Mirvaso Topical Gel, Part 2

It has now been 3 days since I last applied Mirvaso to my skin. As I outlined in my previous blog, my dermatologist prescribed Mirvaso for rosacea. Unfortunately, for my skin, it did the exact opposite. It works well when applied, but after about 10 hours it loses its effectiveness. At that point, I say hello to the redness.

Today, you would think, would be a normal day. It was not. Today was a bad day for my skin. After my lunch, my face began its transition from its everyday appearance into its new red version. It started with my nose. I didn't realize it was happening at the time. Someone commented that my nose looked really red! I looked in the mirror and I could have been Rudolph's twin nosed brother. It was glowing, and yes, I mean glowing! My nose has never done that before. Then, if that wasn't bad enough, it began to spread to my cheeks. My nose turned to its normal color as my cheeks lit up. By the end of the work day, I was no longer Rudolph, but Bashful, from the Seven Dwarfs. (To tell you the truth, I think I had bashful beat, because my cheeks were rocking a full flush.)

Yes, people laughed at me. I heard comments like "Are you feeling bad?" "Do you have a fever?" "Ohmygosh, what is wrong with you?!" I was almost tempted to put the gel on my face to get the redness gone, but I resisted the temptation, and accepted the unsolicited ridicule that it brought.

So, it wasn't awkward at all. Thanks, Mirvaso.

As I write this entry, My nose is red, my jaw-line on the right side of my face is scarlet, but the middle of my cheek is pale white. It would make the birthmark on Mikhail Gorbachev's head jealous. If someone saw me right now, they would think I am a burn victim. My left cheek is its normal color at this time. It's cool to the touch, and the right is burning up. Is that normal?

I am thankful that it is the weekend. It is my sincerest hope that it will subside shortly. I don't know why the effects of this medication are lasting so long. I would have thought it would wear off by now. My body is on overdrive, it would seem. I'm not sure if this is an allergic reaction or just a symptom of withdrawal. I was just on the stuff for about a week! It's a topical gel, not cocaine. I think the FDA has a website for reporting adverse drug reactions. I may go there, because people need to know this stuff isn't benign. I'm sure many people use it without a reaction, but I'm in the minority (as usual).

As for pictures, I will probably take some for my dermatologist so she can have a reference for what I am currently going through. If it isn't better by Monday, I will have to call or go back to the dermatologist's office, because I can't function in this condition.

I think Galderma markets this drug as Onreltea in Canada.

Mirvaso Topical Gel

My dermatologist recently prescribed a medication, Mirvaso, for the treatment of facial erythema, which is better known as rosacea. I am of northern European ancestry, which means that my skin is quite light and prone to redness around my nose, forehead, and chin. I was very excited when my dermatologist suggested this medication, because my face is never a single color. There are usually red blotches, which range in size.

After my first application of this gel, I was able to see an evenness in my skin tone. The redness was gone and my skin looked smooth as if I were wearing foundation. It was a truly exciting time for me!

Galderma Laboratories, which manufactures Mirvaso, suggests that a pea-size amount be applied to the forehead, nose, each cheek, and the chin. Of course, you work the gel into your skin. My skin quickly absorbed the gel, which I liked.

As I said before, my skin usually exhibits signs of redness, but it's not readily noticeable to other people. I don't have the jolly cheeks of Santa Claus...until now. That's right. The drug, brimonidine, wears off after about ten hours. It's not that my skin simply goes back to the way it was before I applied the medication. Instead, my skin went bright red. In fact, my cheeks looked almost purple! And the unsightliness of my appearance wasn't enough. It literally hurt. My cheeks, especially, felt as if they were on fire. I was at the point where I was applying the gel twice a day to keep the redness and pain under control.

After a week of regular use, I have quit this medication, because of the side effects. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing the side effects. After almost 48 hours of being Mirvaso free, my skin is still prone to breaking out in random, fiery redness. I am using cold compresses and ibuprofen to counteract the effects of the medication. As I write this, my face looks fairly normalized in appearance. My skin has a "just got back from the beach" look to it. Happily, the pain is gone.

I hope that my skin will return to its "old ways" in the next 24 hours. I can handle that!

