Brain Rust

One More Reason We Need a Public Insurance Option.

2009-10-20T10:17:00.003-04:00

For those of you who think a public health care option would only serve the elderly and the folks too lazy to get off their asses...read this article.maybe you could just for one second put yourself in their shoes,or in mine for that matter.

Man Joins Army to Help Ailing Wife

He Loses Job and Insurance, She Battles Cancer

He's in the Army now

Wife’s cancer prompts man to enlist

By Mark Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

Two of the nation's most pressing issues -- unemployment and health care -- have come together in a personal perfect storm for one Wisconsin family.

Bill Caudle of Watertown was laid off in March from the plastics company where he'd worked for 20 years. Unable to find another job, Caudle -- on his 39th birthday -- enlisted in the U.S. Army to get the health insurance his wife needs to continue her battle against ovarian cancer. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel told the family's story Sunday.

Michelle Caudle, 40, discovered she had cancer in 2006 and underwent surgery, followed by two rounds of chemotherapy. In May, her doctor told her there were signs the cancer was back and she would need to endure more chemo.

The $136 monthly cost of insurance for the family rose to $497 when Bill's severance package ran out last month and was due to jump to $1,370 in January. Michelle worked part-time at a restaurant to help pay the bills, but the job did not provide insurance.

With no employment prospects in sight, Bill decided his best option was to sign up for a four-year hitch in the military -- even though it meant leaving his high school sweetheart to fight cancer on her own. The Caudles have three children and Bill's decision also meant he would be away for all of his youngest daughter's high school years.

The Caudles didn't attend any of this summer's heated town hall meetings on health care reform. They know politicians and interest groups on both sides of the issue would like to use their story to score political points, the Journal Sentinel reported. They want no part of it.

"We're not activists," Michelle told the newspaper.

All of Michelle's energies will be devoted instead to beating a deadly disease and caring for her children while her husband goes through basic training with recruits half his age at Fort Knox, Ky. -- nearly 500 miles away from home.

Bill is scheduled to finish basic training and begin his new life as an Army communications equipment specialist in mid-December. Michelle would still be getting chemo by then, the paper said, but she hopes to feel well enough to travel to Kentucky for her husband's graduation.

For All Those Lucky Enough To Find Love

2009-10-17T22:15:00.004-04:00

I dedicate this song sung by the wonderful Israel Kamakawiwo'ole to you,my friends.

ASCII art

2009-10-16T00:08:00.002-04:00

Are you a fan of ASCII art?
The graphic technique uses text to create art.
It's pretty cool and not as easy as it looks.
It is thought to date back to 1966 to Computer Art Pioneer Kenneth Knowlton who worked for Bell Labs at the time.
His early book:"Studies in Perception I" co-authored with Leon Harmon has some great early examples.
Here is a site that has collected scads of examples from folks all over the world.Art lovers,Computer lovers or just lovers of cool stuff in general enjoy!
Link To ASCII ART COLLECTION
For more on ASCII's origins check this link:
More on ASCII Origin and Kenneth Knowlton

Join Us in Our Fight against Breast Cancer,Click to save a life!

2009-10-15T23:42:00.007-04:00

Breast Cancer Site
Support Medical Coverage for Breast Cancer Genetic Marker Testing"
The Boobs you save may be your own.
While there sign the petition to force Insurance companies to pay for BRCA1 and BRCA2testing.
Children deserve to grow up with Mommies and Mommies deserve to be there watching.
About BRCA testing from the site:

A woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation. A positive genetic mutation test result can bring relief from uncertainty and allow women to make informed decisions about their future, including taking steps to reduce their cancer risk.

Insurance companies should not have the right to decide who gets funded for testing. Take action today - sign the petition and tell a friend.

You can follow their work on twitter:@thebreastcancer

and on facebook:The Breast Cancer Site

My Opinion on Public Health Care

2009-09-08T15:35:00.002-04:00

Watch this ,then tell these people and the millions like them to wait.I dare you.

Iran is Full of Brave Good People.

2009-08-28T23:23:00.004-04:00

There are so many good people in Iran. Many I call friends. They are just like the rest of us.They want only Peace and a fair voice. Here is a clever protest video done to show those in power that they fool no one.The world is watching.

Ted Kennedy and his passion for Health Care choices.We will miss him.

2009-08-26T14:30:00.003-04:00

Tonight, please light a candle
in your window
to memorialize Senator Kennedy.
Share Your Memories of Ted Kennedy

This is the cause of my life. It is a key reason that I defied my illness last summer to speak at the Democratic convention in Denver—to support Barack Obama, but also to make sure, as I said, "that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American...will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not just a privilege." For four decades I have carried this cause—from the floor of the United States Senate to every part of this country. It has never been merely a question of policy; it goes to the heart of my belief in a just society. Now the issue has more meaning for me—and more urgency—than ever before. But it's always been deeply personal, because the importance of health care has been a recurrent lesson throughout most of my 77 years.

— Ted Kennedy

Taking it like a Man!

2009-08-24T16:42:00.006-04:00

My best of best friends(we'll call her Wonder Woman "(as she did not want to be identified due to security(of her hubby's dignity) reasons) some how managed to talk her great big (cute) he-man husband into getting his first mani-pedi ! Here is the evidence!
She is my new hero! (grin)

Back to school

2009-08-18T14:26:00.001-04:00

How do you handle it? All the products and styles? My head is spinning.I need an alll in one ,everything right here box lol.send help!

