even as a grown up, I find that slightly disturbing.

But it's all in fun, right? After all, a frog can fall in love with a pig!

Lexapro & Brain Zaps

After more than a week off of Lexapro, my brain zap sensation is more than 90% gone. I may have had two at the most today. And, even those, were quite mild and unnoticeable.

In other news, I thought I felt depressed yesterday, so I treated myself to a DQ Mocha Moolatte and felt a lot better. Sometimes chocolate and ice cream is exactly what a person needs to combat the blues!

SSRI Holiday

Last Thursday marked my last dose of Lexapro.

Let me clarify. First off, I didn't quit out of choice. I simply ran out in the beginning. I had to get my prescription refilled. In the meantime, I got the idea of waiting to see what would happen if I didn't take my daily 10mg.

For about a year, I have been wondering what life would be like post-Lexapro. I have been afraid to go off of it for various reasons. One of course, being that I may go into a deep, dark depression. That hasn't happened. In fact, I feel pretty good. My mind is clearer, as a result of not taking it. I have noticed that sometimes my brain feels like it is pulsing. (Those may be called "brain zaps.") It's like when the electricity almost goes off, but it comes back on at the last second. I do not feel as if I will pass out, though. It is just a curious sensation. Dizziness and tinnitus were also initial withdrawal symptoms. They have since gone.

Lexapro has been like looking at the world through a foggy glass. You see the major points, but you often miss the small things. Also, my ability to think has improved. Before, I felt like a babbling fool on occasions. I was often lost for a word, or my mind drifted from one subject to another in mid-sentence, which is slightly embarrassing. I had no control over it.

If the proverbial lights stay on in my head, I may extend this holiday to a more indefinite date.

Accutane & Acne (Days 153-207)

After being on Accutane for over half of a year now, I am happy to report that my skin is acne free! My skin feels reborn. The only thing now to work on is the hyperpigmentation of former blemishes. I have been using a 5% glycolic facial wash, by DDF, which is really nice. Even though, my skin is blemish free, I still take 40mg of Accutane three to four times a week. Before, I was taking it daily (sometimes twice daily). It is a good maintenance program for me at this time. Of course, I will endeavor to wean myself completely from the drug in the coming months; even though, my dermatologist informed me that she takes 40mg once a week. She said it keeps collagen built up in her skin; I agree.

I did bloodwork on Friday, and I have an appointment with my dermatologist on Tuesday. I hope everything is a-ok!

Sinus & Allergies

I spent part of today at the doctor's office. My allergies have been killing me this season. I usually can control them with Zyrtec or Allegra and a little Flonase, but not this time. In fact, it had escalated--like things often do--into a sinus and lung infection.

I received two shots in the butt: Rocephin and Decadron. Also, prescriptions for Cipro, Prednisone and Singulair. I felt like I could run a mile shortly after receiving my Decadron injection! There's nothing like a steroid to take you out of a funk.

I was also quite surprised when my opinion was sought on my preference for an oral antibiotic. I was asked how I liked the infamous Z-Pack. I said, "No way!" Usually, I have to bring up that conversation. I just don't care for it. So I opted for Cipro. I don't know why some doctors see azithromycin as the cure all for all ailments. One day I'll be diagnosed with AIDS or cancer and the doctor will put me on a Z-Pack!

Seriously!

Time for Some Balls?

House Speaker John "Cries a Lot" Boehner (R-OH) recently rejected a presidential request to a Joint Session of Congress to address the creation of new jobs. Boehner requested that the address be postponed for a day, as to allow for adequate "security measures" in the House chamber of Congress. It just so happens, of course, Republican presidential candidates are set to debate that same night.

Hmmmm....sounds a bit fishy to me.

If it were me (as president), I'd bust some balls of my own. Sure, the House of Representatives may reject me, but that wouldn't deter me from making my speech on my own terms. Who needs to the House of Representatives anyhow to do it? Personally, since the Senate is Democratic-controlled, I'd go to the Senate chamber and make my speech to the nation. Unprecedented? Of course. But so is denying the President's request for a Joint Session of Congress. As a matter of courtesy, I would invite members of the House to the Senate, if they felt so inclined. Boehner: non persona gratis.

