(UPDATED) Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

A local lesbian couple's fight for equal rights changed history in New York State, but Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is appealing the ruling. That prompted a rally outside her office Monday.

About 100 people protested at noontime. They were back again Monday night fighting for equal rights for same-sex couples. One local couple started this all with a lawsuit four years ago.

"I'm just sorry that we have to fight this fight," said Lisa Ann Golden. She married the love of her life in Canada back in 2004.

"I'm tired of feeling like a second class citizen because I fell in love with someone, and it happened to be a woman," Golden said. That woman is Pat Martinez.

Their fight for equal rights began when they were denied spousal benefits from Martinez's employer Monroe Community College.

"The importance of same-sex marriages is that we get the same protections that everybody else does," said Martinez.

On Monday, dozens of people joined the fight including clergy and local leaders.

"What this is really about is discrimination," said Brighton Town Supervisor Sandy Frankel. "Discrimination against families, and we have to stand strong and fight for fairness for everyone!"...... see link for more ....

Pat Martinez herself left an important comment and update in this post. Please read.

Read the rest at News 10 whec, and see the video. (The video is very good)

Related Posts: Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling AND

Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York

CBS "Early Show" reports from Rochester, NY (Weather)

Dave Price from the CBS Early Show broadcasted the weather live from downtown Rochester this morning. He also talked live with News 8 Now at Sunrise. If you missed it, you can see the video. He summerised our situation by saying that we got "6 inches of snow, and expect 6 inches more". The rest of todays forecast- windy, gusts up to 30 mph, high18. Anchor Harry Smith kept saying, "Ra cha cha". It was Surreal seeing my city on a national program.

The weather made for a tricky morning commute with some accidents. The snow is likely to keep piling on. Parents were surprised to find that Rochester schools were not closed. Maybe snow days have been used up. It has been a difficult winter. I'm sure that some parents kept their children home.

The snow fall as of noon today is 9 inches at the airport. The storm is expected to continue until tonight, bringing another few inches of snow. About a foot of snow in all. The worst is over.

I talked with a woman who lives in Bushnell's Basin. She said that every time there is a storm her power has gone out, four times so far. And that was before this latest storm. It has been a difficult winter.

Well, it's time for me to get my shovel, and dig out my car like Mr. Dararaksmey in the photo. Hot cocoa will be my reward when I come in. ;o)

The Photo - Rich Dararaksmey of Rochester shovels to free his car from a heavy overnight snowfall on Morningside Park on Wednesday. Photo from D & C.

Legionnaires' Disease at RGH - Rochester General Hospital

(Rochester, N.Y.) -- The New York State Health Department is testing the water at Rochester General Hospital after a recent patient was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

The patient entered RGH in late January with an undisclosed condition and came down with Legionnaires’ disease at home, about a week after being admitted. The disease’s incubation period is two to ten days.... continued see link ...

Dashavu, two years go 6 patents at Strong Memorial Hospital had the same thing. Ekk! Maybe I should go back to bottled water for awhile.

Read more..."Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered at RGH"

Weather Alert - Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse - "Major Winter Storm"

I asked some people yesterday if they had heard the latest on the coming snow storm. I don't have cable t.v., so thought that others would be more up so date on the weather. The reply was alway the same, "What snow storm?

Updated at 5:30 p.m Monday night.

There is a winter storm watch in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening.

Rochester has been hit with so many midweek storms of the mixed precipitation type, that I think we have stopped listening. Most storms have been mild to moderate. This one is different, it's a "major snow storm", and will be long in duration. It will be mostly snow, and lots of it! 10 to 16 inches of snow near Rochester city, within 36 hours. Localized tallies of 16" to 20" in parts of Wayne, Northern Monroe, and Northern Orleans near the lake, within 36 hours. (Mostly mixed participation south of Rochester.) It will start around daybreak tomorrow, and go into Wednesday night. Although predominately snow, we may have a little sleet too. It will also become cold. All information is from news 10 on t.v., here is the web link ...

whec news 10

Buffalo and Syracuse have similar forecasts, see....

wkbw tv buffalo
wtvh tv cbs syracuse

Maga Hits (Tagged)

I was tagged by Scott. This looks like a good one. I wonder if it works . . .

You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!) ~ I tagged 7 ~

It’s real easy!

Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!The benefits of Viral Linking:

1.One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
2.Increase your Google PageRank fast
3.Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
4.Build your community
5.Make new friends!

Linky Love Tag
The Strategist Notebook
Link Addiction
Ardor of the Heart
When Life Becomes a Book
The Malaysian Life
Yogatta.com
What goes under the sun
Roshidan’s Cyber Station
Sasha says
Arts of Physics
And the legend lives
My View, My Life
A Simple Life
Juliana RW
Mom Knows Everything
Beth & Cory’s Mom
A Mind Forever Voyaging
enjoying the ride
Jennifer’s thoughts
Mom of 3 Girls
Amanda
Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys
ExPat Mom
Just Jessie
Wilson Six
Kristin
Nuttier Than You
Shonnte
Summer’s Nook
Laura Williams Musings
Melissa’s Idea Garden
Confessions of an Everyday Housewife
Blah Blah Blog
Stop the Ride!
Soap, Blings & Girly Things
Amanda:Mama’s Musings
An Ordinary Life
The Zen of Motherhood
Atomik Kitten
The Sassy Southerner
A Room of Mama’s Own
Exploring Autumn
Real LifeBoogiemum
Living and loving every minute of it
Huckdoll
The Rocky Mountain Retreat
Peace is Every Step
Life According to Lizzy
Following Forward
Boys Rule My Life
A Quest for Relevance
Not Trying for a Boy
The Gaspards
Orryally’s journal
My Life with Boys
The Truest Thing
The Potter’s Hand
Permission to Peruse
Live Laugh Blog
Pianomomsicle
Heather’s Hot Mess
Kevin and Paula
Smatterday
Guidance for Victory
Forging Iron Man
Another Day in Paradise
Permission to Peruse
Awake in Rochester
Cycling Widow
Zimmerhouse
Sitting in Silence
Voice in the Night
Stretcher Jockey
Running Wildly

And So It Goes On
Debo Hobo dot Com
Dr. Deb
dcr Blogs
eastcoastlife
Fat Doctor
Moments Of Randomness

Blogging and Opposing Points of View

I have noticed when I read blogs, that people don't seem to voice a point of view that differs from the blog owners. I can understand this. After all when we write a comment, we are hoping that the blog owner will like us, blogroll us, and comment on our blog. However, I have seen some very controversial posts that are extremely one sided.

Personally when I write a post on - Same-Sex Marriage, and ECT Electroconvulsive Therapy, I expect to hear an opposing point of view. After all these are highly controversial topics. So please feel free to voice your opinion, in a kind, caring, and respectful manner. I want to hear what you truly think. It won't offend me if we don't see eye to eye. Of course I am not looking for rude, or sassy, comments either.

One good example of a comment that has an opposing view is found in "Therapy and Me." It's the first comment. Thank you anonymous commentor for saying what you truly think in a nice way!

By the way, you can voice your opinion now by voting on same-sex marriage. The poll is to your left. It is free, and confidential. ;o)

cartoon origin

(UPDATED) Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

I knew that the republicans wouldn't leave this alone. I should have made a bet with someone. It was a sure thing.

The Democrat & Chronicle article in its entirety....

(February 22, 2008) — Monroe County will file a motion seeking to appeal the recent ruling of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court that same-sex marriages performed in other states or nations must be recognized in New York State.

County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced the decision to file a motion to appeal the decision in the case of Patricia Martinez, a Monroe Community College employee seeking medical benefits for her partner, Lisa Anne Golden.

Martinez, a Chili resident, filed the suit in 2005. The Appellate Division ruled 5-0 in Martinez’s favor on Feb. 1.

The couple was married in 2004 in Ontario, Canada, where same-sex marriages are legally recognized.

“This is a clear case of misinterpretation of the law,” Brooks said in a news release. “We must appeal this decision in order to protect Monroe County taxpayers. We can not simply extend benefits to unmarried couples and we certainly can not ignore the definition of marriage that currently exists under State law.”
----------------------------
(Ms. Brooks is a republican.) Ms. Brooks, this ruling was 5-0 in Martinez’s favor. Five to zero! I question your motives. This could be a profitable decision, because we might attract more Canadian same-sex couples, who will spend their money in Rochester as tourists, or even move here. I don't think it's about money, not at all.