My suggestion for using Mirvaso is to make sure that you suffer from severe facial erythema. If not, I would not recommend using this medication. It is certainly meant for people who have heavy duty skin redness, and not for casual use.

Ebola's impact on American healthcare

Out of curiosity: if I travel to western Africa, and subsequently contract Ebola, will Humana PPO pay for me to be airlifted by private air ambulance, with my own uniquely trained medical team and specialized medical equipment, to the United States?

How much is the co-pay? $125? My insurance card is sort of vague on that issue.

I'm thinking I may call Humana to find out. Hmmm.

Let's sue the President

Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner (pronounced "boner") has announced a plan to ask the United States House of Representatives to file a lawsuit against the President, which would require him to enforce, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Isn't that a noble concept?

Just days after the Fourth of July, such an action would be suggested against the Executive Branch. I find this idea ludicrous at best. How can a house of Congress sue the President to perform his duties? I think in a counter-suit, the President would sue the House of Representatives to conduct itself, through a constitutional manner, to create laws, rather than sit on its collective thumb and do nothing.

Perhaps, the only legal remedy available to the Speaker is found in Article II, Section 4, of the United States Constitution, which allows the House of Representatives to lay charges of impeachment against the President for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Accordingly, can the House of Representatives lay a charge for impeachment against the President for enacting executive orders, which is at the heart of this squabble? The President is the head of the Executive Branch of government, which contains many, many organs (yes, I'll use an old communist term here) that allow it to operate. The President has constitutional power to execute the laws of the United States, through the enactment of executive orders. (No, there is no clause that allows for executive orders in the Constitution itself. Executive orders are implied rather than explicit.) For example, President Obama issued an executive order raising the federal minimum wage for its employees. Seemingly that is within the purview of the President, since the executive order only impacts those organs--or parts--that are within the executive's sphere of influence (a Cold War reference, yes). Does such an order maintain that the states must now raise their minimum wage?

No.

Does that mean Hobby Lobby must now raise its minimum wage to offset the cost of birth control pills and Plan B for its female employees?

No. (It's in the Bible! No, don't look it up.)

So, who can help in such a quagmire?

Let's look to the Judicial Branch, through the Constitution's well-crafted plan of Checks-and-Balances. Outside of impeachment, the only remedy for Speaker Boehner's complain can be found in the courts; however, which court has original jurisdiction over such a suit? Will the Speaker, along with a throng of Republicans, file suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia? Or like Bush v. Gore (2000), will the case go directly to the Supreme Court of the United States for adjudication?

When it's all said and done (if it ever gains traction), I believe that the courts will find that the only recourse for action in such a case is within Article II, Section 4, of the Constitution of the United States. Previously, the Supreme Court of the United States has determined that the language of the Constitution is quite sufficient and clear in such a case. Inasmuch, Nixon v. USA (1993), the Supreme Court found that it has no judicial review of impeachment proceedings or outcomes, as such proceedings are the "sole" charge of Congress.

In other words, draft articles of impeachment, or hush!

Hitler in Crimea

Hillary Clinton referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent incursion into Crimea (which is part of Ukraine) to protect Russian minorities as being akin to Adolf Hitler's wolf-in-sheep's clothing declaration of protecting German minorities in Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, during the dawn of World War II.

I don't think Hillary Clinton was calling Putin--himself--Adolf Hitler; she was simply stating that his tactics are similar. We can already see that what she said is true. The Crimean parliament has voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. It will put the matter before the people of Crimea in the next ten days.

Secretary Clinton also used an interesting phrase in her speech, in which she stated that President Putin did not simply want to solidify Russia, but he wants something more grand. He is looking to "re-Sovietize" the Russian frontier. Perhaps after bringing Ukraine to heel, he will work on the other former Soviet states. Who's next? Georgia? Armenia? Certainly, they contain Russian minority groups worthy of Mother Russia's very firm protection.

Silly Canadian, you can't be President!

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Canadian born citizen, thinks he can be president of the United States.

Cruz, who is a Tea Party wunderkind, is slated to be one of the top Republican picks for 2016. I truly wonder how the Tea Party could in all clear conscience put forth a candidate who was clearly not born in the United States?