As you may have already guessed, President Obama acquiesced to the demands of Speaker Boehner and rescheduled HIS speech. I suppose Republicans can add this to their "win" category. When is the President of the United States going to realize that his political party controls the executive branch and a house of Congress? It's time to put House Republicans in their place and truly get on with the business of America. If you really think about it, how is the President going to get House Republicans to join him on his jobs initiative if he can't even get them to allow him to make a simple speech?

Duh!

Libyan Independence: Homegrown or Out-Sourced?

After seeing the jubiliant throngs of rebels taking to the streets of a seemingly annexed Tripoli, I am left with a few questions about how these rebels came so far so fast.

My concerns were brought back to the forefront of my mind when I was watching a video provided by CNN, in which the reporter, who was at Gadhafi's former stronghold, Bab al-Aziziya, commented that a rather large crater in the center of the compound's grounds was caused by a NATO bomb.

Now, if I am led to believe that those machine gun toting, 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch wearing, hooting and showboating rebel soldiers did all this by themselves, does that make me a chump?

The answer, I'm afraid, is yes.

If we recall this revolution, as it were, started in the eastern part of Libya. Gadhafi's forces were pushing toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi about the same time the United Nations called for a ceasefire and the institution of a no-fly zone. Of course, Gadhafi forces were unwilling to accept these terms in the long-term. Why? Because the apparant words of the United Nations only applied to Gadhafi forces and not those of the rebels. Clearly, in this case, what was good for the goose was no where good enough for the gander.

In the days and weeks following this mandate, NATO-led forces, including France and the United States, commenced bombarding Gadhafi loyal forces and strongholds from the sea and air. All the while, rebel forces waltzed west facing only token resistance. Anything stronger from Gadhafi forces meant a whooping by NATO from the sky.

While countries like Tunisia and Egypt can say their revolution was homegrown and delivered by their own people, Libya is not in a similiar situation. Libyan forces relied on a friendly hand from Europe and America to do the work they were unable to do.

So, while watching the smiling faces of rebel forces in Libya, remember there truely is an invisible, wrathful hand watching over them from above. And I'm not talking about a man in a white beard, either.

Muammar Gadhafi: Phone Home!

With rebel forces taking over Tripoli, Libya's capital, the world is now looking for it's de facto leader for over forty years, Colonel Muammar Gadhafi. When the mob entered his fortified Tripoli compound, Bab al-Aziziya, none of the Gadhafis were home.

It's weird because you would think Colonel Gadhafi would be there, since there was no warning beforehand that rebels were on their way.

(I'm so sarcastic!)

NPR reported that the rebel leaders think they will find Gadhafi, because the Iraqis found Hussein after a man-hunt. I'm not so sure Gadhafi will fall for it. He's had time to plan. He seems like a man who would have an exit strategy worked out. I wouldn't be surprised to find out he is now in Caracas!

S&P: AAA

Congratulations to the United States government for getting downgraded from AAA credit status to AA+. While AA+ seems pretty impressive, it puts the United States below its Western European allies, such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany, in terms of debt repayment, etc.

Tomorrow, when the world markets open up, I'm sure we will see a crash. I want to thank members of the Tea Party, and the Republican Party, in general, for its contribution to the downgrade. The eleventh-hour deal did little to salvage the nation's economy.

The country's economy is still stagnant (just look at unemployment figures and small business growth over the last six months). Like I've said numerous times, it is time to end the wars and return that money to the Treasury where it belongs. We will spend the next decade recovering from the George W. Bush years in the White House; it's better to get started now rather than wait. After all, China has threatened to cut-up America's credit card over the downgrade!

Did Boehner Cry?

It's time for the President to invoke the Republican staple, the George W. Bush clause, as a measure to deal with the debt ceiling crisis. He has to raise the debt limit without congressional approval. George W. Bush didn't need the approval of Congress for 95% of the things he did, so why should Obama? He can't let something as tedious as the United States Constitution get in his way.

