I would like to pass along to you this email and if you live in Connecticut to ask you to please help us. If you have been following my blog you know how strongly I feel about this and how important this is to everyone in Connecticut.
PLEASE Take One Hour in your day on Wednesday to Visibly Stand With Us and Say:
Discrimination is Unacceptable
DATE: Wednesday February 20th, 2008
Forum: 11:00 AM - Noon
Legislator Lobbying: Following Forum
LOCATION: Room 2A at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford [300 Capital Ave, Hartford] Directions
MORE: On Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 11 AM till Noon, the Anti-Discrimination Coalition will be holding an educational forum on the Gender Identity and Expression Anti-Discrimination Bill in room 2A at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, to be followed by a lobby day event.
View Flyer
View Anti-Discrimination Bill Q&A
View Anti-Discrimination Bill Info Sheet
This is your chance to learn about the Gender Identity and Expression Anti-discrimination bill to be raised in the upcoming CT Legislative session and its impact on our state's residents. Following the forum you will have the opportunity to talk to your representatives about the bill and why it is important, with materials provided by the Anti-Discrimination Coalition. See TransEqualityCT.org website for background information and bill updates to be released during the 2008 CT Legislative session.
The panel will feature Rachel Goldberg, Jennifer Levi, Virginia Levasseur and Jerimarie Liesegang. Panelists will discuss proposed legislation that would add the phrase "gender identity or expression" to Connecticut's non-discrimination law, thereby prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in education, employment, housing, public accommodations and lending. Should this bill pass, Connecticut will be joining 13 other states and Washington, DC in protecting its residents from this kind of discrimination.
If you have any questions, please contact Sally, Coordinator, Anti-Discrimination Coalition, (860) 247-6090 ext. 23, stamarkin @ cwealf.org
Sincerely,
The CT Anti-Discrimination Coalition
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Are You a Redneck
You Are 5% Redneck |
 I'll slap you so hard, your clothes will be outta style. You ain't no redneck - you're all Yankee! |
I didn't think I would score that high, it must have been the time I went hunting when I was 16.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for February 18, 2008
What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
This is a very easy question for me; I hate Chinese food so I do not eat it.
How much have you controlled the course your life has taken?
I believe we have no control in what was handed to us but we control on how we handle it.
Whose opinion do you value when deciding how to vote?
I do not listen to anyone person; instead, I try forming my own opinion from all sources.
What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
This is a very easy question for me; I hate Chinese food so I do not eat it.
How much have you controlled the course your life has taken?
I believe we have no control in what was handed to us but we control on how we handle it.
Whose opinion do you value when deciding how to vote?
I do not listen to anyone person; instead, I try forming my own opinion from all sources.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Desktop
I saw this at Fleur de Lisa
Capture a picture of your computer’s desktop.*
Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
Tag some people.
*Here’s how you can do a screen capture:
1- View desktop and press the Print Scrn key (located in the upper right corner of your keyboard on the same row as the F12 key). It’s Command-Control-Shift-3 for Mac.
2- Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
3 - If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it, but it is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
So here is mine…
It is a photography of the Race Point Light House in Provincetown MA that I took last October.
Capture a picture of your computer’s desktop.*
Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
Tag some people.
*Here’s how you can do a screen capture:
1- View desktop and press the Print Scrn key (located in the upper right corner of your keyboard on the same row as the F12 key). It’s Command-Control-Shift-3 for Mac.
2- Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
3 - If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it, but it is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
So here is mine…
It is a photography of the Race Point Light House in Provincetown MA that I took last October.
By the Way Sunday
~Duos~
By the way...
What are 2 things that...
make you happy?
Getting an “A” on a test and dinning out with friends
you can't wait for?
Spring and going up to the cottage
drive you crazy?
Slow drivers pulling out on to the highway and people who chew gum
encourage you?
My friends and family
make you sleepy?
Reading a textbook and a full meal
make you sad?
Someone who lies to me and a “Chick Flick” (I hate that term, but it is the easiest way to describe the movie.)
you dread doing?
Asking a favor and calling someone that I do not know on the phone. If it is someone I don’t know and I have to also ask them a favor then I really dread doing that, it is a double whammy.
you wish you had?
Well I’ll pick the obvious ones, health and wealth.
you'd like to give to others?
Love and caring
you plan to do today?
Finish writing my weekly class journal and relaxing
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday Six - Episode 200
Patrick’s Place: Saturday Six - Episode 200
1. Other than a period, which punctuation mark do you think you use the most?
The comma, I think I over use it.
2. If a question mark indicated that you are inquisitive and an explanation point indicated that you are excitable, which mark best represents your personality?
The question mark, I am very inquisitive.
3. Which punctuation mark gave you the most trouble in school?
The comma, I never when to use it or not to use it.
4. Take the quiz: What’s Punctuation Mark Are You?
5. Which do you tend to be better at: punctuation or spelling?
Neither. I am horrible at both. Thank goodness for Microsoft spelling and grammar checker.
6. If you could banish one punctuation mark forever, which would you choose and why?
The semicolon because then I wouldn’t have to guess which to use; a comma or a semicolon.
1. Other than a period, which punctuation mark do you think you use the most?
The comma, I think I over use it.
2. If a question mark indicated that you are inquisitive and an explanation point indicated that you are excitable, which mark best represents your personality?
The question mark, I am very inquisitive.
3. Which punctuation mark gave you the most trouble in school?
The comma, I never when to use it or not to use it.
4. Take the quiz: What’s Punctuation Mark Are You?
You Are a Question Mark |
 You seek knowledge and insight in every form possible. You love learning. And while you know a lot, you don't act like a know it all. You're open to learning you're wrong. You ask a lot of questions, collect a lot of data, and always dig deep to find out more. You're naturally curious and inquisitive. You jump to ask a question when the opportunity arises. Your friends see you as interesting, insightful, and thought provoking. (But they're not always up for the intense inquisitions that you love!) You excel in: Higher education You get along best with: The Comma |
5. Which do you tend to be better at: punctuation or spelling?
Neither. I am horrible at both. Thank goodness for Microsoft spelling and grammar checker.
6. If you could banish one punctuation mark forever, which would you choose and why?
The semicolon because then I wouldn’t have to guess which to use; a comma or a semicolon.
There Are a Lot of Sickos Out There.
I am not talking about what happened at Northern Illinois University, that was horrible but what I am talking about is the press release from the Westboro Baptist Church. Their press release is sick, hateful and a perversion. They blamed the mass murders on the fact that there was a LGBT conference that was headed by a transsexual minister at the university.
Stop the Hate
P.S. I debated with myself on whether or not I should include the link because I didn't want to give the web-site a link and I decided not to. Those who want to verify what I wrote email me and I will send you the link.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday Fill-Ins: #59
Janet’s Friday Fill-Ins: #59
1. Snowdrops are _like crocuses_.
2. I'm going to _the dogs_.
3. _"Turn the Page"_ is a song whose lyrics have meaning to me.
4. Just one sip and _love will get you_.
5. _When I am home_ is where I'm happiest.
6. I believe that _love_ is a necessary part of life.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _seeing Varla Jean Merman Loves A Foreign Tongue at Trinity College (if there are tickets still available)_, tomorrow my plans include _The 2007 Academy Award Nominated Short Animation at Real Art Ways_ and Sunday, I want to _have lunch with my brother and sister-in-law_!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Here Is What Can Be Done To Make School Safer For Gender Variant Children
Here is good example of what can be done to make schools safer for gender variant students...
Stop the Hate!
15-year-old shot at Calif. middle school
Gay.com
The victim was a constant target for other boys, as he would reportedly wear women's jewelry, makeup, and had declared himself gay, according to the Los Angeles Times. Investigators have not verified if the boy is indeed gay.
"This kind of incident is the most difficult for police officers," Keith [Oxnard Police Department spokesman] said. "A 15-year-old should be allowed to go to school and be in a safe environment but this sort of thing happens all over the country."
We have to Stop the Hate
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Ice Storm
We are in the grips of an ice storm and we have lost power one this morning already for about 5 minutes. Just long enough so that I had to got around and reset all my clocks, and reprogram the radio stations. Hopefully, the wind will not pick up.
Last night’s class got out just in time, by the time I got home there was a thin coating on the roads and they were just starting to become slippery. Some time over night the snow changed to freezing rain.
This is a view looking over towards my neighbor back porch, as you can see everything is covered with a thick coating of ice and all the trees are bending over from the weight. Every once in a while I hear the crack of a limb or tree breaking under the weight. The temperature is just about freezing and the weather report says the temperature should increase to above freezing.
P.S. 1:00pm I just went to get the mail and I slipped and fell in to a puddle of ice water. I'm soaking wet, sneakers all fulled with ice water. Oh, so much fun :(
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Why Did The Police Release The Information On What The Victim Was Wearing?
Why did the police release the information that the victim was wearing Women’s clothes? Do they release that information on all the others murder victims? Or did they just release that information on transgendered individuals to embarrass the victim?
But that is not all…
Why does a LGBT newspaper feel the need to embarrass the victim and the victim’s family further? Knowing the person’s name will serve no purpose let her rest in peace.
Here in Connecticut it is against the law to release how a victim is dressed. A high school principal was stopped for drunk driving and the police reported that he was dressed as a woman at the time; the family was totally devastated at the news. As a result of that case the law was passed making it illegal to disclose the type of clothes a person was wearing.
