Monday, December 3, 2012
Big Business or Big RIP OFF?
Since this is a personal blog, I can say Merrill-Lynch, right? I sure hope so because I am! Most of you know about my Beloved "Papa's" death in August of 2011. He had a 401K through his employer, Labconco, with Merrill-Lynch...and herein lies the problem:
My two sisters and I have had to endure the loss of our father, becoming executor's of his estate and having to pay $500+ in order to do that when all three of us are struggling for money in the first place. At the time we were already tight and I'm not pleading for Money. That is NOT the issue here. The ISSUE is Taking Care of Families who have lost their loved ones. Bottom line.
We have buried our father, paid amounts we Can't Afford to become executor's of his estate in order to Get the amount still in his 401K, waited the six months we had to in order for any bill collectors to Claim their right to the 401K from debt, and we still DO NOT HAVE anything to show for it...they (Merrill-Lynch) even MADE us open accounts online with their company to distribute the 401K easily between the three of us. So, why haven't we seen anything yet and why are we still waiting for well over a year?
All I can say about Merrill-Lynch is THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED. End of Story.
{I reserve the right to add more to this entry at a later date. lol}
Love & Laughter,
Blaze
Monday, June 27, 2011
For My Little Old Man 4/1/95 - 6/17/11 RIP Boogie Mann
Lost in the Wild
Dog Days Column – by Boogie Mann for the Twisted Muse Blog Letter
I know my pack (family). I know my den (my way home). I know my territory (neighborhood). Maybe I’m getting a little high in age (older than dirt) but I know my way around (I am confident of my whereabouts at all times). On a normal day in paradise I was walking along minding my own business when a woman shot out from her den (domicile) and attacked me (chased me out of her yard).
It was starting to get dark (around 8-8:30pm CST) on the Sacred Day when there is peace in the household (Sunday when the kids aren’t home until late). The pack was at play and I was patrolling our territorial borders (pissing on everything I could find) as it is my job to protect the pack from any intruders (bark mindlessly at other dogs, people, and anything that moves quite frankly, for no particular reason other than to make myself feel useful). There I was in familiar territory (a place I hadn’t been in a long time) heading home for the night. I came upon many large wooden slats pressed together (a fenced in backyard), an obstacle I had not encountered before (who put this thing here?).
I was in her backyard but only passing through (walking wherever the hell I pleased) when she pounced on me (no, I didn’t see her coming).Now I admit I am not as keenly sensed as I was in my youth (I ain’t got it all in the head no more), yet my sense of surroundings was still sharp (I thought I still had my shit together). I soon found myself headed for home but there were a few more obstacles in my way that I had not encountered before this day (she scared the living daylights out of me and I got turned around). As she drew closer, I picked up speed leaving her far behind (so I ran like hell).
After this unexpected encounter I returned to marking territory (I got back to business) and started home again. It was then that I realized my path was altered (I was lost). More and more time went by as I made my way around the obstacles (I was getting most lost by the minute), which seemed to pop up out of nowhere (I had no idea where the hell I was now). However, being the steadfast guard dog that I am (I got scared) I continued in the direction of Home Sweet Home (I just wanted to be home).
Wandering in the wild I had much time to think (the sun was going down and I was getting deeper and deeper into the woods). I thought about my warm beds (everywhere I squeezed in to sleep) and my odd but loving alpha female (my owner). I was growing quite tired as I have never walked so long before in my life (my owner was a lazy bitch, sometimes). I continued in every confidence that she would find me any minute and take me home (she better come save my ass).The more time that went by, the longer I walked. These trees seemed endless (where the hell am I?) and darkness was upon me.
I curled up on the cold hard twigs and tried to sleep. The obtusely large forest beasts were about (the deer scared me). At dusk they appear from deep in the forest (well no, I didn’t see them coming either), treading lightly, moving carefully. Here in the thicket of their domain they strode about with strength, force, and agility (deer are some big mutha’s). I barked endlessly, keeping the beasts at bay with my show of force (barking and whining) and kept watch throughout the night until I collapsed of exhaustion (I fell asleep, I’m old what do you expect?)…
…been wandering for days (three days, two nights) and have lost the scent of home. The trees look alike and the beasts in the wood have gone and left me alone. I hear the sounds of humans here and there but none of them are Mine. I wonder if I will ever find my pack again. I just know if I keep looking, I will find them because they need me as much as I need them.
My poor boy was brought home to us by a neighbor that lived near a wooded area off of Green Hills Road up near where we live. She told me that same morning, April 12, 2011, that she had seen a small dog wandering around in the woods near her home off Greensboro. Now, had I thought at all about where Green Hills Road was in proximity to us, I would have figured it out much sooner, although word had come to me through our Veterinarians Office that a small schnauzer had been found the day before. It was not My schnauzer but a puppy a woman had lost up the street from the woman who found the puppy lived. (Hope you followed that.)
Anyway, at around 6:30PM this neighbor whose name I Still Don't Know, drove into my driveway and asked me to come and see if this was my dog. She opened the back door and my heart was pounding, I had prayed all the way from the front door to this point that it was my pretty boy. There was a smallish, trembling and dazed looking dog standing on the back seat's floor. He had on a red harness she had used to lure him out of the forest.
So, to make an even longer story as short as possible (as if), I got my little old man back the evening before my 40th Birthday on April 13th. Yay me! To my dismay and surprise, I had to make "the decision" to end my precious Furry Child's life on June 17, 2011. He had a large cancerous tumor, which was Not painful or malignant, however it Had grown so enormous for his little body that it broke through his skin and continued to Grow OUTSIDE of his body! It's true that fact is always stranger than fiction, indeed.
The afternoon of June 17th Boogie tripped going down the wooden patio stairs and created a "break" between the tumor and his body, and it bled profusely. What's worse is my Children (6 & 9) saw it happen and watched him the whole time. The tumor had gotten so Heavy, Boogie could not walk well anymore, and that was Aside from the arthritis he already has in both his back legs...so, it was an extremely difficult decision to make and I had been thinking about it after 2 Veterinarians told me there was literally nothing they could do to help him for one reason or another.
So, with an enormously heavy heart, I kissed him on his soft little snout and said, "I'm sorry, boy." My husband carried him out to the Van wrapped in a towel as the blood fell down his leg, and my 6 yr.old daughter followed them out. He took Boogie to the Vet's office, walked into the back examination area and set him down on the table. He requested to have him put to sleep. Signed the papers and let my daughter pet him before leaving the room...he couldn't stay to watch. I felt comforted by that.
I had raised Boogie from the Runt of the litter until that day and he was Very Much a part of our family. He was My Furry Child (on a photo album cover for pets), my "Mann," my first "Son," my only "Child" for 8 years before I had my 9 yr.old son. My Beloved Companion, my absolute most loyal friend, protector, confidant, and sidekick.