His father was born in Cuba and his mother was born in Delaware, which is his only claim to American citizenship. I'm sure, however, that Article I, Section 1 of the United States Constitution, says only "a natural born citizen" can be considered for Executive. The only other way I can see Ted Cruz being legitimate is if he were living in the United States prior to September 17, 1787. And, with that said, I'm pretty sure I haven't seen his name in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living man.

So, Tea Party members, don't be hypocritical. You raked Barack Obama over the coals for being a black man born in Hawaii. How can you put forward an individual who was clearly not born in the United States?

It's remarkably insane! Gracious!

Hillary for President

I was reading an article on Yahoo! extolling the cautious virtues of declaring a political party front-runner in the modern age of presidential elections, when it dawned on me that Hillary must be really putting the screws to Republicans and to Democrats!

If we could go back in time to 2008, with the knowledge we have today (yes, I know, 20/20 hindsight), I know we would have elected Hillary as president. Barack Obama would have continued as the junior senator from Illinois, and America would have been a much better place because of it!

I'm back up and running for Hillary Clinton for president!

Hillary 2016

The Celebrity Trend

It would seem that in order to be a successful celebrity in the United States, you must be a terrible human being.

For a pittance of $2,500 I can have my armed security (including my father) seal off a Florida neighborhood, hold its residents hostage, and drag race my Lamborghini (or was it a Ferrari, I forget?) through their streets, while intoxicated on alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs (that my mother helped procure).

After Justin Bieber did it and got out of jail for $2,500, I think other celebrities should follow his example. That much money, in terms of a bond, is a joke to someone with millions of dollars at their disposal.

A slap on the wrist? Hardly! I think it would be a blip that would barely register on his radar.

A $250,000 bond may have been a slap on the wrist. A $2.5 million bond would have truly slowed things down. As the judge, I would have taken into account every person's life and liberty, who lives in that neighborhood, when assigning Bieber's bond amount.

Justice is equitable, not equal. In other words, what is fair to me may not be fair to you. $2,500 is a large sum for the average person. In that case, equal justice would demand that Bieber pay $2,500. But, at the same time, if justice is equitable to the individual, by holding him or her to account for his or her actions, then in this case $2,500 hardly seems justifiable.

Strange Dream

Unlike Freud and Jung, I give little credence to the validity of dreams outside of the realm of sleep.

But last night gave me pause to reflect on what dreams may really mean, in terms of the body communicating with the mind.

My dream consisted of being a student. I was working on a worksheet. Strangely, I was the teacher and also the student. Someone said that the worksheet was very hard, so I decided to sit down and work out the answers myself.

While the majority of the worksheet was incredibly easy, I was baffled by a particular word. The word that I kept seeing and saying to myself was syncope.

Strangely, syncope is a medical term. I knew that in my dream; however, I couldn't relate it to the history worksheet that I was completing. I scanned through the chapter in the textbook that the worksheet covered. I could read the other words, but no sign of syncope. Being a dutiful student, I turned to the glossary. No help there. Then I turned to the index, feeling more anxious and confused. Still, there was no help.

I knocked the book off of the table where I was working. I wrote down, it deals with the heart and fainting.

Ironically, the feelings that I had in the dream were signs of syncope!

What does it mean? Was my dream attempting to tell me about something going on in my body? Is it a foreboding message?

Merry Christmas to me!

Christmastime

Finally, a holiday for all the unwed teenage mothers.

Merry Christmas!

Hugs and Sexual Harassment

A 17-year-old Georgia high school student was suspended from school over a hug he gave to his teacher. Depending on who you ask, you get different versions about whether it was consensual with butterfly kisses, sexual, or just plain innocent.

As a teacher, I have a very strong view on this issue.

I teach adolescents who are learning about their bodies and its new capabilities. That's just nature. I can't control that beast. My steadfast rule is that you don't touch me and I don't touch you.

Certainly, I would never tolerate a student giving me a "hug" from behind or a "clingy" hug. There are exceptions, of course, to every steadfast rule. I have been known to allow a student a side-hug, in the view of another teacher, if the situation allows it and they initiate it. Let's face it, if it were the other way around, the mobs would be out in full force to put that teacher on a rail and run her out of town.