Added Feb. 24th- More in depth - Brooks to appeal same-sex marriage decision

You can vote on gay marriage on this blog. See the poll to your left.


Related Post: Court "Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.
AND: Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

The cartoon

Rochester, NY - News Update

Rochester homicide rate doubles- 2 teens killed about the same time.

Two teens were fatally shot Tuesday evening in northeast Rochester, doubling the homicide rate this year. They were 14, and 15 years old. The teens' bodies were found on different streets (Wilkins St and Friederich Pk.), about a block apart. Both teens were in a known drug location when shot. They were killed at approximately the same time. Both shot in the upper body. Both died at Strong Hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Influenza outbreak in Monroe County many turn out to be a harsh year.

This month has seen the highest number of flu cases in Monroe County so far this season, and local experts warn that the worst may not be over. "I don't think we've seen the peak yet," said Dr. John Treanor, a University of Rochester. "We went from a very mild year to a year, when all is said and done, (that) may turn out to be a harsh year." But while officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that this year's flu shot might protect against only 40 percent of this year's strains, Treanor insist that it's no time to dismiss the vaccination.

Besides getting vaccinated, washing hands, disinfecting commonly used surfaces like desktops and telephones, eating healthy foods and getting enough rest and exercise can help protect against the flu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More Fires?

It seems like we have had a large number of fires in the areas in the last several weeks. Some have resulted in deaths. Please check the batteries in your fire alarm, and have a plan, check with National Fire Protection Association.

Latest fire story... Dryer in basement starts fire in Greece
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Local Biggest Loser shares her story of weight loss.

Amy Zimmer was a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser." She lost nearly 130 pounds and gained a new lease on life. "I was at 297 pounds." "We had trainers to encourage us but it was your own game,” Amy said. “You've got to get out of it what you put in to each day. We were working out four to five hours a day. We were responsible for all our food.”

Amy didn't win on the show, but she lost 126 pounds. Her huge achievement has landed her a job at the Rochester Athletic Club for women. Amy's new vision stands in the lobby of each RAC in town as an example of what can happen. She is now helping other women with their dreams of weight loss.
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Girl gangs in Rochester

This story is by ex girl gang member Shadea. I didn't even realize that we had girl gangs here. This was an eye opener... Read Shadea's story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weather could mar view of lunar eclipse.

Wednesday night is the last chance to see a total lunar eclipse for nearly three years, if the weather cooperates... 10 WHEC Weather forecast.

Obama visits Edwards in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - NC

Barack Obama flew to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to see John Edwards. Has an endorsement been agreed upon?

"CHAPEL HILL NC -- Sources tell Eyewitness News Senator Barack Obama landed at RDU around 11:30 this morning unannounced.

He was then whisked away by the secret service to the Edwards home in Chapel Hill. Obama advisors say he wanted a private setting to avoid a media circus.

Chopper 11 captured the only glimpse of what could possibly result in a coveted endorsement from John Edwards" ... continued ...

Read more, and see "exclusive" Photo of them hugging- ABC WTVD Raleigh-Durham NC

Folks North Carolina's primary is May 6 and they have 134 delegates to give. John Edwards endorsement before that date could be as good as gold. What do you think? Will Edwards side with Obama? Or will he choose Hillary? Time is getting short.

Related Story - The John Edwards Factor

Flu season expected to get worse

Vaccine doesn't match most circulation viruses, health officials say.

The flu season is getting worse, and U.S. health officials say it's partly because the flu vaccine doesn't protect against most of the spreading flu bugs.

The flu shot is a good match for only about 40 percent of this year's flu viruses, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

That's worse than last week's report when the CDC said the vaccine was protective against roughly half the circulating strains. In good years, the vaccine can fend off 70 to 90 percent...

...H3N2 strains are treatable by Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs, but the other, H1N1 Type A strains are more resistant. Of all flu samples tested this year, 4.6 percent have been resistant to antiviral medications. That's up from less than 1 percent last year...

Read full article - MSNBC: Flu shot doesn't protect from most viruses (with video)

Related Post - 10 Tips On How To Prevent The Flu

The John Edwards Factor

Recently Mitt Romney endorsed Sen. John McCain's bid for the White House, asking his national conventions 280 delegates to swing behind McCain.That reminded me. What about former candidate John Edwards?

