I watched the opening statement of Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report," before the House's Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship and Border Security on YouTube, regarding immigrant workers.
I couldn't stop from laughing as he went over how Americans cannot abide by the thoughts of a Mexican picking their tomatoes. They require an American to do that job, while the tomato then goes through a litany of Latin American hands before reaching the American palate. He also submitted a video of his colonoscopy into the Congressional record, regarding the diet's need of fiber.
Colbert stated: "I want a tomato picked by an American, then sliced by a Guatemalan, and served by a Venezuelan in a spa, where a Chilean gives me a Brazilian."
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Barbara Boxer is a millionaire. Et tu, Carly?
In another "Carly for California" ad for Senate, Carly Fiorina declares that Barbara Boxer is a millionaire while Californians are suffering with high unemployment.
I just wonder if that is a bit of the kettle calling the pot black! After all, as the former C.E.O. of HP, Fiorina received a multi-million dollar severance package, after driving that company into the ground.
Now, who is best for California, and the United States Senate?
I just wonder if that is a bit of the kettle calling the pot black! After all, as the former C.E.O. of HP, Fiorina received a multi-million dollar severance package, after driving that company into the ground.
Now, who is best for California, and the United States Senate?
Carly Fiorina & Barbara Boxer
This morning I saw an advertisement for Republican Carly Fiorina's bid to unseat Barbara Boxer, the Democratic senator from California.
The advertisement itself was a bit odd. It shows Senator Boxer asking a general in the United States armed forces to address her as "senator," during a Senate hearing, rather than as "ma'am." Fiorina's ad asserts that Boxer, who has been in the United States Senate for 28 years, really doesn't deserve the title of senator. Is it because she is a woman or a Democrat?
I personally do not see the disparage in requesting to be addressed by one's title. Yes, if you are a member of the Senate, then you ought to be called "senator," whether you are a Democrat or Republican.
The advertisement itself was a bit odd. It shows Senator Boxer asking a general in the United States armed forces to address her as "senator," during a Senate hearing, rather than as "ma'am." Fiorina's ad asserts that Boxer, who has been in the United States Senate for 28 years, really doesn't deserve the title of senator. Is it because she is a woman or a Democrat?
I personally do not see the disparage in requesting to be addressed by one's title. Yes, if you are a member of the Senate, then you ought to be called "senator," whether you are a Democrat or Republican.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Doctors
When I was younger I had never heard of a physicians assistant or advanced nurse practitioner.
As a consumer in the medical field, I expect to get what I pay for. I am quite verbal about this issue, in and out of the doctor's office. A few years ago I had an experience with an advanced nurse practitioner. I went to the doctor with a bladder infection. It burned when I urinated, yes it was embarrassing, but I was okay with it since I was going to my doctor for treatment.
I waited in the waiting room, then I waited longer in the exam room. The door opened and someone I had never seen came in to talk to me about my bladder, and how it is uncommon for men to get bladder infections. Yes, I am quite uncommon. I was very nice as I asked the million dollar question, "When is the doctor going to come in and see me?" After all, I was paying to see a physician, not a less trained professional. She told me that she would be taking care of me. Then I got a bit brutal.
It hurt to piss, after all.
I said, "I think I'll wait and see the doctor." I was quite sure of my position. "He won't be able to see you today, because he is with other patients," she said. First of all, I called and made an appointment with the doctor, not a prescription-pad-toting Nurse Ratchet. Second, I don't like people telling me what I will do.
By this time, I had my little plastic cup in hand for the urine sample. I calmly explained that I would expect to see the doctor after I filled-up the cup to the line--no less--with my liquid waste. She was pretty certain she would be doing the post-piss diagnosis. By that time I was using words like "insurance fraud." I did, yes, ask if I got a discount by seeing her. The cost was the same. That just didn't set right with me.
(I am a teacher. I am required by law to perform my duties in and out of the classroom, not my teacher's aide. Naturally, it seemed to me that the doctor should be performing his duty to his patients, not his assistant. I don't care how gifted she is with a stethoscope.)