Police identify transgender murder victim, refuse to release name
By Todd Heywood
(Issue 1606 - Between The Lines News)
DETROIT-- The Detroit Police Department has identified a murdered man found in women's clothing in an empty lot. However, they are refusing to release the name to the public.
"We have identified the victim, but we are not releasing the name," Detroit Police Officer Leon Rahmaan said. "We are not releasing the name at the request of the family."
But that is not all…
Michigan Messenger and Between the Lines, Michigan's statewide LBGT newspaper, filed a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Detroit Police Department this afternoon.
Why does a LGBT newspaper feel the need to embarrass the victim and the victim’s family further? Knowing the person’s name will serve no purpose let her rest in peace.
Here in Connecticut it is against the law to release how a victim is dressed. A high school principal was stopped for drunk driving and the police reported that he was dressed as a woman at the time; the family was totally devastated at the news. As a result of that case the law was passed making it illegal to disclose the type of clothes a person was wearing.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for February 11, 2008
In honor of Valentine's Day this week:
What is the most romantic movie that you've ever seen?
“Fifty First Dates” I think it was so moving because ever day he had to win her love.
If you could be the lover of any person alive other than your current lover, who would you pick?
I would just pick some woman who will love for who I am.
What scents remind you of a loved one?
Lavender, it reminds me of my grandmother. That is one of the reasons I planted a lilac tree outside of my bedroom window.
In honor of Valentine's Day this week:
What is the most romantic movie that you've ever seen?
“Fifty First Dates” I think it was so moving because ever day he had to win her love.
If you could be the lover of any person alive other than your current lover, who would you pick?
I would just pick some woman who will love for who I am.
What scents remind you of a loved one?
Lavender, it reminds me of my grandmother. That is one of the reasons I planted a lilac tree outside of my bedroom window.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bingo!
No, I did win at Bingo but I did win a door prize, 143-minute calling card and two friends at our table did win. Out of the six people at our table, three of us walked away with prizes.
This is not your typical Bingo game, it is a young crowd, they are there to have fun, and playing Bingo is secondary. They crowd towards the end of the night are rather (how should I phrase it) in good spirits and also the money goes for a good cause the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective, a free client.
Before going to Bingo some of us went out to eat first at the Pond House, of course when I saw “Lobster” I knew what I was going to have “Lobster Mac & Cheese - Pasta with Maine lobster, spinach and a blend of cheeses topped with herbed bread crumbs.” I like lobster and I like Mac & Cheese so I decided to give it a try, it was OK, nothing special.
This is not your typical Bingo game, it is a young crowd, they are there to have fun, and playing Bingo is secondary. They crowd towards the end of the night are rather (how should I phrase it) in good spirits and also the money goes for a good cause the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective, a free client.
Before going to Bingo some of us went out to eat first at the Pond House, of course when I saw “Lobster” I knew what I was going to have “Lobster Mac & Cheese - Pasta with Maine lobster, spinach and a blend of cheeses topped with herbed bread crumbs.” I like lobster and I like Mac & Cheese so I decided to give it a try, it was OK, nothing special.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Saturday Six - Episode 199
Patrick’s Place: Saturday Six - Episode 199
1. Do you think that you tend to ask more questions or answer other people’s?
I think it is about even; I tend to ask question about things that I don’t know, but people come to me for advice.
2. With how many people are you generally completely honest all the time?
About 99% of the time. The only time I am not is when telling the truth will hurt their feelings (Does this dress look good on me? I usually tell them that it does.) or when I am told confidential information (I will play dumb, as when I was told they were going to be closing the factory at a staff meeting.)
3. Do you think you lose your temper more or less than the average person?
I cannot remember the last time I lost my temper.
4. Take the quiz: What’s Normal About You…And What’s Not?
5. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?
That I would eat meat from a cloned animal.
6. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are not normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?
That “You are no longer with your first love.” Somehow, I do not think most people are still married to their first love, unless the average age of those they asked was thirteen.
1. Do you think that you tend to ask more questions or answer other people’s?
I think it is about even; I tend to ask question about things that I don’t know, but people come to me for advice.
2. With how many people are you generally completely honest all the time?
About 99% of the time. The only time I am not is when telling the truth will hurt their feelings (Does this dress look good on me? I usually tell them that it does.) or when I am told confidential information (I will play dumb, as when I was told they were going to be closing the factory at a staff meeting.)
3. Do you think you lose your temper more or less than the average person?
I cannot remember the last time I lost my temper.
4. Take the quiz: What’s Normal About You…And What’s Not?
| You Are Fairly Normal |
 You scored 35% normal on this quiz Like most people you are normal in some ways... But you aren't a completely normal person. You're a little weird too! Why You Are Normal: If you had to, you rather live without music and still have laughter You prefer the sun to the moon You prefer ruffled potato chips You would eat meat from a cloned animal If given the choice, you would choose to have more money over more time Why You Aren't Normal: You find the Chicken Dance to be the more embarrassing dance You think fishnet stockings are sexy You are no longer with your first love You'd rather have cockroaches than rats in your home You would rather be tan than pale |
5. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?
That I would eat meat from a cloned animal.
6. Of the reasons listed to explain why you are not normal, which did you find to be the biggest surprise?
That “You are no longer with your first love.” Somehow, I do not think most people are still married to their first love, unless the average age of those they asked was thirteen.
On Men, Women and the Rest of Us
I went up to Smith College in Northampton MA. last night to listen to Kate Bornstein. The show was very good but the drive up was horrible. A normal one-hour drive took close to two hours because we left at 4:30 and hit all the rush hour traffic in Hartford and Springfield. At the theater, I was talking to an acquaintance who works at a ski area in southern Vermont and she pointed out that it is also winter vacation week for a good number of schools and many families are heading north for a ski week. We were planning to go out to eat at Northampton Brewery but because of the heavy traffic, we had undercooked pizza instead at a pizzeria across the street from Smith College.
Kate Bornstein read from her book “Gender Warrior: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us”, this is the third time that I saw her performance and she is still just as fresh and witty as the first time I saw her. One of the skits that she did was called “Who are You?” and it was about her “Coming Out” to her Jewish mother told from her mother’s point of view; how at first her mother disowned her but shortly afterward accepted her, in a heavy Jewish New Jersey accent her mother called her “My son the lesbian” to her friends. In another skit, she made fun of pronouns… “You, has no gender. Me, has no gender, while she does.” and she performed the skit using a Brooklyn accent of a teacher.
If she come to an area college near you, go and see her you will have blast!
Oh, about the card! Towards the end of her show she was talking about her latest book, “Hello Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks and Other Outlaws” and she was telling her secrets for living outside the box… do what ever you have to, but just don’t be mean and if you get sent to hell just tell Satan that Kate will do your time for you, since she is going there anyway. What's a couple more eternities.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Fill In Fridays # 58
Janet’s Fill-in Friday: #58
1. I'm looking forward to _____.
2. _____ is a place I always wanted to visit and haven't made it there yet.
3. I've fallen in love with _____.
4. Six of one, _____.
5. Addiction _____.
6. The _____ crack me up!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!
1. I'm looking forward to _spring and the return of warmer weather_.
2. _Yosemite_ is a place I always wanted to visit and haven't made it there yet.
3. I've fallen in love with _my Prius_.
4. Six of one, _half a dozen of another_.
5. Addiction _sneak’s up on tiny feet_.
6. The _President_ crack me up!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _seeing Kate Bornstein performance in Northampton MA._, tomorrow my plans include _going to Bingo_ and Sunday, I want to _recuperate from the last four days_!
Discrimination and Transphobia; Rears Its Ugly Head…
I was just going to write about going to see the play “Vagina Monologues” but I came across another item that I think fits in with the play’s theme, violence against women.
The news item is an “Outing” of a trans-woman by the police in Australia…
This is just transphobia, the officer took his bigotry on Ms Fell and that hate almost caused her death. The officer is now on trial for revealing privacy information.
Last night, I went to see the “Vagina Monologues” with some friends. The “Vagina Monologues” are a series of short stories that were written by Eve Ensler that tell some women’s views about their vaginas. It is both funny and serious; it has stories about first loves and about rape in Sarajevo. One of the monologues is “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy...Or So They Tried” and here is a video clip (not from last night but some other performance) of that monologue on YouTube…
However, the play is not without controversy; the major controversy is where a twenty-six year old woman rapes a thirteen old girl. In Eve Ensler defense of the play she says that was how victim described the rape to her in the interview and that she was only reporting it as she the rape was told to her.
The news item is an “Outing” of a trans-woman by the police in Australia…
Transgender woman bashed because of police breach
From Australia's GenQ
Published Feb 8, 2008
Garrick Jacobson was unaware his girlfriend had a sex change, until the police told him he was "sleeping with a guy", a court heard yesterday.
"The officers were, like, paying me out," Jacobson recalled in a subsequent police interview.
"Just laughing their heads off, (saying) she's a bloke. You've been sleeping with a guy, ha ha ha."
The revelation pushed him "over the edge", Downing Centre Local Court heard, and just hours later he assaulted his then girlfriend Brigitte Fell at her inner Sydney home….
…. After being released from custody, he broke into Ms Fell's unit, yelling: "You didn't tell me you were actually a man - I'm going to smash you."
Jacobson said he slapped Ms Fell, who tumbled over a railing to the floor below and was knocked out.
This is just transphobia, the officer took his bigotry on Ms Fell and that hate almost caused her death. The officer is now on trial for revealing privacy information.