I will never forget my man, Boogie Mann. The one I dubbed "Pretty Boy," my little hairy ass dog, my grumpy little old man. My closest friends and family won't soon forget his annoyingly sharp bark or all the jokes I made about him being "My Man" and all the amusing commentary I made on his behalf about calling me his bitch. Don't ask, LOL. It's been just over a week and the guilt killed me the first week. The last two days have gotten better. My daughter is still asking about him and says that she misses him a Lot. I still cry when I think of him and how he might still be alive had I TRIED harder? Looked longer? Gotten a 3rd or 4th opinion on any surgical options? I don't know...but it will be a minute before we get another dog, which of course, my kiddos wanted the same Day! Miss Diva wants a puppy named Emma 0.o Oh-kay
Now is a most opportune time to teach my young kids about death, and life, and grieving properly to get through these tough times. It is Extremely Important to allow yourself time to Grieve the loss of your pet, especially if you are as close to them as I am :) Obviously Boogie was an integral part of my family, our home, and our lives in general. We will feel his loss greatly, but we will be thankful that we had the greatest pet a family could love. Rest in Peace boy. We miss you.
-emg-
Dog Days Column – by Boogie Mann for the Twisted Muse Blog Letter
I know my pack (family). I know my den (my way home). I know my territory (neighborhood). Maybe I’m getting a little high in age (older than dirt) but I know my way around (I am confident of my whereabouts at all times). On a normal day in paradise I was walking along minding my own business when a woman shot out from her den (domicile) and attacked me (chased me out of her yard).
It was starting to get dark (around 8-8:30pm CST) on the Sacred Day when there is peace in the household (Sunday when the kids aren’t home until late). The pack was at play and I was patrolling our territorial borders (pissing on everything I could find) as it is my job to protect the pack from any intruders (bark mindlessly at other dogs, people, and anything that moves quite frankly, for no particular reason other than to make myself feel useful). There I was in familiar territory (a place I hadn’t been in a long time) heading home for the night. I came upon many large wooden slats pressed together (a fenced in backyard), an obstacle I had not encountered before (who put this thing here?).
I was in her backyard but only passing through (walking wherever the hell I pleased) when she pounced on me (no, I didn’t see her coming).Now I admit I am not as keenly sensed as I was in my youth (I ain’t got it all in the head no more), yet my sense of surroundings was still sharp (I thought I still had my shit together). I soon found myself headed for home but there were a few more obstacles in my way that I had not encountered before this day (she scared the living daylights out of me and I got turned around). As she drew closer, I picked up speed leaving her far behind (so I ran like hell).
After this unexpected encounter I returned to marking territory (I got back to business) and started home again. It was then that I realized my path was altered (I was lost). More and more time went by as I made my way around the obstacles (I was getting most lost by the minute), which seemed to pop up out of nowhere (I had no idea where the hell I was now). However, being the steadfast guard dog that I am (I got scared) I continued in the direction of Home Sweet Home (I just wanted to be home).
Wandering in the wild I had much time to think (the sun was going down and I was getting deeper and deeper into the woods). I thought about my warm beds (everywhere I squeezed in to sleep) and my odd but loving alpha female (my owner). I was growing quite tired as I have never walked so long before in my life (my owner was a lazy bitch, sometimes). I continued in every confidence that she would find me any minute and take me home (she better come save my ass).The more time that went by, the longer I walked. These trees seemed endless (where the hell am I?) and darkness was upon me.
I curled up on the cold hard twigs and tried to sleep. The obtusely large forest beasts were about (the deer scared me). At dusk they appear from deep in the forest (well no, I didn’t see them coming either), treading lightly, moving carefully. Here in the thicket of their domain they strode about with strength, force, and agility (deer are some big mutha’s). I barked endlessly, keeping the beasts at bay with my show of force (barking and whining) and kept watch throughout the night until I collapsed of exhaustion (I fell asleep, I’m old what do you expect?)…
…been wandering for days (three days, two nights) and have lost the scent of home. The trees look alike and the beasts in the wood have gone and left me alone. I hear the sounds of humans here and there but none of them are Mine. I wonder if I will ever find my pack again. I just know if I keep looking, I will find them because they need me as much as I need them.
My poor boy was brought home to us by a neighbor that lived near a wooded area off of Green Hills Road up near where we live. She told me that same morning, April 12, 2011, that she had seen a small dog wandering around in the woods near her home off Greensboro. Now, had I thought at all about where Green Hills Road was in proximity to us, I would have figured it out much sooner, although word had come to me through our Veterinarians Office that a small schnauzer had been found the day before. It was not My schnauzer but a puppy a woman had lost up the street from the woman who found the puppy lived. (Hope you followed that.)
Anyway, at around 6:30PM this neighbor whose name I Still Don't Know, drove into my driveway and asked me to come and see if this was my dog. She opened the back door and my heart was pounding, I had prayed all the way from the front door to this point that it was my pretty boy. There was a smallish, trembling and dazed looking dog standing on the back seat's floor. He had on a red harness she had used to lure him out of the forest.
So, to make an even longer story as short as possible (as if), I got my little old man back the evening before my 40th Birthday on April 13th. Yay me! To my dismay and surprise, I had to make "the decision" to end my precious Furry Child's life on June 17, 2011. He had a large cancerous tumor, which was Not painful or malignant, however it Had grown so enormous for his little body that it broke through his skin and continued to Grow OUTSIDE of his body! It's true that fact is always stranger than fiction, indeed.
The afternoon of June 17th Boogie tripped going down the wooden patio stairs and created a "break" between the tumor and his body, and it bled profusely. What's worse is my Children (6 & 9) saw it happen and watched him the whole time. The tumor had gotten so Heavy, Boogie could not walk well anymore, and that was Aside from the arthritis he already has in both his back legs...so, it was an extremely difficult decision to make and I had been thinking about it after 2 Veterinarians told me there was literally nothing they could do to help him for one reason or another.
So, with an enormously heavy heart, I kissed him on his soft little snout and said, "I'm sorry, boy." My husband carried him out to the Van wrapped in a towel as the blood fell down his leg, and my 6 yr.old daughter followed them out. He took Boogie to the Vet's office, walked into the back examination area and set him down on the table. He requested to have him put to sleep. Signed the papers and let my daughter pet him before leaving the room...he couldn't stay to watch. I felt comforted by that.
I had raised Boogie from the Runt of the litter until that day and he was Very Much a part of our family. He was My Furry Child (on a photo album cover for pets), my "Mann," my first "Son," my only "Child" for 8 years before I had my 9 yr.old son. My Beloved Companion, my absolute most loyal friend, protector, confidant, and sidekick.
I will never forget my man, Boogie Mann. The one I dubbed "Pretty Boy," my little hairy ass dog, my grumpy little old man. My closest friends and family won't soon forget his annoyingly sharp bark or all the jokes I made about him being "My Man" and all the amusing commentary I made on his behalf about calling me his bitch. Don't ask, LOL. It's been just over a week and the guilt killed me the first week. The last two days have gotten better. My daughter is still asking about him and says that she misses him a Lot. I still cry when I think of him and how he might still be alive had I TRIED harder? Looked longer? Gotten a 3rd or 4th opinion on any surgical options? I don't know...but it will be a minute before we get another dog, which of course, my kiddos wanted the same Day! Miss Diva wants a puppy named Emma 0.o Oh-kay
Now is a most opportune time to teach my young kids about death, and life, and grieving properly to get through these tough times. It is Extremely Important to allow yourself time to Grieve the loss of your pet, especially if you are as close to them as I am :) Obviously Boogie was an integral part of my family, our home, and our lives in general. We will feel his loss greatly, but we will be thankful that we had the greatest pet a family could love. Rest in Peace boy. We miss you.