Crazy Hump Day

2009-08-17T17:04:00.002-04:00

This Can't End Well (grin)

What says sexy more than the Doors? Weird Al Yankovic doing a cover of course!
Admit it,Hes a Cutie, American Icon and a Major genius!
Crank it up, plug in the Lava Lamp and listen!

[Tip] درصورت قطع اینترنت در ایران - In case of Internet shutdown in Iran #iranelection

2009-06-21T03:50:00.001-04:00

[Tip] درصورت قطع اینترنت در ایران - In case of Internet shutdown in Iran #iranelection

درصورت قطع اینترنت در ایران

درصورت قطع اینترنت در ایران، میتوانید از طریق خطوط اینترنت خارج از کشور به اینترنت بدون محدودیت و فیلترینگ وارد شوید.

راهنما:
-----------------------
Phone Number: 00448447110059

Username:freeisp@internet
Password:internet
--------------------

توجه: اتصال به این خطوط ممکن است آسان نباشد و در بعضی مواقع تا ۱۵ الی ۲۰ بار باید شماره گیری شود اما بهتر از بی اطلاعی و عدم دسترسی به اینترنت است.

ضمناً لینک های زیر شمال شماره های دیگری برای اتصال به اینترنت در خارج از کشور هستند. لطفاً اطلاع رسانی کنید تا درصورت قطعی، همه بتوانند از اینترنت استفاده کنید

http://www.nippyinternet.co.uk/
http://www.free-dialup.net/
http://www.adial.co.uk/

Note: The Username & password provided above is the free Internet access, from servers outside Iran. Please share the information in case of difficulties to get connected to the Internet inside Iran.

reposted by mkdieb

Posted via web from mkdieb's posterous

Good Bye My Friend,I will always love you

2009-06-19T22:50:00.006-04:00

Today my best friend,My chow Bear died in my arms.He would have been 17 in August.

We found him as a puppy,tossed in the trash in the middle of a New Mexico desert when he was just a baby.He has been at my side ever since.i can not explain the hole that exists in my life right now.I can't stop crying.Even Violet,his best furry friend and biggest pest (our other dog) notices the loss.She keeps looking for him,she follows me,she cries.I cry,We cry.

here is Bear today before the Vet came to put him down,he died in my arms,just stopped,like an old clock and was gone.

I love you my little man,always,

here are things written to him today by family ,

June 19th 2009

you are my best friend,i will always love you.

From Big Steve:I'm so sorry,You're a good boy and a great dog.i love you

From Shannan:I remember you coming home all little and covered with burrs,Marty and i sat and picked them out of your fur.I remember you chasing after Stevens friends and the cats,trying to scare them but never hurting them.This is hard,you will be missed.

From MJ:You rasta dog,Im going to miss you.

From Steven:i cant stop crying i have been ever since you told me kiss him for me please!and pet his chest he loved that. Will you tell him im sorry for kicking him when he bit me that day i picked him up when I was a teenager.

Every thing I sell today Im doing in your name,many folks are praying for you.

Dont worry about a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singin: dont worry about a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right!
Rise up this mornin,Smiled with the risin sun,Three little birdsPitch by my doorstepSingin sweet songsOf melodies pure and true,Sayin, (this is my message to you-ou-ou:)
Singin: dont worry bout a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right.Singin: dont worry (dont worry) bout a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right!
Rise up this mornin,Smiled with the risin sun,Three little birdsPitch by my doorstepSingin sweet songsOf melodies pure and true,Sayin, this is my message to you-ou-ou:
Singin: dont worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!Every little thing gonna be all right. dont worry!Singin: dont worry about a thing - I wont worry!cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry about a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right - I wont worry!Singin: dont worry about a thing,cause every little thing gonna be all right.Singin: dont worry about a thing, oh no!cause every little thing gonna be all right!

See? Were just born this way!

2009-05-30T12:54:00.000-04:00

Wanda Sykes Musings

2009-05-09T23:54:00.004-04:00

Not many people I admire as much as Wanda Sykes.Smart comedy is like crack to me!

Loris love Tickles!

2009-05-07T22:17:00.001-04:00

This made me melt.

Dom DeLuise We Will Miss You

2009-05-06T12:46:00.002-04:00

Dom DeLuise and Dean Martin.
Two greats we lost too soon.
Thank you for years of laughter.Thank you for being you.
This year we lost one of the good guys but heaven gained an angel.
Enjoy:

Susan Boyle sang in her 20's

2009-05-06T07:24:00.004-04:00

Here is a clip of the angel voiced maven from an impromptu moment at a U.K.1984 competition at Fir Park Social club.
Enjoy,Memories.

Antwerp Spontanious Dancing

2009-04-18T20:31:00.005-04:00

I love these planned flash gatherings.They rock!
This one caught the folks in Antwerp train station by surprise.
Lets dance!!!!

Sam Seder under cover at one of the April 15th Tea Parties.

2009-04-16T11:51:00.003-04:00

Super Sleuth Sam Seder from Air America managed to bluff his way into one of the April 15th Republican tax tea parties.
Warning,do not try this at home unless you have super cool sleuthing skills!

Oh Good Lord,MSNBC is pushing Tea Bagging!

2009-04-15T22:40:00.003-04:00

I can't stop laughing.

Never Judge a Book By It's Cover

2009-04-15T17:52:00.002-04:00

Watch and be amazed!