To make a painful story short, the doctor was the one who gave me my diagnosis and wrote the prescription. My self-advocacy as a consumer had won the day! I'm sure, however, my bitchy attitude played a small part in my victory.
As a result, I no longer see that doctor. I feel it is the height of poor manners to expect your patients to accept a substitute when they seek medical care. I now have a doctor who does not even employ physician's assistants or advanced nurse practitioners.
Good for me!
As a consumer in the medical field, I expect to get what I pay for. I am quite verbal about this issue, in and out of the doctor's office. A few years ago I had an experience with an advanced nurse practitioner. I went to the doctor with a bladder infection. It burned when I urinated, yes it was embarrassing, but I was okay with it since I was going to my doctor for treatment.
I waited in the waiting room, then I waited longer in the exam room. The door opened and someone I had never seen came in to talk to me about my bladder, and how it is uncommon for men to get bladder infections. Yes, I am quite uncommon. I was very nice as I asked the million dollar question, "When is the doctor going to come in and see me?" After all, I was paying to see a physician, not a less trained professional. She told me that she would be taking care of me. Then I got a bit brutal.
It hurt to piss, after all.
I said, "I think I'll wait and see the doctor." I was quite sure of my position. "He won't be able to see you today, because he is with other patients," she said. First of all, I called and made an appointment with the doctor, not a prescription-pad-toting Nurse Ratchet. Second, I don't like people telling me what I will do.
By this time, I had my little plastic cup in hand for the urine sample. I calmly explained that I would expect to see the doctor after I filled-up the cup to the line--no less--with my liquid waste. She was pretty certain she would be doing the post-piss diagnosis. By that time I was using words like "insurance fraud." I did, yes, ask if I got a discount by seeing her. The cost was the same. That just didn't set right with me.
(I am a teacher. I am required by law to perform my duties in and out of the classroom, not my teacher's aide. Naturally, it seemed to me that the doctor should be performing his duty to his patients, not his assistant. I don't care how gifted she is with a stethoscope.)
To make a painful story short, the doctor was the one who gave me my diagnosis and wrote the prescription. My self-advocacy as a consumer had won the day! I'm sure, however, my bitchy attitude played a small part in my victory.
As a result, I no longer see that doctor. I feel it is the height of poor manners to expect your patients to accept a substitute when they seek medical care. I now have a doctor who does not even employ physician's assistants or advanced nurse practitioners.
Good for me!
Iraq War Over
A war that should never have been has finally ended after seven bloody years! President Obama declared the war in Iraq essentially ending today at 5pm EST.
This war cost us the lives of Americans, our integrity and respect among the international community. Now it is time to end the disgraceful war in Afghanistan. Both wars have come at a high price. The greatest casualty of all is our dignity as a nation.
This war cost us the lives of Americans, our integrity and respect among the international community. Now it is time to end the disgraceful war in Afghanistan. Both wars have come at a high price. The greatest casualty of all is our dignity as a nation.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Birthers
Birthers say that Barack Obama was not born in the United States. Personally, I believe he was born in Hawaii, on August 4, 1961, which is clearly after the state's statehood of 1959.
Even though it isn't anything new, there are those who say he wasn't born in the United States. I have heard everything from Indonesia, where he did live for a short time as a young boy; Kenya, where his father was born. I've even heard Iraq.
Let me say, I am not a "birther." I do not buy into the whole conspiracy theory that Barack Obama is an Islamic fundamentalist, who has been planted into the highest echelon of our nation's government to destroy us from within; however, I do not see any reason why a presidential candidate would not produce his/her birth certificate for public scrutiny. It is a constitutional requirement to be a natural born citizen of the United States, after all. It should be on file, for every candidate, with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
If running for president, would I show you my birth certificate? Yes, without reservation. It shows that I was born in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which was admitted into statehood in 1792, as the 15th state. (I've got facts.) I do not see the problem with showing the document to quash any question about my constitutional qualifications.
It may not dispel all rumors and innuendo, but it would prove to the intelligent among the electorate that I am who I say I am. The same holds true for Barack Obama.