-emg-
Thursday, April 14, 2011
First A Little Thank You, Too!
OK, so this was left as a "invisibo" comment to the Twisted Muse and my Last Post:
http://www.dissertationwritings.co.uk/dissertation_abstract_help.htm
You Are Very Welcome, Stacy - whoever you are and wherever you are. I hope you get high scores and all that jazz. Thanks so much for reading the Twisted Muse.
For my regular readers, and especially my Alumni and valued new FB friends - I'll get back on track here, shortly. This was emailed to me (no duh!) and I had to share it with you because no one else ever comments! lmfao - except for my peeps on FB. Loves ya'll
*E*
AND NOW ON WITH THE SHOW!! First Off, that Boogie Column will be my next post. Yay us! Boogie is hard at work tapping out his own harrowing experience in the wilderness. There is a lesson there for All of us who sometimes get Lost in Life.....so stay tuned to the Twisted Muse. You never know what will come next.
~0~
To: emngg@yahoo.com
stacy has left a new comment on your post "Pissed Off at NKC Suburbian Life":
This is my Good luck that I found your post which is according to my search and topic, I think you are a great blogger, thanks for helping me outta my problem..
Dissertation Abstract Help
Posted by stacy to Southwest High School: Twisted Muse at April 8, 2011 1:09 AM
http://www.dissertationwritings.co.uk/dissertation_abstract_help.htm
You Are Very Welcome, Stacy - whoever you are and wherever you are. I hope you get high scores and all that jazz. Thanks so much for reading the Twisted Muse.
For my regular readers, and especially my Alumni and valued new FB friends - I'll get back on track here, shortly. This was emailed to me (no duh!) and I had to share it with you because no one else ever comments! lmfao - except for my peeps on FB. Loves ya'll
*E*
AND NOW ON WITH THE SHOW!! First Off, that Boogie Column will be my next post. Yay us! Boogie is hard at work tapping out his own harrowing experience in the wilderness. There is a lesson there for All of us who sometimes get Lost in Life.....so stay tuned to the Twisted Muse. You never know what will come next.
~0~
Friday, January 21, 2011
Pissed Off at NKC Suburbian Life
Okay, I know it's been a whole year since I've posted. Didja miss me? I haven't been able to check my email accounts in ages, of which I have thousands of emails I'm sure. My Facebook Page is a mess and deserted of any postings from me...and I do apologize for my negligence. Especially to my classmates of SWHS Class of '89, who all this started for and why (to find more classmates for our Reunions). Hehehe, I guess Boogie Mann didn't have much to say last year, eh? Don't worry, he's still with us and has his tude intact...
So, I'm hopping "mad" with life up here in suburbia. Wanna know why? You know I'm going to tell you... Today I got stuck in the 7" of snow out on the street, right at the end of my driveway! The extra snow and ice plowed to the side of our cul-de-sac in front of our driveway got my Honda Odyssey hung up on a snowbank. You think that's funny? Wait till you hear the rest...perhaps I should change our name to the Twisted Soap Box, hmm could be another new column, ya think?
Anyway, I'm stuck outside our house, not even In our driveway yet, sideways across the roadway. Blocking the only street in and out of our cul-de-sac (duh!). Have you got a good mental image going yet? Blue van, in the street, stuck on snow bank. So, I turn off the van, go inside, get the shovel and start digging my way out. First attempt didn't help at all. I sit in the van warming up without the heater on, and try again. Second attempt I've got her rockin' now. No problem right? I'm sure to get out soon...WRONG.
I call my husband to make sure he knows I'm stuck and it's all his fault for not shoveling the driveway yesterday when he got home from work LIKE HE SAID he would. Not only did he dissapoint the kiddos by not going outside with them but I got stuck, too. No, the depressed wife does not go outside and play in the snow with the kiddos...that's a different entry. Let's stick to one at a time, please.
Back up; when I first got stuck I noticed my neighbor (another SAHM) saw me stuck and decided to shovel the end of her driveway of the snow plow's built up snowbank. Okay, so I'm sitting there stuck and slowly shifting from Drive to Reverse, from 1st gear to Reverse, and back again, while NO ONE so much as looks out their window at this spectacle in their neighborhood. We have plenty of SAHM's in this neighborhood, some retired couples, and college folks, too. NO ONE HELPED ME.
I sit in the van, warming up again, going for a third try is all I can do...then the recycling truck comes along. Oh crap! They have to get through now what? They pause and see my predicament, continue down to the next cul-de-sac, come back and low and behold Two MEXICANS walk up to me and offer to push the van backward to get me out. (insert victorious presentation music here) Remember, my Spanish is rusty to put it politely but I'm sure they assumed I was a white lady in this neighborhood until of course, I rolled down the slightly tinted window.
Needless to say, I had the van rocking and they gave me the forward shove I needed to get me unstuck. I LOVE THE WORKING CLASS MEXICAN MAN!! I should have married one, I wanted to, I tried to find one, honest Papa, I did try. Hell, I'd still leave my husband if I found a Decent, hard working Mexican, Latino, Hispanic man who would take care of me and my babies who didn't have and addiction to drinking, smoking, or cheating! NO, I wouldn't...but I'd think about it...anyway
I went forward, one man went back to the truck (who was the more handsome of the two) and the other stayed there helping me get out of the street. I continued to go back and forth until I had climbed onto the driveway, at least. My neighbor went by who was just WAITING for me to Move my Hung Up vehicle out of her way...how, I don't know until the two Most Wonderful Men in the World walked up to the van, offering their assistance...
Now you know that life in suburbia is NOT all it's cracked up to be. Those great and overly friendly neighbors you think you have don't lift a finger to help you. Even though I'M THE ONE who throws salt OUT into the STREET in front of our driveways and up our hilled street to melt the ICE so that we AND OUR NEIGHBORS can get in and out of our cul-de-sac. There was nothing wrong with the tires, mind you. It was the packed snow that the underside of the van was hung up on. I dug as much as I could out from under our light blue Odyssey and might still be out there now, instead of writing about it. LOL - well, I hope I've inspired you to be a more Watchful neighbor and consider your neighbors as you would like to be considered.
Until next time kids, farewell and don't try this at home! Love and Laughter to you All, *E*
So, I'm hopping "mad" with life up here in suburbia. Wanna know why? You know I'm going to tell you... Today I got stuck in the 7" of snow out on the street, right at the end of my driveway! The extra snow and ice plowed to the side of our cul-de-sac in front of our driveway got my Honda Odyssey hung up on a snowbank. You think that's funny? Wait till you hear the rest...perhaps I should change our name to the Twisted Soap Box, hmm could be another new column, ya think?