Last night, I went to see the “Vagina Monologues” with some friends. The “Vagina Monologues” are a series of short stories that were written by Eve Ensler that tell some women’s views about their vaginas. It is both funny and serious; it has stories about first loves and about rape in Sarajevo. One of the monologues is “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy...Or So They Tried” and here is a video clip (not from last night but some other performance) of that monologue on YouTube…
However, the play is not without controversy; the major controversy is where a twenty-six year old woman rapes a thirteen old girl. In Eve Ensler defense of the play she says that was how victim described the rape to her in the interview and that she was only reporting it as she the rape was told to her.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
What Kind of Wine Are You?
| You Are Chardonnay |
 Fresh, spirited, and classic - you have many facets to your personality. You can be sweet and light. Or deep and complex. You have a little bit of something to offer everyone... no wonder you're so popular. Approachable and never smug, you are easy to get to know (and love!). Deep down you are: Dependable and modest Your partying style: Understated and polite Your company is enjoyed best with: Cold or wild meat |
I think that I agree with that, when I order wine I order Chardonnay almost exclusively.
Tagged
Tagged by Kwizgiver!
(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag two random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their site.
1. I like folk music, my brother listened to groups like the Kingston Trio; Peter, Paul and Mary; Pete Seeger and Judy Collins, and some of it rubbed off on me.
2. I do not like Chinese or Asian food.
3. Since college, I only had three jobs
4. In high school I was in the Science Club
5. In my younger days I use to ski
6. One of my dreams is to take a windjammer cruise along the Maine coast.
(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag two random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their site.
1. I like folk music, my brother listened to groups like the Kingston Trio; Peter, Paul and Mary; Pete Seeger and Judy Collins, and some of it rubbed off on me.
2. I do not like Chinese or Asian food.
3. Since college, I only had three jobs
4. In high school I was in the Science Club
5. In my younger days I use to ski
6. One of my dreams is to take a windjammer cruise along the Maine coast.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Sunday's Hike in the Park
On Sunday, I went hiking with some friends around Union pond in Manchester. The pond is an old millpond along with its long abandon mill. The trail runs about three quarters of the way around the pond and it also run beside the Hockanum River for a while with a footbridge to cross over to the other side.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for February 4, 2008
Is there anything to serious to joke about? If so, what falls into that category for you?
Yes, any joke that is at another expense, like it makes fun at a persons race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. I thought that the Super Bowl commercials for Sales Genie were offensive because they made fun of the Indian and Chinese .
Would you rather be a tortured genius or a happy simple-minded person? Why?
I rather be a happy simple-minded person because I am already a tortured genius… just kidding. I think the keywords are tortured and happy, I rather be happy.
A dear friend or family member has a terminal illness and is in agony. He/she wants you to help him/her die. What would you do?
I do not know what I would do and I hope and pray I will never be put into a situation like that. But I will tell you this – I had the Power of Attorney for my father and I had to honor his “Living Will” and I am still haunted with making that decision, I still think of the “maybes” and “what ifs”
Is there anything to serious to joke about? If so, what falls into that category for you?
Yes, any joke that is at another expense, like it makes fun at a persons race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. I thought that the Super Bowl commercials for Sales Genie were offensive because they made fun of the Indian and Chinese .
Would you rather be a tortured genius or a happy simple-minded person? Why?
I rather be a happy simple-minded person because I am already a tortured genius… just kidding. I think the keywords are tortured and happy, I rather be happy.
A dear friend or family member has a terminal illness and is in agony. He/she wants you to help him/her die. What would you do?
I do not know what I would do and I hope and pray I will never be put into a situation like that. But I will tell you this – I had the Power of Attorney for my father and I had to honor his “Living Will” and I am still haunted with making that decision, I still think of the “maybes” and “what ifs”
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I Have Been Busy the Last Couple of Days
It was slow the last couple of weeks but now I have gotten busy again. With class back in session, I have been doing a lot of boring reading and I have to write a 1 to 3 page paper each week. In addition, the legislator is back in session so we have been gearing up for the lobbying effort this month, I had a higher than usual emails that I had to reply to, and we had a meeting on the Trans Health and Law conference. Plus, I have been writing “My Statement” for my application to grad school and I lined up three letter of recommendation, two from my professors and one from the head of the organization where I do volunteer work.
On Sunday, I went hiking (pictures tomorrow.) and then to a Super Bowl party. I wasn’t planning on doing anything for the Super Bowl but I got invited to the party and I was glad that I went because it was a good game.
Thursday I am going to see the “Vagina Monologues”, Friday up to Smith College to a fundraiser with Kate Bornstein, on Saturday Gay Bingo and on Sunday just sit back and relax.
On Sunday, I went hiking (pictures tomorrow.) and then to a Super Bowl party. I wasn’t planning on doing anything for the Super Bowl but I got invited to the party and I was glad that I went because it was a good game.
Thursday I am going to see the “Vagina Monologues”, Friday up to Smith College to a fundraiser with Kate Bornstein, on Saturday Gay Bingo and on Sunday just sit back and relax.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
Do you like soup? Year around or just in the winter months?
Yes, I like soup year round but in the winter I tend to like cream or broth soups and year round, I like chowders. Last night for dinner I had Lobster Bisque.
What is your favorite soup?
New England Clam Chowder, but lately I have been having Rhode Island Clam Chowder because it has less calories (No cream or flour) than the New England style.
Overall, do you prefer a clear broth soup or a cream soup?
Right now, I am in a cream soups phase. However, I did just make a crock-pot of chicken soup.
http://dianacorner.blogspot.com/2008/01/another-chicken-soup-story.html
What's your favorite soup base: chicken broth, beef broth, or maybe a tomato base?
Chicken based.
Did you eat alphabet soup as a child, or maybe chicken noodle was your favorite?
I cannot remember that far back; I think I maybe had tomato soup a lot back then.
What's the most unusual soup that you have tried?
It is a toss up between pumpkin and butternut squash soup.
Do you have a favorite soup recipe or soup site that you can share with us?
The chicken soup is nothing fancy and my New England Clam Chowder recipe is just the classic recipe.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Now is Not the Time.
With more homes going into foreclosures, with more people getting laid off and with soaring health care cost, now is not the time to cut these programs…
And what about “No Child Left Behind”?
Bush's Budget Would Rival The Record Deficit of 2004
By Michael Abramowitz and Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, February 3, 2008; Page A06
President Bush will present a budget tomorrow that would slow the growth of Medicare and cut or eliminate an array of domestic programs but still anticipates a flood of new red ink that will rival the record deficits of his first term, administration officials said.
Bush's fiscal 2009 budget would increase defense spending by 5 percent and put a modest amount of new money into favored initiatives such as veterans affairs, education and homeland security.
But the president wants to dramatically slow the growth of big federal health programs, reduce anti-terrorism grants for states and cities, and cut spending on anti-poverty, housing and social service programs, according to budget documents and interviews with officials throughout the federal government.
Even as he proposes restoring funding for the controversial Reading First program, Bush will take aim at a number of education initiatives, officials said. The early literacy program Even Start would be eliminated, as would grants to states for education technology, technology careers and incarcerated youth.Who does our fearless leader blame? Congress of course (Which was Republican controlled up until a couple of years ago)…
White House officials and allies acknowledge the long-term problem but pin the blame on Congress for ignoring the president's calls to control the growth of Social Security and Medicare.Yes, Congress is a part of the problem with all their special interest entitlement programs but President can veto their budget. But don’t you think that maybe his tax cuts for the rich and the war in Iraq might had something to do with the deficit…
Administration aides said Bush's final year budget documents will very much reflect the major priorities of his first seven years -- keeping his tax cuts in place and adding significant increases for defense and counterterrorism.
Saturday Six - Episode 198
Patrick’s Weekender: Saturday Six - Episode 198
1. You sit down at a restaurant table and notice a $5 bill tucked away — apparently, a tip left by a previous patron — that the wait staff missed. How likely would you be to keep the five bucks for yourself?
No, I would give it to the wait staff. I feel that to keep it would be stealing.
2. Do you think that your friends know more gossip about you, or that you know more about them?
I try not to gossip or listen to gossip. However, I think that I have been at the center of gossip; people just can resist talking about me after all I did transition.
3. If you could, would you prefer to reverse your answer to Question 2?
I do not see how I could stop them from talking about me, it is human nature.
4. Take the quiz: Are you virtuous?
I disagree with being dirty: messy -- yes, dirty -- no
5. You see a new product come out you really want, but it’s a little outside of your price range. (Let’s say that it costs about $300 or so.) How likely are you to wait until you have the full price saved before you go and buy it?
I rarely buy something when I want it, it is not so much that I will wait until it on sale, but instead to decide if I really need or want it. An example is the Epson printer I want, I do not think if I will use it enough to justify the cost. Most of the time I only post my photos on my blog and I worry that the printer ink will dry out from lack of use. That I will have to buy ink cartridges every time I want to print something.
6. You go out with friends to a going-away party for a colleague, and it is held at a local pub. How likely are you to drink at least to the point of feeling a “buzz”?
-Zero- My usual drinking habits when I go out is to have one Cape Cod (Vodka, cranberry juice and a lime.) and then for the rest of the night drink cranberry juice mixed with seltzer and a lime.
1. You sit down at a restaurant table and notice a $5 bill tucked away — apparently, a tip left by a previous patron — that the wait staff missed. How likely would you be to keep the five bucks for yourself?
No, I would give it to the wait staff. I feel that to keep it would be stealing.
2. Do you think that your friends know more gossip about you, or that you know more about them?
I try not to gossip or listen to gossip. However, I think that I have been at the center of gossip; people just can resist talking about me after all I did transition.
