I found this cute quiz at Lady Banana's blog. So of course I had to steal it. ;o)
You Are 35% Witch |
 It's unlikely that you're a witch. At least, no one thinks you are. You may still be interested in witchcraft, but you're by no means a stereotypical witch. While you don't seem all that witchy, people may think you're a bit weird. You're definitely a little offbeat. No one really knows what to make of you sometimes. |
Hey Rochester New York - Senator Hillary Clinton will be speaking at MCC (Monroe Community College) at 3:00 Today! It's a 'Get Out the Vote' rally in support of Democratic Congressional candidates Maffei, Massa and Kryzan. It's open to the public. It will be at MCC's Stabins Physical Education facility.
Source: R News
New 10
I'm not sure if I like this picture or not. What do you think?
Photo credit
If you have been wondering, no, I have not seen a therapist yet. I'm doing good depression wise. The anxiety is better too. I have stopped having panic attacks when I pull into the parking lot at work. However, the depression seems to come during winter. Last winter was one of my worst times. I wouldn't put in writing how bad it was. It is suppose to snow soon, and I'm getting apprehensive. I can't go through that again.
For those of you who are new, this is why I'm not crazy about therapy. In a nut shell, I knew two people when I was younger. They both had mental problems. They both went to a therapist for many years, and both became therapists. Today they are significantly worse. They are the two most mentally ill people that I have ever met in my life. And they are therapists!
A friend of mine is going though therapy, and frankly I don't know if I could go through the CRAP that she is. Is it me, or do therapists purposely take away hope? Will they try to pump me full of drugs too? Will they tell me that I have 12 things wrong with me, will never get cured, and take away my hope too? Will they ask me if I'm suicidal too? And what if I said yes, would they lock me up? I'm not suicidal now, but many depressed people are. I just don't want to go through the crap that my friend is. I think that she is brave, but it angers me the way that she is being treated. And honestly, how can I put my mental welfare into the hands of a therapist, especially when I know two very mentally ill therapists? Therapy obviously didn't work for them. They just got worse, even after 15 + years of treatment.
If you have been to therapy I would love to hear both success stories, and horror stories. I want to know what goes on in therapy, and is it effective? How where you treated? What was done to you?
Added Later: I just started reading this, but it looks interesting...
HealthyPlace.com Depression Community
Also a different page on the same site Herbs & Women Hormones
Photo credit: Hey, check out "The Dragon Fly Initiative"
This is another very easy Meme. I made this one up. First for a little background...
The Republican National Committee in their infinite wisdom spent about $150,000 on Gov. Sarah Palins wardrobe. Yes, they are throwing money out the window. They bought most of her clothes form Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue. I'm all for Pretty Palin looking fine, but couldn't they have bought clothes at JCPenney, and Macy's for a fraction of the cost? Now they are saying that they will donate the wardrobe to the poor.
Give her wardrobe to the poor?! I can do a lot better then that! It's simple. Sell her wardrobe on eBay. Sell it one outfit at a time. Gov. Palin is a Republican rock star, and an historical figure. People will pay big bucks for the clothes she has worn. I bet they could easily triple that $150,000. THEN give the money to FoodLink, or some other food based charity. In the Rochester area, people attending food cupboards have increased 30% recently. You can buy an igloos worth of canned goods for $150,000+.
Well, that's my 2 cents worth. Now about the Meme. It's simple, just answer the question "what you would to with $150,000", and make sure to give some background info. You can do it off the top of your head, no need to get out the calculator unless you want to. Then pass this Meme along to a few others. Simple!
As for me, I would use my $150,000 for the following...
1.) Get out of debt. Yes, I ran up the credit cards like most of us did. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the debt that I owe.
2.) Go back to College. Heck, for that kind of money I could get a Master degree, and earn an income 3 times as much as my (C.N.A.) Certified Nursing Assistants certificate allows me.
3.) Buy a new car. Nothing expensive, I need the money for other things.