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
by dwarthy

I Dream a Dream Lyrics

I dreamed a dream in time gone by When hope was high And life worth living

I dreamed that love would never die

I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid

And dreams were made and used And wasted

There was no ransom to be paid

No song unsung No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night

With their voices soft as thunder

As they tear your hope apart

As they turn your dream to shame.

And still I dream he'll come to me

That we will live the years together

But there are dreams that cannot be

And there are storms We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be

So different form this hell I'm living

so different now from what it seemed

Now life has killed The dream I dreamed.

Maddie's Mob, A walk for March of Dimes

2009-04-08T18:23:00.003-04:00

This is Maddie,please help us celebrate her short little life and walk to raise money in her name so that no more beautiful babies are lost.
We will miss you little one.
A Message from our team captain.
Our dear friend Heather, of The Spohrs are Multiplying, known to many as @mamaspohr on Twitter, faced the unspeakable yesterday. She said goodbye to her baby girl.
Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Heather and Mike as they battle through the loss of sweet baby Maddie. The Spohrs are a special part of our greater community. They have touched many lives with their writing, their humor and especially the precious moments with Maddie they shared with us. No one could resist that adorably, wonderful face we were lucky enough to see in each post or picture.
To show our support, all the way here in Cincinnati, a group of bloggers are getting together to walk in Maddie's honor in the Cincinnati March of Dimes March for Babies Walk on April 26th. We would like to invite all of you to join us, along with your families and friends and help make a mark in Maddieâ€™s name. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Joaquin Phoenix on The David Letterman Show

2009-03-23T23:09:00.002-04:00

Still the Freakiest interview Ive ever seen.Its like a train wreck.I don't want to watch but I can't help it.
Hey dude,good luck with that Hasidic Hip Hop thing.

Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Stand By Me"

2009-03-23T00:05:00.002-04:00

This is just one in a "Round The World" series from the documentary"Playing For Change: Peace Through Music" more are here along with info.This is a heart warming and very cool idea.

Austin City Limits | Mix Profiles Austin City Limits Television Music Show

2009-03-15T23:00:00.002-04:00

Some of the best music you'll ever hear.
Fun trivia fact,The first show Austin City Limits ever did starred Willie Nelson! (Brilliant!)

Austin City Limits Mix Profiles Austin City Limits Television Music Show

Posted using ShareThis

Jon Stewart Takes On Cramer

2009-03-12T15:03:00.002-04:00

It's game on baby! LOL go get em Jon!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Basic Cable Personality Clash Skirmish '09

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Economic Crisis

Chinese Lantern Fest

2009-03-10T17:56:00.002-04:00

Here is my eldest tot singing in the Chinese Lantern fest.Enjoy! (grin)

Jon Stewart rips into Santelli, CNBC

2009-03-08T23:50:00.006-04:00

CNBC reporter Rick Santelli was bold enough to try and stir up a revolt against the Obama administration's proposal to help homeowners, but he seems afraid to face Jon Stewart.Go get em Jon! LOL

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

CNBC Gives Financial Advice

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

Swan River

2009-03-08T23:36:00.003-04:00

I'm very proud of this piece.It took so long to create.It's my urban refuge.

Woman Finds Bone in M&M's

2009-03-08T23:26:00.002-04:00

AAAk! That's what I thought too.A bone in her M&M's?
According to Fox News, Ms.Potts of Atlanta Ga. was enjoying a little peanut snack when she bit into a blue one and chomp!
M&Ms company said it was probably just a peanut stem and was hoping that was that.
Ms.Potts took the object to a biology professor, who identified it as a mammal vertebra -- although which mammal, he couldn't say. ewww!
Mars (the company that makes M&Ms ) is investigating.

Whats On TV?

2009-03-03T23:36:00.001-05:00

The Bridge Over There,Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-03T23:34:00.001-05:00

Skittles and Reality TV

2009-03-03T12:27:00.007-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks Pop Culture has run out of ideas and is now reduced to a rousing game of spin the bottle?

Just yesterday with all thats going on in the world,the big hot topics were,Skittles ,yes Skittles..the bite sized little bursts of fruit and now chocolate flavor.A rainbow in every mouth.(which may explain why they are not among the top 5 faved by the conservative party (grin)

and the Bachelor,a show where one lucky son of a ..well aspiring actor with a great set of pecks (not that I looked) chooses his TV true love from a herd of back biting , sloppy kissing , hair tossing girls who would do anything to extend their 15 minutes of fame.

Really? This is the sanctified rite were trying to protect? This is what we don't want GLBT's to be able to enjoy?

Something tells me If the Good Book were to be written now I really think skittles would come out on top.

I'm Tired.

2009-03-03T00:22:00.004-05:00

I'm Tired.
Tired of feeling adrift,tired of begging acceptance at the altar of life,tired of being to shy,to chicken to get out in the world,tired of trying to connect with out feeling awkward,tired of pity outings and days that seem just like the days that came before them,Tired of giving art and hard work away because I'm afraid I'm not worthy of compensation.Tired of pity,tired of being on the side lines,tired of loneliness,tired of being tired.I feel just like this piece,adrift.Its the piece I'm most proud of because it says the most about who I am,who so many of us are,were just to tired to say the words. To tired to reach out.To tired to sleep.
Good night ,I love you.
Kathi

Another beautiful face of this world,Thank you,

2009-03-03T00:19:00.003-05:00

If you trust me enough to lend me your wonderous face drop me a line,love Kathi

Crosby Stills Nash - Teach Your Children

2009-02-24T21:19:00.002-05:00

My World-less Wednesday tribute,Doesnt get any better than this folks.Be happy,Be loved.