3. If you could, would you prefer to reverse your answer to Question 2?
I do not see how I could stop them from talking about me, it is human nature.
4. Take the quiz: Are you virtuous?
| You Are Mostly Virtuous |
 You try to do the right thing, and you have ended up with many virtues. While you are virtuous, you aren't a saint. There's definitely a bit of devilishness deep in your heart! Where You Are Virtuous You have the virtue of tranquillity. You do your best to keep your life peaceful and calm. You have the virtue of Moderation. You don't do anything at excess, and you avoid extremes You have the virtue of Frugality. You spend your money wisely, and you are not wasteful. Where You Are Not Virtuous You lack the virtue of Order. Many aspects of your life are chaotic and a total mess. You lack the virtue of Industry. You have trouble doing what's important, and you tend to waste time. You lack the virtue of Cleanliness. You are quite messy... and maybe even a little dirty. |
I disagree with being dirty: messy -- yes, dirty -- no
5. You see a new product come out you really want, but it’s a little outside of your price range. (Let’s say that it costs about $300 or so.) How likely are you to wait until you have the full price saved before you go and buy it?
I rarely buy something when I want it, it is not so much that I will wait until it on sale, but instead to decide if I really need or want it. An example is the Epson printer I want, I do not think if I will use it enough to justify the cost. Most of the time I only post my photos on my blog and I worry that the printer ink will dry out from lack of use. That I will have to buy ink cartridges every time I want to print something.
6. You go out with friends to a going-away party for a colleague, and it is held at a local pub. How likely are you to drink at least to the point of feeling a “buzz”?
-Zero- My usual drinking habits when I go out is to have one Cape Cod (Vodka, cranberry juice and a lime.) and then for the rest of the night drink cranberry juice mixed with seltzer and a lime.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Help! I Have A Question for Everyone
I have a family of mice living in the joists between my first floor and second floor...how do get rid of them?
I have no idea how they get into the house but I hear their little feet pitter-pattering running up and down on the ceiling. If they were only quiet guests I wouldn't mind, but they have noisy little feet. I tried putting peanut butter by my recessed lights (One time a mouse feel through the recessed light onto my kitchen counter, right next to the stove, missing a pot of boiling pasta by inches.).
I have no idea how they get into the house but I hear their little feet pitter-pattering running up and down on the ceiling. If they were only quiet guests I wouldn't mind, but they have noisy little feet. I tried putting peanut butter by my recessed lights (One time a mouse feel through the recessed light onto my kitchen counter, right next to the stove, missing a pot of boiling pasta by inches.).
Fill-in Friday: #57
Janet’s Fill-in Friday: #57
1. Once I was _shy_.
2. _I tried of_ being sick.
3. Today at work I _was at a meeting… and then I woke up and realized it was all a dream_.
4. What's _life_ all about?
5. If I make a mistake _I admit it and try to correct it__.
6. When I woke up this morning, I thought _of the phone calls I had to make today_.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _going to a coffee-shop to hear a folk singer with some friends_, tomorrow my plans include _writing my weekly paper for class_ and Sunday, I want to _go hiking – if you haven’t figured it out yet, Sunday is the day I going hiking with some friends_!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ain’t I A Woman?
I was reading Helen Boyd’s Blog (en)Gender (She is currently teaching a Gender Studies class out in Wisconsin) and she had this posting of a speech from 1851 about woman rights and it illustrates that the more things change the more they stay the same.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain’t I A Woman?I did more research into Women’s Suffrage and I found this from a sermon by Rev. Prof. H. M. Goodwin in 1884
Delivered 1851, Women’s Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, “intellect”] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.
Their argument always boils down to the Bible, whenever there is change, some of those who are opposing the change refute it by use the Bible. Those who argue that it goes against God’s nature have tried to block the abolition of slavery, women right, marriage equality and gender rights. In all fairness, I must also say that some of the strongest supporters of change also use the Bible to support the changes. Unfortunately, their voices are not as strong.
This whole movement for female suffrage, is, at least in its motive and beginning, a rebellion against the divinely ordained position and duties of woman, and an ambition for independence and the honors of a more public life; as if any greater and diviner honor could be given to woman than those which God has assigned her; as if the sanctities of home and the sacred duties of wife and mother, with all their sacrifices, were not a higher sphere and a truer glory—a glory she shares with the world’s Redeemer—than the vulgar publicity of the polls and hustings, or even the Senate and the bar.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Should a Lesbian Judge Excuse Herself from Cases that Involve LGBT Issues?
That is the question that is being asked in Dayton Ohio where a political opponent thinks that she should.
My question to Judge Piergies is does he feel that straight judges should also excuse themselves from cases involving LGBT issues? After all, they could be basis against LGBT issues. Or should a women judge excuse themselves if the cases involves a woman?
I do not see a difference; to me it seems that Judge Piergies is trying to use homophobia to win votes.
Challenger questions gay judge's ethics
By Lynn Hulsey
Dayton Daily News
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Mary Wiseman, who is openly gay, should excuse herself from cases involving the state constitutional ban on gay marriage and Dayton's new law banning discrimination against gays, her Democratic primary opponent says.
Montgomery County Area Court Judge James D. Piergies cited Wiseman's role in writing an earlier, failed version of the anti-discrimination law when she was a Dayton city commissioner in 1999. He said it would create an ethical problem as well if she were to consider cases involving the Ohio constitutional amendment that passed in 2004.
Wiseman, who was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to replace retiring Judge John Kessler, said the fact that she is Ohio's first openly gay judge should be encouraging to other gay people. But she said it will play no role in how she considers cases, including those involving gay rights, because judges must be impartial in applying the law.
My question to Judge Piergies is does he feel that straight judges should also excuse themselves from cases involving LGBT issues? After all, they could be basis against LGBT issues. Or should a women judge excuse themselves if the cases involves a woman?
Wiseman took issue with Piergies' remarks, which were made during an editorial board meeting at the Dayton Daily News.
"If that were the rule, then Thurgood Marshall would never have presided over a civil rights case," Wiseman said.
Piergies said the situation was different for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Marshall, who more than a decade prior to being named to the court, argued the civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education. But after acknowledging Marshall's support of civil rights prior to joining the court, Piergies then said perhaps Marshall should have recused himself from such cases.
I do not see a difference; to me it seems that Judge Piergies is trying to use homophobia to win votes.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for January 28, 208
If you could have a servant come to your house every day for one hour, what would you have them do?
That is an easy answer, clean the house. One day vacuum, another day dust or the laundry, etc. I could easily find some cleaning task to keep busy doing.
Has your life ever been changed by an apparently random occurrence?
I do not know, if a medical problem is a random occurrence then the answer is yes.
You're having dinner with several friends and acquaintances. They all criticize a close friend of yours (not knowing he/she is a friend). The criticism is unjustified. What would you do?
I think that I would. Especially now, I think I am much more assertive then I use to be a couple of years ago.
If you could have a servant come to your house every day for one hour, what would you have them do?
That is an easy answer, clean the house. One day vacuum, another day dust or the laundry, etc. I could easily find some cleaning task to keep busy doing.
Has your life ever been changed by an apparently random occurrence?
I do not know, if a medical problem is a random occurrence then the answer is yes.
You're having dinner with several friends and acquaintances. They all criticize a close friend of yours (not knowing he/she is a friend). The criticism is unjustified. What would you do?
I think that I would. Especially now, I think I am much more assertive then I use to be a couple of years ago.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I Have Not Had A Good Cry In A Long Time
I was just watching the Hallmark movie on CBS and I must have gone though three or four Kleenexes. The last half hour was the worst when she told her family that she had leukemia and the two mothers were sitting on the porch. It was so sad.
Standing Up for Your Beliefs Or Not
Here is a video by Max Blumenthal about College Republican National Convention where he asks some probing question about the Iraq War and marriage equality….
I find it is interesting that so many of the conference attendees are in favor of the war but for some reason or other do not join the military to fight in the war. Or that they say that are against special rights for gays but do not wan them to marry. Can you say, hypocrite?
I find it is interesting that so many of the conference attendees are in favor of the war but for some reason or other do not join the military to fight in the war. Or that they say that are against special rights for gays but do not wan them to marry. Can you say, hypocrite?
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
How many landlines (telephones) do you have in your house? (In use, that is.)
One, why would anyone need any more than one?
If you have landlines, do you plan on keeping them in the near future?
Yes, I do not see any reason not to keep it.
Do you ever call long distance on your landline?
Always, when I am home.
Do you own a cell phone?
Yes.
Do you consider your cell phone your main line or do you use it strictly for traveling and emergencies?
I got it mainly for an emergency and I use it only for about five or ten minutes a month. I use to turn it off when I was not using it but now that my aunt is in a nursing home I leave it on all the time. I discourage people from calling me on it, to call my landline first.
What brand is your cell phone? What fun features does your cell phone have?
Verizon on a pay pre use basis, I pay 30 cents a minute or part of a minute. I have no other features on my phone, I just use it as a phone (What a novel idea.).
Can you imagine your daily life without a cell phone?
No, it is great for directions or if you are running late for an appointment or if there is any last minute change in plans. Earlier in the month, I was down in the southern part of the state and I was on my way to my next meeting when I got a call telling me it was canceled.
Blast from the past...
Do you ever remember being on a party line?
Yes, but we never had one.
Do you remember when your phone was owned by the telephone company?
Yes and my parents kept on renting for a number of years afterward out of habit.