Anyway, I'm stuck outside our house, not even In our driveway yet, sideways across the roadway. Blocking the only street in and out of our cul-de-sac (duh!). Have you got a good mental image going yet? Blue van, in the street, stuck on snow bank. So, I turn off the van, go inside, get the shovel and start digging my way out. First attempt didn't help at all. I sit in the van warming up without the heater on, and try again. Second attempt I've got her rockin' now. No problem right? I'm sure to get out soon...WRONG.
I call my husband to make sure he knows I'm stuck and it's all his fault for not shoveling the driveway yesterday when he got home from work LIKE HE SAID he would. Not only did he dissapoint the kiddos by not going outside with them but I got stuck, too. No, the depressed wife does not go outside and play in the snow with the kiddos...that's a different entry. Let's stick to one at a time, please.
Back up; when I first got stuck I noticed my neighbor (another SAHM) saw me stuck and decided to shovel the end of her driveway of the snow plow's built up snowbank. Okay, so I'm sitting there stuck and slowly shifting from Drive to Reverse, from 1st gear to Reverse, and back again, while NO ONE so much as looks out their window at this spectacle in their neighborhood. We have plenty of SAHM's in this neighborhood, some retired couples, and college folks, too. NO ONE HELPED ME.
I sit in the van, warming up again, going for a third try is all I can do...then the recycling truck comes along. Oh crap! They have to get through now what? They pause and see my predicament, continue down to the next cul-de-sac, come back and low and behold Two MEXICANS walk up to me and offer to push the van backward to get me out. (insert victorious presentation music here) Remember, my Spanish is rusty to put it politely but I'm sure they assumed I was a white lady in this neighborhood until of course, I rolled down the slightly tinted window.
Needless to say, I had the van rocking and they gave me the forward shove I needed to get me unstuck. I LOVE THE WORKING CLASS MEXICAN MAN!! I should have married one, I wanted to, I tried to find one, honest Papa, I did try. Hell, I'd still leave my husband if I found a Decent, hard working Mexican, Latino, Hispanic man who would take care of me and my babies who didn't have and addiction to drinking, smoking, or cheating! NO, I wouldn't...but I'd think about it...anyway
I went forward, one man went back to the truck (who was the more handsome of the two) and the other stayed there helping me get out of the street. I continued to go back and forth until I had climbed onto the driveway, at least. My neighbor went by who was just WAITING for me to Move my Hung Up vehicle out of her way...how, I don't know until the two Most Wonderful Men in the World walked up to the van, offering their assistance...
Now you know that life in suburbia is NOT all it's cracked up to be. Those great and overly friendly neighbors you think you have don't lift a finger to help you. Even though I'M THE ONE who throws salt OUT into the STREET in front of our driveways and up our hilled street to melt the ICE so that we AND OUR NEIGHBORS can get in and out of our cul-de-sac. There was nothing wrong with the tires, mind you. It was the packed snow that the underside of the van was hung up on. I dug as much as I could out from under our light blue Odyssey and might still be out there now, instead of writing about it. LOL - well, I hope I've inspired you to be a more Watchful neighbor and consider your neighbors as you would like to be considered.
Until next time kids, farewell and don't try this at home! Love and Laughter to you All, *E*
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Moments of Reflection
Wow, maybe these should be at the beginning of the month, ya think? Fear not my faithful readers, I will not abandon you! I think January is the month for Reflection. At least, it is for most I know myself included. But guess what? I barely remember anything past five minutes, so I'm not going to do that. *snicker, giggle, ha ha*
Remember our name, we are touched in the head here. So, this year we are introducing two new columns of which, today's is included in the original hard copy of Twisted Muse Newsletter. {Why yes, it does exist in paper form, thanks for asking.} Questions and Comments are always welcome to submit to our resident columnist, Mr. Mann. Please allow me to introduce our Muse audience to the finest pooch in the publishing circuit: the Boogie Mann...
He's furry, he's funny, and yes he is my dog. He's a schnauzier mix but everyone knows his footstool breed. A miniature schnauzier mutt that is but taller than his late pedigree mother. Poppy, may you rest in peace. Don't worry, she passed away some time ago in her sleep. Now, her youngest boy, her very own offspring and the runt of the litter, has his own Twisted Muse Column! Yay us! We can now delve into the canine mindset and read what he's thinking. Sometimes he's happy, sometimes he's moody but he's always the Boogie Mann. So, please look for his new column beginning this year. Thanks for your time and for reading our short introduction to our newest Column: Dog Days ~ by Boogie Mann
Enjoy his debut, coming soon...
Remember our name, we are touched in the head here. So, this year we are introducing two new columns of which, today's is included in the original hard copy of Twisted Muse Newsletter. {Why yes, it does exist in paper form, thanks for asking.} Questions and Comments are always welcome to submit to our resident columnist, Mr. Mann. Please allow me to introduce our Muse audience to the finest pooch in the publishing circuit: the Boogie Mann...
He's furry, he's funny, and yes he is my dog. He's a schnauzier mix but everyone knows his footstool breed. A miniature schnauzier mutt that is but taller than his late pedigree mother. Poppy, may you rest in peace. Don't worry, she passed away some time ago in her sleep. Now, her youngest boy, her very own offspring and the runt of the litter, has his own Twisted Muse Column! Yay us! We can now delve into the canine mindset and read what he's thinking. Sometimes he's happy, sometimes he's moody but he's always the Boogie Mann. So, please look for his new column beginning this year. Thanks for your time and for reading our short introduction to our newest Column: Dog Days ~ by Boogie Mann
Enjoy his debut, coming soon...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
It's Party Time!!
Yes, I know...I waited until the last conceivable second to post for December. So what! Ha ha! I saved the best for last, so to speak. Tonight is intended for us to remember the value of friendship. At least, according to that song, right? So, why do we still have so much trouble FORGIVING each other?
This day happens every single year, just like every other day {no, I'm not going to discuss leap year, so don't ask}. It's not enough that on Thanksgiving we are reminded to be Thankful... It's not enough that on Christmas we are reminded to be Hopeful and to Praise a God that the Majority of us Still at least Claim to believe in... For those of us who are not into Christmas, it is still a time to gather family, to be closer, to spread Love, Encouragement, and Respect for our fellow man. Then, in comes the New Year...
The last day of the old year we just had so much fun in! My 2009 has been a chain of miracles! I hope and pray that yours has been as fulfilling and prosperous as mine. If it hasn't, your miracles will happen in 2010! Believe it, baby... At least, that is my wish for you, my faithful readers. Ha ha, all 86 of you! Let's review:
"May old acquaintance be forgot and never come to light?" Is that right? We are to forget what's happened between us and never speak of them again? Is that possibly what that line means? Think about it a few...tick tick tick tick...did you get it?