What The Hell Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:54:00.002-05:00

Today this was me...sigh

2009-02-17T22:13:00.002-05:00

I become confused

2009-02-16T18:36:00.001-05:00

I became confused when I heard these terms with reference to the word 'service'.Internal Revenue 'Service' U.S. Postal 'Service' Telephone 'Service' Cable 'Service' Civil 'Service' Customer 'Service'State, City & County Public 'Service'This is not what I thought 'service' meant.
But today, I overheard two farmers from Verden talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to come service a few cows. BAM!!! It all came into focus!
(quote from an email I got today)

Will Peanut scandle demand more corporate responsibility?

2009-02-16T18:25:00.001-05:00

The folks up the food chain need to get on the ball

Faces Of The World,A Mothers Love

2009-02-16T10:49:00.001-05:00

WTF?? LOLOL

2009-02-15T19:38:00.001-05:00

New Face Of the World Piece

2009-02-15T00:57:00.001-05:00

More Faces of Our World

2009-02-11T17:10:00.004-05:00

We are all one family.We all want the same things.A roof over our heads,safe lives for our children ,food in our bellys and the chance to be loved.

Who Would You Like To Meet?

2009-02-08T00:48:00.003-05:00

Who I'd like to meet:

The person I'd love to talk to today is my mom.

Gone since I was 17,I never got to show her that I turned out OK,or that her baby had babies of her own.

I never got to hear her say she was proud of me or swap girl talk.

Yup,I'd like to meet her all over again today if I could and maybe we'd be friends.

I'd like to meet the person who invented pantie hose...and beat him stupid. Id also love to meet Dali,but hes dead..still.. OK, Peter Max, who's influence made me some sweet cash body painting through school and Scott Mutter ,who's use of photography just floors me!
How about you?
If you could...who would it be?

The World is Changing

2009-02-03T20:05:00.002-05:00

The world is changing as fast as we speak.Can you keep up?

My Daughter made the cover of our Paper!!!

2009-01-30T12:31:00.002-05:00

Check it out! Im sooo Proud of her!

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090130/LIFE/901300373/1035&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

Fun For Kids,Homemade Silly Putty and Goop

2009-01-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

These are so much fun and great for getting tots minds moving.

I also have a kick butt recipe for Play doh that rocks and can be used for months.

These saved my life during rain days and snow days.Try em and let me know what you think:

Pushy Putty or Flubber

Procedure 1
Materials (Borax, white glue, water, 2 glass jars with lids, cup)Note: Borax can be found with laundry detergents in most grocery stores.
Pour 4 cups of water into a large glass jar. Add 1/4 cup Borax and stir until it is dissolved.
In the 2nd jar, mix 1 cup water and 1 cup white craft glue. Tighten the lid and shake well until mixed. If you want colored putty, add food coloring or paint to the water and glue mixture.
To make the putty, pour 1 cup of the Borax solution in a cup, add 1/4 of the glue solution. Stir it with your finger. The glue mixture suddenly thickens as soon as it comes in contact with the Borax solution. In fact, you may need to make sure there are glue bubbles in the center of the putty. Remove the putty from the solution and knead it to get the finished texture.
Pushy Putty can be used to make impressions from newspapers or color comics. Store in a sealed container or plastic bag.
What Should Happen
When the borax. glue and water mix, they form a putty-like substance. It will stretch, bounce, squish and drip.

Procedure 2

Goop
Materials ( white glue, liquid starch, container with lid )Liquid starch can be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores.
Mix equal parts of white glue and liquid starch and watch the goop form.
Store in a container with lid.

Procedure 3

Colored Playdough
Materials
1 cup water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 cup salt 1 tablespoon cream of tartar Food coloring Saucepan 1 cup flourDirections
Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm. Remove from heat and add flour. Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don't have it on hand. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.

You can also use Kool aid to colour the dough.Its easy and smells yummy!

Peanut Butter recall list

2009-01-20T22:51:00.004-05:00

Due to spread of salmonella the following have been recalled:
Here is the list I got from The Food and Drug Administration ,For more detailed list check their site.
Candy Product Recalls Hy-Vee South Bend Chocolate Company
Cookie Product Recalls Famous Amos Food Lion Bake Shop Hy-Vee Keebler Lofthouse Parco Foods Chuck's Chunky Pastries Plus WalMart Bakery
Cracker Product Recalls Austin Quality Foods Keebler Little Debbie Meijer
Fruit and Vegetable Product Recalls H-E-Buddy
Ice Cream Product Recalls Meijer Perry's Private Selection Shurfine Wegman's Peanut Butter Product Recalls King Nut Parnell's Pride Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Peanut Paste Product Recalls Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride Pet Food Peanut Paste Product Recalls Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride Snack Bar Product Recalls CLIF BAR JamFrakas LUNA LÄRABAR MOJO NutriPals Optimum Energy Bars ZonePerfect

Welcome Mr.President,Weve been waiting so long.

2009-01-20T18:02:00.000-05:00

Cities and Faces

2009-01-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

Light Up the Darkness

2009-01-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

Never give up on peace,never

Feed It Foreward ,send free food for the Holidays (really!)