Even though it isn't anything new, there are those who say he wasn't born in the United States. I have heard everything from Indonesia, where he did live for a short time as a young boy; Kenya, where his father was born. I've even heard Iraq.
Let me say, I am not a "birther." I do not buy into the whole conspiracy theory that Barack Obama is an Islamic fundamentalist, who has been planted into the highest echelon of our nation's government to destroy us from within; however, I do not see any reason why a presidential candidate would not produce his/her birth certificate for public scrutiny. It is a constitutional requirement to be a natural born citizen of the United States, after all. It should be on file, for every candidate, with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
If running for president, would I show you my birth certificate? Yes, without reservation. It shows that I was born in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which was admitted into statehood in 1792, as the 15th state. (I've got facts.) I do not see the problem with showing the document to quash any question about my constitutional qualifications.
It may not dispel all rumors and innuendo, but it would prove to the intelligent among the electorate that I am who I say I am. The same holds true for Barack Obama.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Proposition 8 declared unconstitutional
California's ban on same-sex marriage was declared unconstitutional by a United States District Court.
Laws that deny equal rights to gays are certainly unconstitutional!
Laws that deny equal rights to gays are certainly unconstitutional!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Struttin' that ass!
Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I watched a healthy dose of soccer. I decided since it was the World Cup, I would donate some of my time to seeing what soccer is all about. I was influenced by a few factors, such as all the advertising on the television and Internet, and a video from "Red State Update." It was about "socialist soccer, players running around in their little shorts, and struttin' that ass!" So, naturally, I had to tune in and see what it was all about.
Backasswards
That word is quite amusing and folky, which is why I am not shocked by who said it. Sarah Palin, who is a Republican stooge, that was John McCain's vice president pick in 2008, stated that Obama was going about the economic issue "backasswards."
Now, I am from Kentucky, and not Alaska, so we may say things here a smidge differently than other places. I have said, "Ass-backwards." There is a unique way, of course, we say it in Kentucky, and I am not going to try to sound it out here.
But I digress.
It is a dumb euphemism, and I wouldn't say it in front of a group of people, if I were a politician. But, again, I'm no Sarah Palin.
Now, I am from Kentucky, and not Alaska, so we may say things here a smidge differently than other places. I have said, "Ass-backwards." There is a unique way, of course, we say it in Kentucky, and I am not going to try to sound it out here.
But I digress.
It is a dumb euphemism, and I wouldn't say it in front of a group of people, if I were a politician. But, again, I'm no Sarah Palin.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
General David Patraeus
God, I'd fake a fainting spell, too, if I had to listen to Senator John McCain (R-AZ) drone on and on.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
It's 3am...
It's 3am and a phone is ringing in the White House to tell the president that an assload of oil is leaking into the Gulf of Mexico, which will destroy ecosystems and cost billions of dollars in local revenues. Are you glad it is Barack Obama who is taking the call?
I didn't think so.
You could have had Hillary Clinton, you losers! Instead, we have President Obama, who is stuck in the headlights like a deer. I bet Hillary would have kicked someone's ass right there on the Gulf coast! I would rather have a president who was doing something about one of the worst natural distasters in our country's history, rather than on television making speeches about it, because he's too buddy-buddy with British Petroleum (BP).
I didn't think so.
You could have had Hillary Clinton, you losers! Instead, we have President Obama, who is stuck in the headlights like a deer. I bet Hillary would have kicked someone's ass right there on the Gulf coast! I would rather have a president who was doing something about one of the worst natural distasters in our country's history, rather than on television making speeches about it, because he's too buddy-buddy with British Petroleum (BP).
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Lexapro...somewhere in the deep, black sea (not the Gulf of Mexico)
Well, I tried to wean myself off of what I once termed "the good stuff," but I have been having some problems. I dropped my dosage to 5mg per day of Lexapro, but I have sense upped my dose to 10mg per day. The reason behind this increase is simple: I felt like crap!
The 10mg level seems to be comfortable to me. Perhaps, if I plateau there, I can decrease my dose again. I will probably wait and bring it up to my doctor, but I am afraid he may decide to take me off it cold turkey!