At 17, I would fully expect that a student would be able to control himself, even if he is from a family that "hugs." Not everyone is from that sort of family and, unfortunately, hugs can quickly escalate into something much more sinister, whether it is overt or covert. There is nothing like a good scandal to get the tongues a-waggin'!

I also teach my students that "no" means no. If someone tells you to stop doing something, whether it is physical or verbal, and they continue that behavior then it is undeniably harassment (shades thereof are open to context). Tried and true, as I like to say.

If a student gives you a hug, and you feel uncomfortable, then I believe a teacher (or anyone) is fully within his/her rights to say "no." It is something that students are not used to hearing. They perceive it as not applying to them, because they are only capable of seeing to the tip of their nose.

The bottom-line is that I don't want to become the main story on CNN's website!

The Walking Dead

Am I the only person who watches AMC's The Walking Dead, but secretly wished that I didn't?

I started watching this series at the end of season 2, at the recommendation of a friend. I watched it on Netflix and then caught up with season 3 through iTunes. Now, I'm officially on the full-strength formula via AMC.

It was a very promising series. It was full of cut-throat, zombie-slashing action that cut straight to the chase. There was never a dull moment. People were dying left-and-right. Then, after I wished they would take refuge in the prison, they did.

In prison, they we remain.

I feel like a prisoner on Sunday nights. Instead of living vicariously through these dystopian do-gooders, I am now forced to face the humdrum possibility that the "end of the world" won't be very exciting after all.

Some Sunday nights I secretly think to myself, "I wish I'd blown up in the CDC building in Atlanta."

Of course, please don't tell my friends. On the other-hand, they may agree with me.

What stops a thief from stealing a car?

I was reading through some of Yahoo!'s usual news filler this morning, and I noticed an article that really made me chuckle out-loud. It would seem that the best security feature any car can have is a garage.

Originally, the article made me click on it because I thought it was going to discuss sophisticated anti-theft options on the vehicles. Instead, it made numerous references to "soccer moms" and the "suburbs," which I found a little less like anti-theft for my vehicle and more about what's chic for the modern-day suburban soccer mom to drive around her babies. (Unfortunately, the Chevy Suburban did make the cut. I suppose it doesn't fit so well in those cookie-cutter houses' garages in the 'burbs!)

Boredom

How do you really know when you're bored? You log on to Yahoo! Messenger. The scary part is that you remember your username and password. Then you realize some of your old "friends" are logged on too!

Awkward.

Let's Shut It Down

Shut 'er down, boys! She's had enough.

I think it's about time for the government to shut down for a while. It's worked so hard for the good of the American people over the last many long years.

The only thing is it is driving down my stocks!

It's 3am and a phone is ringing in the White House...

I am reminded of that famous Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign commercial today. It sounds like there is a phone (probably a lot of them) ringing at the White House as I type this. Who is answering that phone?

The President has scheduled an address from the White House today at 1:15pm. He has also done due diligence by contacting the Senate and House leadership, which is customary before an attack on a foreign nation. I think all of the indicators are there to support the fact that the United States has already carried out some sort of assault against assets inside of Syria.

America is not ready for another war, even if it doesn't involve "boots on the ground." We can barely tread water as things stand today. I am saddened that people are dying in Syria, but it is hardly the responsibility of the United States to do anything about it. The proverbial can of worms will soon spill over and we will be left with a much larger mess to actually clean up in the end!

What Embassies are Closed?

Out of curiosity, I did a search to see which embassies across the Middle East and Africa were closed in light of a "major" insurrection by Al-Qaeda. My search yielded that perhaps there isn't a clear answer. Google couldn't give me a straight answer (I almost fainted), so I decided to go to the one place that should have an available list for the public to purview: the United States Department of State.

On the State Department's website, the individual conducting the press interview about the situation indicated that he didn't have a list in front of him. I guess he didn't think the question would arise. I find this strangely odd, considering I was led to believe that Al-Qaeda was a thing of the past. (Does anyone remember 9/11 and the War on Terror?)