2008-12-11T23:28:00.003-05:00

Feed It Foreward is sponsored by Restaurants.com and this year they are giving away almost 30 million dollars in free food.Really! Each day between now and Christmas you can go to the site Feed It Foreward and send 3 free $10.00 gift cards to any 3 people you'd like.Each person will get a gift card they can redeem at any of 5000 restaurants. This means a free meal (they would only have to cover drinks and extras like tips etc at most of these places) There is no limit to how many cards you send,but the max is 3 a day.You could send everyone on your Holiday list a gift this way.So go,enjoy and feed it foreward.
Happy holidays,Kathi

Snowman Toss

2008-12-05T16:31:00.002-05:00

Its that time of year again!
Ho Ho Ho...wheres my damn shovel? (grin)

Snowman Stacker

Toss and stack snowballs to make the tallest snowman.

Play this free game now!!

Next 2 in the series Loving faces of the world.

2008-11-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

Thank you for letting me show the world it is loved.

Third image in Faces of the World work

2008-11-20T10:42:00.002-05:00

From every child springs new hope.

Can I borrow your face?

2008-11-19T23:35:00.004-05:00

Ive begun a graphics painting project with the hope of showing that we may come from different lands but were more the same than we know.We all call this mother earth home.We are family. On that note...can I borrow your faces for my project? I'm a graphic painter and I'm very excited about this. here are a couple I've done already.If you'd like (and I would love it if you did) send me yours to paint.Love,Kathi

Motrin Blew it!

2008-11-18T15:12:00.001-05:00

Watch this and see if you dont come away a smidge pissed off.

Are You MRSA Smart?

2008-10-28T23:38:00.005-04:00

Today I want to talk to you about an information give-away.

Information so extremely important to you,me,us and everyone.

It is about MRSA.

First,what is MRSA?

MRSA is a potentially life-threatening antibiotic resistant form of Staph infection .

It is becoming increasingly more common in community settings, like gyms, locker rooms, childcare centers and schools.

In the United States more deaths are as a result of MRSA than Aids.

Think about that for a minute.

Doctors say the rate of infection is growing more and more.

It is painful,tough and even deadly,yet there is something you can do to protect your family and those around you.

Get MRSA smart.

Learn how to reduce the spread of this awful infection.

Take a minute and visit STOP MRSA NOW

For those of you who cant use the hyper link the web site is : http://www.stopmrsanow.org/

There you will find tips on how to protect those around you.

You will also find a Play Book that provides educational information and several personal stories written by those that MRSA has touched.

Below are some tips to get you started.

Use them,share them with friends family,your child's school , gym etc. In short ,tell everyone.

1.Scrub up - Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.

2.Wipe it down - Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)

3.Cover your cuts - Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.

4.Keep to yourself - Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.

5.Use a barrier - Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment. MRSA is tragic, painful and even deadly.Help stop it in its tracks.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,Kathi

Obama for Change We Need.

2008-10-27T23:35:00.003-04:00

This may be the best of the best.
God love us,we need change.
We need Obama.
Please remember to vote and remind those you know to vote.
Go as a group,invite those with no car to ride with you.
This is one time when doing nothing is not an option.
peace,Kath

2008-10-13T04:31:00.000-04:00

The Blog: Connecticut! Marriage vs Uncivil Onions heres to the joys of falling in love and the right of all citizens to marry!

Sara Palin Video LOL

2008-10-12T23:28:00.002-04:00

This is too funny and to true! LOL
Enjoy!

Obama in 08

2008-10-12T01:52:00.002-04:00

He brings the best out in us.He reminds us that we can,as a people, once again make our country whole and good and strong. He allows us to see good in everyone and possibilities in every thing.

TV Station Noggin Rocks!

2008-10-11T03:20:00.006-04:00

You know T.V. never had much for kids like me growing up except for the stray Disney movie or saturday morning block of Woody Woodpecker and Bugs Bunny cartoons.
I'm almost envious of my tots because they have stations like Noggin that really know how to tap a childs imagination.
Here's an example that I love,Its Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town:

Rock on Kiddos!

Politics and Life ,The Democratic Process

2008-10-11T02:03:00.004-04:00

Watching the political equivalent of a WWF match lately I'm wondering what we tell our children about it all.

Its gotten pretty dirty .

Every ones scrambling to make that final last hour pitch to the undecided voter.

Bringing full guns to blow.Nothing seems to be off limits.

Do we tell our kids to win at any cost?

or do we tell them to play fair,take the high road,and chance losing?

Do we tell them to let the better person win or do we tell them its more important to make folks think you're the better person even if you're not?

question:

Does this political process hold a mirror's view of who we truly are or does it serve as a warning of what we may become?

Hell,I don't know.I'm hoping all people aren't really capable of such raw nasty hatred.I'm hoping that what I see is only a small percentage .The kooks and crazies.

I'm hoping we have evolved beyond the gut wrenching putrid vile .That were a better class of being.

I'm hoping with fingers crossed that we really are the land of the free.The great melting pot of dreams come true and open arms.I'm hoping our children are a kinder and gentler group.That they don't inherit the warts we wear on our collective consciences.I'm hoping ,because what will become of us If they're not?

A Mothers Love

2008-09-30T00:27:00.002-04:00

I was just thinking,a mothers love is never ending and if done right , we set them free.

Its the only love I know of that is so all filling and wonderful yet so painful.

I sit here knowing that if Ive done my job and raised them right,they will some day walk away.Ironic and bitter sweet isn't it?

why are farts funny???!!!

2008-07-26T00:29:00.002-04:00

today i caught my eldest tot sneaking up on his little brother (who was on the floor engrossed in blues clues) .where was i? Oh yea..he snuck up on him from behind,dropped the back of his pants and farted on his brothers head,then fell over laughing.
please please some one tell me why guys think farts are so funny? LOL mean while im going to find my wine.