(That's why God invented the drawer where I keep my reinforcements!)
The 10mg level seems to be comfortable to me. Perhaps, if I plateau there, I can decrease my dose again. I will probably wait and bring it up to my doctor, but I am afraid he may decide to take me off it cold turkey!
(That's why God invented the drawer where I keep my reinforcements!)
Open Mic
Anytime I am around a mic, I realize that it may be on, which means anyone may hear what I am saying.
Let's keep that in mind Carly Fiorina (and Joe Biden) for next time. I wouldn't trust anyone who works in the media to not have a mic on if I am about to do an interview, even if they are doing my hair and make-up, and everyone seems really relaxed!
It just makes sense.
Fiorina, who is a Republican, is up against Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for her seat in the United States Senate.
Let's keep that in mind Carly Fiorina (and Joe Biden) for next time. I wouldn't trust anyone who works in the media to not have a mic on if I am about to do an interview, even if they are doing my hair and make-up, and everyone seems really relaxed!
It just makes sense.
Fiorina, who is a Republican, is up against Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for her seat in the United States Senate.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 13 on Lexapro Withdrawal
Today is lucky number 13. It was two weeks ago tomorrow that I decided to step down my dosage of the mind numbing drug I had come to rely on so heavily. I haven't consulted with my doctor about my decision yet. I figure it is my body; therefore, my choice. (Thanks Roe v. Wade.)
Right now I am taking 5mg a day. That is a big step down from 20mg a day I was taking a little over two weeks ago. I can't say that my decision hasn't been without consequences. Today, for example, I am light-headed. I know it is from the lack of Lexapro, because I have encountered these feelings in the past, like when I missed a dose completely.
The gradual step-down method is the best way to go when it comes to getting off of Lexapro (or probably any drug for that matter). I haven't decided how I am going to proceed in the next week. I don't know if I should keep taking 5mg each day or figure out how to cut a 10mg tablet into fourths. That could be a bit tricky. I don't think or feel, however, that it is time to fly solo.
I have noticed some of my nasty little habits returning, though, which reminds me of why I started Lexapro in the first place. I have become more moody. I yell one minute and then I comfort the next. It is like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex. (Just like old times.) Also, I find myself turning to the old bottle to wind the day down. I don't drink every day, but I think about it each day. Alcohol has a calming effect on me. It does what Zyprexa couldn't do for me; it smooths out the manic wrinkles from my personality.
Despite my addictive personality, I do take Xanax occasionally. It helps me sleep after a long, hectic day. I know it is not a sleeping pill, but it is when I usually take it. I suppose I should go in and talk to my doctor about alternatives to Lexapro, because I can't really do it on my own. I don't want to become a full blown alcoholic. In my family, that is hardly original!
Right now I am taking 5mg a day. That is a big step down from 20mg a day I was taking a little over two weeks ago. I can't say that my decision hasn't been without consequences. Today, for example, I am light-headed. I know it is from the lack of Lexapro, because I have encountered these feelings in the past, like when I missed a dose completely.
The gradual step-down method is the best way to go when it comes to getting off of Lexapro (or probably any drug for that matter). I haven't decided how I am going to proceed in the next week. I don't know if I should keep taking 5mg each day or figure out how to cut a 10mg tablet into fourths. That could be a bit tricky. I don't think or feel, however, that it is time to fly solo.
I have noticed some of my nasty little habits returning, though, which reminds me of why I started Lexapro in the first place. I have become more moody. I yell one minute and then I comfort the next. It is like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex. (Just like old times.) Also, I find myself turning to the old bottle to wind the day down. I don't drink every day, but I think about it each day. Alcohol has a calming effect on me. It does what Zyprexa couldn't do for me; it smooths out the manic wrinkles from my personality.
Despite my addictive personality, I do take Xanax occasionally. It helps me sleep after a long, hectic day. I know it is not a sleeping pill, but it is when I usually take it. I suppose I should go in and talk to my doctor about alternatives to Lexapro, because I can't really do it on my own. I don't want to become a full blown alcoholic. In my family, that is hardly original!