As I said in last year's post at the onset of 2009, the New Year is a time for new beginnings. It annoyed me a lot less than I thought it would when at our SWHS Class of '89s 20th Reunion EVERYONE knows about now, the ever popular "cliques" from high school popped up during our reunion events. For the majority, we had that forgive and forget mentality about us. It's been 20 years after all. We were all a lot younger, a lot less intelligent, and very confused during those high school years... but I digress.
Sticking to the point of today's lesson, students of Life Rocks! School of Twisted Muse, it's not necessarily what you do with your time that matters. Rather, it's what you learn from what you did when you thought you couldn't do it in the first place but got yourself through it anyway. Hey, it's called Twisted Muse for a reason folks! You figure it out. That's basically what life is after all. A giant maze we all have to mill through hoping for the greatest reward when we get to the end.
The question is, which end? Will you beat the maze or will you end up right back where you started? Life has been more like a Labyrinth for me, however, more often than not. It's been a helluva ride though! Thanks especially to my '89 classmates who have added Exceptional Value to my FB family, friends, and SWHS community there.
Yes, I know I have strayed from the point - it is just little old me writing this entire thing, you know. What do you expect? Since when has my life been interesting enough to even carry a blog This far? Praise GOD and thank You, Jesus for keeping me writing, after all. Speaking of G-Dog and the Big JC, now would be a great time to Seek His Presence and Draw Him Near to your heart. He is already there whether you know it, like it, or believe it, or not! Ha Ha Ha
He is also the way to forgiveness...and we complete the circle this little article has drawn. At this point in my life, I have mentioned that I do honestly LOVE my neighbor as He Loves me. Over the last 36 hours, I have also realized that I have learned to Forgive and Forget within 30 minutes or less! How about that? I'm pretty damn surprised and happy with those stats, myself. I hope your New Years goes well!
Stay safe, be kind, accept and give love to one another. And please FORGIVE those who have wronged you, FORGIVE Yourself for wronging others in your past, and for goodness sake FORGIVE the neighbors for getting that damn dog that barks all frickin' night long while you are trying to sleep! For they know not what they do... wait, that sounds a little familiar...now where have I hears that before? Hmm...
I'll have to think about it. In the meantime, thanks for your encouraging emails, your continued votes and responses to our entries - even though no one else Sees them but Me, they are coming in! I truly appreciate our readers' opinions. God Bless and Good Years Ahead!
~E
This day happens every single year, just like every other day {no, I'm not going to discuss leap year, so don't ask}. It's not enough that on Thanksgiving we are reminded to be Thankful... It's not enough that on Christmas we are reminded to be Hopeful and to Praise a God that the Majority of us Still at least Claim to believe in... For those of us who are not into Christmas, it is still a time to gather family, to be closer, to spread Love, Encouragement, and Respect for our fellow man. Then, in comes the New Year...
The last day of the old year we just had so much fun in! My 2009 has been a chain of miracles! I hope and pray that yours has been as fulfilling and prosperous as mine. If it hasn't, your miracles will happen in 2010! Believe it, baby... At least, that is my wish for you, my faithful readers. Ha ha, all 86 of you! Let's review:
"May old acquaintance be forgot and never come to light?" Is that right? We are to forget what's happened between us and never speak of them again? Is that possibly what that line means? Think about it a few...tick tick tick tick...did you get it?
As I said in last year's post at the onset of 2009, the New Year is a time for new beginnings. It annoyed me a lot less than I thought it would when at our SWHS Class of '89s 20th Reunion EVERYONE knows about now, the ever popular "cliques" from high school popped up during our reunion events. For the majority, we had that forgive and forget mentality about us. It's been 20 years after all. We were all a lot younger, a lot less intelligent, and very confused during those high school years... but I digress.
Sticking to the point of today's lesson, students of Life Rocks! School of Twisted Muse, it's not necessarily what you do with your time that matters. Rather, it's what you learn from what you did when you thought you couldn't do it in the first place but got yourself through it anyway. Hey, it's called Twisted Muse for a reason folks! You figure it out. That's basically what life is after all. A giant maze we all have to mill through hoping for the greatest reward when we get to the end.
The question is, which end? Will you beat the maze or will you end up right back where you started? Life has been more like a Labyrinth for me, however, more often than not. It's been a helluva ride though! Thanks especially to my '89 classmates who have added Exceptional Value to my FB family, friends, and SWHS community there.
Yes, I know I have strayed from the point - it is just little old me writing this entire thing, you know. What do you expect? Since when has my life been interesting enough to even carry a blog This far? Praise GOD and thank You, Jesus for keeping me writing, after all. Speaking of G-Dog and the Big JC, now would be a great time to Seek His Presence and Draw Him Near to your heart. He is already there whether you know it, like it, or believe it, or not! Ha Ha Ha
He is also the way to forgiveness...and we complete the circle this little article has drawn. At this point in my life, I have mentioned that I do honestly LOVE my neighbor as He Loves me. Over the last 36 hours, I have also realized that I have learned to Forgive and Forget within 30 minutes or less! How about that? I'm pretty damn surprised and happy with those stats, myself. I hope your New Years goes well!
Stay safe, be kind, accept and give love to one another. And please FORGIVE those who have wronged you, FORGIVE Yourself for wronging others in your past, and for goodness sake FORGIVE the neighbors for getting that damn dog that barks all frickin' night long while you are trying to sleep! For they know not what they do... wait, that sounds a little familiar...now where have I hears that before? Hmm...
I'll have to think about it. In the meantime, thanks for your encouraging emails, your continued votes and responses to our entries - even though no one else Sees them but Me, they are coming in! I truly appreciate our readers' opinions. God Bless and Good Years Ahead!
~E
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Experiencing New Life
We all know how trends come and go, right? Well, I have latched on tight to the next "best thing" with both hands. I am currently fully engulfed in the experience online gamers call Second Life. It is a highly addictive virtual world filled with worlds within worlds that are only limited by the minds that made them.
Just as I practically forced my sister to join Facebook, she has in turn convinced me to try Second Life. Okay, so, it was really my own curiosity that made me want to know what this "game" was all about. I looked it up on Firefox and found it's main link, which is, of course: http://secondlife.com EVER SINCE then, I have been playing 2nd Life quite nearly like it's my ONLY LIFE!
I won't explain everything, it would take far too long but I will say that the shopping is FANTASTIC! For me, it's like having the ULTIMATE FUTURE BARBIE DOLL in a 3-D format on your home PC. Your avatar is a human form representing yourself. You can only create a first name, the system gives you a list of last names to choose from. It is very time consuming, however, and as I said before, extremely addicting.
In fact, I just had a FB friend call me today and ask if I was all right, because I was a very active personality on Facebook! She had not seen me in a couple of days and wanted to see if I was all right. LMAO! I assured her I was fine and only addicted to a new game called 2nd Life which has been around longer than I knew. Quite possibly, since 2005 or earlier, I'm not sure even now.