AAh so flippin true (grin)

2008-07-10T23:43:00.002-04:00

Can you add to the list?
Law of Mechanical Repair After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Gravity Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
Law of Probability The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.&
Law of Random Numbers If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.&
Law of the Alibi If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.&
Variation Law If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).&
Law of the Bath When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.&
Law of Close Encounters The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.&
Law of the Result When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.&
Law of Biomechanics The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.&
Law of the Theater At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.&
The Starbucks Law As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.&
Murphy's Law of Lockers If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.&
Law of Physical Surfaces The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.&
Law of Logical Argument Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.&
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance If the shoe fits, it's ugly.&
Oliver's Law of Public Speaking A closed mouth gathers no feet.&
Wilson 's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.&
Doctor' Law If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.

Flash Back Test

2008-07-08T23:53:00.001-04:00

This is a test for us 'old kids'! The answers are printed below, but don't cheat.
01. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, 'I don't know, but he left this behind.' What did he leave behind? ____________.
02. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched them on The _______________ Show.
03 'Get your kicks, __________________.'
04. 'The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ___________________.'
05. 'In the jungle! the mighty jungle, ________________.'
06. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we 'danced' under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the '_____________.'
07. 'N_E_S_T_L_E_S', Nestle's makes the very best . . . . _______________.'
08. Satchmo was America 's 'Ambassador of Goodwill.' Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________.
09. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________.
10. Red Skelton's hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, 'Good Night, and '________ ________'.
11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their______________.
12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW What other names did it go by? ____________ & _______________.
13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, 'the day the music died.' This was a tribute to ___________________.
14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ___________________.
15. One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the ________________.
ANSWERS: 01. The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet.
02. The Ed Sullivan Show
03. On Route 66
04. To protect the innocent.
05. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
06. The limbo
07. Chocolate
08. Louis Armstrong
09. The Timex watch
10. Freddy, The Freeloader and 'Good Night and God Bless.'
11. Draft cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed)
12. Beetle or Bug
13. Buddy Holly
14. Sputnik
15. Hula-hoop

Yummy!

2008-03-20T21:30:00.004-04:00

Mom Central sent me a box of Keeblers new Flip side crackers to try.I have to say YUM! I tried the cheese cracker with the pretzle bottoms(or tops depending on how you chomp.)
Lets just say they were gone in no time.Steve loved them and put them on our grocery list.The tater tots thought they were even better than their normal "fish" shaped snacks and I had a ball.Some with slices of cheese,some with peanut butter dobbed on top,some while hiding under the covers so Steve wouldnt snatch them from my fingers.They are an all around great snack.Great for on a walk or drive snacks or soups .If you havent tried them youre missing alot.Im off to the store.Meet you in the cracker isle!

One Question Quiz

2008-03-20T17:04:00.002-04:00

The Einstein Quiz

Einstein said that 98% of people in the world cannot solve the following puzzle. And Einstein was usually right (that's why he's Einstein.) Here is the Einstein Quiz:

Facts:
There are 5 houses in 5 different colors.
In each house lives a person with a different nationality.
These 5 owners drink a certain beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar and keep a certain pet.
No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar or drink the same drink.
Hints:
The Brit lives in a red house.
The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
The Dane drinks tea.
The green house is on the left of the white house.
The green house owner drinks coffee.
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
The man living in the house right in the centre drinks milk.
The Norwegian lives in the first house.
The man who smokes Blend lives next to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps horses lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.
The German smokes Prince.
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
The man who smokes Blend has a neighbor who drinks water.
Question:
Can you determine WHO KEEPS FISH?
Answer below:

Nowhere in the problem, except in the question, is the word fish found. Thus the fifth pet might just as well be elephants as fish. After a lot of work you can safely conclude that the German has the fifth pet, but you have to ASSUME that the fifth pet is fish in order to conclude the German has fish. But you have no basis for making this assumption. Note that Einstein was very careful to separate the "Facts" from the "Question" in this puzzle.

So the correct answer to the Einstein Quiz is: You have no idea if anyone keeps fish or not. Once you grasp the nature of the problem correctly, its rather simple to solve. And it is just like Einstein to give us a puzzle like this, for he stressed examining assumptions, and once wrote: "The important thing is to not stop questioning."

Slainte!

2008-03-15T12:26:00.003-04:00

To all my Irish family and friends and those who may only be Irish for the day I say Slainte!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

My Oath to all my friends (grin)

2008-03-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

1. When you are sad – I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are wrong -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- stay
the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;

'Because you are my friend.'

Ive Fallen and I cant get Up!

2008-02-24T16:13:00.005-05:00

Today Steve decided to be sweet and do some laundry .Who was I to turn down a free-be like that??? (even though my spidy senses told me there was something behind this generous offer)

Did I mention basketball was on tv and we have a big screen in the basement one room over from the laundry? aah..starting to fall in place now!
So he goes skipping(well ok maybe not skipping) down the steps smug in the knowledge that a load of laundry or 2 will get him a get out of chores free card for at least an hour or 2.plenty of time to catch the game.