Hillary Clinton, The Reprise
After Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's foray into domestic policy yesterday has gotten everyone's attention (including mine), I came across this little tid-bit on the Internet. It is called, "Vice President Hillary Clinton."
(Perfect.)
If Hillary were the Democratic candidate for Vice President in 2012, how would that translate into votes for Democrats? Also, how about 2016? (I don't want to hear any Republicans say she is too old! For Christ's sake, Ronald Reagan was three day's older than God, when he ran for president in 1980 and 1984. She'll only be a scant over 70 on Election Day, November 8, 2016.)
(Hopeful.)
(Perfect.)
If Hillary were the Democratic candidate for Vice President in 2012, how would that translate into votes for Democrats? Also, how about 2016? (I don't want to hear any Republicans say she is too old! For Christ's sake, Ronald Reagan was three day's older than God, when he ran for president in 1980 and 1984. She'll only be a scant over 70 on Election Day, November 8, 2016.)
(Hopeful.)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 6 on 10mg of Lexapro
Last weekend, I stepped down my dose of Lexapro from 20mg a day to 10mg. At first, I felt a sense of euphoria and increased energy. As the days have come and gone that sense of energy and euphoria is turning into a cloud of despair.
I could ball my eyes out right now. I have no good reason to do so. I just feel hollow on the inside. It is as if my whole life has fallen apart, and I am so completely alone. I can live with the mania, but not the depression. It's like the lights are on, but I am sitting in absolute darkness.
Oddly, I find myself thinking about people and minor things they have done to upset me. Yes, they are minor things, but right now they feel like betrayals on an enormous scale. Things that ordinarily I wouldn't think twice about, but they are weighing heavily on my mind tonight.
UGH!
I could ball my eyes out right now. I have no good reason to do so. I just feel hollow on the inside. It is as if my whole life has fallen apart, and I am so completely alone. I can live with the mania, but not the depression. It's like the lights are on, but I am sitting in absolute darkness.
Oddly, I find myself thinking about people and minor things they have done to upset me. Yes, they are minor things, but right now they feel like betrayals on an enormous scale. Things that ordinarily I wouldn't think twice about, but they are weighing heavily on my mind tonight.
UGH!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
My Story about Lexapro
About two years ago, I began my love affair with Lexapro. I started out on 10mg per day, but soon I had my dosage upped to 20mg per day, because I was still feeling the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I have taken it religiously since then. I never miss a day, or I feel it deep in my brain. It is like a lion trying to escape. It feels like pressure building inside of my skull. That is a signal that I have missed a single day's dose. Over the past week, I have been thinking about some of the turns my life has taken. I have become more than fat. I have gained a lot of weight, which I'm told takes quite a bit to notice on my 6'3" frame. But it is easily noticeable now. Also, my annoying inability to remember words or phrases that I've used all of my life, called dyspashia, may be attributed to my use of Lexapro. (It only affects the use of nouns. My use of verbs is still above par.) In addition to speech difficulties, I was experiencing the inability to remember short term memories. I could easily remember things that happened months or years ago, but I had a problem telling you about yesterday, or even this morning, in some cases! It felt as if dementia was setting in, but I think I am too young for such things. Another problem I had is the depression had returned with greater intensity. I did not feel things anymore. I had felt withdrawn from life. The joy of writing, listening to music, reading, talking, or even going on my afternoon walk, was gone. In fact, it has been gone for a while now.
Yesterday, I stepped down from 20mg per day to 10mg per day. It seems that you can easily snap those pills in half. They are scored down the middle after all. I woke up this morning with a feeling of exuberance! That is a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. What makes it even more odd is that it occurred on a rainy day, which can usually bring me down on my best day. I'm not complaining, though!
My brain feels like it is waking up from a long sleep. My recent memories feel like dreams, fittingly. My thoughts felt like a car stalled on the side of the road while watching other cars go by at a snail's pace.