4.) Give some money to my relatives. Especially the older ones in their 70's & 80's that won't be around much longer. :o(
5.) Give some to Food Link. People really need help now.
6.) Put some in a good retirement fund, and some in the bank.
7.) If I have any left over I might put a down payment on a house. It's a buyers market. A lake side cottage, or house would be perfect.
I tag everyone on my top commenter's list, plus everyone else who has left a comment this month.
P.S. Folks if you can spare any money, or even have some extra food around the house please give to Foodlink, or your local food cupboard. Some people are really hurting now. Believe me, I know.
Photo credit
I just got a comment from my blog buddy Jedi Master Daryl He's been having trouble with my feed.
He writes - " Hmmmm... I have no idea why my blog doesn't want to play nice with your feed.
I just tried redoing the link, and that didn't help.
When I click on your name and post on my blogroll, 1/2 the time it goes to an old post or just the outline of your blog, and the other 1/2 it actually goes to the right place.
I guess that is okay if I manually check your blog. But the problem is that it doesn't seem to want to pull your blog to the top when you write a fresh post. It seems to be stuck on a post you wrote like 8 months ago.
I have no idea why. Sorry. :-(
Is anyone else having any problems with my feed in any way? Please let me know, and when you think the problem started. I'm trying to figure out what is happening here. THANKS!
Ellen DeGeneres Urges Californians to Vote No on Prop. 8 (27 sec.)
Added Later: PFLAG: Explanation of Proposition 8
When I first started blogging I read a good book about how to blog. I remember some of the ideas, but unfortunately have forgotten the title of the book. Some of the following are taken from that book, other ideas are from the Internet.
1.) Have an "About" page - Tell readers something about you. Make it short, to the point, but interesting. Tell them something that is different about you then most.
2.) Use readable fonts - Take a good look at your blog as if your seeing it for the first time. Can you read the font? Is it large enough? Are the colors in such a mixture that it can be read? Recently I saw a blog that had black font on cranberry colored background. I couldn't read it because of the color combination. My blog buddy LadyBanana found this cool tool so you can "test your blog in many browsers... If you are wondering if your blog looks good in all browsers check it out. It take a little while to work." - BrowserShots (Thanks LB!)
3.) Place Social Bookmarks on your blog.
4.) Page Load Speed - There are still a large number of Internet users that use slow dial-up connections. Even with high-speed connections some pages just don’t load very quickly. "Most of your visitors will be fairly impatient and pages that load slowly could chase them away...Factors that influence the load times of pages include the number and size of images, extra items like flash, the amount of excess code, and the size of your pages." It will be more user friendly to keep the number of post per page low. A good example of this is my blog buddy eastcoastlife. She keeps the number of her posts per page low, about 3. (Maximum should be 7.) As you can see her blog certainly doesn't suffer for it, just the opposite. She gets tons of visitors, and often 70, 80, 90 or more comments per post! Way to go eastcoastlife!
5.) Make sure your blog has an RSS feed - Some people may not read a blog simply because they don't have that option available.
6.) Post should be the length of an E-mail - Most posts should be brief, about 1 to 3 paragraphs long. I realize that some of us need to get things off our chests, but try to fit some short posts in too. Many readers have dozens of blogs to read, and may not comment on your blog if most of your posts are long.
7.) Reader focus - Present your posts in a way that speaks to your visitor's wants and needs. It's fine to have a personal blog about yourself, but write mostly posts that you think would be of particular interest to your readers.
8.) Typographical errors - Check both spelling and grammatical errors so that your blog looks more professional. Admittedly I'm not the best at this, but at least I make an attempt. Run it through spell check, and grammar check if you have it.
9.) Use tags - This will organize your posts, and help readers find a specific past post that may interest them.
10.) Read the source list below - It will give you many more ideas... Happy Blogging!
Sources -
9 (+1) Tips For Writing User-Friendly Content
10 Styling Tips to Make Your Business Blog More Uses Friendly...
4 Characteristics for User-Friendly Websites (#4 taken for here)
101 Blog Tips I learned in 2006
Blogging Tips for Beginners
So You Want to Be a Blogging Star? by NY Times
Blogging Tips - Hundreds of Resources For Finding Content...