Did i also mention the old saying "no good turn goes unpunished"? ok well now i am
2/3's of the way down the steps,arms over flowing with semi carefully sorted clothes(I pointed out the red shirt peeking out of his load of whites...because come on..who wants a man wandering around in pink socks and undies?
Well where was I? Oh yes..hes almost to the bottom when crash! the stairs break! They slipped out of the runner board that joins them down the left side.Bunns over tea kettle he sails through the air.Luckly he landed in the laundry.Hes ok.But now hes trapped in the basement.No problem he says.Ive got my drill.Just toss me some big nails and a hammer.

All we had in the line of nails were tiny picture hangers.So I call a friend.I get the feeling shes not listening because she says "will a dreamcicle work"?

Nope.
Mean while Steve finds nails but the drill is dead.Has to recharge.So hes trapped.
Trapped and by now hungry.He can smell the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies I just made.

How to get some to him...I tried lobbing them down but managed to take out the light bulb and hit the Tv.So being a craft Ninja I went to work,I built a food sled.(pause for awe and admoration)(grin)

I filled a container with cookies taped it to the "sled" and presto!Hes still trapped down there.I hear him hammering now.Im pretty sure I can send him the soup I made for dinner..if I can just find that garden hose....

Some of My Work

2008-02-22T23:26:00.006-05:00

Why Wine and Bier are better for you than Water =)

2008-02-22T21:47:00.007-05:00

To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine.. And those who don't.
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria. In a number of carefully controlled trials,
scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day,
at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of
Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) - bacteria found in feces.(gag!) In other words,
we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & bier (or tequila,
rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a
purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water
and be full of crap.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing
this as a public service.Cheers!

Total Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T07:13:00.005-05:00

Did any of you stay up to watch the total lunar eclipse last night? It was beautiful.The Moon made a gradual change to the most wonderful deep reddish colour.
The Lunar Eclipse happens when the sun,earth and full moon line up.This will be the last total lunar eclipse until december 2010.I tried to get some pictures.
My camera stinks in freezing weather but heres what you missed.

In August this year you can catch a solar eclipse and partial lunar eclipse.You know what ? The galaxy never stops amazing me!
read more about the eclipse here: Time Magazine

chicken noodle shampoo

2008-02-21T00:18:00.006-05:00

Today it snowed more than it has in one day alone all winter.The tater tots and I were really cranked up about building a snow man after lunch.

Guess the excitement was too much for the youngest tot.
I left the table to get more oranges from the kitchen.When I came back there (all smiles) was the B man happily washing his hair in his chicken noodle soup.
I said what happened? He said "what do you mean what happened?" He looked at me like i just bought the last ticket to crazy town.I asked again pointing now...what happened? He said "I need towel please I wash hair!"As I watch the noodles slide off his curley little noggin I ask..in your soup? He says "No..in my high chair!"Sooooo snow man was called on acount of soup.On the positive side,his hairs never been so shiney.I might just try it myself!

Children

2008-02-18T16:46:00.005-05:00

I was pondering life today.Wondering what kind of world will be left to my grandsons and all the children weve been intrusted with, when i found this while wandering youtube.

Its the only song thats ever made me cry like a baby.Enjoy.

Who doesnt love free stuff ??

2008-02-15T18:18:00.007-05:00

Shannan over at Mommy Bits has information on how you can score a free 6-pack of Yoplait Yogurt for Kids! Check it out on her blog, Mommy Bits.

The switch to digital TV signals

2008-02-14T18:39:00.005-05:00

Today I recieved an email from The U.S.P.R.G (the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups ) reminding me that on February 19th 2009 all T.V. stations will be mandated to start broadcasting their signals on digital wave lengths instead of the analog signal we recieve now.

This means that any of you who watch free over the air television will have to make some changes.Those of you using cable or satalite have no worries.Now it will become a bit confusing when the time comes.Even many stores are unsure of what you will need to do to keep watching over the air T.V. and may suggest a newer T.V. Well I went serching and there will be a converter box you will need to purchase (no new t.v. unless you have a hubby like mine who is just looking for an excuse to buy bigger and better) (grin).

The government is offering coupons you can get twords the purchase of any converters you may need.Each older t.v. you own that only recieves over the air stations will need one.Converter boxes will run from $40 to $70 dollars each and here is the link and phone number to the government office to recieve your $40 dollar coupons.You may request more than one coupon.Heres to less confusion and happy T.V. viewing for years to come.
http://www.dtv.gov/ or by calling 1-888-388-2009

Helping the Hungry

2008-02-13T15:23:00.004-05:00

Well it's happening again.More folks are getting laid off.More moms,dads and grandparents wondering how to stretch the ever shrinking dollars left in their pockets to cover gas ,rent food.Nothing hurts a parent more than the look of hunger on their childs face.

Usually we only think of donating our extra canned goods and dollars during the holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.Well I was doing some reading today and the food banks are suffering.Many say they dont know how they will be able to keep their doors open much longer.The increase in joblessness and the decrease in donations are hitting them hard.If you are one of the blessed who still have jobs to go to and can enjoy a night out now and then please consider donating the extras in your cupboards or the money you would have spent on that night on the town.

Now more than ever we need each other.Now more than ever we need to be the angels on the shoulders of the moms and dads out there that are as we speak looking into the faces of the children that rely on and trust them so much.Let no one go hungry tomorrow.

As my grandmother use to say when things were tough and neighbors were going hungry,let them come to us.We'll just add a bit more water to the stew.

We can help.We should help.We must help.Here in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area we have the freestore food bank
http://www.freestorefoodbank.org/ and several other orginizations despirate for your help.Im sure there are places in your areas too.Please take a moment and contact them.A hand up is all we need .Be that hand.