I just wanted to stop in and explain to our readers we have not abandoned you at the Muse, we are gaining new experiences, busy for the Holidays, and staying up far too late into the night (rather, early into the morning) playing SL! That's what the players call it. There are real people behind those keyboards, acting out their dreams and ambitions of the real world (RL) in their SL. I am looking into playing out my lifelong fantasy of becoming a singer! Imagine that. Yes, you really have to SING through your computer's microphone to be a singer, so that will be interesting considering how shy I am...
So, here's to New Experiences during the Holidays! Happy Thanksgiving Faithful Readers! The Muse loves you and wishes you great blessings this Thanksgiving Weekend. Be sure to be thankful for ALL God has given you, there is a lot! The very are you breathe, the sun, the clouds, and the rain. The day and the night. The pleasure and the pain! No matter where you go, there you are. Be thankful for you.
I am.
-E
Just as I practically forced my sister to join Facebook, she has in turn convinced me to try Second Life. Okay, so, it was really my own curiosity that made me want to know what this "game" was all about. I looked it up on Firefox and found it's main link, which is, of course: http://secondlife.com EVER SINCE then, I have been playing 2nd Life quite nearly like it's my ONLY LIFE!
I won't explain everything, it would take far too long but I will say that the shopping is FANTASTIC! For me, it's like having the ULTIMATE FUTURE BARBIE DOLL in a 3-D format on your home PC. Your avatar is a human form representing yourself. You can only create a first name, the system gives you a list of last names to choose from. It is very time consuming, however, and as I said before, extremely addicting.
In fact, I just had a FB friend call me today and ask if I was all right, because I was a very active personality on Facebook! She had not seen me in a couple of days and wanted to see if I was all right. LMAO! I assured her I was fine and only addicted to a new game called 2nd Life which has been around longer than I knew. Quite possibly, since 2005 or earlier, I'm not sure even now.
I just wanted to stop in and explain to our readers we have not abandoned you at the Muse, we are gaining new experiences, busy for the Holidays, and staying up far too late into the night (rather, early into the morning) playing SL! That's what the players call it. There are real people behind those keyboards, acting out their dreams and ambitions of the real world (RL) in their SL. I am looking into playing out my lifelong fantasy of becoming a singer! Imagine that. Yes, you really have to SING through your computer's microphone to be a singer, so that will be interesting considering how shy I am...
So, here's to New Experiences during the Holidays! Happy Thanksgiving Faithful Readers! The Muse loves you and wishes you great blessings this Thanksgiving Weekend. Be sure to be thankful for ALL God has given you, there is a lot! The very are you breathe, the sun, the clouds, and the rain. The day and the night. The pleasure and the pain! No matter where you go, there you are. Be thankful for you.
I am.
-E
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Muse Has a New Hero!
Email Sent: Thu, October 22, 2009
Subject: Read what a White Reporter wrote in a Georgia Newspaper
(YES HE DID!)
Andrew M. Manis is associate professor of history at Macon State College in Georgia and wrote this for an editorial in the Macon Telegraph.
When Are WE Going to Get Over It?
For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?
Now I want to ask:
"When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?
Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."
Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.
We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent.
Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes.
Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.
But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.
But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."
Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?"
How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us?
How long until we white people can - once and for all - get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color?
How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior?
How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?
How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin?
How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?
I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners?
How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?
How long before we start "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?
Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem.
But here's my three-point plan:
First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built, I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.
Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.
Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice,
"We HAVE overcome."
**************************************
It takes a Village to protect our President!!!
Subject: Read what a White Reporter wrote in a Georgia Newspaper
(YES HE DID!)
Andrew M. Manis is associate professor of history at Macon State College in Georgia and wrote this for an editorial in the Macon Telegraph.
When Are WE Going to Get Over It?
For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?
Now I want to ask:
"When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?
Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."
Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.
We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent.
Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes.
Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.
But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.
But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."
Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?"
How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us?
How long until we white people can - once and for all - get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color?
How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior?
How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?
How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin?
How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?
I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners?
How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?
How long before we start "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?
Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem.
But here's my three-point plan:
First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built, I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.
Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.
Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice,
"We HAVE overcome."
**************************************
It takes a Village to protect our President!!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
KCK and KCMO Local News
I read this article on FB last week KCTV5 News This story has been controversial from the get-go. http://www.kctv5.com/news/21254350/detail.html
It’s about the ever-increasing deer population "problem." It’s funny how people do things to upset the balance of a creature’s natural habitat and then, when the animals venture into our homes where they used to live, call that specie a “population problem.” I mean, when we rip down trees, bushes, and the last bits of natural land we have left inside the city, between cities, and everywhere else to build new houses for our supposed growing population. Where else do we expect these animals to go? They come and visit their new neighborhood, of course! We have rich grass, plush lawns, and chemically treated landscaping that look and may just taste very appealing. Isn’t this our idea of “co-habitation?”
Honestly, Are we really in such dire need of new housing, that we have to continuously destroy what’s left of our natural land? I don’t think so! Trees make oxygen people, which is something we 1) need to breath, and 2) happen to be lacking in our atmosphere! Let’s nurture and leave as many trees up as we can, shall we? Why not work harder and Faster on that “Green Problem” we have? Wouldn’t that benefit the entire planet instead of just land developers?
You know, one thing I pride myself on is that I am from the Midwest. Born and raised, second-generation Mexican-American, Kansas City, Missourian. Why is the Midwest {the actual and quite literal “heart” of America}, such a source of pride for me? Let me count the ways:
1) Kansas City is known as a cow town because of our humble beginnings,
2) Kansas City is one of two unique twin cities that are not recognized elsewhere but make us a special kind of community,
3) Everyone I tell where I’m from always ask about our crops, our livestock, our farmland, and our hard core/down home Christian values,
4) Everyone I inform there is a City in Kansas City instead of acres and acres of flat land, are amazed and highly intrigued at the prospect of “city life” in the Midwest, and
5) Kansas City, Missouri is my hometown. Who Doesn’t Love their hometown?
Would you like to know what else Kansas City is known for on both sides of the state line? KCK and KCMO are known for our Rednecks, and their “kill or be killed” mentality. We both have our share of those. We are not the only cities and states who share a few of these gems by far, but we do have them. They are very much a part of our community and our very nature as a cow town. We love and embrace them, just the same. Some also grow the majority of the food this nation places on its dinner table five nights a week out of seven, on average. Our “country kinfolk” are also the foundation of the American Dream we are vaguely reminded of when our neighboring foreigners come to safely “start fresh” inside our shores. This very community of persons are who will be “handling our deer population” dilemma our local media informs us we have.
Let’s concentrate now, on the Real Problem instead of the “popular” problem, could we? Which is our consistent loss of native wildlife and natural landscape. STOP the incessant DEVELOPING! That is what Kansas & Missouri NEED to do! STOP All the greedy land developers from snatching up Every Single ACRE of our PURE Land left so they can make new “homes” and more convenient shopping venues. There are already far Too Many OVERPRICED Homes that will NEVER Receive a Fair Deal on Insurance Coverage with ANY Insuring Company unless they are filthy rich! The price of “new homes” thrown up overnight will never reflect their actual worth.