I am going to keep taking 10mg a day until next Saturday, and then I am going to step down to 5mg for a week. Then I am going to try and fly without them for a week. I am not sure what will happen, but I think I can live with the feelings of anxiety, if I can just live life again.
Right now my brain has a thousand different thoughts running through it. I want to stand up and scream at the top of my lungs, "I'm alive, again, bitches!"
I have taken it religiously since then. I never miss a day, or I feel it deep in my brain. It is like a lion trying to escape. It feels like pressure building inside of my skull. That is a signal that I have missed a single day's dose. Over the past week, I have been thinking about some of the turns my life has taken. I have become more than fat. I have gained a lot of weight, which I'm told takes quite a bit to notice on my 6'3" frame. But it is easily noticeable now. Also, my annoying inability to remember words or phrases that I've used all of my life, called dyspashia, may be attributed to my use of Lexapro. (It only affects the use of nouns. My use of verbs is still above par.) In addition to speech difficulties, I was experiencing the inability to remember short term memories. I could easily remember things that happened months or years ago, but I had a problem telling you about yesterday, or even this morning, in some cases! It felt as if dementia was setting in, but I think I am too young for such things. Another problem I had is the depression had returned with greater intensity. I did not feel things anymore. I had felt withdrawn from life. The joy of writing, listening to music, reading, talking, or even going on my afternoon walk, was gone. In fact, it has been gone for a while now.
Yesterday, I stepped down from 20mg per day to 10mg per day. It seems that you can easily snap those pills in half. They are scored down the middle after all. I woke up this morning with a feeling of exuberance! That is a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. What makes it even more odd is that it occurred on a rainy day, which can usually bring me down on my best day. I'm not complaining, though!
My brain feels like it is waking up from a long sleep. My recent memories feel like dreams, fittingly. My thoughts felt like a car stalled on the side of the road while watching other cars go by at a snail's pace.
I am going to keep taking 10mg a day until next Saturday, and then I am going to step down to 5mg for a week. Then I am going to try and fly without them for a week. I am not sure what will happen, but I think I can live with the feelings of anxiety, if I can just live life again.
Right now my brain has a thousand different thoughts running through it. I want to stand up and scream at the top of my lungs, "I'm alive, again, bitches!"
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Obama's Supreme Court Nominee
White House sources are saying that President Barack Obama will make an announcement tomorrow nominating United States Solicitor General Elena Kagan as an associate justice of the Supreme Court.
(Or so I read on HuffPost...we'll wait and see what happens.)
(Or so I read on HuffPost...we'll wait and see what happens.)
Betty White was Beautiful
Last night marked the first time I have tuned into NBC's Saturday Night Live program in what is surely years. And, I only tuned in to see the much talked about former Golden Girl herself, Betty White.
While she publicized the fact she is 88-and-half years old throughout the program, she was witty and devilishly delicious with her running grandmother-inappropriate banter and gags. She made fun of her generation, by saying if she wanted to connect with her friends, she'd have more luck with a Ouija board than Facebook.
It was truly an honor to see Betty White doing what she does best, which is making people laugh. She has a way about her that makes her appear quite benevolent, but what you find is a moist and decadently malevolent muffin. (Yet, another reference to a joke from the program.)
So, to Betty White, thank you for being a friend. I've been down that road with you many times in the past, as a loyal Golden Girls fan (I've only seen every episode a hundred times and each time they get better).
While she publicized the fact she is 88-and-half years old throughout the program, she was witty and devilishly delicious with her running grandmother-inappropriate banter and gags. She made fun of her generation, by saying if she wanted to connect with her friends, she'd have more luck with a Ouija board than Facebook.
It was truly an honor to see Betty White doing what she does best, which is making people laugh. She has a way about her that makes her appear quite benevolent, but what you find is a moist and decadently malevolent muffin. (Yet, another reference to a joke from the program.)
So, to Betty White, thank you for being a friend. I've been down that road with you many times in the past, as a loyal Golden Girls fan (I've only seen every episode a hundred times and each time they get better).
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Kentucky Derby
This rainy first Saturday in May brings us the 136th Run for the Roses (and $2 million).
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