Edwards has 26 delegates pledged to him. That may not sound like much, but in a closely contested race such as we have witnessed between Hillary, and Obama, it could make a significant difference?

Obama is now leading. There is no agreement on how much of a lead he has. Newspaper reports very from 25 delegates to about 109, (stats from McLaughlin group). Hillary is expected to take Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, and possibly Wisconsin boosting her delegate count. If she holds her own in other states it could be a virtual tie... again. Hillary is also retooling her campaign including appointing a new campaign manager.

I have heard much talk about the possible scenario of super delegates deciding who the winner will be. But what about John Edwards? What if at the last minute he endorsed either Hillary, or Obama. Could his 26 delegates make a difference? Could John Edwards possible be the one person to swing the decision? Or not?

Related Story: Obama visits Edwards in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - NC

(He is a handsome devil, don't you think?

Medical Miracle: "Brain-dead" woman walks and talks!

I love this article! It proves that doctors don't know it all, and gives hope. It increases my faith.

Rae Kupferschmidt's family were preparing for her funeral after she suffered a brain hemmorage. "She had a huge bleed and was considered essentially brain-dead," said Dr. Brad Helms of United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. Tha family removed her from life support, finalized funeral arrangements and brought her home to die. Doctors were stunned when the 65-year-old emerged from her coma started to talk, and eventually walk. Doctors can't explain it. It's a medical miracle....

If you have time, you may want to view the video, it is powerful.

See Article and Video ... ABC News - Medical Miracle: Woman Back From Brink of Death

Have A Happy !

Red Velvet Cake

Recipe courtesy Johnnie Gabriel
Show:	Paula's Party
Episode:	Atlanta Eats

For the Red Velvet Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (recommended: White Lily)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups canola oil
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk

For the cream cheese frosting:
1/2 cup margarine
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans

For the Red Velvet Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round layer cake pans.

Sift flour, baking soda and coco together. Beat sugar and eggs together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl mix together oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla. Add to the bowl of eggs and sugar and beat until combined.

Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture by alternating the buttermilk and dry ingredients. Always start with the flour and end with the flour.

Pour batter into pans. Tap them on the table to level out the batter and release air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted near the middle comes out clean but be careful not to over bake or you'll end up with a dry cake.

Let layers cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before turning out of pan. Cool completely before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting:
This is the "official" cream cheese frosting recipe but we always use about 1 1/2 recipes on each cake to cover it well.

Let margarine and cream cheese soften to room temperature. Cream well. Add sugar and beat until mixed but not so much that the frosting becomes "loose". Add vanilla and nuts. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 15 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Yield: 6 to 8 servings

NBA Dwight Howard Superman - All-Star Saturday Night !

Dwight Howard showed that he's able to leap tall buildings in a single bound on All-Star Saturday night.

Rochester, N.Y - More Storms - UNCLE!

We had another storm starting Tuesday into today. It was another mixed precipitation storm that left a coating of slippery ice over everything, with snow on top. We had about 4 to 8 inches of snow in the area. We still had ice patches over everything streets, side walks, and lawns from the last storm. Now we have more of it. During the last storm, it took me an half hour to dig my car out of the ice, and it broke my ice scraper. We have had more of our share of these crazy mixed precipitation storms. I heard on the television that another storm of the same type will arrive Sunday night into Monday. It might be a big one. OK, I'm officially sick of Winter. UNCLE! Enough is enough!

Wednesday wintry mix- tricky commute

Sidewalks impassable for wheelchairs

By the way that is not a photo of me. It is an online photo that looks a bit like me, and my poor ice encased car.

(UPDATED) National News - Accident 36 Car pile up in Rochester, NY

I was sleepy, and had just closed my eyes when I heard the name of my city on the National news. "Rochester, NY, 30 plus car pile up." My eyes opened wide, I went to the internet. I am reading about it now with tears in my eyes. You can read about the accident in the links. This is a terrible tragedy!

Roads, and side walks are still very icy with snow covering them from our last storm. We had high winds today, white outs. A very dangerous mix.

My heart goes out to my neighbors. My thoughts, and prayers will be with those injured, family's of the injured and dead, and the other survivors.

News Blowing Snow Blamed for Chain Reaction Accident

UPDATED ON FEB. 11 ...