Do you remember having a telephone number with a prefix that was part letters?
Ex. MU9-0000.
Yes, ours was VAelly.
Last question...Overall, do you think we're better off for having cell phones or not?
Earlier in the month, I was down in the southern part of the state and I was on my way to my next meeting when I got a call telling me it was canceled.
Like any technology it can be missed used or over used.
Here is my question...
Do you remember dial phones?
Saturday Six - Episode 197
Patrick’s Place: Saturday Six - Episode 197
1. You go to a restaurant and order alcohol: based on past experience, how likely are you to be carded? (Are you of legal drinking age?)
At age 58, I was carded. I have no proof but I think that the only reason that I was carded was that the waiter was interested to see my name and gender on my driver license.
2. You’re selecting a new physician and you learn that the doctor you are visiting is in his twenties: would you feel any less confident about his ability?
Been there, done that. My dermatologist is in his late twenties and I was not worried about his ability.
3. One must be 35 years old or older to run for president. Based on arguments about experience, should the age be increased to 45? Why or why not?
No, President Kennedy was 43 when he was elected and if the age limit were 45 he would never have been elected president.
4. Take the quiz: What age do you act?
5. When you were in high school, what age, in your opinion, qualified someone as being “old?”
Thirty; never trust anyone over thirty.
6. Do you find yourself better relating to people older than you or younger than you? (Sorry, your same age group isn’t an option in this one!)
Heck, if they were any older they would be in a nursing home. So I tend to relate better to younger people.
1. You go to a restaurant and order alcohol: based on past experience, how likely are you to be carded? (Are you of legal drinking age?)
At age 58, I was carded. I have no proof but I think that the only reason that I was carded was that the waiter was interested to see my name and gender on my driver license.
2. You’re selecting a new physician and you learn that the doctor you are visiting is in his twenties: would you feel any less confident about his ability?
Been there, done that. My dermatologist is in his late twenties and I was not worried about his ability.
3. One must be 35 years old or older to run for president. Based on arguments about experience, should the age be increased to 45? Why or why not?
No, President Kennedy was 43 when he was elected and if the age limit were 45 he would never have been elected president.
4. Take the quiz: What age do you act?
You Act Like You Are 29 Years Old |
 You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up. The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them. |
5. When you were in high school, what age, in your opinion, qualified someone as being “old?”
Thirty; never trust anyone over thirty.
6. Do you find yourself better relating to people older than you or younger than you? (Sorry, your same age group isn’t an option in this one!)
Heck, if they were any older they would be in a nursing home. So I tend to relate better to younger people.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Another Chicken Soup Story
I have another chicken soup story, this time I bought a precooked chicken last Sunday and yesterday I made soup with it. I had it in the crock-pot all day then I put it out on the deck to cool and proceeded to forget all about it. Well this morning when I went into kitchen I saw the empty crock-pot base and remembered that the soup was outside. Last night the temperature went down into the teens! I now have chicken slushies. It didn’t freeze solid (except for around the edges of the pot.), just into a chicken favored slush. ;-)
Fill-ins Friday #56
Janet’s Fill-ins Friday #56
2. I would like some more tea, please.
3. Lobster tastes SO good!
4. Ever day is my favorite day of the week because I am retired, so eat your heart out.
5. My smile my best feature.
6. We could learn so much from just listening.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to well I wouldn’t say looking forward but I plan on reading some more of the chapter I have to read for homework this week, tomorrow my plans include going to Real Art Ways to listen to this and Sunday, I want to go hiking if the weather permits!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Who Should You Vote For?
| Who You Should Vote For |
 Barack Obama: 75% Dennis Kucinich: 75% John Edwards: 63% Mike Gravel: 63% Hillary Clinton: 56% Ron Paul: 38% John McCain: 31% Rudy Giuliani: 31% Mike Huckabee: 19% Mitt Romney: 13% Who you agree with on the war in Iraq: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama Who you agree with on the economy: John Edwards and Barack Obama Who you agree with on health care: Dennis Kucinich Who you agree with on taxes: Dennis Kucinich Who you agree with on abortion: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Rudy Giuliani Who you agree with on gay rights: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, and Barack Obama |
Class Began Last Night
My STEP class at the UConn School of Social Work began last night; I am only taking one class this semester. I am maxed out on the number of credits I can take in the STEP program, so I am going to apply for admissions to the Master’s program for next fall.
The class I am taking is “Grassroots Neighborhood Organizing” and every week we have to write a 1 – 3 page paper on what we discussed in class or another topic relating to organizing. We also might have to write a term paper but the professor has not decided yet if she is going to require a term paper. Therefore, with all my background in organizing I should do very well in the class.
It is a small class of only seven students and I have worked with one of the other students, she is an intern at Connecticut Women Education and Legal Fund (CWELAF) and works on the Anti-Discrimination Coalition panel.
The class I am taking is “Grassroots Neighborhood Organizing” and every week we have to write a 1 – 3 page paper on what we discussed in class or another topic relating to organizing. We also might have to write a term paper but the professor has not decided yet if she is going to require a term paper. Therefore, with all my background in organizing I should do very well in the class.
It is a small class of only seven students and I have worked with one of the other students, she is an intern at Connecticut Women Education and Legal Fund (CWELAF) and works on the Anti-Discrimination Coalition panel.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
My Rant on the Economy
401(k)’s, Roth IRA’s and IRA’s. If you listen to all the financial advisors on the radio or TV, they all are saying don’t worry you are in it for the long run, that overtime the market will recover. That is all well and good if you are in your thirties or early forties, but I retired in July and I have watched my retirement fund drop by over 10% since the beginning of the year. I have a good broker and I also take an active part in managing my accounts, can you imagine what it would be like for the average person and all they had was their retirement accounts and no Social Security. How would you fair in today’s economy?
Which brings up another point, our good ol’ Village Idiot and friends want to do away with Social Security and instead have employee directed retirement accounts. At least for me, I know that in couple of years I will be able to collect Social Security and a pension as a safety net if my investment drop. I say fix Social Security instead of scraping it, take the income cap off and tax everyone at the same rate and then have an income needs test when it comes time to collect.
Another one of our beloved Presidents ideas was to deregulation some more the banking and investments institutions, and that brought us the sub-prime fiasco that we are now experiences. There were warning about the outcome of such deregulation back when it was proposed, but they were ignored. You all remember the Enron disaster, what was done to correct the problem of “cooking the books”, all they did was to make minor regulatory changes and that was all.
Then we come to the tax cuts for the rich that the Republican are always pushing and how it would trickle down into the economy to create new high paying jobs. Yeah right, but there done that, with the Regan administration and we saw that it didn’t work back then and it doesn’t work now. A result of the tax cuts we now have the largest debit in history! And, where did the jobs go? To China, Mexico, Indonesia, India and Korea. Who would want to create jobs here when we now have free trade with the rest of the world. All the $40,000-$60,00 were replaced by $20,000-$30,000 McJob’s, there is no longer a middle class and it is the middle class that kept the economy going with their disposable income. As a result of President’s Bush economic polices we now have the widest gap between the working class and the rich, and we have watched the currents generation earn less then their parents’ generation.
Another great Bush idea was to change the way unemployment rate is figured. You are no longer considered unemployed if your unemployment insurance runs out. I don’t know about you but I would still consider myself unemployed even though my unemployment insurance ran out and I still didn’t have a job.
Lastly, Free Trade, the credit doesn’t just belong to President Bush but also to Presidents Clinton and Bush Sr., Free Trade was and is a bad idea from the very beginning. How could we compete with someone making a $5.00 a day? We can’t, I could tell that all the manufacturing jobs would be exported overseas and all we will be left with were service jobs or jobs that cannot be exported, that the playing field was not level. At the very least, require countries that want free trade to have: health insurance, retirement programs, and environmental regulations and to allow collective bargaining.
Which brings up another point, our good ol’ Village Idiot and friends want to do away with Social Security and instead have employee directed retirement accounts. At least for me, I know that in couple of years I will be able to collect Social Security and a pension as a safety net if my investment drop. I say fix Social Security instead of scraping it, take the income cap off and tax everyone at the same rate and then have an income needs test when it comes time to collect.
Another one of our beloved Presidents ideas was to deregulation some more the banking and investments institutions, and that brought us the sub-prime fiasco that we are now experiences. There were warning about the outcome of such deregulation back when it was proposed, but they were ignored. You all remember the Enron disaster, what was done to correct the problem of “cooking the books”, all they did was to make minor regulatory changes and that was all.
Then we come to the tax cuts for the rich that the Republican are always pushing and how it would trickle down into the economy to create new high paying jobs. Yeah right, but there done that, with the Regan administration and we saw that it didn’t work back then and it doesn’t work now. A result of the tax cuts we now have the largest debit in history! And, where did the jobs go? To China, Mexico, Indonesia, India and Korea. Who would want to create jobs here when we now have free trade with the rest of the world. All the $40,000-$60,00 were replaced by $20,000-$30,000 McJob’s, there is no longer a middle class and it is the middle class that kept the economy going with their disposable income. As a result of President’s Bush economic polices we now have the widest gap between the working class and the rich, and we have watched the currents generation earn less then their parents’ generation.
Another great Bush idea was to change the way unemployment rate is figured. You are no longer considered unemployed if your unemployment insurance runs out. I don’t know about you but I would still consider myself unemployed even though my unemployment insurance ran out and I still didn’t have a job.