The following story has been altered, but is based on fact.
My good friend Bev Hanson lost her brother. As kids, we were neighbors. This was in the days when neighbors were treated like family. Our neighbors the Hanson's, shared birthdays & holidays with us. Bev was several years older then me. Her older brother Marvin was the brain of the family. Younger brother Bill was my age, and suffered an untimely death.
Bev was very pretty, and sociable. She was the Senior prom queen. Later in life she would believe that she had a 6th sense. She claimed to predict things that would come true.
Marvin was the brain of the family. He played chess at a very early age. His first memories were of being in a play pen. When he grew up, people would tell him that he should have been a college professor.
Bill was the baby of the family. He was about my age. A very likable, handsome man. Recently Bill was in a car accident that took his life. Bill was buried in the cemetery across from his home.
A week after the funeral Bev went over to Bills house to sort out his things. They needed to get rid of everything, and sell the house. She claimed that she saw Bill. She wouldn't say what he said, or did. But just that she had seen him.
A week later Marvin (the intellect) went to Bill's house to help sort out things. He said that he was sitting on the couch when Bill came right over and sat next to him. Bill said "Hi Bro". Then faded away.
If it had only been Bev that saw Bill I might have dismissed it. But Marvin? Marvin the brain? No way! I was shocked!
Could the ghost of Bill be in that house? Or maybe he came over from the cemetery across the street?
What do you think? Have you ever seen a ghost, or had an encounter with one?
Deborah at Debo Hobo dot Com tagged me for this fun, and easy Meme. This one is very flexible so anyone can do it. Just post an old photo of a bear, or other stuffed toy that you liked as a kid. If you didn't have a stuffed animal then you can substitute a doll, or some other toy. If you don't have a photo you can borrow one from the Internet like I did. Then just tell us a bit about your old toy, and tag 2 or more other people.
I use to have a black cat that had a radio inside it. I didn't care for stuffed animals, but I liked the radio. I loved dolls, and toy guns. I had so many dolls in bed with me that I barely fit in bed. ;o)
I'm going to tag mostly some writers of some new blogs I've been reading. I tag...
The Dragonfly Initiative
DrowseyMonkey
LIQUID ILLUZION
I Need a Martini Mom
Wonders Never Cease
Cutie Booty Cakes
Sona Says
Musings of a Wannabe Mommy
shrimplate
Mom Knows Everything
Posh Totty
Hahn at Home
LADY BANANA
As The Pump Turns
If anyone else wants to play, go for it!
Photo credit
This happened here near Rochester, NY, in the suburb of Irondequoit. It made national news - MSNBC. They took the story from our local station WHEC-TV. This is the article condensed. Would you consider this a hate crime?...
Several Obama signs have been stolen from people's front lawns but what happened to a family in Irondequoit is a whole lot worse. They are the only black family on the street and their Obama sign was burned.
On John's (not his real name) front lawn was the burned metal frame of what was his Obama sign. Set on fire at night and for John, it brought back memories of attacks against African-Americans.
"They would terrorize good God-fearing Americans, usually black, by burning items - usually a cross on their lawns. I just see this as an act of domestic terrorism or something very similar to what the KKK used to do."
The street isn't a busy one, and the house is tucked away. On TV news they, said that there were several other Obama signs on the street, but this one was the only one burned.
"CNN Political Commentator David Gergen says he's worried about what might happen before the election. "There is this free floating sort of whipping around of anger that could lead to some violence. I think we're not far from that."
John says the burning of his political sign. "It made me feel as though an act of domestic terrorism has been delivered to my little part of the world, my very own property."
Irondequoit Police say they're going to investigate, although it's very tough to solve these crimes.
The local chapter of the ACLU said, in their opinion, this was a hate crime."