We must NEED reminding of our HOMELESS Population across the entire United States. The Homeless of KCK and KCMO have spread EVERYWHERE in this economy, thanks BUSH! [Glad you're gone, I hope you burn in hell!] And for those of you who keep saying “Just Kill Them and Get it Over With?” I HOPE NO ONE THINKS OF YOU THAT WAY, SOME DAY, YOU HEARTLESS BUFFOONS! God is listening to you…why don’t you consider that when you would rather kill “something” and sweep it under the rug than identify and SOLVE the Real Problem?
I have an idea, why don't we TRY to get EVERYONE a HOME in America. Let’s put every single person and family in their own, safe, dry, and Affordable home THAT ALREADY EXISTS in our country! THEN if we need more homes built, we will go from there! We can stop worrying about Deer Populations as a “problem” once we stop land developing. The only reason our deer are a problem and cause $4,000 plus damage to our cars that already use cheaper material to offset their costs, is because we keep over-developing their natural land to make more money for those of us who have enough money already! Nothing benefits the common man.
Better yet, let’s leave the Grass and Trees and Deer ALONE for a while and concentrate on making OURSELVES better people, better neighbors, better friends, and become a Blessing to Someone besides ourselves. Try going to our neighbors with the most cultural differences and welcoming them to the neighborhood. You may find a valued friend for life. Yes, it’s possible.
Spend your time Investing in Your COMMUNITY of Nationalities, get to know each other's cultures and beliefs! Maybe then, you'll UNDERSTAND One Another and RESPECT each others’ Differences AND find out that IT'S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT! We used to be the “Great Melting Pot.” Hello, America? Is there ANYONE STIRRING ANYMORE?
Do we ALL Know what we've Become? Would you like an answer? We’ve become a Third World Nation where Capitalism is more important than the Common Man who built this Country from the ground up. The same day the phrase “under God,” was taken from the pledge of allegiance, was the day America started its downfall.
This is no longer the Land of Opportunity as we once boasted. At least, not in the same respect we once meant it to be. Do you think America is still the land of the Free and home of the Brave? Or is America the land of the industrialist and home to abundant capitalist opportunity? I think we’re both. Do you think we need to choose one or the other? Have you chosen a side? Do you know which American Dream you’re living for? You may want to start thinking about that.
Personally, if I knew HOW to lobby for these changes [and had that kind of time] I would certainly carry this torch. However, I know nothing of political issues. Instead, I call upon YOU readers, to voice your opinions and carry through this “developing problem” to its finale. I hope and pray to hear and be involved in the above Cause at a very NEAR Future date. Until then, I will keep America in my prayers. May I ask that you pray for us, too? We will need it more than we know if we continue to consume our natural land as we are and always have.
Please leave your opinions, we will be happy to hear them. Thank you.
It’s about the ever-increasing deer population "problem." It’s funny how people do things to upset the balance of a creature’s natural habitat and then, when the animals venture into our homes where they used to live, call that specie a “population problem.” I mean, when we rip down trees, bushes, and the last bits of natural land we have left inside the city, between cities, and everywhere else to build new houses for our supposed growing population. Where else do we expect these animals to go? They come and visit their new neighborhood, of course! We have rich grass, plush lawns, and chemically treated landscaping that look and may just taste very appealing. Isn’t this our idea of “co-habitation?”
Honestly, Are we really in such dire need of new housing, that we have to continuously destroy what’s left of our natural land? I don’t think so! Trees make oxygen people, which is something we 1) need to breath, and 2) happen to be lacking in our atmosphere! Let’s nurture and leave as many trees up as we can, shall we? Why not work harder and Faster on that “Green Problem” we have? Wouldn’t that benefit the entire planet instead of just land developers?
You know, one thing I pride myself on is that I am from the Midwest. Born and raised, second-generation Mexican-American, Kansas City, Missourian. Why is the Midwest {the actual and quite literal “heart” of America}, such a source of pride for me? Let me count the ways:
1) Kansas City is known as a cow town because of our humble beginnings,
2) Kansas City is one of two unique twin cities that are not recognized elsewhere but make us a special kind of community,
3) Everyone I tell where I’m from always ask about our crops, our livestock, our farmland, and our hard core/down home Christian values,
4) Everyone I inform there is a City in Kansas City instead of acres and acres of flat land, are amazed and highly intrigued at the prospect of “city life” in the Midwest, and
5) Kansas City, Missouri is my hometown. Who Doesn’t Love their hometown?
Would you like to know what else Kansas City is known for on both sides of the state line? KCK and KCMO are known for our Rednecks, and their “kill or be killed” mentality. We both have our share of those. We are not the only cities and states who share a few of these gems by far, but we do have them. They are very much a part of our community and our very nature as a cow town. We love and embrace them, just the same. Some also grow the majority of the food this nation places on its dinner table five nights a week out of seven, on average. Our “country kinfolk” are also the foundation of the American Dream we are vaguely reminded of when our neighboring foreigners come to safely “start fresh” inside our shores. This very community of persons are who will be “handling our deer population” dilemma our local media informs us we have.
Let’s concentrate now, on the Real Problem instead of the “popular” problem, could we? Which is our consistent loss of native wildlife and natural landscape. STOP the incessant DEVELOPING! That is what Kansas & Missouri NEED to do! STOP All the greedy land developers from snatching up Every Single ACRE of our PURE Land left so they can make new “homes” and more convenient shopping venues. There are already far Too Many OVERPRICED Homes that will NEVER Receive a Fair Deal on Insurance Coverage with ANY Insuring Company unless they are filthy rich! The price of “new homes” thrown up overnight will never reflect their actual worth.
We must NEED reminding of our HOMELESS Population across the entire United States. The Homeless of KCK and KCMO have spread EVERYWHERE in this economy, thanks BUSH! [Glad you're gone, I hope you burn in hell!] And for those of you who keep saying “Just Kill Them and Get it Over With?” I HOPE NO ONE THINKS OF YOU THAT WAY, SOME DAY, YOU HEARTLESS BUFFOONS! God is listening to you…why don’t you consider that when you would rather kill “something” and sweep it under the rug than identify and SOLVE the Real Problem?
I have an idea, why don't we TRY to get EVERYONE a HOME in America. Let’s put every single person and family in their own, safe, dry, and Affordable home THAT ALREADY EXISTS in our country! THEN if we need more homes built, we will go from there! We can stop worrying about Deer Populations as a “problem” once we stop land developing. The only reason our deer are a problem and cause $4,000 plus damage to our cars that already use cheaper material to offset their costs, is because we keep over-developing their natural land to make more money for those of us who have enough money already! Nothing benefits the common man.
Better yet, let’s leave the Grass and Trees and Deer ALONE for a while and concentrate on making OURSELVES better people, better neighbors, better friends, and become a Blessing to Someone besides ourselves. Try going to our neighbors with the most cultural differences and welcoming them to the neighborhood. You may find a valued friend for life. Yes, it’s possible.