No sir!

Soccer

Japan irradiates the U.S., wins World Cup!

(Is that in poor taste?)

Roman Empire

As politicians in Washington use the debt ceiling as political leverage, I am reminded of the end days of the Western Roman Empire.

Rome, at its height, was the greatest civilization to ever exist. It was truly the beacon, sitting on seven hills along the Tiber River, for the whole world to gape in awe. Many of its citizens lived unparalleled lives of posh and hedonism, while few of them had any care or knowledge of the pain and suffering of the other world that existed beyond their vast borders.

Years of the good life had taken a toll on the Roman Empire's ability to function as it once did. Years of war, political greed and corruption, out of control spending, and utter neglect, had brought what some called "The Great Whore" to her knees, and eventually to a mouthful of dust as she collapsed, losing life--finally to die at the hands of the very barbarians she had easily slaughtered by the thousands before her less than stellar demise.

The beacon on the hill was no more. It's people left to fend for themselves as the light fell dim--the Dark Ages.

I have heard, in the past, the United States compared to Rome. I never thought that the United States would actually come to the brink of decay it is now. Perhaps, I didn't want to believe it possible in my lifetime. Like those in Rome, I simply was unable to fathom the very destruction of my nation from within, through my very way of life.

That's a very bleak look at the state of things in this country. We have Republicans and Democrats bargaining away our future in dark rooms and corridors, far away from the light of observation of the people they so eagerly attest to serve. The United States may default on trillions of dollars of debt. The Treasury Department says we have until August 2, but I feel as if that was a rather optimistic view of things. An increase in rhetoric from the White House and Congress has led me to believe that zero hour is now upon us. The world's stock markets are taking notice of Damocles' sword hanging over the largest economic powerhouse in the world. Truly, what will happen to the world economy if the United States is unable to pay its debt? I do not think anyone really knows what will happen; it is without precedent.

America's economy is bloated. The unemployed are in the millions; however, money to the wars is free flowing and only serving to further bankrupt us, those who we once had no fear of are watching closely, as the modern-day whore swells. Their wagons are circling.

America the great, the light is dimming and your ungrateful children continue to need more.

Accutane & Acne (Days 116-152)

Since my last update, my acne situation has been in remission. Only this morning I was reminded of acne when I woke up to find a single pimple on my right cheek. It was sort of a let down, but let's face it, one zit in three or four weeks is better than three or four zits every day!

I'm taking one 40mg Accutane each day. I am going to take two Accutane today, a 10mg Prednisone, and a topical application of Topicort directly to the zit. If it doesn't go down in swelling by tonight, I will step up from Topicort to Vanos.

I feel like a dermatologist!

Healthcare

See if you've heard this joke.

A man walks into a bank and hands the teller a note demanding $1 and healthcare. He waits patiently for the police to respond to the robbery and take him into custody. As a ward of the state, he is now receiving the healthcare he couldn't afford on his own.

The only thing is that this really happened. It isn't a joke. It was a reality, recently, for a 59-year-old North Carolina man. As Republicans and Democrats wage a war on the cost of national healthcare--whether you want to call it "Obamacare" or "Obamneycare"--there are people who cannot afford to receive life saving health care. They can't afford medications, medical procedures, or long-term life extending care, whether in public or private facilities.

Our country has the money and medical resources to guarantee each American top-notch medical care for those who cannot afford it through no fault of their own, whether or not they are homeless, laid off from work, injured, and the list can continue.

As American taxpayers foot the bill for two wars, which cost ten-of-billions of dollars annually, we allow our own citizens to suffer and die needlessly. Besides these two wars, we are set to fight another one in Libya. It's time for President Obama to live up to his promise of ending the Bush wars. Thus, bringing home those billions of dollars dumped into a bottomless blackhole located on the other side of the globe. There is no hope that these wars will ever end satisfactorily. My suggestion is to stop Libya before it begins in earnestness. It's not our fight. We weren't there when it began in 1969, why do we insist on being there at the end in 2011? Yes, innocent people are dying there, but the same is true about the United States. In the final analysis, who deserves our money most?