Brain Rust and Pink Eye

2008-02-12T23:14:00.008-05:00

Well Ive kicked this around for what seems like days.My first blog.What should I say? Should I be deep and prophetic? Witty? Talk at length about myself and my dreams?

Then it hit me...literally.Pink Eye.

Thank you my dear grand sons.

For those of you who dont know...children just starting off to school are germ magnetics.From the fingers that make mudd pies then wander through the chip bag to the sneezes that spray like high powered super soakers.You can run but you cant hide as you..yes you my friend...become the vacation get away for germs and one eyed wonder bugs you never even knew existed.

You are the new 5 star get away for everything from runny noses to yes..pink eye.Im 49 years old for goodness sake and Ive been cold cocked by a pre school monster.Makes me feel young again (grin) and until my vision clears up I even look younger .

So here I am Lining up with the boys 4 times a day .Two drops in each eye and close both till we count to 120 mississippi (2 minutes for those of you new to this)So here for your protection is a list of hows ,whys and whats about this red eyed monster and how to avoid it when your turn comesThank me later.. Its time for our drops.
From http://www.kidshealth.org/

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
While pinkeye can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. But if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but other types require treatment.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections (such as bacteria and viruses), allergies, or substances that irritate the eyes.

Causes of Pinkeye
Pinkeye can be caused by many of the bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections, — including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats — and by the same types of bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Pinkeye also can be caused by allergies. These cases tend to happen more frequently among kids who also have other allergic conditions, such as hay fever. Some triggers of allergic conjunctivitis include grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.
Sometimes a substance in the environment can irritate the eyes and cause pinkeye; for example, chemicals (such as chlorine and soaps) and air pollutants (such as smoke and fumes).

Pinkeye in Newborns
Newborns are particularly susceptible to pinkeye and can be more prone to serious health complications if it goes untreated.
If a baby is born to a mother who has an STD, during delivery the bacteria or virus can pass from the birth canal into the baby's eyes, causing pinkeye. To prevent this, doctors give antibiotic ointment or eye drops to all babies immediately after birth. Occasionally, this preventive treatment causes a mild chemical conjunctivitis, which typically clears up on its own. Doctors also can screen pregnant women for STDs and treat them during pregnancy to prevent transmission of the infection to the baby.
Many babies are born with a narrow or blocked tear duct, a condition which usually clears up on its own. Sometimes, though, it can lead to conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Pinkeye
The different types of pinkeye can have different symptoms. And symptoms can vary from child to child.
One of the most common symptoms is discomfort in the eye. A child may say that it feels like there's sand in the eye. Many kids have redness of the eye and inner eyelid, which is why conjunctivitis is often called pinkeye. It can also cause discharge from the eyes, which may cause the eyelids to stick together when the child awakens in the morning. Some kids have swollen eyelids or sensitivity to bright light.

In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and tearing are common symptoms.
Contagiousness
Cases of pinkeye that are caused by bacteria and viruses are contagious. (Conjunctivitis caused by allergies or environmental irritants are not.)

A child can get pinkeye by touching an infected person or something an infected person has touched, such as a used tissue. In the summertime, pinkeye can spread when kids swim in contaminated water or share contaminated towels. It also can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Doctors usually recommend keeping kids diagnosed with contagious conjunctivitis out of school, day care, or summer camp for a short time.
Someone who has pinkeye in one eye can also inadvertently spread it to the other eye by touching the infected eye, then touching the other one.

Preventing Pinkeye
To prevent pinkeye caused by infections, teach kids to wash their hands often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eye drops, tissues, eye makeup, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases with other people.
Be sure to wash your own hands thoroughly after touching an infected child's eyes, and throw away items like gauze or cotton balls after they've been used. Wash towels and other linens that the child has used in hot water separately from the rest of the family's laundry to avoid contamination.

If you know your child is prone to allergic conjunctivitis, keep windows and doors closed on days when the pollen is heavy, and dust and vacuum frequently to limit allergy triggers in the home. Irritant conjunctivitis can only be prevented by avoiding the irritating causes.
Many cases of pinkeye in newborns can be prevented by screening and treating pregnant women for STDs. A pregnant woman may have bacteria in her birth canal even if she shows no symptoms, which is why prenatal screening is important.

Treating Pinkeye
Pinkeye caused by a virus usually goes away on its own without any treatment. If a doctor suspects that the pinkeye has been caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic eye drops or ointment will be prescribed.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to get kids to tolerate eye drops several times a day. If you're having trouble, put the drops on the inner corner of your child's closed eye — when the child opens the eye, the medicine will flow into it. If you continue to have trouble with drops, ask the doctor about antibiotic ointment. It can be applied in a thin layer where the eyelids meet, and will melt and enter the eye.

If your child has allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy medication, which comes in the form of pills, liquid, or eye drops.
Cool or warm compresses and acetaminophen or ibuprofen may make a child with pinkeye feel more comfortable. You can clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together first thing in the morning.

When to Call the Doctor
If you think your child has pinkeye, it's important to contact your doctor to try to determine what's causing it and how to treat it. Other serious eye conditions can mimic conjunctivitis, so a child who complains of severe pain, changes in eyesight, or sensitivity to light should be reexamined. If the pinkeye does not improve after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or after a week when left untreated, call your doctor.
If your child has pinkeye and starts to develop increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye, along with a fever, call your doctor. Those symptoms may mean the infection has started to spread beyond the conjunctiva and will require additional treatment