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Folks, Sen. McCain, and Gov. Palin have been trying to link Obama to terrorism. Among other things they say that Obama was friends with a "terrorist" named William Ayers. Obama was a casual acquaintance with Ayers when he was 8 years old. Young Obama could hardly be held accountable for Ayers's behavior almost 40 years ago. There has been other instances. Please read this good article from the Associated Press: Congressman says McCain "sowing seeds of hatred. "Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s...During some rallies featuring McCain and Palin, supporters have shouted "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar" and even "off with his head." With all these accusations against Obama I wouldn't be surprised if John's (the Irondequoit man) house was burned down! McCain really needs to stop implying that Obama is a terrorist, or this will soon lead to violence!
Please folks, read the facts on this...
FactCheck.org He Lied" About Bill Ayers? ..."McCain cranks out some false and misleading attacks on Obama's connection to a 1960s radical."
PolitiFact.com: A radical Ayers Allegation ..."This attack is false, but it's more than that – it's malicious. It unfairly tars not just Obama, but all the other prominent, well-respected Chicagoans who also volunteered their time to the foundation."
WashingtonpostFactChecker: Did Obama "lie" about Ayers? ..."The McCain campaign is distorting the Obama-Ayers relationship, and exaggerating their closeness. There is no evidence that Obama has "lied" about his dealings with Ayers. It would be more accurate to say that he "told the truth slowly," a regrettable but commonplace practice among politicians seeking to avoid embarrassing questions."
I feel privileged to have a blog buddy like Tracy Jo. She is one of the nicest, kindest, most spiritual people that I have "met". Tracy Jo gets her painting ideas mostly from dreams, or images that have inspired her spiritually. You can see a spiritual theme in her beautiful paintings. As you can see, she has been blessed with a wonderful talent. Currently she is selling prints of these three paintings with more to come. You can now view over a dozen of her paintings on her website. Check it out, and feel free to sign her new guest book while your there.
Spiritual Brushstrokes Paintings by: Tracy Jo. Click here to visit her website.
Note - This is not a paid advertisement.
"Just in case Sarah Palin was planning a night out with her girlfriends to go see a Madonna concert, she’s not welcome! We’re sure it was on Sarah’s to-do list, seeing that it’s the busiest time in her life, and the election is a month away. But Madonna wants her to know that she’s been banned from coming to her shows.Read the rest at - Hollyscoop
Madge performed at the Meadowlands on Sunday and told the crowd: "Sarah Palin can’t come to my party. Sarah Palin can’t come to my show. It’s nothing personal. Here’s the sound of Sarah Palin’s husband’s snowmobile when it won’t start," followed by a loud screeching noise.
Wow. Madonna really needs ..."
"Ten years after his brutal murder, those who knew him best -- and those who learned of him only at the end -- remember that week in October and reflect on the legacy of Matthew Shepard.
On Wednesday, October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard was found tied to a fence on the Wyoming prairie, barely alive, his skull fractured and his brain stem crushed. Comatose, he was taken first to a Laramie hospital, then to a better-equipped one in Fort Collins, Colo., where he died five days later. We may never know what his killers, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, intended to do when they first approached Shepard at Laramie’s Fireside Lounge. We only know that, whatever their intention, they ended up murdering him.
Almost instantly, his death became a flash point in this country’s reckoning with gay people, and the cute, clean-cut 21-year-old became a symbol of the ravages of intolerance. The tragedy sparked vigils around the world and led to federal hate-crimes legislation that bears Shepard’s name, currently pending in Congress. (Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has promised to sign the bill if elected.)
Shepard’s impact can also be felt in the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, headed by his mother, Judy, whom we spoke with for the following oral history -- along with friends and Laramie residents; the police chief who oversaw the investigation into the murder; and artists influenced by that tumultuous week."
Click here to read more of this article from The Advocate.Recently LadyBanana asked me a question which I have answered here. I have noticed that some people have done the Meme "7 Things About Me." I thought that I would use that Meme to answer her question, it's in the first one. Thanks for asking LB! ;o)
1.) LB asked, "I know you are a very private person but I'd love to know more about what keeps Awake, awake!!! ;)" I had a previous night job. Even though I now work different shifts, I can easily slip into the night mode. Also I have occasional insomnia. So you will see me online at all different times.