Republican Debate

The first Republican presidential debate of the 2012 primary season was held last night in Manchester, New Hampshire. I have to say it was probably a waste of time. I watched bits and pieces of it, but it was mostly attack Barack Obama and high praise of Ronald Reagan, who was president in a different time and climate.

Surprisingly, I didn't hear another Republican hero lauded. I am speaking, of course, of George W. Bush.

Weinergate

Who wants to see the pics that Congressman Anthony Weiner tweeted to me? Not to mention the inappropriate banter he forced me to read!

Oh Lordy! When will these politicians learn?

Accutane & Acne (Days 94-115)

Eureka!

I can report that for the past week I have been completely breakout free for the first time in about 19 years!

I first started getting spotty acne when I was 12 years old. For me, it is hard to believe that most people move beyond this skin ailment by the end of their teens and certainly by the beginning of their twenties; however, for me, I have been living with it for the majority of my life. The twenties were no relief, and my thirties certainly showed no sign of recovery. As I move into the end of my treatment, I am now concerned that once I stop taking isotretinoin that my acne may return. My dermatologist said in that case we'd simply start another regimen of isotretinoin, because it is possible for it to return in a mild form. I suppose I can live with that. Although the new acne is gone, I still have the visual remains of a decades long war on my face. I see fading hyperpigmentation and a very few scars along my right jawline. My scars are nothing compared to the discoloration. They are not even noticeable. If you looked really close you may see two or three. Of course, I've never seen my face completely acne free since I was 11 years old, so I may find more as time goes on.

Over all, I am happy!

Judgement Day!

As the end of the world draws near (only two hours remain), I am left with a few parting words for those of you who will be raptured: GET REAL!

History is full of people calling for the "Lord's return" for over 2,000 years. God almighty!

Accutane & Acne (Days 77-93)

With the exception of two zits, I am pretty much acne free at the moment. I still suffer from the discoloration of previous outbreaks, but my dermatologist insists that it will all fade away once I stop taking the isotretinoin. I will trust her on that.

Thursday, marked another visit to the dermatologist. She said that she thinks next month will be my last prescription for isotretinoin. I will continue to take it for several months to come, because I have been taking one pill per day while the prescription says twice a day. Also, that is doctor's orders. She says that it doesn't matter how quickly you receive the dose as long as you do complete the regimen. My lab work shows normal liver function and my triglycerides are holding steady in the mid-200s. She said I can live with that, because more than likely they will drop once I stop taking the isotretinoin.

I picked up a new prescription of Amnesteem and Prednisone today at the pharmacy. I had to convince the pharm tech that I did have a prescription for Prednisone on my script, because she said it looked like the doctor had drawn a line through the quantity, which was 30. I read the script to her over the phone to convince her that the doctor wanted me to take it. I also told her to look at my prescription history to see she does prescribe the medication with the same quantity and instructions. My dermatologist loves to draw lines over things and circle things to make a point. In the case of the marked out quantity, I think she was attempting to emphasis for the pharmacy that there was a prescription at the end of the prescription paper.

Osama bin Laden dead

Osama bin Laden, after a nine year manhunt since the anniversary of 9/11, is dead.

Accutane & Acne (Days 66-76)

I am still plugging along. It seems that my acne is now wanting to play hide-and-seek with me. For a few days it is on my cheek and then it is suddenly on my forehead. I'm still taking Prednisone as a stop-gap measure. I have also moved the time I take my isotretinoin from the morning to the afternoon/evening. It is easier on my stomach, because I am able to eat a decent snack/meal before swallowing the pill. I have fudged a little bit on the number of pills I take each day. Most days I take one, but on others I may take 2.

Official Birth Certificate of Barack Obama

Now, Donald Trump can hush about it!

Accutane & Acne (Days 52-65)

Better ways.