Lastly, Free Trade, the credit doesn’t just belong to President Bush but also to Presidents Clinton and Bush Sr., Free Trade was and is a bad idea from the very beginning. How could we compete with someone making a $5.00 a day? We can’t, I could tell that all the manufacturing jobs would be exported overseas and all we will be left with were service jobs or jobs that cannot be exported, that the playing field was not level. At the very least, require countries that want free trade to have: health insurance, retirement programs, and environmental regulations and to allow collective bargaining.
Monday, January 21, 2008
I Passed!
You paid attention during 86% of high school!
85-100% You must be an autodidact, because American high schools don't get scores that high! Good show, old chap!
Do you deserve your high school diploma?
Create a Quiz
I bombed the grammar questions as usual
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for January 21, 2008
If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
Connecticut – No
Massachusetts – Nope
Alaska – No way
Texas – Could be shorten to Tex, but I don’t think so…
Maine – Hmm, maybe
Maryland – Could be, it sounds like Maryann
D. C. – not a state but it has a nice ring to it. So I will cheat and go with D.C.
Where do you go for advice?
My brother.
What is the sickest you've ever been?
Hmm… it is a three-way tie:
When I was in college I had pneumonia and I was hallucinating with a high fever. They said I was seeing and talking to people who were not there.
When I had my heart problem.
When I had a reaction to the medication, I was taking a couple of years ago. I felt like I was hit by a Mac truck, muscle aches, fever and shakes. When I went to the doctor he said the words that you do not want to hear – “You got me stumped, I have no idea what’s wrong.” They then poked with neddles, got samples from every opening they could think of and just added to my misery.
If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
Connecticut – No
Massachusetts – Nope
Alaska – No way
Texas – Could be shorten to Tex, but I don’t think so…
Maine – Hmm, maybe
Maryland – Could be, it sounds like Maryann
D. C. – not a state but it has a nice ring to it. So I will cheat and go with D.C.
Where do you go for advice?
My brother.
What is the sickest you've ever been?
Hmm… it is a three-way tie:
When I was in college I had pneumonia and I was hallucinating with a high fever. They said I was seeing and talking to people who were not there.
When I had my heart problem.
When I had a reaction to the medication, I was taking a couple of years ago. I felt like I was hit by a Mac truck, muscle aches, fever and shakes. When I went to the doctor he said the words that you do not want to hear – “You got me stumped, I have no idea what’s wrong.” They then poked with neddles, got samples from every opening they could think of and just added to my misery.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday First Event Conference in Peabody MA.
I was disappointed in this year conference. First of all I planned on going to hear at talk at noon by Jennifer Boylan about her new book and to get my copy autographed, but nowhere on their web-site did it mention that you had to pay $30 for lunch. The only other time that she was doing a workshop was during another workshop that I wanted to attend. Therefore, I never got my book signed. Second, they did not have that many workshops this year and also the attendance and number of vendors seemed to be a lot less than last year.
On the plus side, I did do a lot of networking and I meet a number of old friends. I attended a workshop called, Know Your Rights that was given by a couple of member of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and I was asked during the workshop if I wanted to talk about the Connecticut legislation. So I gave a brief summary of the history of the bill in Connecticut and what our plans are for the up-coming legislative session.
On the plus side, I did do a lot of networking and I meet a number of old friends. I attended a workshop called, Know Your Rights that was given by a couple of member of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and I was asked during the workshop if I wanted to talk about the Connecticut legislation. So I gave a brief summary of the history of the bill in Connecticut and what our plans are for the up-coming legislative session.
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
What would you choose...
A movie or a live play?
A play, I saw Doubt back in November.
Wrestling or roller derby?
Neither
Comedian or magician?
Comedian
Jazz band or rock band?
Rock band
Karaoke or bingo?
Bingo, there is a bingo game for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective this coming up on February 9th.
Broadway musical or ballet?
Broadway musical, I went to see Wicked a couple of months ago.
Horse show or stock car races?
Neither, horses are too smelly and stock cars are too loud.
Rock wall or miniature golf?
Miniature golf
Lake cruise or horseback riding?
Lake cruise, in a sailboat preferably
Quiet afternoon in the park or a day at the amusement park?
The afternoon in a park; with a friend, good food and a bottle of wine
Saturday Six - Episode 196
Patrick’s Place Weekender: Saturday Six - Episode 196
1. Take the quiz: Are you a tortured genius?
2. Which of the following are (or would) you more likely to remember: your significant other’s birthday, your anniversary, or where you first met?
Since I am not married, I do not have to remember important dates concerning my SO
3. If a single day could be established to celebrate all wedding anniversaries and it gained the acceptance of Mother’s Day, would you celebrate your anniversary on “Anniversary Day,” on your real anniversary, or both?
I really do not see how having an Anniversary makes sense. Somehow I do not think that a couple would want to support a generic Anniversary day.
4. What experience do you think you’ll honestly never forget?
The days that my mother and father died (Dec. 19 and June 25)
5. When you have to remember to do something at a specific time, what method are you most likely to use to remind yourself?
My Yahoo calendar.
6. What was the last important date that you forgot?
I have been very good since I entered all my family’s birthdays and my brother and sister-in-law anniversary on Yahoo calendar.
1. Take the quiz: Are you a tortured genius?
| You Are 40% Tortured Genius |
 You definitely have a few tortured genius qualities, but you hide them pretty well. You're smart enough to be a genius - but also smart enough not to let it torture you. |
2. Which of the following are (or would) you more likely to remember: your significant other’s birthday, your anniversary, or where you first met?
Since I am not married, I do not have to remember important dates concerning my SO
3. If a single day could be established to celebrate all wedding anniversaries and it gained the acceptance of Mother’s Day, would you celebrate your anniversary on “Anniversary Day,” on your real anniversary, or both?
I really do not see how having an Anniversary makes sense. Somehow I do not think that a couple would want to support a generic Anniversary day.
4. What experience do you think you’ll honestly never forget?
The days that my mother and father died (Dec. 19 and June 25)
5. When you have to remember to do something at a specific time, what method are you most likely to use to remind yourself?
My Yahoo calendar.
6. What was the last important date that you forgot?
I have been very good since I entered all my family’s birthdays and my brother and sister-in-law anniversary on Yahoo calendar.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Fill-in Friday #55
Janet’s Fill-in Friday #55
1. The last compliment I got was from _____; he/she said _____.
2. I'm reading _____.
3. I woke up today and thought _____.
4. Why does _____.
5. The last thing I ate was _____.
6. January... _____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!
2. I'm reading I’M LOOKING THROUGH YOU: Growing Up Haunted: A Memoir by Jennifer Finney Boylan.
3. I woke up today and thought dentist appointment at 10:30 :-(
4. Why do you get all red lights when you are in a hurry.
5. The last thing I ate was scrambled eggs and bacon at breakfast.
6. January... is half over.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to packing, tomorrow my plans include going to the First Event Conference in
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Down to the Gold Coast
I had to go down to Greenwich this afternoon on personal business and it always amazes me when I go there; it is like going to another country or world. When you drive down a street all the houses have six or eight foot walls around them and everyone seems to be driving SUV’s. Not just any SUV’s but Cadillac’s, Lincolns and Hummers. When I parked my little Prius on the street I was surrounded by all theses monsters.
The homes are out of sight, both literally and price. The median house/condo value in 2005 was $1,286,300 and the prices are not going down in today’s housing market but are still climbing. These are not McMansions but mansions, their guest houses are bigger than my house. The median household income in 2005 was $108,800 for Greenwich compared to Beverly Hills CA. measly $81,100.
It was the first time I had to go down there to that office since they had moved out of Hartford and it was also the first time he saw me as Diana. When he saw me, he said that I was looking good, that he could see I was much happier and more relaxed. I think I impressed him.
The homes are out of sight, both literally and price. The median house/condo value in 2005 was $1,286,300 and the prices are not going down in today’s housing market but are still climbing. These are not McMansions but mansions, their guest houses are bigger than my house. The median household income in 2005 was $108,800 for Greenwich compared to Beverly Hills CA. measly $81,100.
It was the first time I had to go down there to that office since they had moved out of Hartford and it was also the first time he saw me as Diana. When he saw me, he said that I was looking good, that he could see I was much happier and more relaxed. I think I impressed him.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Hype
This is the view from my skylight this morning. The news media hyped the snowstorm claiming 12” - 14”, we got 3”. People panicked, rushing to the stores to stock up on food, I was worried about an appointment I have in the afternoon and when I woke up this morning I found that in some places the grass wasn’t even covered.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for January 14, 2008
Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were the opposite sex?
Well I think that both of the genders have their own pluses and minuses (If we assume a binary model.). Men have to play the part of the macho man and never show emotions, while women have to play the caring and nurturing part. If you do not fit the traditional model, our culture tries to force you. Examples of this is the man who wants to be a ballet dancer (do we even a have masculine word for a ballerina?) what is the first thought you have about him? Look at all the comments about Hillary Clinton; when she cried everyone said she does not have what it takes to run a county in a crisis or when she is affirming, that she is too aggressive.
I think answer to the second part of the question is quite oblivious. I never really was a man and I never really will be a woman. I had to pretend to be tough and stoic; I had to pretend to like cars and sports in order to be one of the guys. I like to think of myself as a woman with a unique history. One thing I have noticed is that men like to take up “space”; in a theater, the men take the armrests and sit with their legs wide apart claiming the space for themselves.
What books from your childhood would you like to share with your children?
Disney’s Fantasia, I just loved that movie with the dancing brooms. I would love to share it with my grand nieces and nephews.