Spend your time Investing in Your COMMUNITY of Nationalities, get to know each other's cultures and beliefs! Maybe then, you'll UNDERSTAND One Another and RESPECT each others’ Differences AND find out that IT'S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT! We used to be the “Great Melting Pot.” Hello, America? Is there ANYONE STIRRING ANYMORE?
Do we ALL Know what we've Become? Would you like an answer? We’ve become a Third World Nation where Capitalism is more important than the Common Man who built this Country from the ground up. The same day the phrase “under God,” was taken from the pledge of allegiance, was the day America started its downfall.
This is no longer the Land of Opportunity as we once boasted. At least, not in the same respect we once meant it to be. Do you think America is still the land of the Free and home of the Brave? Or is America the land of the industrialist and home to abundant capitalist opportunity? I think we’re both. Do you think we need to choose one or the other? Have you chosen a side? Do you know which American Dream you’re living for? You may want to start thinking about that.
Personally, if I knew HOW to lobby for these changes [and had that kind of time] I would certainly carry this torch. However, I know nothing of political issues. Instead, I call upon YOU readers, to voice your opinions and carry through this “developing problem” to its finale. I hope and pray to hear and be involved in the above Cause at a very NEAR Future date. Until then, I will keep America in my prayers. May I ask that you pray for us, too? We will need it more than we know if we continue to consume our natural land as we are and always have.
Please leave your opinions, we will be happy to hear them. Thank you.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Smart Snacking Advice
Wouldn't it be great to know that you could enjoy candy, especially chocolate, without feeling guilty about the damage it could do to your teeth? Here is some information that will ease the guilt!
The bacteria that cause tooth decay must have food to create the acid necessary to break down your tooth's enamel. There are many factors that may contribute to tooth decay, but the length of time that food residues remain in contact with your teeth is probably the most important. What is the food made of and how often is it eaten?
Sugar is not as bad as we once thought because it can be cleared from the mouth by saliva very quickly. How fast foods clear from the mouth is an important consideration in snack selection. If foods remains on a tooth for more than twenty minutes, the decay-causing bacteria can use the food to make enough acid to begin breakdown of the enamel. A little bit now and a little bit later, over and over again, will eventually result in a cavity.
Saliva plays a big part in removing food residues from teeth after you have eaten. Foods that are cleared completely from the mouth in less than twenty minutes are considered to be better snacks in terms of decay. Some foods are easily removed by saliva. White bread, raisins, apples, bananas, hot fudge sundaes, and chocolate ordinarily clear from teeth in one minute! A high flow of saliva helps to clear foods and keeps the oral environment less acidic.
Look for sugarless gum with xylitol and/or sorbitol as the sweetener. Xylitol has been shown to reduce decay.
Starches such as salted crackers, cookies, salted chips, and other foods that you may find stick to your teeth are foods to avoid unless you can brush soon after eating. Foods that remain on the tooth surface longer than twenty minutes should be avoided.
Juices should be saved for mealtime. If you read the side of a juice carton, you will find that it contains 100% sugar. Constant exposure of primary (baby) teeth to juices, even diluted juices, will cause decay. A piece of fruit would be a better choice. Juice should be limited to four to six ounces daily.
The combination of acid and sugar in soft drinks will cause enamel breakdown. Read the label on a soft drink. You will find phosphoric acid and sugar. Lemon drinks and eating lemons often will cause enamel erosion (breakdown).
Combinations of fat and protein make great snacks for a child. Peanut butter is a good example of this combo. When the teeth are developing and erupting (coming in), foods high in calcium and phosphorus should be a big part of a child's diet. Cheese, yogurt, broccoli with cheese, and fish are some foods high in calcium and phosphorus.
When the permanent teeth first erupt, the enamel is not completely calcified (hardened). The final phase of calcification occurs in the mouth. Plain milk, not juices and soft drinks, should be flowing over those brand new incisors (front teeth).
Now for the best news of all...Chocolate does not cause decay! The tannins in chocolate make the bacteria stick together instead of on the tooth surface. Chocolate is a source of magnesium and protein. A little plain chocolate will satisfy hunger longer and will clear from the teeth in less than a minute. Chocolate is a snack that both and your teeth will love!
THIS IMPORTANT DENTAL INFORMATION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Pediatric Dental Specialists, PA; Where kids are Dino-Mite! There are three convenient locations in the Kansas City, KS/MO area.
-emg
The bacteria that cause tooth decay must have food to create the acid necessary to break down your tooth's enamel. There are many factors that may contribute to tooth decay, but the length of time that food residues remain in contact with your teeth is probably the most important. What is the food made of and how often is it eaten?
Sugar is not as bad as we once thought because it can be cleared from the mouth by saliva very quickly. How fast foods clear from the mouth is an important consideration in snack selection. If foods remains on a tooth for more than twenty minutes, the decay-causing bacteria can use the food to make enough acid to begin breakdown of the enamel. A little bit now and a little bit later, over and over again, will eventually result in a cavity.
Saliva plays a big part in removing food residues from teeth after you have eaten. Foods that are cleared completely from the mouth in less than twenty minutes are considered to be better snacks in terms of decay. Some foods are easily removed by saliva. White bread, raisins, apples, bananas, hot fudge sundaes, and chocolate ordinarily clear from teeth in one minute! A high flow of saliva helps to clear foods and keeps the oral environment less acidic.
Look for sugarless gum with xylitol and/or sorbitol as the sweetener. Xylitol has been shown to reduce decay.
Starches such as salted crackers, cookies, salted chips, and other foods that you may find stick to your teeth are foods to avoid unless you can brush soon after eating. Foods that remain on the tooth surface longer than twenty minutes should be avoided.
Juices should be saved for mealtime. If you read the side of a juice carton, you will find that it contains 100% sugar. Constant exposure of primary (baby) teeth to juices, even diluted juices, will cause decay. A piece of fruit would be a better choice. Juice should be limited to four to six ounces daily.
The combination of acid and sugar in soft drinks will cause enamel breakdown. Read the label on a soft drink. You will find phosphoric acid and sugar. Lemon drinks and eating lemons often will cause enamel erosion (breakdown).
Combinations of fat and protein make great snacks for a child. Peanut butter is a good example of this combo. When the teeth are developing and erupting (coming in), foods high in calcium and phosphorus should be a big part of a child's diet. Cheese, yogurt, broccoli with cheese, and fish are some foods high in calcium and phosphorus.
When the permanent teeth first erupt, the enamel is not completely calcified (hardened). The final phase of calcification occurs in the mouth. Plain milk, not juices and soft drinks, should be flowing over those brand new incisors (front teeth).
Now for the best news of all...Chocolate does not cause decay! The tannins in chocolate make the bacteria stick together instead of on the tooth surface. Chocolate is a source of magnesium and protein. A little plain chocolate will satisfy hunger longer and will clear from the teeth in less than a minute. Chocolate is a snack that both and your teeth will love!
THIS IMPORTANT DENTAL INFORMATION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Pediatric Dental Specialists, PA; Where kids are Dino-Mite! There are three convenient locations in the Kansas City, KS/MO area.
-emg
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