For now, I'm stuck with the line I found on CNN.com: major threats are in the "Middle East, Africa and beyond..."

Should that level of vagueness make me feel safe? I suppose this is another example of the government knows best.

The new chic

It seems the new way to die is in an anonymous hotel room. We have examples like Whitney Houston, and now this guy from Glee.

(I think I must be the only homosexual male in the Northern Hemisphere not to watch that show.)

George Zimmerman acquitted

Florida pariah George Zimmerman was found not guilty by a jury of his peers for the 2nd degree murder of Travyon Martin.

For some reason I am not surprised!

Egypt Coup

What we've learned about the "new" Egypt is that if the people don't like you, the military will step in and fire your ass!

The military informed President Mohamed Morsy, as of 7pm local time, that he was no longer the president of Egypt. Further, they dissolved the nation's parliament and suspended its constitution. According to reports, the military council has formed an interim civil government, until the specifics of the forward process can be hashed out.

I know the pharaohs are spinning in their tombs!

Gay Marriage, DOMA, & SCOTUS

If there will be a landmark opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States regarding same-sex marriage it certainly came when the court struck down key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In addition, the Supreme Court vacated the order of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, regarding California's controversial Proposition 8, which now makes it legal to marry in California for same-sex couples.

Perhaps, this Supreme Court make-up works in some fashion. We saw liberal justices partnering with conservative justices, and vice-versa, to render these landmark decisions.

In other news, I heard some people say they were going to move to Canada over this.

Such a comment only shows individual ignorance, considering same-sex marriage is legal in Canada! Good luck with that!

Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All

I'm going to jump head-first into the National Security Agency (NSA) and Edward Snowden maelstrom.

As I write this post, I have my leather bound copy of the United States Constitution setting next to me on my desk; it comforts me. It is a reminder of what this nation was/is/will become. Humbly, I believe that those individuals who drafted this most remarkable document would be appalled with what our government is currently doing. Our government is keeping tabs on terrorists, and now it is keeping tabs on law-abiding American citizens, because, you know, just because. It's no biggie! Or so they would have us believe.

Since 9/11, we as a nation have given our heart and tears to those people who died during this most unfortunate event. We, too, as a nation have grieved the losses of soldiers in the field of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, we as a nation must now give our very soul to the machine that drives us closer and closer to an information controlled society. Isn't that exactly what the terrorists of 9/11 wanted?

Unfortunately, they wanted a country that embraced individual freedom above all else to suddenly become a country controlled by xenophobes, who were willing to take from us our most precious personal liberties: freedom of speech, freedom from unlawful search and seizure, and due process of the law. They didn't believe that by flying those planes into the World Trade Center it would cause the collapse of our government or force a coup within our government. But they understood very well that such an act may scare the American people into accepting restrictions of their liberties in the name of protection and safety. That's what they feared most about us as a nation: the rule of law.

If my government must keep a list of who I call, text, and email, without my expressed consent or legal due process for just cause, then I'm not sure I need that government. That's the bottom line. I do not concede my personal liberties or personal choices to the United States of America. I do not believe it is most capable of deciding how I live my life or with whom I communicate.

I am reminded earnestly of the Gestapo of Nazi Germany and the STASI of East Germany, which both gathered information on its citizens in the name of "just because." If we allow this action to go unchecked the next logical step may be to set up a toll-free number for people to call in and report their neighbors, friends, and relatives for suspicious activities. Then, there will be visits by black cars in the middle of the night. Perhaps, people will go missing for hours, days, or forever.

People say that Edward Snowden is a traitor, but perhaps he is a patriot. We use that word a lot (not as much as we used it after 9/11) to describe people who I would hardly classify as a patriot. Like the Founding Fathers, he has put his personal fortune and very life on the line to expose an injustice within the highest echelons of our national government. I applaud him for his sacrifice. I hope that a Western European country will take him in and protect him from the unconstitutional covert fallout that is certainly heading his way.

Will we has Americans heed his selfless warning?

Signed,

A natural born, tax-paying citizen of the United States of America

P.S. I'm sure this post will be collected, analyzed, and stored by the NSA.