What is one talent or skill you don't possess but always wanted?
I wish I could sing and play an instrument, I am always so jealous of those who can play and sing.
Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were the opposite sex?
Well I think that both of the genders have their own pluses and minuses (If we assume a binary model.). Men have to play the part of the macho man and never show emotions, while women have to play the caring and nurturing part. If you do not fit the traditional model, our culture tries to force you. Examples of this is the man who wants to be a ballet dancer (do we even a have masculine word for a ballerina?) what is the first thought you have about him? Look at all the comments about Hillary Clinton; when she cried everyone said she does not have what it takes to run a county in a crisis or when she is affirming, that she is too aggressive.
I think answer to the second part of the question is quite oblivious. I never really was a man and I never really will be a woman. I had to pretend to be tough and stoic; I had to pretend to like cars and sports in order to be one of the guys. I like to think of myself as a woman with a unique history. One thing I have noticed is that men like to take up “space”; in a theater, the men take the armrests and sit with their legs wide apart claiming the space for themselves.
What books from your childhood would you like to share with your children?
Disney’s Fantasia, I just loved that movie with the dancing brooms. I would love to share it with my grand nieces and nephews.
What is one talent or skill you don't possess but always wanted?
I wish I could sing and play an instrument, I am always so jealous of those who can play and sing.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
In general is January a difficult month for you or not?
No, it is not any different then any other month.
Do you tend to lose weight or gain weight in January?
AGH! I don’t want to talk about it; I gain four pounds in the last three days. It is all the snacking in-between meals. It all started Friday when I ordered take-out, I ordered a Manicotti dinner – 3 pound gain and last night at the support group meeting I was snacking on nachos and cheese dip.
What do you look forward to in January?
Starting classes again.
What positive thing that you're proud of have you accomplished this month?
I will tell you one thing that I am not proud of this month and that is gaining weight. Its too early to say what I accomplished this month, I was let you know at the end of the month.
What's your favorite January pastime?
It is no different that any other month, photography, although I have not been doing too much of that lately.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday Six - Episode 195
Patrick’s Place: Saturday Six - Episode 195
1. How well do you feel that you know your inner self?
Yes, I spent a lot of money to find out what I already knew about myself.
2. Take one more quiz: How does your intrapersonal intelligence rate?
Surprise! Surprise! Did you expect anything different?
3. How much do you trust your own instincts?
I trust my instincts; I find that I usually have a good intuition, except when it comes to mid-terms and tests.
4. Do you find that you are good or bad at giving people advice?
I try not to give people advice; I try to give them information so that they can make their own decisions. I am a good listener.
5. If you had to go back in time and start over, erasing a certain period of time in favor of a “do-over,” would you want to go back 20 years, 10 years, 5 years or 1 year?
I would good back in time to my college years and “do-over” them. However, this time applying myself instead of just partying and getting lost in Hippie sub-culture.
6. After selecting the answer above, you were suddenly informed that the “do-over” was not mandatory, after all, would you still do it?
NO! If I went back in time and got “A’s” instead of “C’s”, and did not do any drugs; would I still be the person that I am today? Or would I be some person that I wouldn’t recognize?
1. How well do you feel that you know your inner self?
Yes, I spent a lot of money to find out what I already knew about myself.
2. Take one more quiz: How does your intrapersonal intelligence rate?
| Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Score: 83% |
 Your Intrapersonal Intelligence is Very High You've spent a lot of time introspecting, and it's really paid off. You are comfortable with who you are, and you have a life philosophy that you are happy to live by. And you're always re-evaluating what you believe. Because you learn something new about yourself each day! |
Surprise! Surprise! Did you expect anything different?
3. How much do you trust your own instincts?
I trust my instincts; I find that I usually have a good intuition, except when it comes to mid-terms and tests.
4. Do you find that you are good or bad at giving people advice?
I try not to give people advice; I try to give them information so that they can make their own decisions. I am a good listener.
5. If you had to go back in time and start over, erasing a certain period of time in favor of a “do-over,” would you want to go back 20 years, 10 years, 5 years or 1 year?
I would good back in time to my college years and “do-over” them. However, this time applying myself instead of just partying and getting lost in Hippie sub-culture.
6. After selecting the answer above, you were suddenly informed that the “do-over” was not mandatory, after all, would you still do it?
NO! If I went back in time and got “A’s” instead of “C’s”, and did not do any drugs; would I still be the person that I am today? Or would I be some person that I wouldn’t recognize?
Friday, January 11, 2008
One of my Favorite Commercials
This commercial has been around for awhile and I just found it again at TransGriot it is a 1997 Super Bowl ad that only aired once before it was pull because of conservative right wing pressure.
You can find more commercials featuring transpersons at Transpassions
Heating Oil Price
The price of heating oil for the fill up I just got was $3.35. I will keep posting the outrageous price of oil each time I get oil. I can always cut back on my driving if the price of gas goes up too much, but I already have my thermostat set for 65 during the day and 55 at night.
Can you imagine the affect this is going to have on retired or low income citizen? And, good ol' President Bush in his "Compassionate Conservatives" has cut the home heating fuel subsistence.
P.S. Right now we are in the middle of a heavy downpour and just after I published this, there a Pst, a flash and a BOOM. I hate when that happens because that means the lighting strike was within hundred feet of me. It is that Pst that gets me nervous because the is the sound of the streamer that is the arc leading up to the clouds that is a precursor to the lighting strike. Its time for a walk around the house to see if anything is smoking :-(
Can you imagine the affect this is going to have on retired or low income citizen? And, good ol' President Bush in his "Compassionate Conservatives" has cut the home heating fuel subsistence.
P.S. Right now we are in the middle of a heavy downpour and just after I published this, there a Pst, a flash and a BOOM. I hate when that happens because that means the lighting strike was within hundred feet of me. It is that Pst that gets me nervous because the is the sound of the streamer that is the arc leading up to the clouds that is a precursor to the lighting strike. Its time for a walk around the house to see if anything is smoking :-(
Fill In Fridays # 54
Janet's Fill In Fridays # 54
1. My favorite _____ of 2007 was _____.
2. I'm most tempted by _____.
3. Today I want _____
4. The last thing I took a picture of was _____.
5. You and I have memories _____.
6. The most recent movie I’ve seen that I really enjoyed was _____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!
2. I'm most tempted by good food and wine.
3. Today I want not much
4. The last thing I took a picture of was the ice storm in December.
5. You and I have memories but do elephants?
6. The most recent movie I’ve seen that I really enjoyed was Harry Potter and the Order of the
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my brother and sister-in-law stopping by, tomorrow my plans include going to the Twenty Club and COS meetings and Sunday, I want to go hiking!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A Couple of Things…
First, go over and visit Fleur-de-Lisa blog she put together a beautiful video of her photographers to music. It is well worth a trip over to her blog.
Second, in today’s Hartford Courant that is an article entitled, “Outside The Box Those In The Transgender Community Find A Warm Embrace At Real Art Way” and it is about an acquaintance who is on the Board of Real Art Ways; once again it worth a trip to the Courant’s web-site.
Lastly, as the legislative season is starting in the first week of February, I am starting to attend strategy and planning meetings around the state. Not surprisingly, I am on the grassroots organizing committee since that is what I want to have as my concentration if I get accepted to the Master’s program at UConn School of Social Work. So I am excited about taking part in this legislative process.
Second, in today’s Hartford Courant that is an article entitled, “Outside The Box Those In The Transgender Community Find A Warm Embrace At Real Art Way” and it is about an acquaintance who is on the Board of Real Art Ways; once again it worth a trip to the Courant’s web-site.
Lastly, as the legislative season is starting in the first week of February, I am starting to attend strategy and planning meetings around the state. Not surprisingly, I am on the grassroots organizing committee since that is what I want to have as my concentration if I get accepted to the Master’s program at UConn School of Social Work. So I am excited about taking part in this legislative process.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Another Busy Day
I was away at a conference all day in Hartford, the conference ran from 8:30am until 4:00pm and it was a long day sitting. I made many new connections with other people from other organizations that attended. I also met some people that I knew from before; one was a professor from a class that did an Outreach for down in New Haven and the other I knew from Real Art Ways.
The conference was on lobbying and I attended four workshops they were; the Legislative Process, Issues and Tactics, Lobbying One on One and Networking and Coalition Building; plus they had time for us to talk to other attendees. All four of the workshops were excellent and I got a lot out of them; they had a number of legislators there to explain the functions of the legislature. They had the Deputy President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Minority Leader Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Assistant Majority Leader of the House, Deputy Speaker of the House, the Deputy House Republican Leader of the House and various other Senators and Representatives.
I bought a new pantsuit just for the conference, and here I thought I was through wearing suits, at least I didn’t have to wear a tie. I figured I should dress the part since there was going to be a lot legislators and lawyers there, I was right, and it turned out that I was right, there was many suits there.
Plus when I got home there was a blinking light on my answering machine, the nursing home call and my aunt had to go to the hospital; so I was there until 10:30pm.
The conference was on lobbying and I attended four workshops they were; the Legislative Process, Issues and Tactics, Lobbying One on One and Networking and Coalition Building; plus they had time for us to talk to other attendees. All four of the workshops were excellent and I got a lot out of them; they had a number of legislators there to explain the functions of the legislature. They had the Deputy President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Minority Leader Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Assistant Majority Leader of the House, Deputy Speaker of the House, the Deputy House Republican Leader of the House and various other Senators and Representatives.
