"What Broke My Father’s Heart"

Katy Butler writes a heart-wrenching story about how her father was 'kept alive'.

I think everyone should read this. And then make sure you talk to your loved ones about their 'end of life' wishes.

Comanche Nation: The Rise And Fall Of An 'Empire'

Suggested reading....

June 25th marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Here's to the anniversary of Mr. Custer getting his arse handed to him.

Unicorn - Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam

OMFG

Too funny...

Sent to me by my beloved along with this article ....

Wicked stuff...

^_^

From our neighbours to the North

Just a warning sign (^_^)

Come to the dark side

Let Darth help you find you 'destination'

LOL

Heard on NPR yesterday

On my way home yesterday I was listening to 'The World' - which is a program on NPR.

At the beginning and 1/2 way through are news segments. One of them is the BBC World News.

Apparently the BBC thought it news-worthy enough to report on this incident which tool place in Ohio.

Per the reporter: A 62 FT statue of Jesus burned to the ground after being hit by lightning. -- pregnant pause -- Insurance adjusters are calling it 'An Act of God'.

(I was already laughing at the irony. I have no idea how this announcer kept a straight face while reading the copy)

^_^

Women's Lib

I am not sure the age of my audience (what audience?) – that would even remember ‘Women’s Lib’ (Women’s Liberation)...

I just finished one book and am currently reading another that deals with women freeing themselves.

The first was probably one of the most powerful books I have ever read. I do not know why it has taken me so long to find this book. I believe it should be read and re-read and assigned and all that jazz....and I am sure it is, and has been - but I don't mean by Oprah....



Nora Zeale Hurston was in essence (and in my humble opinion) a phenomenon and a phenomenal writer. The fact that she died (alone) in obscurity, when she should have won the Pulitzer Prize for literature, makes my blood boil. While I am very happy that she was ‘rediscovered’ and that I have at last discovered her myself does not ease the shame of my last statement.
It’s not a ‘black thing’ – although there was a lot in this book I could not, as a white woman born free, identify with. It IS a woman thing – but more so – it’s a human thing – it’s a love thing.

The shocking ‘twist’ had me so upset I had to put this book down – but yet – it kept calling to me. I want to be this kind of writer – poetic and brutal(ly) honest, flowing free. Thank you Ms. Hurston.

Speaking of poetic and brutal – the second book is written by Alice Sebold ("The Lovely Bones") and is a personal memoir of her being beaten and raped. “Lucky” is probably one of the harder books I’ve read in terms of emotional cost and yet I’ve laughed along with the tears and the outrage.

So as usual...don't just sit there. Go buy/find these books now and read them.

****************

I also think it’s time for me to pick up my own pen.

Whether I will be as poignant or write as ‘meaningful/important’ stuff as these women remains to be seen. Nevertheless I feel compelled to try. Perhaps, somewhere among the ‘voices’ I will find my own and it will ring clear.

Your Brain on Computers - Attached to Technology and Paying a Price - NYTimes.com

Your Brain on Computers - Attached to Technology and Paying a Price - NYTimes.com

Article #2 (probably the most telling quote form the article):

"Even after he unplugs, he craves the stimulation he gets from his electronic gadgets. He forgets things like dinner plans, and he has trouble focusing on his family.

His wife, Brenda, complains, “It seems like he can no longer be fully in the moment.”

This is your brain on computers.

Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information.

These play to a primitive impulse to respond to immediate opportunities and threats. The stimulation provokes excitement — a dopamine squirt — that researchers say can be addictive. In its absence, people feel bored.

The resulting distractions can have deadly consequences, as when cellphone-wielding drivers and train engineers cause wrecks. And for millions of people like Mr. Campbell, these urges can inflict nicks and cuts on creativity and deep thought, interrupting work and family life.

While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.

And scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist. In other words, this is also your brain off computers."

Question:

So what's a modern homo-sapien to do?

Your Brain on Computers - Plugged-In Parents - NYTimes.com

Your Brain on Computers - Plugged-In Parents - NYTimes.com

This is one of two articles I am going to post about this subject.

My commentary goes something like this:

Technology is a necessary evil...and...what price do we end up paying by being plugged in....do I really want to give up my computer?

Cleveland teachers file suit to stop housecleaning at 22 schools | cleveland.com

Cleveland teachers file suit to stop housecleaning at 22 schools

I find this quote especially interesting:

"Sanders released a statement in which he accused the union of clinging to a system that fills positions at the 14 elementary and eight high schools by seniority. He called the suit "yet another attempt by CTU to hold on to failed policies and to put the interests of teachers above the interests of students."

In light of what I have personally witnessed in my own children's school systems and that of my step-childrens (a decade later) - I oculd not agree more with Mr. Sanders' statement. Like the politicians in this country - I think it is time to clean house with our teachers. The unions serve no purpose other than the 'special interests' of the teachers. How about starting a parent/child union to protect the educational interests of the kids? How about churning out an educated populace that can compete, instead of a bunch of dullards? I feel that if teachers have to re-apply in order to prove themselves then that's what needs to happen.

Sorry - I just don't have a lot of sympathy when I see the kind of educational system we have in place in this country...it's out of control.

A Toast To Love

As I approach my second year wedding anniversary, I am overcome by emotions. Sometimes it is hard to believe I have been married to Erin for two short years – and even taking into consideration we have been together for going on four years – I just feel like we have been together much longer.

I am still madly in love with my husband. I still have to pinch myself that I get to be with him.

All marriages have ups and downs and of course ours has had it’s own share of problems. There are still adjustments being made and things to learn about each other, there is the ‘blending’ of a new family...yet, there is no one I’d rather spend my time with than my husband. There is a true sense of sharing between us, a sense that even when there are problems we want to work them out.

Take for instance our past weekend. We took a long weekend together and we had a very nice time. We golfed (twice), we visited the Lake Chautauqua region (which was just wonderful), and we went shopping. We talked, we laughed, we shared wonderful meals together, we kissed, and we made love. We also discussed some of the issues we’ve been facing and worked together to try to come up with solutions.

So this weekend, I plan to celebrate with my husband and to be with some close friends. Part of the weekend will be tinged with sadness as we attend the memorial service of one of my husband’s colleague – but afterwards there will be an intimate dinner and the joy of being a couple. That is what life is about sorrow and joy in equal measure and sharing all of it with your loved one.
I love you, Erin – happy anniversary to us.