Since my last post, my skin has gotten better. The previous outbreaks have went down, leaving only discoloration behind to remind of its former presence. I went to the dermatologist for another month's follow-up on Thursday. My triglycerides were up a few points, but she said wasn't anything to get alarmed about. (I have cut back on red meats.) I did tell her that I was disappointed with the fact parts of my face were breaking out again, but she reassured me that it was common. Of course, I will continue the treatment. I did mention that I did not have Prednisone to take during the previous month, which did help tremendously with inflammation from the occasional outbreaks. She went ahead and gave me another supply of Prednisone 10mg to take each day. The doctor also gave me samples of Tazorac to spot treat any future outbreaks. I hadn't tried this product in my pre-isotretinoin days, but I like it. It has a drying effect on my skin. The cysts also responded with a decrease in swelling.

The pharmacy filled my isotretinoin prescription with another company's brand. It is Claravis by Barr Labs. I prefer Barr's packaging. It is much more user friendly than Mylan's packaging for Amnesteem. Of course, it still costs my insurer more than $600 for a month's therapy!

America's Middle East

With the burning of a Qu'ran by a Florida church, America is now faced with its own outrage at the hands of the Afghans.

Last year, the church in Gainesville, Florida, was set to host the "International Burn a Quran Day" on 9/11. Instead, Terry Jones, who is the church's pastor (cult leader), decided to postpone the hateful act after much domestic and international pressure. The event was resurrected (I can't help myself), in the form of the "International Judge the Koran Day." This event took place recently.

Sufficed-to-say, Muslims did not take kindly to the video burning of a single Qu'ran on the church's website. Now, I am not a religious fanatic. Actually, I am not religious at all. But you know what you get when you pit two groups of ignorant people against each other. That's right, people get hurt, and some even die, which is the case in Afghanistan.

Even though the act showed poor taste and utter ignorance, I am a firm believer in First Amendment rights. I believe every American has the right to protest and support his/her beliefs in a non-violent way. Although, I believe you may burn any book you wish, the fact remains that the people who participated in this act of protest understood the ramifications of their act. It wasn't simply speaking out against a governmental policy, but a slap-in-the-face of over a billion people, who are easily pissed off when it comes to their faith.

Now, the American government and military must bear the burden of the burning of a single Qu'ran. Americans and Afghans have died in what has become a cauldron of hate and retaliation in Afghanistan. As someone who teaches American National Government, I am puzzled by what should be the outcome of what has happened. I teach my students that their rights end where another individual's rights begin. (I often cite Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes' opinion, in re: Schenck v. United States, of the figurative man shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, as a caveat.) As such, I believe the people who knowingly participated in this act should be expatriated to Afghanistan. Sometimes you must freely sacrifice a lamb to the wolf in order to save your flock. How's that for atonement?

Accutane & Acne (Days 30-51)

Old ways.

That's the only way I can describe the right side of my face. While the left side of my face has cleared up considerably, the right side of my face is intent on returning to the ways of an acne-indulged lifestyle. With that said, I have to admit that the acne is not the same cystic nor nodule acne as I had before, but it is there nonetheless, doggonnit!

My skin is very dry. I rub my fingers over my cheeks and feel the dryness of my skin. Some skin even wafts off like dust into a gentle breeze. (How's poetic is that?) I do not wash my face at night anymore, in fear of aggravating its dryness. I was using CeraVe, but now I am using Cetaphil, because I had some of it left over.

Also, the eczema/dermatitis on the back of my hands has become quite painful and obvious. The back of my hands look like lobster claws sometimes. My left hand looks like a massive red island in a white sea, while my right hand looks like an archipelago of red dots strewn in the whiteness. They are incredibly dry, as well. I am using a homemade concoction of Cetaphil moisturizer of triamcinolone acetonide that I have mixed together. I only started using it last night and my skin is less red.

The only major difference in all of this is the fact I am not taking Prednisone anymore. I only had it for one month to go along with the Accutane. I am not sure if the dermatologist forgot to prescribe it last time or she doesn't want me to take it anymore. Nevertheless, I will be requesting a refill of it the next time I am there in about a week-and-a-half. I think it went a long way in helping me combat acne flare-ups.