2.) I have named my old computer. She's "my old lady".
3.) I like short term real life searching games. For example, when I lose my keys it's like a game to me. I keep calm, and start searching. If I find them right off the bat, I am sometimes disappointed. Of course if I need to be at work I might not be into the searching game. (Maybe I should have been a private detective?) ;o)
4.) You may have wondered why I am discreet here. It's for several reasons. I'm naturally a private person, and don't feel comfortable talking a great deal about myself. I'm semi-out of the closet, but not out at work. Also I have a former stalker who lives in my area that I don't want to alert. That's why I don't use my real name, or have my photo up.
5.) I've composed music since I was 13. Many of my songs are gospel related. Not to sound conceded, but I honestly think a few songs would hit the top 10 on the gospel charts.
6.) I wash my hands so much I sometimes soak my towel. I guess that's from being a Nursing Assistant for many years.
7) I must have a common face. People sometimes approach me thinking I'm someone else. Either that, or my parents gave away my twin. ;o) Example - In a restaurant a woman came over to my table. She thought I was her niece. It was only when she got up close to me that she realized that I wasn't. I have been mistaken for someone else several times. Other times some people say that I "look familiar". I tell them that "I guess I just have one of those faces."
I'm not going to pass this meme on, but if you want to do it, go right ahead!
Get in on the savings. Today is Domino's "Customer Appreciation Day" Oct 02. Get a 14", 1-Topping Only pizza for $4.99 + tax. Reg. price is $10.99 + tax. Carry out only, limit is 5. Delivery available on purchase of 2, or more pizzas. Contact Domino's for more information.
Guess what I'll be eating during the debate? ;o)
The Joe Biden, Sarah Palin match is tonight folks. It's their one, and only match so don't miss these VP contenders. It should be a crackerjack of a fight! Do you think there will be a knock out?
In this corner presenting... Choo Choo Joe Biden -
"Joe Biden is a U.S. senator from Delaware, first elected in 1972. He was born in Scranton, Pa., in 1942 but now lives in Wilmington. He graduated from the University of Delaware and earned a law degree from Syracuse University. He made a brief run for president in 1988. Biden is married to Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden. He has three children. His first wife and a 13-month-old daughter were killed in an automobile accident in 1972. He withdrew from the presidential race on Jan. 3, 2008. He was announced Aug. 23, 2008, as Sen. Barack Obama's vice presidential nominee."
Where he stands on the issues.
How truthful has he been?
In depth biography.
In this corner presenting... Sarah Barracuda Palin -
"Sarah Palin is governor of Alaska. She was elected in 2006; her previous experience includes leading the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. She also served as the mayor and a councilwoman in Wasilla, Alaska."
Where she stands on the issues.
How truthful has she been?
In depth biography.
---------------------------------------------
Letterman's Top Ten from last night...
Top Ten "Things Overheard at Sarah Palin Debate Camp:"
10. "Let's practice your bewildered silence."
9. "Can you try saying 'yes' instead of 'you betcha'?"
8. "Hey, I can see Mexico from here!"
7. "Maybe we'll get lucky and there won't be any questions about Iraq, taxes or health care."
6. "We're screwed!"
5. "Can I just use that lipstick-pit bull thing again?"
4. "We have to wrap it up for the day -- McCain eats dinner at 4:30."
3. "Can we get Congress to bail us out of this debate?"
2. "John Edwards wants to know if you'd like some private tutoring in his van."
1. "Any way we can just get Tina Fey to do it?"
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Not sure who your going to vote for?Take this cute, fun, quiz, and see which candidate your most in tune with. It over oversimplifies sometimes, and in doing so can be a bit inaccurate, but it will give you a general idea. It's a good tool for comparing candidates. Have fun. ;o)
Some good non partisan websites to check out the facts...
Fact Check
CNN: Controversy brews up around VP debate moderator Ifill