Democrat & Chronicle: 1 dead, 24 injured in I-390 pileup

Rochester Video: 36-car accident on 390, one dead

CNN Video: Snow causes 36-car accident

In the mist of it all, a man warned others. Flagging down on-coming traffic, warning them of the disaster in front of them. A search is on to find this man.

390 accident good samaritan

Folks this is like a mini 9/11 to Rochester. Please pray for the family, survivors, and the 5 people still hospitalized. One has a broken neck, and is in critical condition.

390 Pileup Could've Been Worse but for Good Samaritan

Added 2/12 - They found the Good Samaritan. Thank you Christopher Playford of Irondequiot, N.Y.!

Five remain in hospital after 36-car pile-up on 390

City school student killed in car pile up 17 year old Le Ngo died. Le was an aspiring musician, a volunteer at Highland Hospital and a honor student.

10 Tips On How To Prevent The Flu

Its flu season again. As a C.N.A I work with nurses, and have received some advice from them. Some of these suggestions are from the nurses.

1) Wash your hands often. (This is always stressed in the health care field).

2) If you work with people who have the flu. When you get home wash your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair. Germs can get on your clothes, hair, and skin.

3) Don't touch your hands to your face, use your knuckle if you have to. Your hands can easily carry germs. Touch them to your eyes, mouth, nose, and you could transfer the germs.

4) Eat garlic and onions. Both work similarly to antibiotics.

5) Get some ZZZ's. Make sure to get lots of sleep.

6) See your doctor as soon as you have flu symptoms. Doctors can give your medication that may lessen the severity, and duration of the flu.

7) Eat properly. Eat foods that are good for you, like fruits and veggies. Try to stay away from junk foods, highly prepossessed foods, high sugar, and salt.

8) Drink 8 cups of water. Water flushes the body of impurities.

9) Be careful of door and faucet handles. They are handled by numerous people, and are a breading ground of germs. Touch them, and consider your hands to be full of germs. In the restroom, you can use a paper towel to turn off a faucet, and to open the door after you wash our hands.

10) Telephones are also loaded with germs. Not only are they touched often, but people who have the flu can cough, or sneeze into them. Use your cell phone if you can. If not, take a minute to clean a public phone with a disinfectant if you can.

Related Post: Flu season expected to get worse


More tips... CDC- Preventing Seasonal Flu

WebMD: 12 Natural Tips to Prevent a Cold (and Flu)

Reader's Digest- Prevent Colds and the Flu 23 ways.

BBC- Health Flu (Good basic overview)

NYC Health- This great site can lead you to many other links about the flu.

5 Sites To Put $50 In Your Pocket - Fast

I saw this on the Today Show. They say that the sites are "legitimate resources worth taking advantage of." The following information is an outline from the Today Show article. The link is at the bottom of this post, specific websites are listed there.

1) The coupon sites alone can save you $50 a month, or more.
There are several sites listed. At one site coupons can be kept in your cell phone, so no paper is needed.

2) Cash in old cell phones and iPods, you can make another $50
On T.V. she said that the average old cell phone is worth $25.

3) Cash in gift cards.
This is great if you need cash on hand. She cashed in her $75 Sears card, and received $48.75.

4) Save at the pump. You could save $48 a month.
Use mapquest new gas finder feature to save money.

5) Cheap seats guaranteed. You could save another $50.
If you get a airline ticket, and the price drops you can find out the information on this website, and save money.


Read the article, and get website information at Today Show.

Antique Show and Appraisals in Canandaigua NY on Sunday

If you have something to appraise, or you like antique shows this might be for you.
Antique Show & Sale, in Canandaigua NY, tomorrow Sunday Feb.10th

For details

I have Evidence!

(Betsy walked into Linda's office with several office memos tucked under her arm.) You know I don't like a lot of office memos. I asked you not to send so many, but you did. I have EVIDENCE! (She yelled as she slammed the memos down on her coworkers desk).

(Linda looked stunned. It was obvious she didn't see this coming. She knew that Betsy had a problem with the volume of memo's, and thought that she had cut back on them to Betsy's satisfaction.)

(Betsy unloaded on Linda. Pointing to the office memos) Look! This is from 1/20, 1/19, 1/15, 1/14 etc. EVIDENCE! You are being disrespectful to me!