Japan

On Friday, Japan was devastated by an earthquake that registered at 8.9-9.1 on the Richter Scale. In fact, it is the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history. The earthquake created a tsunami wave that was thirty feet high and swept six miles inland. The tsunami traveled as far as California and Australia. Entire cities and towns, in Japan, were wiped from the face of the earth. Japanese authorities state that more than 9,000 people are missing.

The earthquake was so powerful that it shifted Japan's largest island, Honshu, by more than eight feet. It also increased the earth's rotation by 1.6 microseconds, and increased the planet's tilt on its axis by four inches! That is some serious energy release!

Libya

Libyan leader, Muammar Ghaddafi, is still pounding rebel strongholds throughout the eastern region of his country. France became the first country to recognize Libya's transitional government as its legitimate government. The world is still working on what sanctions to impose on Ghaddafi. It would seem that he is turning the tide on this weeks' old rebellion. Ghadaffi is using his seemingly superior firepower, and trained soldiers, to deter rebel forces and reclaim lost territory.

Accutane & Acne (Days 24-29)

Thursday, I went in for my one month check-up with my dermatologist. My triglycerides were a little high (she said), but I think I can live with 237, even if 150 is normal. She said that it would probably be okay and she didn't have a real problem with it being at the number, but she wouldn't like it to get closer to 300 anytime soon. (But, in the meantime, I'm supposed to be cutting down on my cholesterol intake. Uh-huh!)

My face is continuing to progress. The doctor was very pleased with my result. She said that it won't be long before I am acne-free. I told her that I probably hadn't been acne-free in over 18 years. I wish someone had told me about Accutane about 18 years ago!

In other news, I went the pharmacy today to fill my new prescription for isotretinoin, but the pharmacy guy told me that the iPledge people wouldn't allow it to be filled. He really didn't know why, even though, he said he called them. He thought maybe I am too old to be taking it. I called the iPledge people, and the lady I talked to, who was very nice about it, told me that the prescription wasn't filled through any fault of mine, but because my dermatologist hadn't verified that I had went in for my follow-up office visit this month. She said it was incredibly rude for the pharmacy guy (who I think is a technician) to tell me that, because there isn't an age limit on who can take isotretinoin. That's exactly what I thought. If you think about it, if there were an age limit, why would the doctor put me on a regimen that will last for months, when she knew exactly how old I am?

I will call the doctor's office on Monday, and tell them to go ahead and take care of this issue.

Libya No Fly Zone

The United States is pushing for a No Fly Zone over Libya. Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, such as China, France, and Russia, are not as keen on this idea.

I think that the United States is moving much too quickly on this No Fly Zone idea. We are too invested in Afghanistan and Iraq (yes) to move unilaterally on a Libya No Fly Zone. The United States needs the backing of the Security Council to make any No Fly Zone successful.

This problem will be solved through diplomacy not strong-armed, George W. Bush tactics.

Accutane & Acne (Days 17-23)

My face is flaking skin, like after a sunburn. My lips were cracking quite a bit on Friday and yesterday, but they seem to be healing today. They are not painful this morning, but they are peeling. I have been using Aquaphor and Blistex like mad!

I go back to the dermatologist on Thursday to see how things are going. I think my dermy will be happy with the results. I am! The only thing I am worried about is the blood test I had done on Wednesday to test my lipids level. The last time my LDL was up! Yikes.

Happy Birthday

Today marks another year of life for me. It's hard to believe that I am turning 26 again! I haven't got any plans really. It will be marked like most other days with work. I'm happy to have the opportunity to work and contribute to society. I'm attempting to stay positive, because I am one year closer to the Grim Reaper.

Talk News Shows

Why do people call into news broadcasts and think they can talk for as long as they want? It always amuses me!

Libya

After revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Libya has turned out to be a much more bloody revolt against the government of Colonel Muammar Ghadaffi, who has held power for 42 years.