I bought a new pantsuit just for the conference, and here I thought I was through wearing suits, at least I didn’t have to wear a tie. I figured I should dress the part since there was going to be a lot legislators and lawyers there, I was right, and it turned out that I was right, there was many suits there.
Plus when I got home there was a blinking light on my answering machine, the nursing home call and my aunt had to go to the hospital; so I was there until 10:30pm.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Victory in New Jersey!
New Jersey Legislature Passes Gender Identity/Expression
Hate Crime and School Anti-Bulllying Law
Today, the New Jersey General Assembly passed A4591/S2975 by a large majority of 65-10. This follows action last week in the state Senate where the bill passed unanimously 35-0. The law that passed will now go to Governor Corzine's desk for his expected signature.
NCTE congratulates our wonderful allies at Garden State Equality and Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey (GRAANJ) who have continued to represent transgender people in New Jersey with Incredible skill and determination.
Basically, the bill adds gender identity and expression to the state's hate crime law and gives teeth to New Jersey's safe school, anti-bullying laws.
According to Garden State Equality specifically, "the new law does the following:
1. Adds 'gender identity or expression' as a protected class to the state hate crimes law.
2. Updates other parts of the hate crimes law by adding 'national origin' as a protected category, which thus far has been included in the law by interpreting 'ethnicity' to include such; and substitutes the more sensitive term 'disability' for 'handicap.'
3. Specifies that a 'mistake of fact' by a defendant committing a hate crime is not a defense.
4. Requires two hours of hate-crimes sensitivity training for all new police officers.
5. Specifies suggested sentencing options to which judges can sentence defendants, such as anti-hate sensitivity training.
6. Creates a study Commission on Bullying in Schools, which has nine months to investigate the problem and make recommendations to the Governor and legislature for further legislation.
7. Requires schools post their anti-bullying policies on their websites, and to distribute their anti-bullying policies, within 120 days after enactment of the law."
Connecticut added gender to its hate crime statue in 2004 and hopefully Connecticut this year will join the growing lists of states with gender inclusive Anti-Discrimination statues.
Wow! Just Imagine!
This is fantastic! I can get my Master's Degree in just days...
Their grammar is worst than mine and to bad they don't know how to spell totally or that its PhD not PH.
Life can be a different thing for you now!
Why wait?!WE now happy to introduce to you a tatally different option to acquire your qualification online!Whatever your specialization is now obtaining your diploma degree becomes a reality.
Lot's of people worldwide appreciated this unique opportunity of getting bachelor’s, PH’s, and Master’s through the net.
And besides it now doesn't take forever to promote your life.The missing brick is right there! Call us 1 ___ ___-_____ for 24/7. You can proudly grasp your diploma within days!
Their grammar is worst than mine and to bad they don't know how to spell totally or that its PhD not PH.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for January 7, 2008
What was the last thing you regret buying?
Hmm… that is a hard question to answer. Off the top of my head I can’t think of anything, I usually only buy something if I need it. Maybe a top that I bought that was too small and I bought it because I liked the look, it went well with a pair of slacks that I have.
If you had a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about any one thing you wished to know about yourself, life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
Will I have regrets in ten years.
How do you know when you're in love?
To paraphrase Supreme Court judge Potter Stewart: I will know it when I see it. I do not think you can say; this is love. But love is something that you feel in your heart.
What was the last thing you regret buying?
Hmm… that is a hard question to answer. Off the top of my head I can’t think of anything, I usually only buy something if I need it. Maybe a top that I bought that was too small and I bought it because I liked the look, it went well with a pair of slacks that I have.
If you had a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about any one thing you wished to know about yourself, life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
Will I have regrets in ten years.
How do you know when you're in love?
To paraphrase Supreme Court judge Potter Stewart: I will know it when I see it. I do not think you can say; this is love. But love is something that you feel in your heart.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
If you're a TV watcher...
What is your favorite TV show of all time?
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
What is your current favorite TV show?
I really don’t have a favorite; I watch the CSI’s and Law & Order shows
Do you watch sitcoms? If so, what's your favorite?
I don’t watch sitcoms.
Of the 3 major networks, CBS, NBC, ABC, which do you watch the most?
Probably CBS but NBC is a close second.
What do you think of so-called reality TV?
I have never watched one, so I think that indicator of what I think of them.
If you had your own TV show what would you call it?
“The Trials and Tribulations of Diana”
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Saturday Six - Episode 194
Patrick’s Place Saturday Six - Episode 194
1. Do you tend to write in manuscript, cursive, or a combination of the two?
Manuscript and that is hard enough to read. My cursive is even worst, you need a translator to read it :-)
2. When you were learning how to write in school, which letter gave you the most trouble?
That is lost in the fog of time , it was over fifty years ago.
3. If you could redesign any cursive letter, which would you choose and why?
R’s and N’s for me they come out looking the same.
4. Do you consider your handwriting to be more neat or less neat than the average person’s?
Average.
5. When you sign your normal signature, roughly what percentage of the letters in your name (as you sign it) are clearly legible?
My first name is legible and the first and last letter of my last name. My first name is legible because I haven’t been writing it for that long of time.
6. Take one more quiz: What does your handwriting say about you?
1. Do you tend to write in manuscript, cursive, or a combination of the two?
Manuscript and that is hard enough to read. My cursive is even worst, you need a translator to read it :-)
2. When you were learning how to write in school, which letter gave you the most trouble?
That is lost in the fog of time , it was over fifty years ago.
3. If you could redesign any cursive letter, which would you choose and why?
R’s and N’s for me they come out looking the same.
4. Do you consider your handwriting to be more neat or less neat than the average person’s?
Average.
5. When you sign your normal signature, roughly what percentage of the letters in your name (as you sign it) are clearly legible?
My first name is legible and the first and last letter of my last name. My first name is legible because I haven’t been writing it for that long of time.
6. Take one more quiz: What does your handwriting say about you?
| What Your Handwriting Says About You |
 You are highly energetic. You are a passionate, intense, vigorous person. You are reserved and not very outgoing. You are deeply thoughtful and introspective. You have a lot of control over your actions and emotions. You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others. You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well. You are a free thinker. You are unique, open minded, and artistic. You don't care what other people think. You are a poor communicator. No one really knows exactly what you're getting at. |
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday Fill-Ins #53
Friday Fill-Ins by Fond of Snape
1. This year, I’d like to __________.
2. ___________ is what I daydream about most.
3. My _________ is a __________.
4. I would like to have more ____________ in my life.
5. I love to have lots of ___________ around the house.
6. _____________ makes me smile.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to ________, tomorrow my plans include __________________ and Sunday, _______________.
1. This year, I’d like to go to the cottage more.
2. Winning Powerball is what I daydream about most.
3. My problem is a lack of motivation to clean the house.
4. I would like to have more romance in my life.
5. I love to have lots of friends around the house.
6. A baby’s smile makes me smile.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include more reading and Sunday, go hiking with a friend. (Notice I did say anything about cleaning.)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The Joys of Being a Media Spokesperson.
Over the holiday week, someone who I will not name gave an interview to a reporter and she said some rather mean things about the trans-community. She expressed her view that we were “All men in Dresses” and that Barney Frank and the HRC was justified in pushing the non-inclusive ENDA. All this was from a person who just nine months earlier was extolling the virtues of the inclusive ENDA and how she found the open support of the trans-community. What changed in nine months?
I feel that it sounds like depression has set in; she is facing the reality of not having a job, not being able to support her family and not having any of her family or friends for support. Sitting at home day after day waiting for a job offer to come in and never hearing one reply and going from a high six figure salary down to unemployment insurance, you just have to be asking yourself, did I do right thing? I feel that she is lashing out at everyone and everything; that she is wallowing in self-doubt and questioning her judgment.
Depression is a many-headed Hydra beast that this community knows all too well. I think everyone in our community has felt it bite; I know I have many, many times. But I am not in the national news and what I say does not get plastered all over CNN, Fox and the other news organization. When you have the national media thrush at you, what ever you say defines the community for better or worst. I think she should have known better, and keep her mouth shut; even I know that when I speak to a reporter I must guard my words.
I wish she kept her mouth shut, but I am not going to crucify her. She became a national celebrity over night. How many of us could take the spotlight as she has done and still come out of the meat grinder whole?
I feel that it sounds like depression has set in; she is facing the reality of not having a job, not being able to support her family and not having any of her family or friends for support. Sitting at home day after day waiting for a job offer to come in and never hearing one reply and going from a high six figure salary down to unemployment insurance, you just have to be asking yourself, did I do right thing? I feel that she is lashing out at everyone and everything; that she is wallowing in self-doubt and questioning her judgment.
Depression is a many-headed Hydra beast that this community knows all too well. I think everyone in our community has felt it bite; I know I have many, many times. But I am not in the national news and what I say does not get plastered all over CNN, Fox and the other news organization. When you have the national media thrush at you, what ever you say defines the community for better or worst. I think she should have known better, and keep her mouth shut; even I know that when I speak to a reporter I must guard my words.
I wish she kept her mouth shut, but I am not going to crucify her. She became a national celebrity over night. How many of us could take the spotlight as she has done and still come out of the meat grinder whole?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
I wish you all happy and prosperous New Year. I hope that all your resolutions come true.
Last year was a good year for me; I had many good times and I had some bad times. I have had several milestones that only time will show if they were for the better.
Peace.
Last year was a good year for me; I had many good times and I had some bad times. I have had several milestones that only time will show if they were for the better.
Peace.
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