(Linda thumbed though the office memos with a bewildered look on her face. She never expected this outburst of anger. And Betsy had said nothing since Linda cut down on the memo's to her. Linda thought that things were fine between them.)

Just a moment Betsy. (Linda said, as she sifted though the responses to the office memos that Betsy sent to her.)

Ah, here it is. Here is your letter that you sent to me requesting that I cut down on office memos to you. Your letter states that I should send you office memos "once or twice a week, or less frequently." Later, you sent me a reminder letter that was very vague. It states. Send me memos "sometimes, off and on". I know that I cut down, (Linda explained.) I didn't actually count the memos at the time, (Linda picked up, and looked at the memos), but it looks like on average it was twice a week. I thought I was doing well in that area for you. You are the only one here that has a problem with my memos, but I cut down on the ones that I send to you, at your request. I have several people that I send memos to on a more frequent basis, they seem to enjoy them. I get a good response. Besides that, I have keep the memos to you shorter, and of a less personal nature. Keeping things light.

You see Betsy, I enjoy sending office memos to people, like you enjoy Blogging. Plus it is my main means of communication, but I cut down at your request. I thought that I was doing rather well, and was surprised to see you so angry when you entered my office. In the month that I cut down on office memos, you gave no indication whatsoever that you had a problem with my memos. This came out of the blue. I feel that I have bent backward to meet your request, but you did not appreciate my effort.

Related Post: Betsy and Linda (Office Talk)

Mitt Romney Drops Out

Mitt Romney has just dropped out of the race.

CNN: Romney suspends presidential campaign

Super Tuesday Results- The Winner Huckabee?

Former Paster Mike Huckabee pulled a fast one on the political analysts Tuesday. Everyone else did as was predicted, more or less. Even though the primaries generally has been full of surprises.

Hillary, and Obama had a virtual tie as predicted. There is talk that this trend might continue, and that the super delegates might have to choose.

John McCain kept his momentum, and is the front-runner as predicted. Remember this is the same guy who once ran out of campaign money, was doing poorly, and everyone said he would, or should quit. Now he has a respectable lead in the GOP. Die hard conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham are against McCain, and think he is "liberal" which may make things harder for him down the road.

Mitt Romney, he didn't do so well. He failed to impress. A few political analysts said that he might drop out of the race, but it doesn't seem so. The guy reminds me of a slick used car salesmen who would say, or do anything to get you to buy what he is selling. Talk about a flip floppier! But McCain has done his share of it too.

Mike Huckabee knocked peoples socks off on Tuesday. No one expected him to do well at all. They thought that he was all washed up. Yes, he came in 3rd, but not to far behind Romney, and did well in the southern states. I always thought that his campaign slogan should be "I like Mike". It sounds like "I like Ike", the slogan that was used in the presidential campaign of Pres. Eisenhower.

Huckabee is a likable guy. Being an former preacher he knows how to talk to a crowd, get his message across, and make them laugh. He seems relaxed, yet in control. He seems like the kind of guy you might want to have a beer with, (or tea, I'm not sure if he drinks). But be careful of his politics, because he seems right of Pres. (W.) Bush! Huckabee is a conservative, and a half. Did you know that he wants 2 amendments in the Constitution - concerning abortion, and gay marriage.


By the way, he is buddies with McCain, and there is now talk of a McCain/Huckabee ticket.

Ron Paul is running a distant 4th. No one is talking about him anymore. Is he still in the race?

If one of the 3 front runners becomes president, history will be made. Obama would be the 1st black pres, Hillary 1st female, McCain oldest. Also it is unusual for a senator to become president. Could this be a turning point? What do you think?


FACTBOX: Profiles of presidential hopefuls

Poll Results for ETC- Electroconvulsive Therapy

I recently took a poll concerning my post on ETC - Electroconvulsive Therapy or Shock Treatments.

I had good participation especially considering this is a new blog. The results are as follows...

Question- What do you think of ECT- Electroconvulsive Therapy?

It's barbaric and dangerous.- 10 votes.

The doctors/facilities use it to increase there $. - 1 Vote.

It could be beneficial , but use with caution. - 1 Vote.

It's effective as any other method of therapy.- 0 Votes

It's fantastic! A modern day miracle.- 0 Votes


I thank all those who participated in the poll! I hope to have another poll soon about another topic.