This northern African country, that was once a colony of Italy, has been in upheaval for almost two weeks. With the fall of Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, to anti-Ghadaffi forces, the future of Ghadaffi and his hold on the some of Africa's largest oil reserves, seems rather precarious. Rebel forces are waging an assault on Tripoli, which is Libya's capital. Ghadaffi is stating that the revolution is the result of al-Qaeda and other international forces. He has called in armed mercenaries to help maintain his hold on the government.

Many of Ghadaffi's major political supporters have defected and now support the revolution. In addition, military forces are also reversing their support of Ghaddafi and supporting the rebels.

Some see civil war on the horizon, as the United Nations imposes financial sanctions against Ghadaffi's regime.

Muammar Ghadaffi's days are numbered.

Accutane & Acne (Days 12-16)

Starting my third full week of treatment, I am still seeing results, even though they are a bit slow. Acne is still rearing its ugly head, but it is much less intense. It is not painful, nor does it create hyperpigmentation. It seems that the hyperpigmentation that did exist has begun to lighten. My face is less red and irritated, which is always a good thing!

Accutane & Acne (Days 7-11)

It's hard to believe it has been more than ten days since I started taking isotretinoin for my acne. Now on day eleven, I am still chugging along with many of the same symptoms I discussed in my previous blog.

I am still experiencing acne; although, in a milder form. I have developed acne on my lower and upper lips, but it isn't too bad. I didn't have acne there before. The areas that were formerly inhabited by cystic acne are still in retreat with no sign of return. I just wish the hyperpigmentation would fade more quickly, though.

In other news, I took two pills on Friday. I thought I would see how I reacted. I did not notice any difference in physical side-effects to the 80mg of isotretinoin. I debated on whether or not to take a double dose tonight, but I decided not to do it, since I am feeling a bit sickly. Maybe tomorrow.

Accutane & Acne (Days 4, 5 & 6)

I am still marching forward in my combat against acne! I have taken almost seven doses of isotretinoin, since last Friday.

Over these three days, I have experienced what I consider to be typical side-effects from this drug. I have noticed my face has a reddish color to it (like when you're in the sun for 10 minutes in noon sun during summer), my shoulders and upper arms feel achy and weak, and tiredness (but that could just be work).

On day 3, I was excited because I woke up with any new acne. During these last three days, however, I have broken out slightly. On the bright side, though, this acne reminds me of those small little pimples I used to get. I haven't experienced anything remotely like the cystic acne of recent months.

It's still a good thing. After my fourteenth dose--or so--I am thinking about trying a double dose day.

Baby steps!

Accutane & Acne (Day 3)

Today marks the third dose of isotretinoin I have taken. It is still in the early days, but I am starting to get into it. Again, I am seeing results this early from taking the medication.

• I woke after a few hours of sleep and felt restless for a while, but went back to sleep. I did not experience any anxiety, like last night, though.
• I woke up with another mild headache.
• This morning I noticed that my face is not as oily as it usually is.
• It's too weird to explain, but my face smells different (take my word on it, I know).
• The taste that was in my mouth on days 1 & 2 has become almost non-existent.
• My hands and feet no longer have the bruised feeling, but I do still feel some muscle rigidity and discomfort; however, it has become less annoying and noticeable.
• My lips have begun to flake slightly.
• And for the first time in a very long time, I woke up with NO NEW outbreaks on my face! YES!!

Accutane and Acne (Days 1 & 2)

Yesterday, I received my first prescription of Amnesteem (isotretinoin), which I will refer to as isotretinoin or Accutane, because that is how I know it best. Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne. Over the last 4-6 months, I have developed eruptions of antibiotic-resistant cystic acne along my jawline and forehead, that any teenager would be proud to call his/her own; however, I haven't been a teenager in over 12 years.