Skin Report (Acne and Keratosis Pilaris)

I spent part of my day at the dermatologist's office. Yes, I like to go there, because for once in my life I can feel positive about something personal. I used Accutane (isotretnoin) for many months to get rid of my prepubescent, pubescent, and adult acne. Although, it is all gone, I still take a smaller dose of the drug as maintenance. It keeps my skin smooth and soft, limits oil production, and increases collagen production.

BUT...As the saying goes, "The Lord giveth and taketh away."

It would seem that a possible side-effect of using the isotretnoin is an exacerbation of an inherited skin trait (thanks Dad), called keratosis pilaris. It was one of those minor things I noticed when I took my shirt off and saw my upper arms. My arms looked as if they had a rash of hard, reddish pustules. From what I can gleen about the skin condition, my skin reproduces skin cells at an accelerated rate (sort of sounds like cancer). Then, the new skin pushes the old skin up, which forms little mounds of dead, unshed skin.

It really wasn't a problem until it started to show up on my forearms. I have noticed in recent weeks (and months) that my forearms are developing the same pustules. The same can be said for other parts of my body, such as my chest, abdomen, and the backs of my thighs. People see my forearms, if I am not wearing a long-sleeved shirt. In short sleeves, it looks like I have a rash on my arms. I've been asked if I have poison ivy. To say the least, it's embarrassing.

Before I go any further, I need to disclose another skin condition that I have, called eczema. During my previous trip to the dermatologist, I had a nasty case of eczema on my left forearm. It was red, scaly and hateful. To ease my discomfort--and increase my sympathy factor--I told people, if they asked, that I was a burn survivor. Yes, it looked that bad! The dermatologist treated that with a combination of triamcinolone acetonide cream, with Cetaphil as a vehicle, Locoid Lipocream, and Clobex. My forearm, as far as the eczema goes looks brand new. No hyperpigmentation or scarring, just fresh, smooth skin.

Today, she thought it was possible that the triamcinolone acetonide (which is a topical steroid) could have caused the keratosis pilaris outbreaks on my forearms. So no more of that for my arms. I am now using a new skin care regimen consisting of a keratolytic emollient, Hylatopic Plus Cream, Uramaxin 45% Cream, and Locoid Lipocream. (As a side note: I found out that Hylatopic is sometimes used to treat the skin of cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.)

And, yes, I'm still taking isotretnoin, like a boss!

Chatty Car

I suppose some people may think it is good for your car to tell you its problems. I agree...sort of.

It's fine to let me know that a problem may exist, but it doesn't have to tell me every time I tap the brake, or even start the ignition.

I have a Mercedes ML350. It likes to tell me that it needs the rear lights fixed, it needs the brakes fixed, and it wants me to check its oil level.

Okay?

Those are all things I'll get around to eventually (I hope). But, for example, each time you touch the brakes an annoying beep sound goes off and a reminder message goes up on the dashboard screen about the brakes! It doesn't matter if it has told me that 40 times in the last ten minutes; it's going to do it!

Come on! What happened to cars that just threw up a vague symbol on the dash and left you guessing?

Adderall at Betty Ford

I think the very definition of an addiction is a psychological and/or physiological inability to function without a chemical (i.e., drug).

So, if I cannot go to rehab for 90-days without my Adderall (amphetamine salts), then that may point to a larger problem. I sometimes suffer from attention deficit disorder, but that is hardly a reason for me to start taking Adderall.

With that said, there may come a day when I am sent to rehab for a few of my addictions, but I doubt that I can find a facility to accommodate my other addictions, while I'm attempting to kick-the-bucket on another one!

I wonder how my Betty Ford conversation would go?

"Hi. Yes, I'm calling about one of your dependency programs. I have a problem with alcohol. But here's the thing: If I can't double my dose of Xanax to get off of alcohol, then I can't use your facility's program. Oh, really? So, you're saying I can't take Xanax while in rehab. Hmm? That's strange, because it looks like to me you could use one drug problem to help you with another drug problem. Good-bye!"

Bottom line: Unless I can drink alcohol while I'm weaning off of my Xanax, or vice-versa, then I'm not going to rehab.

Sorry. Case closed.

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!