About these 2 YouTube videos- Diana Loper. "It only takes a minute to destroy a brain. At 24, Diana Loper was given electroshock for post-partum depression and an inability to sleep after the birth of her child. After 24 treatments, she was released in a far worse condition, and could no longer care for herself or her family . As a result, her husband divorced her and her child was taken away by the courts. This is her story..."

Diana Loper's Story Part- 1



Diana Loper's Story Part- 2

Rochester Weather Alert: Dicey Night

Rochester, New York will get hit by the storm that caused tornadoes in the southeast. I heard this on the local news, but I can't find a good article on it online. They should have one in the updates as the storm progresses.

Rochester has enjoyed some warmer weather with rain in the last few days, which has melted most of the snow, and caused flooding. There is a flood warning in the area until 6:00 P.M. Thursday. Everything has been saturated with water, and today it all froze. We had a mixture of sleet, freezing rain, and rain today leaving up to one fourth inch of ice.

Tonight's forecast- Tonight: " Freezing rain and sleet causing slick travel will be followed by snow which will accumulate 1 to 3 inches near and south of the Thruway and 3-5 inches north of the Thruway. Low 27" This will leave up to one third inch more of ice topped with the snow.

On T.V., Kevin Williams Director of Meteorology said, that it is just short of an ice storm, but if we get bit more freezing rain, and sleet then expected, it could be a significant Storm. As it is the roads will be glazed over, and very slick. They expect that some of Rochester will lose electrical power.

Give yourself plenty of time in the morning for travel, and also watch your step. It was on the news that a local man is wearing spiked boots, and using a spiked walking stick to get around because it's sold ice in his area, sidewalks, and all!

WHEC 10: Weather Forecast

D & C Newspaper: Roads icy tonight, so beware

WHAM 13: Travel Advisory for Genesee, Livingston Counties

UPDATE- I just listened to the 11:00 weather report on the news. Looks like we will not have a major event. However, as mentioned before, the roads and sidewalks will be very slippery. The storm is still in progress. Traffic accident reports are coming in, indicating that most accidents are on expressway 390. Several hundred homes have lost power already. Please use caution when traveling!

It's Super Tuesday Please VOTE!

This is my super bowl! I have wine, pizza, chicken wings, and chocolates. I will watch the results on my T.V. tonight with great anticipation. It's exciting! I don't remember a primary like this! Not ever.

I have finally decided. It was a very difficult decision. Both Obama, and Hillary looked very good, but I will vote for Hillary.

Standing with a Pal

A Pal of mine is apparently being stalked. She posted an e-mail on her blog that she apparently received from the stalker. I think it's a recent e-mail, but not sure. I hope it's not the same person who was stalking her several months ago. Due to confidentiality I won't give any details.

I can empathize with her. I was stalked before, myself. My heart, and good thoughts go out to her. Unfortunately she reacted by pulling back from everyone. But recently she reached out to me by adding me to her "Blog Soldiers" and "del.icio.us", so that when I registered I was lead to her blog. Cool!

I wish her the best, and stand with her. In doing so, I have added several websites to my blog under the heading "Being Stalked? Good resources". I plan to leave them up for about a week.

Breathe Just Breathe!

10 Tips To Speed Up Your Metabolism and Lose Weight

"10 Tips To Speed Up Your Metabolism and Lose Weight". I did some research for my diet. I think these tips will help me, and I hope that they will help others too.

1) Eat a good breakfast. The word "breakfast" literally means break a fast. Your body has fasted all night, and needs energy. Your metabolism slows while you sleep, eating helps to rev it back up. It may be the most important meal of the day. A 300 to 400 calorie meal is recommended.

2) Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise in particular is good. Experts differ a bit. Some say at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes minimum. Others say at least 4 times 30 minutes a day. Examples are jogging, biking, walking quickly, swimming, basketball.

3) Consume more protein. Protein can boost your metabolism, so you can burn an extra 150 to 200 calories a day. Some lean sources of protein are fish, chicken, yogurt, low-fat cheese, legumes, skinless chicken, lean meat.