First of all, I had to sign a document, called iPledge, stating that I understand there are copious amounts of risks involved in this systemic treatment. I can have anything from a stroke to a child born with severe mental and/or physical deformities (more on that later), even though, I am a guy. In addition, I am to be subjected to monthly lab work to measure my cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

This particular brand of isotretinoin comes in a cute little pack of ten pills with a silhouette of a pregnant woman and a big red circle with a slash through it on the back of each individual pill container. It includes a warning, in case the picture was too ambiguous, that states in bright red, capital type: "WARNING TO FEMALE PATIENTS: DO NOT GET PREGNANT." That is really charming to say the least. Of course, the effects to an unborn child are anything but cute. In a side note, my mother was looking at the packaging, which shows crude graphics of what can happen to an unborn child if the mother takes isotretinoin during her pregnancy. Mom thought those were things that could happen to my head and organs while taking the medicine. I had to laugh out loud over that. I'm a bit bigger than a zygote.

Five p.m. yesterday marks the anniversary of my first dose of 40mg. Since I am not a teenager, I am starting out by taking one pill a day, instead of the usual two pills per day.

So, what have I experienced thus far?

Day 1

1. In mere hours after my first dose, I noticed a curious taste in my mouth. I can't describe it really, other than to say it is a combination of bitter, sweet, and sour. It is like my taste buds are tasting things that aren't present. It got better as the I got closer to my next dose. I haven't really noticed it interfering with how I taste my food as I eat. It is just poignantly present between meals.
2. During the night, I was subjected to a period of intense fear and paranoia. I woke up feeling like I was being crushed by the world and that maybe my acne wasn't so bad. Perhaps, that was me in a semi-sleeping state of delusion.
3. I had some wildly vivid dreams that I do not care to share, after I settled down from my state of panic.

Day 2

This morning, call me a liar if you must, I noticed that many of the cysts on my face had shrunk and were no longer painful to touch. It is as if the swelling has reduced. Of course, the hyperpigmentation is still obvious, but hopefully that will fade, too. If not, thank the gods for concealer.

I took my second dose of isotretinoin around noon today, in an attempt to get it into my breakfast/lunch schedule. (It is best taken with food.)

1. I woke up with a nagging headache, which is unusual for me.
2. As the day has gone on, I have noticed that my muscles feel a bit more stiff. The palms of my hands and the soles of my feet feel bruised and are slightly sensitive to touch. Of course, they look perfectly normal to the naked eye.
3. I have noticed my sinuses, via my nose, are starting to feel dry and irritated.

Hopefully, I can continue the treatment. My dermatologist told me to experiment with how often I take the pills, not to exceed two a day. She recommended that I may take one a day, skip a day or two, and eventually try two per day, once I feel more confident. Of course, I need to see what the long-term side-effects of this treatment may be.

Hosni Mubarak & Egypt

In a follow-up to an earlier post today, it had been announced--through an unofficial capacity--that President Hosni Mubarak would resign his position in a nationally televised address. Instead, he offered six amendments to the constitution of Egypt.

He further stated that he would remain the country's president until September, when a new election can be conducted, in which a new president will be elected by the people. I admire him for such courage. The people of Egypt have lived with him for over thirty years. Why can't they stand him for six more months? (He states that he has served Egypt for over sixty years, both as a soldier and politician.)

I think Egyptians believed President Mubarak would flee for his life, like the former president of Tunisia did in earlier weeks. There is no blueprint for such sweeping change. Now, the people will look to the Egyptian military to see where it stands.

Egypt

In its third week of open revolt, the press is speculating that President Hosni Mubarak will resign as president of Egypt at any moment.

The protesters, who have been in Egypt's Tahrir Square for the duration, have seemingly broken the will of the 30-year-old, pro-Western regime. They want reform and freedom. Those are all noble sentiments, but we have found that those sentiments do not play well in the Middle East. (I didn't write their story.) Let's think of Iraq and Afghanistan; even though, those are cases of forced democratic reforms, I concede.

On this auspicious occasion, I am reminded of a line from the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka tells Charlie, "Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted." In the case of Egypt, instead of living happily ever after, it may have to make do with Islamic sharia law and an Ayatollah.

Good luck Egypt!