4) Go for good Carbs. - Stay away from refined carbs such as bagels, white bread, potatoes, these can increase insulin promoting the storage of fat. Some good carbs are most vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

5) Load up on low-fat dairy. In one study done by the American Society for Nutritional Sciences Journal of Nutrition showed that women who ate more milk, yogurt, and cheese 3 to 4 times a day lost 70 percent more body fat then women who didn't.

6) Pump Iron. Weight training is a good way to crank up your metabolic rate. A pound of muscle burns up to 9 times the calories of a pound of fat. You can get great results with only two 15-minute lifting sessions a week. As long as they're performed to muscle fatigue.

7) Get some sleep. Studies show that lack of sleep can derail your metabolism. Schedule your workouts at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

8) Chill out. Long-term stress can increase stress hormones which stimulate fat cells, and encourage fat storage. The stress hormones increase appetite, making you likely to overeat. So allow yourself 10 to 15 minutes every day to enjoy a relaxing activity. Examples are, play with your dog, write in your journal, listen to classical music.

9) Drink green tea. There's evidence that it contains antioxidants that speed up metabolism.

10) Eat smaller, but more frequent meals. This helps to stabilize your insulin, and kick your metabolism in high gear. Some studies suggest eating 4 or 5 small meals a day. Other studies say to eat 3 small meals with 3 low cal snacks in-between.


Info in this post was based on...

WebMD

Weight loss resources co. UK

The Red Book Magazine

Yet Another Storm In Rochester

Good golly miss molly! Rochester had another storm Friday. It wasn't as bad as the one on Wednesday. We had mixed precipitation, snow, rain, freezing rain, and sleet. It was just below freezing so it became a mixture of ice, and slush on the roads. Treacherous driving. Some power outages, but not so bad. Mostly the roads were affected. It still looks icy out now, so I am staying put unless called into work.

Troopers reported more than 200 accidents along the New York State Thruway . concentrated along the stretch between Syracuse and Kingston. Unfortunately 4 deaths occurred.

USA Today: 4 Killed as storm brings ice, snow to N.Y. state.

13Wham News: Icy Roads Mush Up/Delays at Airport

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Bing Crosby

Superbowl and Super Tuesday also Oprah's Back

My Superbowl is Super Tuesday. McCain, Romney, Clinton, Huckabee, Paul, and Obama are the players. The field is wide open.

I recently heard that the Superbowl is this Sunday. I think that the Giants are going to play. I'm not sure who the opposing team is, and frankly I'm not into it. My Superbowl is Super Tuesday! I will be home in front of the T.V, with beer, pizza, and/or Chicken wings. There may even be some shouting.

I know that it may not decide a definite winner, but it will be exciting. I'm still struggling trying to figure out who to vote for. I'm leaning towards Hillary at the moment.

Voters in 24 states will head to polls or caucuses Tuesday. More than 2,000 Democratic delegates, including unpledged "super delegates," are at stake in 22 states, representing 52% of all delegates who will attend the nominating convention later this year. And more than 1,000 Republican delegates are up for grabs in 21 states, or about 43% of total delegates.

On Sunday, Oprah Winfrey is returning to the presidential campaign trail to headline a California event for Senator Barack Obama.

The Wall Street Journal: After Super Tuesday, Delegate Math

CNN Politics: Candidates gear up for Super Tuesday

U.S. News and World Report

The New York Times: Oprah's Back

CNN Politics: Transcript of Thursday's Democratic presidential debate (Obama, Clinton)

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Looks like I am not the only one in their 40's who is unhappy. As I mentioned before, ever since my fathers death several years ago, I have had trouble with on and off depression. It was complicated, (you can read about it in my website.) So far the forties have been a bummer. A study by Professor Andrew Oswald on happiness reviles that I am not alone. Many about my age are having similar feelings. I am almost looking forward to turning 50!

Read about it... ABC News: Middle-Age Misery

Balkans: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Scientific American

Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - An appeals court has ruled that a gay couple's marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.

The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court on Friday reversed a judge's ruling in 2006 that Monroe Community College did not have to extend health benefits to an employee's lesbian partner...

Read the whole article here... Newsday.com

And in Rochester's Paper... Democrat and Chronicle: Gay marriages ruled valid in N.Y.

Looks like progress is slowly being made folks. Monroe Community College is in Henrietta, a suburb of Rochester New York.

RELATED POST: Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

AND: Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights.