Well, it looks like the Justice Department may end up looking into filing perjury charges against ol' ROGER. The New York Times is reporting that Congressional staffers have written a draft letter for the purposes of referring the case to the Justice Department.
The Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/sports/baseball/26araton.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=roger+clemens&st=nyt&oref=slogin
The Times articles ends with:
Bring it on, Clemens kept saying, while everyone around him took a hit. Now there is a draft letter that probably leads to a criminal investigation. No turning back now. No promise of relief up ahead. For his last act in baseball, he may have to go the distance.
YEAH, I say. Made me sick seeing him up there, blaming everyone, INCLUDING his wife. All he had to do was step up like Andy and Chuck. We'd have forgiven him!!!
HE MADE HIS BED!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Well, I got 6 out of 7
All my Oscar predictions were correct, except supporting actress. Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton won. UPSET! Good for her, but OMG she looked like sh**. Red boyish hair, and black sack as a dress, it was very unflatering. Both my friend and I said, "She looked better in the movie!"
Marion Cotillard was so cute and cool when she won. She was estatic saying something like, 'this city really does have angels.'
As for the dresses, etc., I loved Jessica Alba's. Purple it was real pretty. I also thought Hillary Swank looked stunning. From Boys Don't Cry to THAT!
Marion Cotillard was so cute and cool when she won. She was estatic saying something like, 'this city really does have angels.'
As for the dresses, etc., I loved Jessica Alba's. Purple it was real pretty. I also thought Hillary Swank looked stunning. From Boys Don't Cry to THAT!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Not only are the Vol's Women GREAT....
Well, the men will certainly be #1 tomorrow! Memphis' unbeaten run ran out last night as Tennessee's Volunteers just plain outplayed the Tigers, especially in the last couple of minutes.
The Tigers went up 3 with a minute or so to go. But, it was not to be. Great game.
The women won it all last year, and it looks like the men's b-ball team has a chance make it a back to back Women/Men championship. That would be pretty cool for them.
I'm not a big Tennessee fan, been more of a Gator's fan the past couple of years, and ALWAYS a UW Husky fan (my WHOLE LIFE), but the Gator's are rebuilding (lost seniors Noah, Green, etc., to the NBA) and the Huskys are well, let's not go there. Up and down.
The Tigers went up 3 with a minute or so to go. But, it was not to be. Great game.
The women won it all last year, and it looks like the men's b-ball team has a chance make it a back to back Women/Men championship. That would be pretty cool for them.
I'm not a big Tennessee fan, been more of a Gator's fan the past couple of years, and ALWAYS a UW Husky fan (my WHOLE LIFE), but the Gator's are rebuilding (lost seniors Noah, Green, etc., to the NBA) and the Huskys are well, let's not go there. Up and down.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention
UPDATE:
Apparently, a neighbor of Jose Canceco was at the "party" and took a picture with ROGER on the day in question. Yeah, an 11 year old kid (at the time) is going to take down the great ROGER!
His dad contacted Roger's attorney, who wanted the guy to meet with his investigator, see the photo, etc., but apparently the guy never called the legal eagle back. No word on what's up with the photo. You know they want a pretty penny for that pic.
AND, if it does exist, Barry Bonds will surely have company in Federal Court, I say ......
Apparently, a neighbor of Jose Canceco was at the "party" and took a picture with ROGER on the day in question. Yeah, an 11 year old kid (at the time) is going to take down the great ROGER!
His dad contacted Roger's attorney, who wanted the guy to meet with his investigator, see the photo, etc., but apparently the guy never called the legal eagle back. No word on what's up with the photo. You know they want a pretty penny for that pic.
AND, if it does exist, Barry Bonds will surely have company in Federal Court, I say ......
The Oscars Tonight
I watched Michael Clayton the other night. I really liked it. George Clooney isn't one of my favorite actors. I can't say why, he just isn't. But, I liked the fact that they put the human side with his kid in it. That made it for me. Without that, I don't think I would have like it. The end was great!
Then last night I watched Blood Diamond. A bit long, but I like Leo. SO..... cute! It was interesting. Whenever anything of value is found in Africa the locals are ravaged and killed, ivory, diamonds, etc. The Government leaders rob the countries of their valuable resources and fill their off-shore banks. The rebels kill off the locals, for the crocked leaders. When the outside world or their countrymen finally rise up and another coup occurs, the leaders beat feet and go live in exile, in luxury, for the rest of their lives. It's disgusting. Remember Uganda's Idi Amin?
Well, Back to the Oscars....
I'm predicting
1. Danial Day Lewis - Best Actor
2. Marion Cotillard but I want Ellen Page - Best Actress
3. Jarier Bardem - he's now with Tom Cruise's ex Penelope Cruz - Supporting Actor
4. Kate Blanchett for I'm not There, but I want Amy Ryan for - Gone Baby Gone - Supporting Actress
5. No County for Old Men - BEST PICTURE
6. Cohen Brothers - Best Direction
7. Ratatouille - Animated Feature
OK, that's all I'm predicting. I haven't seen enough or know enough to predict art, sound, etc. Let's see how I do.
Then last night I watched Blood Diamond. A bit long, but I like Leo. SO..... cute! It was interesting. Whenever anything of value is found in Africa the locals are ravaged and killed, ivory, diamonds, etc. The Government leaders rob the countries of their valuable resources and fill their off-shore banks. The rebels kill off the locals, for the crocked leaders. When the outside world or their countrymen finally rise up and another coup occurs, the leaders beat feet and go live in exile, in luxury, for the rest of their lives. It's disgusting. Remember Uganda's Idi Amin?
Well, Back to the Oscars....
I'm predicting
1. Danial Day Lewis - Best Actor
2. Marion Cotillard but I want Ellen Page - Best Actress
3. Jarier Bardem - he's now with Tom Cruise's ex Penelope Cruz - Supporting Actor
4. Kate Blanchett for I'm not There, but I want Amy Ryan for - Gone Baby Gone - Supporting Actress
5. No County for Old Men - BEST PICTURE
6. Cohen Brothers - Best Direction
7. Ratatouille - Animated Feature
OK, that's all I'm predicting. I haven't seen enough or know enough to predict art, sound, etc. Let's see how I do.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Last Year's Big Winner ~ The Departed
I just watched The Departed again. Dang! What a GREAT movie. Jack Nicholson is so..... creepy and Leonardo DiCaprio is SO..... gorgeous. The ending, the VERY end, is perfect. You know, that you-know-what creeping across the balcony. Perfect! Martin Scorsese's first big win at the Oscars, and it really was great.
Sort of reminds me of this year's Ridley Scott 1970's tale American Gangster. With Denzel Washington playing Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling drugs into the country from the Far East. Russell Crowe plays the prosecutor who makes it his life's work to bring him down. Ruby Dee, plays Frank's mother, and she's nominated for an Oscar this Sunday, for her supporting role. Much to her surprise, she won at the Golden Globes.
All-in-all it's a great movie. My son and I went to see it at the theatre, and I remember walking out saying, "That's the best movie I've seen in a long time."
Sort of reminds me of this year's Ridley Scott 1970's tale American Gangster. With Denzel Washington playing Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling drugs into the country from the Far East. Russell Crowe plays the prosecutor who makes it his life's work to bring him down. Ruby Dee, plays Frank's mother, and she's nominated for an Oscar this Sunday, for her supporting role. Much to her surprise, she won at the Golden Globes.
All-in-all it's a great movie. My son and I went to see it at the theatre, and I remember walking out saying, "That's the best movie I've seen in a long time."
OK, TOO much serious thinking lately
The Academy Awards are Sunday, YEAH! Like I said before, I love award shows. "I'm a girl, oops, no 'I'm a fan watcher....'"
I love the Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammy's and the Emmy's. The Tony's are out of my realm of reality. I have never been to a Broadway play. Well, I did go see The Man From LaMancia in San Francisco with Jose Ferrer when I was 16 with my aunt. AND, I forgot my mother and I went to see Phantom of the Opera in Portland. That WAS awsome and I mean AWSOME! But, living on the West Coast, going to NY and seeing a on-or-off Broadway play was not in my world of possibilities.
So, George Clooney for Michael Clayton, Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises, Danial Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood, Tommy Lee Jones for In The Valley of Elah BEST ACTOR
The only one the these I've seen is Eastern Promises. OMG that bath-house fight scene??? Viggo was completely naked in this HUGE, to the death, fight scene.
I love the Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammy's and the Emmy's. The Tony's are out of my realm of reality. I have never been to a Broadway play. Well, I did go see The Man From LaMancia in San Francisco with Jose Ferrer when I was 16 with my aunt. AND, I forgot my mother and I went to see Phantom of the Opera in Portland. That WAS awsome and I mean AWSOME! But, living on the West Coast, going to NY and seeing a on-or-off Broadway play was not in my world of possibilities.
So, George Clooney for Michael Clayton, Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises, Danial Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood, Tommy Lee Jones for In The Valley of Elah BEST ACTOR
The only one the these I've seen is Eastern Promises. OMG that bath-house fight scene??? Viggo was completely naked in this HUGE, to the death, fight scene.
Substance or Style
Geez.... Obama is really cleaning up. I was surprised to see the spread in Wisconsin. 59%-41% BUT, here in Washington, even though he had a huge spread in the caucuses, he's barely winning in the primary.
Oh my.....
I was especially incensed about the copying of the speech thing this week. I'm mean word for word, even the pauses. OMG! Pretty embarrassing, if nothing else for the great orator!
The ol' glass ceiling is bumping Hillary right in the top of the head! I just wonder if the right wing will well up like they did last time, and say no black president for us! I mean he has NO experience! Mr. Obama had ONE YEAR of Washington experience when he started his run for the presidency.
What exactly is he planning to change. He just says he going to change things. I've heard some pundits say that whichever candidate that gets the "change" word in their campaign first is the one to prosper.
We have a Constitution, and the House and Senate that laws have to go through, so the President can't go in there and change too much of anything, REALLY. I'm old, I mean, I've been involved in politics my WHOLE LIFE. I've seen this guy come, and this guy go. They all say they're going to "change" things. But, after a year or two the constituents get dismayed and then the other party gets back seats in the Senate and House, and things switch back and forth like a roller-coaster. That's the way it is.
I guess we’ll see what happens in Ohio and Texas. I just don’t know if I’ll bend and vote for Obama or not. I haven’t voted Republican since Ford. I sort of like McCain. He’s a liberal Republican, so he may be someone I could live with.
I so HATE the Bushes. I have always thought George II was a total loser, not qualified AT ALL to be a President. Halliburton, the Saudi connection, it’s all so despicable.
Oh my.....
I was especially incensed about the copying of the speech thing this week. I'm mean word for word, even the pauses. OMG! Pretty embarrassing, if nothing else for the great orator!
The ol' glass ceiling is bumping Hillary right in the top of the head! I just wonder if the right wing will well up like they did last time, and say no black president for us! I mean he has NO experience! Mr. Obama had ONE YEAR of Washington experience when he started his run for the presidency.
What exactly is he planning to change. He just says he going to change things. I've heard some pundits say that whichever candidate that gets the "change" word in their campaign first is the one to prosper.
We have a Constitution, and the House and Senate that laws have to go through, so the President can't go in there and change too much of anything, REALLY. I'm old, I mean, I've been involved in politics my WHOLE LIFE. I've seen this guy come, and this guy go. They all say they're going to "change" things. But, after a year or two the constituents get dismayed and then the other party gets back seats in the Senate and House, and things switch back and forth like a roller-coaster. That's the way it is.
I guess we’ll see what happens in Ohio and Texas. I just don’t know if I’ll bend and vote for Obama or not. I haven’t voted Republican since Ford. I sort of like McCain. He’s a liberal Republican, so he may be someone I could live with.
I so HATE the Bushes. I have always thought George II was a total loser, not qualified AT ALL to be a President. Halliburton, the Saudi connection, it’s all so despicable.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Chelsea's Doing Fine
It's taken me a week to speak about David Shuster's "pimped out" comment. WHAT THE HECK??? Is he crazy? He should be fired, not just suspended. He'll be back on February 22. Humbug!
Chelsea is dang near 28 years old. Mitt Romney's son is an adult and he assists his dad. Al Gore's grown kids have assisted him. Why is it that Chelsea is said to be pimped out by her parents. Just horrible.
She believes in her mother's message, and she wants to help and campaign. I assisted my dad in campaigning for Dan Evans (our Governor back in the 60's & 70's) and my 80+ yr old grandma and I went doorbelling when I was in gradeschool. It was fun and I learned a lot. That's partly what got me interested in politics later on in life. My dad started delivering newspapers to the Governor's office as a boy of 8 years old, living in Olympia, and that I suppose, in part, got HIM interested in politics.
Lay off Chelsea. She is a beautiful young lady, and WAY old enough to decide if she wants to assist in her mother's campaign or not!
Here's more on the "PIMPED OUT" COMMENT:
(Via NewsBusters.)
Update: Holy bejesus! Hillary Clinton got word of Shuster's slimy commentary last night and responded today by threatening to boycott future presidential debates on the network. In a conference call with reporters, the Clinton campaign's communications director, Howard Wolfson, said: "I, at this point, can't envision a scenario where we would continue to engage in debates on that network." And, yes, that includes the scheduled Feb. 26 MSNBC debate from Ohio.
The network has temporarily suspended Shuster and apologized for his bilious outburst. Shuster offered his own non-apology today on "Morning Joe," but word is that he will offer an actual apology on "Tucker," tonight at 6 p.m. EST. We'll be watching.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Man I Miss My Boy
Three plus years! I guess it's settling in. I mean, I don't cry all the time anymore. But, that gorgeous picture of him hits me and I just cannot believe it. My beautiful beautiful boy....
I miss him SO MUCH! How can I go on another 20 years without him? Not to say I'll last that long with my ailments, but that's what I thought when THE CRASH occurred. He was 25. I had 25 yrs with him. I'm 50 yrs old, and potentially I COULD live to 75. How does a parent live the same amount of time without their child that they lived with them?????
TEARS......................................
I miss him SO MUCH! How can I go on another 20 years without him? Not to say I'll last that long with my ailments, but that's what I thought when THE CRASH occurred. He was 25. I had 25 yrs with him. I'm 50 yrs old, and potentially I COULD live to 75. How does a parent live the same amount of time without their child that they lived with them?????
TEARS......................................
Another Campus Rampage
N Illinois Univeristy shootings this week have got us all thinking. What the heck? Are our kids safe anywhere? My son was killed on a ten minute ride to Safeway, so I guess not. I have said for years, we as parents pray that our kids make it through these years, but this? A kid who everyone thought was GREAT - losing it one day shooting twenty-plus, killing five and then himself, just like that!
Columbine, Virgina Tech, and earlier this week there was a shooting at a JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL for goodness sake. And, no matter how secure you make the SCHOOL, the kid could shoot everyone at a store or movie theater or anywhere if they wanted. So, how do you stop something like this? YOU CAN'T.
We're back to: We as parents pray that our kids make it through these years. I mean, life is life and anything can take us ANY DAY. We walk out of our house and anything can happen. Sometimes you don't even have to leave your house. Ask those folks in Tennessee who lost lives and homes from the recent tornadoes.
Do the best we can EVERY DAY. Live our best life. BE A GIVER!!!!! Think about what goes along with being a giver. Then think about what goes along with being a taker.....
What are you?
Columbine, Virgina Tech, and earlier this week there was a shooting at a JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL for goodness sake. And, no matter how secure you make the SCHOOL, the kid could shoot everyone at a store or movie theater or anywhere if they wanted. So, how do you stop something like this? YOU CAN'T.
We're back to: We as parents pray that our kids make it through these years. I mean, life is life and anything can take us ANY DAY. We walk out of our house and anything can happen. Sometimes you don't even have to leave your house. Ask those folks in Tennessee who lost lives and homes from the recent tornadoes.
Do the best we can EVERY DAY. Live our best life. BE A GIVER!!!!! Think about what goes along with being a giver. Then think about what goes along with being a taker.....
What are you?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I now REALLY think you're GUILTY Mr. Clemens
My post from yesterday was written BEFORE I watched the Senate Hearing.
First, Mr. Burton, R IN. Do you feel like a dumb a** now that Mr. Clemens' own nanny has backed up Brian McNamee's claim that ol' Roger's WHOLE FAMILY was at the the Canseco's. Not to mention the inpropriety of contacting a witness, BEFORE his attorneys gave her contact information to the Senate, as had been requested last Friday. He not only contacted her, but invited her to his home for a "meeting"??? Then testifies, "I was just trying to help you guys out by finding her for you."
OMG, get a life ROGER! Talk about witness tampering... And the lowest of lows - putting his wife out there to take the heat. He's a scum-bag and I don't believe a word he's said.
Like I said before, Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, etc., they're the ones to be commended.
Using HGH, or steroids 5 times isn't the end of the world to us. That was the way things were back then; rampant steroid use in ML Baseball. We could have forgiven Roger for 5 shots. I cannot forgive him for lying to THE WORLD on National TV at the Senate Hearing. That was under oath!!!
I totally agree with everything Bob Costas said this morning on the Mike and Mike in the Morning show. Bob said something to the effect of: 'Prior to the hearings, the metor was somewhere in the middle, WANTING to believe him. Now the metor is all the way in the red. NOW, WE DO NOT BELIEVE HIM AT ALL!'
Shame on you Roger Clemens... Didn't Pete Rose teach us/YOU anything? Coming forward in 10 years to try to get yourself into the Hall of Fame, I sure hope not!
First, Mr. Burton, R IN. Do you feel like a dumb a** now that Mr. Clemens' own nanny has backed up Brian McNamee's claim that ol' Roger's WHOLE FAMILY was at the the Canseco's. Not to mention the inpropriety of contacting a witness, BEFORE his attorneys gave her contact information to the Senate, as had been requested last Friday. He not only contacted her, but invited her to his home for a "meeting"??? Then testifies, "I was just trying to help you guys out by finding her for you."
OMG, get a life ROGER! Talk about witness tampering... And the lowest of lows - putting his wife out there to take the heat. He's a scum-bag and I don't believe a word he's said.
Like I said before, Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, etc., they're the ones to be commended.
Using HGH, or steroids 5 times isn't the end of the world to us. That was the way things were back then; rampant steroid use in ML Baseball. We could have forgiven Roger for 5 shots. I cannot forgive him for lying to THE WORLD on National TV at the Senate Hearing. That was under oath!!!
I totally agree with everything Bob Costas said this morning on the Mike and Mike in the Morning show. Bob said something to the effect of: 'Prior to the hearings, the metor was somewhere in the middle, WANTING to believe him. Now the metor is all the way in the red. NOW, WE DO NOT BELIEVE HIM AT ALL!'
Shame on you Roger Clemens... Didn't Pete Rose teach us/YOU anything? Coming forward in 10 years to try to get yourself into the Hall of Fame, I sure hope not!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Steroids, HGH, Roger Clemens and the Senate Hearings
First... ol' SF Giants' uber-star Barry Bonds tries to make us think he NEVER used HGH or the plain ol' steroids.... YEAH RIGHT!
Now, pitching great Roger Clemens is taking it to the bitter end. "I didn't do it!” he proclaims to the Senate Committe investigating the "Mitchell Report" prepared by Sen. George Mitchell, on MLB's use/misuse of STEROIDS/HGH.
Give me a break ROGER!
As far as I am concerned Andy Pettitte, NYY pitcher, is the only one with any, 1) scruples, and 2) BALLS. Admit your mistakes, and move on.
Any respect I 'had' for Clemens is long-gone down my commode.
AND, just so you know. I actually read a good part of the 600+ page report, the day it came out. I paid particular attention to what it said about each individual player named in the report (toward the end). I wanted to know the names of who had been outted, so to speak, and how honest they were with the Committee during it's investigations, etc.
Anyone else actually read any of The Mitchell Report?
Sports & the Law on SI:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_mccann/02/12/mccann.hearings/index.html
Now, pitching great Roger Clemens is taking it to the bitter end. "I didn't do it!” he proclaims to the Senate Committe investigating the "Mitchell Report" prepared by Sen. George Mitchell, on MLB's use/misuse of STEROIDS/HGH.
Give me a break ROGER!
As far as I am concerned Andy Pettitte, NYY pitcher, is the only one with any, 1) scruples, and 2) BALLS. Admit your mistakes, and move on.
Any respect I 'had' for Clemens is long-gone down my commode.
AND, just so you know. I actually read a good part of the 600+ page report, the day it came out. I paid particular attention to what it said about each individual player named in the report (toward the end). I wanted to know the names of who had been outted, so to speak, and how honest they were with the Committee during it's investigations, etc.
Anyone else actually read any of The Mitchell Report?
Sports & the Law on SI:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_mccann/02/12/mccann.hearings/index.html
Monday, February 11, 2008
What's In Your CD Player? While I'm Driving I Listen to ...
In order of my FAVORITEs
1. Amy Winehouse ~ Back to Black ... #5 my fav is the title track Back to Black. I just put the video on my MySpace page. I love it. The music is what you hear first, then I had to look up the lyrics to get them ALL. I love it even more now.
2. Kanye West ~ Graduation ... I like to put on #1 in the mornings. "Good Morning! Good Morning Mr. West, Mr. West ..." My son says he says Good Morning too many times for him. He's a grumpy butt though... I just love it! The whole CD is GREAT!!
3. Alicia Keys ~ AS I AM ... Of course #4, "No One, No One... " GREAT SONG!!
4. Chris Brown ~ Exclusive ... I'm just getting to know this one. It had GREAT reviews though. Lots of hip-hop collaborations. I just last week put Lil' Mama featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain's Shawty Get Loose video on my MySpace page (the day after it was released.) I wasn't familiar with Lil' Mama, but I saw the premiere of the video and it was REALLY good. Reminded me of an old Janet Jackson video. Great production!
5. Bruce Springsteen ~ Magic ... With all the listening to Amy, I haven't spent as much time listening to "my boyfriend" as I'd like. (I've got Amy & Kanye on all the time.) Guess I'll have to plan a ROAD TRIP...
6. Tupac ~ All Eyes On Me ... My favorite of Tupac's CD's. Been listening to this one since '96, A LOT. The track Can't C Me- Reminds me SO..... much of my Ernie, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2004. He was a rapper and music producer and was just heading to Full Sail Music College in Florida when THE CRASH occurred. He was/is MY HERO and always one-step ahead, thus the reference to Can't C Me. In the initial days following THE CRASH, that's all I had on my CD player. Talk about heartache! (Another story, for another day...)
7. Eminem ~ Re-Up ... Gotta have Mr. Marshall Mathers going on. Another rapper I, oddly enough, really like. When I heard Matt Lauer from the TODAY show say he kept Mr. Mathers in his CD player too, I felt justified!
8. Tupac ~ Redemption
9. Alicia Keys ~ Keys in A Minor ... Again, I just love her.
For Christmas I had the First (1985) VERY Special Christmas (LOVE IT, I've had to buy this sucker Three Times thanks to thieves), Bette Midler's Christmas CD, Josh Groban's Christmas CD, Luther Vandross Christmas CD, Boyz-2-Men's old Christmas CD, AND Amy, Kanye, Alicia, Eminem & Tupac, of course ...
1. Amy Winehouse ~ Back to Black ... #5 my fav is the title track Back to Black. I just put the video on my MySpace page. I love it. The music is what you hear first, then I had to look up the lyrics to get them ALL. I love it even more now.
2. Kanye West ~ Graduation ... I like to put on #1 in the mornings. "Good Morning! Good Morning Mr. West, Mr. West ..." My son says he says Good Morning too many times for him. He's a grumpy butt though... I just love it! The whole CD is GREAT!!
3. Alicia Keys ~ AS I AM ... Of course #4, "No One, No One... " GREAT SONG!!
4. Chris Brown ~ Exclusive ... I'm just getting to know this one. It had GREAT reviews though. Lots of hip-hop collaborations. I just last week put Lil' Mama featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain's Shawty Get Loose video on my MySpace page (the day after it was released.) I wasn't familiar with Lil' Mama, but I saw the premiere of the video and it was REALLY good. Reminded me of an old Janet Jackson video. Great production!
5. Bruce Springsteen ~ Magic ... With all the listening to Amy, I haven't spent as much time listening to "my boyfriend" as I'd like. (I've got Amy & Kanye on all the time.) Guess I'll have to plan a ROAD TRIP...
6. Tupac ~ All Eyes On Me ... My favorite of Tupac's CD's. Been listening to this one since '96, A LOT. The track Can't C Me- Reminds me SO..... much of my Ernie, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2004. He was a rapper and music producer and was just heading to Full Sail Music College in Florida when THE CRASH occurred. He was/is MY HERO and always one-step ahead, thus the reference to Can't C Me. In the initial days following THE CRASH, that's all I had on my CD player. Talk about heartache! (Another story, for another day...)
7. Eminem ~ Re-Up ... Gotta have Mr. Marshall Mathers going on. Another rapper I, oddly enough, really like. When I heard Matt Lauer from the TODAY show say he kept Mr. Mathers in his CD player too, I felt justified!
8. Tupac ~ Redemption
9. Alicia Keys ~ Keys in A Minor ... Again, I just love her.
For Christmas I had the First (1985) VERY Special Christmas (LOVE IT, I've had to buy this sucker Three Times thanks to thieves), Bette Midler's Christmas CD, Josh Groban's Christmas CD, Luther Vandross Christmas CD, Boyz-2-Men's old Christmas CD, AND Amy, Kanye, Alicia, Eminem & Tupac, of course ...
Whoa! Have I got a Migraine Aura goin' AND My Little Homey
Do you get migraines? I hope not, they are the pits. The "aura" is a sort-of light show. My best description is this: Your field of vision is a picture. Someone tore the picture jaggedy all the way, usually up and down (but not a straight line) and they're trying to put it back together, but their hands are shaking. AND, there's this bright light shining through from the back.
There you go. My auras. That lasts about a half hour, and then the headache comes. Always on one side of my forehead, or the other. I can tell this is going to be a doozy.
The last time I had one this bad was New Year's Eve. I took two Torodol's made it to my best friend's NYE party, then ended up with a migraine BAD for about a month. I've only just the past week or so, started getting out a bit.
Back to my best friend. Her son (17) had spent the Dec 30 weekend so I HAD to take him home for the party, thus the TWO pills. Yeah, my little homey [he's 6'5" now and about 300 lbs, but I used to change his diapers. Ernie was going to be his manager in the NFL; he stays with Nels and me quite often. He's getting STRAIGHT A's and he talking about going into the Job Corps.
It was losing Ernie that probably led to him not doing so well his first couple of years of high school, and NOT playing football, etc. Ernie was his mentor. He had just spent a week with us a week before THE CRASH. Ernie took us (D, me & Ernie) to see Michael Moore's Farenheight 911 on June 30. I still have the tickets. I remember telling everybody, "Do not touch that recycle can until I find those tickets."
We're sortta best-friends now. We talk on the phone sometimes for two hours at a time. I've tried to step in as a mentor. Talk to him like Ernie would, "Listen to your conscience. When you get on that fence, lean to the right. I know it's hard out there with your friends, but you KNOW right from wrong."
Everyday you have choices, and from now on, every decision you make you should think, "Can I put this on my resume?" If the answer is,"NO," then you had better not do it.
That's been my spiel for YUP! kids for 10 years now.
My son and I just a month ago brought some insight into one specific incident that came up.
There's no beating up this guy, or that guy, for calling your mama a name anymore. This is your life. If someone, say you, entered a person's house, took the kid in the bedroom and socked him in the face, and that kid told the police that he felt as if he couldn't leave that room, you could/would probably get charged with burglary, possibly home-invasion, possibly kidnapping, definately assault (1st or 2nd degree) depending on whether they saw or thought they saw a weapon. And they'd probably come up with other charges like conspiracy if you had other people with you. AND, since you are now 17, they'll definitely charge you as an adult! That means PRISON!!!! For a long, long time. You are grown up now, this isn't sandlot fistfights anymore. 'Don't talk about my mama like that!'
There you go. My auras. That lasts about a half hour, and then the headache comes. Always on one side of my forehead, or the other. I can tell this is going to be a doozy.
The last time I had one this bad was New Year's Eve. I took two Torodol's made it to my best friend's NYE party, then ended up with a migraine BAD for about a month. I've only just the past week or so, started getting out a bit.
Back to my best friend. Her son (17) had spent the Dec 30 weekend so I HAD to take him home for the party, thus the TWO pills. Yeah, my little homey [he's 6'5" now and about 300 lbs, but I used to change his diapers. Ernie was going to be his manager in the NFL; he stays with Nels and me quite often. He's getting STRAIGHT A's and he talking about going into the Job Corps.
It was losing Ernie that probably led to him not doing so well his first couple of years of high school, and NOT playing football, etc. Ernie was his mentor. He had just spent a week with us a week before THE CRASH. Ernie took us (D, me & Ernie) to see Michael Moore's Farenheight 911 on June 30. I still have the tickets. I remember telling everybody, "Do not touch that recycle can until I find those tickets."
We're sortta best-friends now. We talk on the phone sometimes for two hours at a time. I've tried to step in as a mentor. Talk to him like Ernie would, "Listen to your conscience. When you get on that fence, lean to the right. I know it's hard out there with your friends, but you KNOW right from wrong."
Everyday you have choices, and from now on, every decision you make you should think, "Can I put this on my resume?" If the answer is,"NO," then you had better not do it.
That's been my spiel for YUP! kids for 10 years now.
My son and I just a month ago brought some insight into one specific incident that came up.
There's no beating up this guy, or that guy, for calling your mama a name anymore. This is your life. If someone, say you, entered a person's house, took the kid in the bedroom and socked him in the face, and that kid told the police that he felt as if he couldn't leave that room, you could/would probably get charged with burglary, possibly home-invasion, possibly kidnapping, definately assault (1st or 2nd degree) depending on whether they saw or thought they saw a weapon. And they'd probably come up with other charges like conspiracy if you had other people with you. AND, since you are now 17, they'll definitely charge you as an adult! That means PRISON!!!! For a long, long time. You are grown up now, this isn't sandlot fistfights anymore. 'Don't talk about my mama like that!'
Amy Winehouse Cleans Up! 5 outta 6 ain't bad...
I was so happy to see Amy Winehouse looking good, performing well, and happy in winning her awards, live from London. If I'd of had the energy, I'd of posted a "I say Amy will Clean up" post yesterday, but I was too lazy (tired), I'm not lazy.
Great day, Pro Bowl, the Red Carpet, and then the crème-de-la-crème ~ The Grammy's.
I LOVE THE Grammy’s and these were the best in YEARs. All the great collaborations; Kid Rock and Keely Smith singing That Old Black Magic? Could you believe that one? GREAT!!! Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra incredible! , John Mayer played that guitar like crazy with Alicia Keys in that cute silver number WHEW WEE Alicia!!
No joke, I was thinking last night as I was watching, ‘I’ve got to write about all this, but there’re SO many collaborations, I need to start making a list, I’ll never remember them all.’)
And, what about Fergie??? Who knew she had such a voice…. I’m buying her album TODAY! Not to mention Proud Mary done by Tina Turner and Beyonce with shorter, blonder hair ~ gorgeous!
I’m not a big Rianna fan, but her performance was GREAT too. I loved her little outfit. It was perfect with the production lighting and color
Can’t go without mentioning Kanye. His production of Stronger was super and Hey Mama was a tearjerker, with the big block letters MAMA scribed in the back of his head. “Last night I saw you in my dreams. Now I can't wait to go to sleep. Mama Mama. I'm so proud of you.....” Talk about TEARS!
AND, in Kanye’s acceptance speech, he was glad to say that he would not be ‘upset’ if Amy won the latter awards. We all know how Kanye can get when he loses…
On a personal note, that’s one thing for me, I rarely dream (they say because of my pain, I rarely go into REM sleep, thus the no dreaming.). Only one dream about Ernie since THE CRASH. Nels, on the other hand, has dreams with Ernie in them on the nightly.
The whole show was packed with pairing after pairing! Just incredible performances! The best Grammy Awards in years, I say (again) …
Great day, Pro Bowl, the Red Carpet, and then the crème-de-la-crème ~ The Grammy's.
I LOVE THE Grammy’s and these were the best in YEARs. All the great collaborations; Kid Rock and Keely Smith singing That Old Black Magic? Could you believe that one? GREAT!!! Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra incredible! , John Mayer played that guitar like crazy with Alicia Keys in that cute silver number WHEW WEE Alicia!!
No joke, I was thinking last night as I was watching, ‘I’ve got to write about all this, but there’re SO many collaborations, I need to start making a list, I’ll never remember them all.’)
And, what about Fergie??? Who knew she had such a voice…. I’m buying her album TODAY! Not to mention Proud Mary done by Tina Turner and Beyonce with shorter, blonder hair ~ gorgeous!
I’m not a big Rianna fan, but her performance was GREAT too. I loved her little outfit. It was perfect with the production lighting and color
Can’t go without mentioning Kanye. His production of Stronger was super and Hey Mama was a tearjerker, with the big block letters MAMA scribed in the back of his head. “Last night I saw you in my dreams. Now I can't wait to go to sleep. Mama Mama. I'm so proud of you.....” Talk about TEARS!
AND, in Kanye’s acceptance speech, he was glad to say that he would not be ‘upset’ if Amy won the latter awards. We all know how Kanye can get when he loses…
On a personal note, that’s one thing for me, I rarely dream (they say because of my pain, I rarely go into REM sleep, thus the no dreaming.). Only one dream about Ernie since THE CRASH. Nels, on the other hand, has dreams with Ernie in them on the nightly.
The whole show was packed with pairing after pairing! Just incredible performances! The best Grammy Awards in years, I say (again) …
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Jim Zorn goes to Redskins ~ Good for Him!!
The Redskins hired our (the Seahawks) QB coach at thier new head coach. Good for him I say. With Joe Gibb retired, and Mora set to take over for the Seahawks' Coach Holmgren (he just signed a 4 yr contract this week)to take over the after the 2008 season, and even signed this week's high school's crop of Letters of Intent for the Hawks, so Jim looking elsewhere is totally understandable.
Good Luck Mr. Zorn... (Ernie's friend, Mike Sellers, who gradutated from N Thurston and played with James F., plays for the Redskins, so I'm happy for him too.)
I am glad you're far, far away though for our sake!! :)
Good Luck Mr. Zorn... (Ernie's friend, Mike Sellers, who gradutated from N Thurston and played with James F., plays for the Redskins, so I'm happy for him too.)
I am glad you're far, far away though for our sake!! :)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
I LOVE TMZ!
First, I have to say, I just LOVE TMZ!!!! Now I know Harvey is sort of a sleaze, but I just love that show. That guy who does the "commentary" on the videos just CRACKS ME UP! My life is CNN, more CNN, my dogs, CNN.com, CSI (all of them), and The First 48 (I even like to watch the repeats,) so getting a little comedy in there helps. (I know since THE CRASH I am a bit on the serious side.)
Watching The First 48, or CSI, Anthony LaPaglia (BIG CRUSH) a second or third time is not at all boring. I have a number brain, is that the right or left, I can't remember, so I have great NUMBER memory recall (I know all of my friends and business associates phone numbers, even remember my best friend from kindergarten's phone number, now that's pretty good you have to admit.) But a movie or TV show, (or where I put my keys for instance) I can forget pretty quickly and when I watch a show a second or third time I get it better, catch things I didn't the first time. Not to mention that my thirst for knowledge, especially in the forensic and criminal fields is insatiable.
Anyway.... I'm always off on a tangent. Getting some laughs in my life is a real mission. So, if Harvey Levin is the one to provide some needed levity here, then so be it. I have been a so-called star watcher my whole life. As a little kid I used to save the covers from the Life magazines, (had Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor’s [I remember thinking at the time that Elizabeth’s eyes in the cover shot were SO purple.] I also bought the first People magazine EVER! Now, with all that said, let me make this perfectly clear; I NEVER, EVER read (or even pick up for a glance at the grocery store) the Enquirer or Star (you know, the rags). With my so-called nose in the air right now, I will say, they are beneath me! There, I said it! I do have SOME class you know.... (even if I do LOVE TMZ) As I said, I just love that commentator guy. He just cracks me the heck up!!!
I mean, the set up, Harvey running a little staff meeting with his 'latté, and the staff, some of them are cute, and funny to boot! The whole production is just great. Hats off to Harvey. I just love your show!
Now, with all the ABOVE said, do I think TMZ staff should be one of those folks driving amongst those twenty or so cars turning all together in the intersection with Britney Spears? Absolutely not! But, reporting that it occurred, that’s fair play and news worthy.
That’s it on TMZ…. Gotta go to the Caucuses!!
Go Hillary. I heard the other day that she might not win Washington. I must say I did not think the Clinton Campaign was very organized, at least not in advance of this week, so if they don’t it’s their own fault. I’ve been donating small amounts (4 of them) over the past month, so they knew there were folks out here supporting her. They should have been on the ball and contacted those internet $$ supporters (whose phone & addresses THEY HAVE) and asked us to do SOMETHING before WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK!!!! My dad was Governor Dan Evans campaign chairman his first two terms and our WHOLE house was FULL of Campaign stuff and even my 80+ yr old grandma & I went out doorbelling. I was in about the 5th grade or so. I remember my dad driving Dan around in my grandpa’s old 1954 light-turquoise Ford.
Watching The First 48, or CSI, Anthony LaPaglia (BIG CRUSH) a second or third time is not at all boring. I have a number brain, is that the right or left, I can't remember, so I have great NUMBER memory recall (I know all of my friends and business associates phone numbers, even remember my best friend from kindergarten's phone number, now that's pretty good you have to admit.) But a movie or TV show, (or where I put my keys for instance) I can forget pretty quickly and when I watch a show a second or third time I get it better, catch things I didn't the first time. Not to mention that my thirst for knowledge, especially in the forensic and criminal fields is insatiable.
Anyway.... I'm always off on a tangent. Getting some laughs in my life is a real mission. So, if Harvey Levin is the one to provide some needed levity here, then so be it. I have been a so-called star watcher my whole life. As a little kid I used to save the covers from the Life magazines, (had Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor’s [I remember thinking at the time that Elizabeth’s eyes in the cover shot were SO purple.] I also bought the first People magazine EVER! Now, with all that said, let me make this perfectly clear; I NEVER, EVER read (or even pick up for a glance at the grocery store) the Enquirer or Star (you know, the rags). With my so-called nose in the air right now, I will say, they are beneath me! There, I said it! I do have SOME class you know.... (even if I do LOVE TMZ) As I said, I just love that commentator guy. He just cracks me the heck up!!!
I mean, the set up, Harvey running a little staff meeting with his 'latté, and the staff, some of them are cute, and funny to boot! The whole production is just great. Hats off to Harvey. I just love your show!
Now, with all the ABOVE said, do I think TMZ staff should be one of those folks driving amongst those twenty or so cars turning all together in the intersection with Britney Spears? Absolutely not! But, reporting that it occurred, that’s fair play and news worthy.
That’s it on TMZ…. Gotta go to the Caucuses!!
Go Hillary. I heard the other day that she might not win Washington. I must say I did not think the Clinton Campaign was very organized, at least not in advance of this week, so if they don’t it’s their own fault. I’ve been donating small amounts (4 of them) over the past month, so they knew there were folks out here supporting her. They should have been on the ball and contacted those internet $$ supporters (whose phone & addresses THEY HAVE) and asked us to do SOMETHING before WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK!!!! My dad was Governor Dan Evans campaign chairman his first two terms and our WHOLE house was FULL of Campaign stuff and even my 80+ yr old grandma & I went out doorbelling. I was in about the 5th grade or so. I remember my dad driving Dan around in my grandpa’s old 1954 light-turquoise Ford.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I am a Captain!
Well, I'm sort of excited! I was asked by one of Hillary's national folks to be a precinct captain at the caucus on Saturday. PLUS, I get to be in the VIP area to go see Hillary tomorrow in Tacoma. How exciting is that??? Caucus training is tonight, so I sure hope my energy holds up. I'll take a nap, as I've been up since 4:00 a.m. AGAIN! I hate waking up SO.... early, but that's my body clock, and that's the way it is. Only trouble is, I'm done by noon, 3:00 p.m. at the latest. Chronic fatigue is the pits. Adrenalin should kick in, so hopefully I'll be OK.
That's about it for now. I'm sure something will come up for me to spout about before the day's out.
That's about it for now. I'm sure something will come up for me to spout about before the day's out.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
SUPER Tuesday Whew! Hillary
New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts (sorry Teddy, I guess your constituents aren't listening to you), and YEAH, California to boot! I just sent another $5. I'm poor don't forget! The states that were important 'we' won. Listen to me, as if I'm part of the team. Well, I'm sending money, I guess I am.
I mean, every state is important, but California was/is HUGE! Double digits no less, Hill! Not to mention NY, NJ; geez - I could go on-and-on...
I turned the channel to watch The Wire (everybody up on The Wire?), I was so distressed, thinking with early results that Mr. Obama was sweeping. I mean, I like the guy and all, but it's just pissed me off SO MUCH, that Miss Oprah had put her two cents in to this. I just feel that she has TOO Much power to be wielding it around. Most of the time I don't think it matters one iota what a star does with their, 'I'm backing this person,' or 'I'm backing that person,' BUT, in Oprah's case I feel` she just has too much power and she should keep her opinions to herself in the political arena. It's not that she didn't support the 'woman' per say, just that she shouldn't support ANYONE. People should support someone for reasons that make sense, not because OPRAH said. YUK! If Oprah said to jump off a bridge would you? We don't all have the same needs as Oprah, live in the same state, live the same life; it's just crazy to back someone because a star says to. NO WAY!
Not to mention that's probably where the Kennedy backing came from. Maria Shriver and Oprah are BEST FRIENDS from before Oprah was even famous. You know she's been on the phone with Maria since who knows when and Maria's been on the phone with Teddy & Caroline. Obama says he's been courting Teddy, but believe me, that endorsement came from Oprah's friend Maria, 'cause Oprah has a self-proclaimed "crush" on Obama.
I admit he's a good speaker, and he's, what is the word........ charismatic. However, all these young people think change will come instantly. I'm old, 54, and I've seen this politician come and this politician go. I know that once he becomes President, it's the same-'ol-same-'ol. You can't change the constitution! You can't change the system! There's the Senate and Congress to deal with! Two years from now, the Republicans would have a hey day and probably win back the Senate because it's the same-ol-same-ol! That's the way it goes. And, all those young people's political ideologies would be down the toilet.
Well, I'll get off my soapbox for now. I'm a happy camper this morning. It could be better, but with what we had to work with, WE DID GREAT!!! GREAT J.O.B. Hillary.
And, a big thank you to David Letterman! Hillary did great and looked great. I've watched it twice already.
And, on to another big subject in my life - SPORTS. I loved the fact that in his monologue Letterman talked about getting up during the game to give Belichick the finger every time they showed him. The nerve of him leaving the field before the FINAL second had ticked off. What a BAD SPORT!!! AND, cheater to boot!!! I'm also not so hip on guys leaving pregnant girlfriends! At least wait until after the baby's arrived to move in with your super-model girlfriend you jerk!
Not to mention the fact that I have a dog named Eli, who's named after Ernie actually (Ernest Lee Ivery). He's a 2 yrs old Jack Russell and Lily's son from her first litter. (Lily's in the GREAT picture w/Ernie) Well, since we had an Eli, we named one of the current litter's puppies Peyton, as I have a BIG crush on Mr. Peyton Manning. So, you know I was rooting for the Giants. I just LOVE Peyton's commercials; great sense of humor. I love a guy who can laugh at himself. Now, Eli can get some of those endorsement dollars!
I mean, every state is important, but California was/is HUGE! Double digits no less, Hill! Not to mention NY, NJ; geez - I could go on-and-on...
I turned the channel to watch The Wire (everybody up on The Wire?), I was so distressed, thinking with early results that Mr. Obama was sweeping. I mean, I like the guy and all, but it's just pissed me off SO MUCH, that Miss Oprah had put her two cents in to this. I just feel that she has TOO Much power to be wielding it around. Most of the time I don't think it matters one iota what a star does with their, 'I'm backing this person,' or 'I'm backing that person,' BUT, in Oprah's case I feel` she just has too much power and she should keep her opinions to herself in the political arena. It's not that she didn't support the 'woman' per say, just that she shouldn't support ANYONE. People should support someone for reasons that make sense, not because OPRAH said. YUK! If Oprah said to jump off a bridge would you? We don't all have the same needs as Oprah, live in the same state, live the same life; it's just crazy to back someone because a star says to. NO WAY!
Not to mention that's probably where the Kennedy backing came from. Maria Shriver and Oprah are BEST FRIENDS from before Oprah was even famous. You know she's been on the phone with Maria since who knows when and Maria's been on the phone with Teddy & Caroline. Obama says he's been courting Teddy, but believe me, that endorsement came from Oprah's friend Maria, 'cause Oprah has a self-proclaimed "crush" on Obama.
I admit he's a good speaker, and he's, what is the word........ charismatic. However, all these young people think change will come instantly. I'm old, 54, and I've seen this politician come and this politician go. I know that once he becomes President, it's the same-'ol-same-'ol. You can't change the constitution! You can't change the system! There's the Senate and Congress to deal with! Two years from now, the Republicans would have a hey day and probably win back the Senate because it's the same-ol-same-ol! That's the way it goes. And, all those young people's political ideologies would be down the toilet.
Well, I'll get off my soapbox for now. I'm a happy camper this morning. It could be better, but with what we had to work with, WE DID GREAT!!! GREAT J.O.B. Hillary.
And, a big thank you to David Letterman! Hillary did great and looked great. I've watched it twice already.
And, on to another big subject in my life - SPORTS. I loved the fact that in his monologue Letterman talked about getting up during the game to give Belichick the finger every time they showed him. The nerve of him leaving the field before the FINAL second had ticked off. What a BAD SPORT!!! AND, cheater to boot!!! I'm also not so hip on guys leaving pregnant girlfriends! At least wait until after the baby's arrived to move in with your super-model girlfriend you jerk!
Not to mention the fact that I have a dog named Eli, who's named after Ernie actually (Ernest Lee Ivery). He's a 2 yrs old Jack Russell and Lily's son from her first litter. (Lily's in the GREAT picture w/Ernie) Well, since we had an Eli, we named one of the current litter's puppies Peyton, as I have a BIG crush on Mr. Peyton Manning. So, you know I was rooting for the Giants. I just LOVE Peyton's commercials; great sense of humor. I love a guy who can laugh at himself. Now, Eli can get some of those endorsement dollars!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Well, Hillary did GREAT in the California Debates Last Night
I am so.. relieved! Like I've said.... Experience, experience, experience. Now, I'm not saying in the "two for the price of one comment' that Bill would be making the decisions, we ALL know Hillary, and what a strong woman she is. I'm sure she's wearing some pretty BIG pants in that family, BUT he will be a good, NO GREAT, sounding board for her at night. AND, for goodness sake she comes in knowing EVERY phone number in every country in the WORLD to call in an emergency!
Who does Barack know? Please don't think I'm a Barack basher, I am NOT... Just get some more EXPERIENCE, that's all. There's TOO much at stake here.
Who does Barack know? Please don't think I'm a Barack basher, I am NOT... Just get some more EXPERIENCE, that's all. There's TOO much at stake here.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I'm Not Real Happy About The Kennedy's and I'm still Sticking with Hill
YUP! I'm still sticking with the experience. I think if Obama wins, we'll have a bunch of advisers running the country. But, with Hillary, you have, like it or not, two for the price of one.
AND, the buck DOES stop there. No advisers making decisions. Have we forgotten what great shape our county was in when Bill Clinton was our President for eight years???
That's just how I feel. I think Obama is GREAT! And, if this was eight years from now, and he had two more terms in the Senate under his belt, I'd be all for him, probably have a sign in my front yard. BUT, I am sorry - Barack Obama just DOES NOT have enough experience, YET!
Why, oh why, did he make this move now? He is charismatic, and all the rest, BUT the lack of experience will force me to vote for McCain I'm afraid. I don't think I've gone to the R side on the BIGGIE, since Ford. And, I've voted in every presidential election since I was old enough to vote. My dad was Governor Dan Evans campaign chairman for the whole Seattle area. Our house was this BIG mess of campaign literature, even me and my 80+ yr old Grandma went out
door-to-door for good ol' Dan. So, you see I've had politics in my blood from WAY BACK!
Back to John McCain. He's far enough left for me. I think, I could live with him. Anything would be better than what we've got, RIGHT? I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.
I just think with terrorism, the war, and ALL our issues at home, health care, seniors, environmental and don't forget the economy OMG! Sure glad I'm retired! Comfy in my bed writing a couple books and THIS of course. Life is OK.. my grief is settling and right now I'm, "Snug as a bug in a rug" - POOR, but SNUG!
AND, the buck DOES stop there. No advisers making decisions. Have we forgotten what great shape our county was in when Bill Clinton was our President for eight years???
That's just how I feel. I think Obama is GREAT! And, if this was eight years from now, and he had two more terms in the Senate under his belt, I'd be all for him, probably have a sign in my front yard. BUT, I am sorry - Barack Obama just DOES NOT have enough experience, YET!
Why, oh why, did he make this move now? He is charismatic, and all the rest, BUT the lack of experience will force me to vote for McCain I'm afraid. I don't think I've gone to the R side on the BIGGIE, since Ford. And, I've voted in every presidential election since I was old enough to vote. My dad was Governor Dan Evans campaign chairman for the whole Seattle area. Our house was this BIG mess of campaign literature, even me and my 80+ yr old Grandma went out
door-to-door for good ol' Dan. So, you see I've had politics in my blood from WAY BACK!
Back to John McCain. He's far enough left for me. I think, I could live with him. Anything would be better than what we've got, RIGHT? I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.
I just think with terrorism, the war, and ALL our issues at home, health care, seniors, environmental and don't forget the economy OMG! Sure glad I'm retired! Comfy in my bed writing a couple books and THIS of course. Life is OK.. my grief is settling and right now I'm, "Snug as a bug in a rug" - POOR, but SNUG!
Gosh I LOVE quotes
Rudy Giuliani, Republican Party Presidential Candidate, tonight in his concession speech after coming in third behind John McCain and Mitt Romney in the Florida primary,
"Leaders dream of a better future, then they help to make it a reality."
Now, I'm not trying to brag, but I had a dream, I was a leader, and I made my dream happen. I took over 10 years of hard, hard, work, but I made it happen.
I remember my kids, back in the mid-nineties, when I'd be up at 3:00 a.m. working on the rules & regulations for The Moms' House, sayings, "MOM, go to bed!" But, I'd keep on, knowing I'd have to get up in a couple of hours and go to work at my STATE job. Two full time jobs for three years, not to mention going out as a time-keeper for forest fires during the summer for 10 years.
When I put Ernie in treatment for smoking pot at 16, (he didn't have a horrible drug problem, BUT I wanted him to LEARN about what he may have inherited, alcoholism and drug abuse wise, and about the long-term and REAL issues that go along with using and abusing.) He hated me for it at the time, but like I said before, he ended up being a VERY smart and wise beyond his years young man, earlier than I thought he would.
The treatment program provided a week long live-in co-dependent's treatment thing for parents and spouses. EVERYONE said I was a workaholic. I had never thought I was that, but it was the first time that my desire to do SO much became evident to me. Especially when I compared myself and my activities to the other parents/spouses.
Back to the I have a dream thing. It's not that you have to have a dream, per say, but we all have ideas, and some of us want to make things better and bring your ideas to fruition. I had an idea.
The Moms' House was an idea and what happened was my boss, Terry Kirkpatrick, the best boss ever, sent me and a couple other of my DNR co-horts to see Steven Covy. He's a motivation speaker. I took notes, and it was THEN that I thought - I CAN DO THIS.
I began joining Boards, Committees, etc. I was already a foster parent and very involved in my kids' lives and had gone and met with Jim Koval, the Associate Superintendent of the N Thurston School District after my youngest completed middle school of which I thought both boys might as well as not even gone to. Two years a waste of time. Their specific needs were barely met, especially Ernie who had ADD. Teachers calling all the time, "He disruptive," I'd say, "Where's he sitting in your classroom?" and the answer would be something like three rows back blah blah blah in alphabetical order, and I'd say, "Are you aware that children with ADD should be seated at the front of the class?" NO, OF COURSE NOT!! I had to advocate for Ernie and pulled him from school almost a month before the end of eight grade. It wasn't until he got to Puget Sound High School, the district's alternative, that he began to excel. They acknowledged different learning STYLES. Not every child learns through books, some learn through listening. I used to say about my program, "Not all kids are circles and we need different safety nets out here, triangle nets, circle nets and square nets. Different nets for different kinds of kids. My YUP! program is targeting a specific group of kids, and they are coming in droves. Up to 40 kids are showing up on Wednesdays for our meetings in my little living room. They LOVE that these important people are coming to talk to them in this informal setting, AND they're getting a nice dinner. They even get shrimp on their salad. :)"
"Leaders dream of a better future, then they help to make it a reality."
Now, I'm not trying to brag, but I had a dream, I was a leader, and I made my dream happen. I took over 10 years of hard, hard, work, but I made it happen.
I remember my kids, back in the mid-nineties, when I'd be up at 3:00 a.m. working on the rules & regulations for The Moms' House, sayings, "MOM, go to bed!" But, I'd keep on, knowing I'd have to get up in a couple of hours and go to work at my STATE job. Two full time jobs for three years, not to mention going out as a time-keeper for forest fires during the summer for 10 years.
When I put Ernie in treatment for smoking pot at 16, (he didn't have a horrible drug problem, BUT I wanted him to LEARN about what he may have inherited, alcoholism and drug abuse wise, and about the long-term and REAL issues that go along with using and abusing.) He hated me for it at the time, but like I said before, he ended up being a VERY smart and wise beyond his years young man, earlier than I thought he would.
The treatment program provided a week long live-in co-dependent's treatment thing for parents and spouses. EVERYONE said I was a workaholic. I had never thought I was that, but it was the first time that my desire to do SO much became evident to me. Especially when I compared myself and my activities to the other parents/spouses.
Back to the I have a dream thing. It's not that you have to have a dream, per say, but we all have ideas, and some of us want to make things better and bring your ideas to fruition. I had an idea.
The Moms' House was an idea and what happened was my boss, Terry Kirkpatrick, the best boss ever, sent me and a couple other of my DNR co-horts to see Steven Covy. He's a motivation speaker. I took notes, and it was THEN that I thought - I CAN DO THIS.
I began joining Boards, Committees, etc. I was already a foster parent and very involved in my kids' lives and had gone and met with Jim Koval, the Associate Superintendent of the N Thurston School District after my youngest completed middle school of which I thought both boys might as well as not even gone to. Two years a waste of time. Their specific needs were barely met, especially Ernie who had ADD. Teachers calling all the time, "He disruptive," I'd say, "Where's he sitting in your classroom?" and the answer would be something like three rows back blah blah blah in alphabetical order, and I'd say, "Are you aware that children with ADD should be seated at the front of the class?" NO, OF COURSE NOT!! I had to advocate for Ernie and pulled him from school almost a month before the end of eight grade. It wasn't until he got to Puget Sound High School, the district's alternative, that he began to excel. They acknowledged different learning STYLES. Not every child learns through books, some learn through listening. I used to say about my program, "Not all kids are circles and we need different safety nets out here, triangle nets, circle nets and square nets. Different nets for different kinds of kids. My YUP! program is targeting a specific group of kids, and they are coming in droves. Up to 40 kids are showing up on Wednesdays for our meetings in my little living room. They LOVE that these important people are coming to talk to them in this informal setting, AND they're getting a nice dinner. They even get shrimp on their salad. :)"
Monday, January 28, 2008
It Snowed (an inch or two) It's the Pacific NW we don't EVER get THAT much at sea level
I went out on Saturday morning and got my two cars all prepared, just in case it snowed. Drove up to Costco for more antifreeze, as the last time I drove my (I actually inherited it from Ernie) 94 Jeep Cherokee the "check engine' light came on. I thought maybe it was low on water/antifreeze, and I should have before now, gotten that taken care of. But, with a month of migraines, I haven't done much of anything lately.
Anyway, it took a bit of fluid, not that much, but it looks like there may be oil in the water/antifreeze receptacle. Instead of just "green" there was a little red oilish film floating on top. DANG, I hope the block isn't cracked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will SHIT BRICKS (excuse my French) That's funny that we say that. My son just called me from work a few weeks ago and asked, "Why do people say, 'Excuse my French,' when they cuss? Is it because the French cuss a lot?" I had to say I really didn't know and I thought that was the answer.
Back to the Jeep. I just put a new radiator ($500), and a bunch other stuff last fall , getting it all up to snuff for the winter. It's a 4-wheel drive and because it was Ernie's, I REALLY want to keep it, so I pray that it's not too messed up. A cracked block means NEW ENGINE! OMG!
Anyway, it took a bit of fluid, not that much, but it looks like there may be oil in the water/antifreeze receptacle. Instead of just "green" there was a little red oilish film floating on top. DANG, I hope the block isn't cracked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will SHIT BRICKS (excuse my French) That's funny that we say that. My son just called me from work a few weeks ago and asked, "Why do people say, 'Excuse my French,' when they cuss? Is it because the French cuss a lot?" I had to say I really didn't know and I thought that was the answer.
Back to the Jeep. I just put a new radiator ($500), and a bunch other stuff last fall , getting it all up to snuff for the winter. It's a 4-wheel drive and because it was Ernie's, I REALLY want to keep it, so I pray that it's not too messed up. A cracked block means NEW ENGINE! OMG!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
New - The First 48 Quote
"God gives people choices. Some people don't do so well in the choices they make. He's just going to have to pay. He made a bad choice and he's going to pay with the rest of his life" Sgt Connie Justice, Memphis Homicide.
She was speaking on the young man who had just confessed, or should I say, half-a**ed confessed, to robbing a 7-11 type store. He shot and killed the one clerk and would have killed the other clerk, but the gun jammed. The store had video tape and the WHOLE thing was video and audio taped. We could see and hear him doing everything, including yelling at the second clerk to open the drawer, and the clerk telling him, "You just shot that guy for a f***ing $30."
Now, he's going to prison for the rest of his life.
She was speaking on the young man who had just confessed, or should I say, half-a**ed confessed, to robbing a 7-11 type store. He shot and killed the one clerk and would have killed the other clerk, but the gun jammed. The store had video tape and the WHOLE thing was video and audio taped. We could see and hear him doing everything, including yelling at the second clerk to open the drawer, and the clerk telling him, "You just shot that guy for a f***ing $30."
Now, he's going to prison for the rest of his life.
SAG Awards (Screen Actors Guild)
Woo Hoo!!!
The Sopranos has, so far, cleaned house. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco won for Best Actor & Actress in a Drama Series and it also won for Best Ensemble in a TV Drama Series. I was sitting here clapping all by myself on the couch with my three dogs.
I love award shows. I'm sort of a movie buff. Never miss the Academy Awards, Grammy, Emmy's ETC. The only one I'm not really into in is the Tony's. And that's probably because I'm POOR and have never been to NEW YORK, and haven't seen a play - probably since the Junior Program's when I was in Junior High School. Or, was it grade school? Anyway, I'm happy that the Sopranos went out with a bang - or should I say blackout :)...
Ernie, Nels and I would all get together on Sunday's at 6:00 p.m. to watch, not only the Sopranos, but most all of the old HBO series, The Sopranos, OZ, and of course, The Wire (season 5 is going on right now, and OH MY GOSH, Proposition Joe just got killed off by Marlow. You should have seen it. My son and I could NOT BELIEVE IT!!!) The Wire is one of the best shows on television. An OUTSTANDING portrayal and the most true-to-life show I've EVER seen about how life really is for high-risk/street youth, the police, local government and now the newspaper press. Kudos to THE WIRE!!!! Between it and The First 48 I can't decide which is my current favorite show.
Javier Bardem has just won for No Country for Old Men. I haven't seen that yet. I don't get out much, not much energy, so I wait till they come out on DVD, or On Demand/cable. My son did take me to see American Gangsters with Russell Crowe & Denzel Washington. One of the Best Movies I've ever seen (I say that every year or so). Like for CRASH.... I could go on-and-on.
I'm off to watch the rest of the show. Before I go: No Country For Old Men has just won for Movie Ensemble. It's supposed to be real violent - horrifying, so it makes me a bit hesitant to go see it, I mean I haven't even watched Saving Private Ryan yet. I can watch Dr G, and The First 48, but scary movies I just cannot watch. I have nightmares. Isn't that weird. Whenever someone's about to do horrible damage to a human being, I cannot watch. I just can't take it. I can watch how they catch bad guys, but not movies about the bad guys doing the bad stuff.
There I go again. Blah Blah Blah. Now, my TV's on the Closer. I like Kyra too. Although I don't watch her show that often.
I'm outta here. All I have here are DOGs. I guess Blogs make you feel like you're talking to SOMEONE.... sorta funny. At least the computer doesn't talk back :)
The Sopranos has, so far, cleaned house. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco won for Best Actor & Actress in a Drama Series and it also won for Best Ensemble in a TV Drama Series. I was sitting here clapping all by myself on the couch with my three dogs.
I love award shows. I'm sort of a movie buff. Never miss the Academy Awards, Grammy, Emmy's ETC. The only one I'm not really into in is the Tony's. And that's probably because I'm POOR and have never been to NEW YORK, and haven't seen a play - probably since the Junior Program's when I was in Junior High School. Or, was it grade school? Anyway, I'm happy that the Sopranos went out with a bang - or should I say blackout :)...
Ernie, Nels and I would all get together on Sunday's at 6:00 p.m. to watch, not only the Sopranos, but most all of the old HBO series, The Sopranos, OZ, and of course, The Wire (season 5 is going on right now, and OH MY GOSH, Proposition Joe just got killed off by Marlow. You should have seen it. My son and I could NOT BELIEVE IT!!!) The Wire is one of the best shows on television. An OUTSTANDING portrayal and the most true-to-life show I've EVER seen about how life really is for high-risk/street youth, the police, local government and now the newspaper press. Kudos to THE WIRE!!!! Between it and The First 48 I can't decide which is my current favorite show.
Javier Bardem has just won for No Country for Old Men. I haven't seen that yet. I don't get out much, not much energy, so I wait till they come out on DVD, or On Demand/cable. My son did take me to see American Gangsters with Russell Crowe & Denzel Washington. One of the Best Movies I've ever seen (I say that every year or so). Like for CRASH.... I could go on-and-on.
I'm off to watch the rest of the show. Before I go: No Country For Old Men has just won for Movie Ensemble. It's supposed to be real violent - horrifying, so it makes me a bit hesitant to go see it, I mean I haven't even watched Saving Private Ryan yet. I can watch Dr G, and The First 48, but scary movies I just cannot watch. I have nightmares. Isn't that weird. Whenever someone's about to do horrible damage to a human being, I cannot watch. I just can't take it. I can watch how they catch bad guys, but not movies about the bad guys doing the bad stuff.
There I go again. Blah Blah Blah. Now, my TV's on the Closer. I like Kyra too. Although I don't watch her show that often.
I'm outta here. All I have here are DOGs. I guess Blogs make you feel like you're talking to SOMEONE.... sorta funny. At least the computer doesn't talk back :)
WE ALL HAVE CHOICES
WOW, Obama "routs" Clinton". Well how about that? I may have to re-think what I'm going to do?
I just can't help thinking what MY mother would say if "I" ran for president. (But then she's only ONE NEGATIVE PERSON) Now, I've been "clean & sober" for almost 25 yrs, and I've been referred to as a "community leader and activist" by our local newspaper for over 10 yrs now. But, GEEZ Louise, I wouldn't dream of running for a political office. Even though I stood on a stage giving a commencement speech to seniors in 1996, and told my story of drug use in my 20's, I still don't like re-living my old life. Running for office, your opponent in his/her bid to win sometimes goes dirty and digs up your old dirt. I'm not the one. Just let me live my life, being a GIVER NOW! Let old dogs lie. I made bad choices, that in one way or another made me who I am now. That old life has given me the insight and street knowledge to not let these kids pull the wool over MY EYES. I tell them, "YOU CAN'T KID A KIDDER!" My ex called me sneaky. Well, I'm just a couple of years past raising TWO teenagers who got in-and-out of trouble, and I put their little butts in-and-out of juvie playing TOUGH LOVE. They turned into wonderful young men. Although, Ernie was killed at 25 by a drunk driver, he was a giver, and wise well beyond his years giving all his friends and acquaintances the best of advice. And, my youngest, now 25, and he's been the closing manager of a restaurant for the past 2 1/2 years. He also has a giving heart and NEVER misses work. Going over a year without calling in sick, twice since being employed.
My 25 yr old son and I were talking recently and I said, "Everyone has a choice of roads to take, no matter where you come from." He said to me, (and I even took the time to write down this quote) "But, some people can't live with the decisions they've made." Last night on The First 48, I heard Lt Toney Armstrong say almost the exact same thing. How true that is, and the reason I started The Moms' House and Youth Unlimited Partnership (YUP!) We focused on what the kids were GOOD at. Not what they did wrong.
As parents, we PRAY that our children make it through these years. I thought Ernie had made it. I remember at 19, we were driving up Ruddell Road in Lacey and he said of two friends (a brother & sister) who were not attending school regularly, (now, don't forget I was the TOUGH LOVE type of parent, my kids went to school EVERY day OR ELSE!!!, he even USED to call me a SNITCH,) "What do you expect? They have no discipline," came spouting out of his mouth, to my disbelief. Had ERNIE really just said kids need DISCIPLINE?
Now, you may be saying, 'Well, he's 19, of course he's growing up,' BUT you must agree that most of us don't acquire "mortality" until we're 25-30 yrs old. That ol' 'It won't happen to me' attitude.' Acknowledging that kids do NEED discipline is a biggie!
I thought MAYBE when he was 25 this sort of comment might occur to him, but he WAS a smart and thoughtful young man who'd seen more than his fair share of life. What a revelation, I was smiling inside, my boy was REALLY growing up....
Now, I make it sound like he was a bad a**, and he had been in some trouble (smoking pot, stuff like that -no robbing people or stores, mostly just dirty UA for pot) when he was 15/16, but by the time he was 18, things were really looking up. I think because he was doing SO well in school and staying out of trouble otherwise, his PO just stopped taking UA's. He ran for and was elected his school's ASB VICE PRESIDENT at the end of his SOPHOMORE YEAR. Pretty good, huh? He was also involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Lettered in both ASB & FBLA in Sophomore & Junior years. He got his GED his Junior year then pursued his music career. He was heading to a VERY high-end music college in Florida (he'd all by himself gotten all the loans etc., for the tuition) when he was killed in 2004. Snuffed out just like that on a trip to Safeway to get his morning Lipton Ice Tea. David James Butterton, age 28 gave my stone cold sober boy a ride to the store. A show-off by nature, he decided to drive 80+ MPH around the 25mph curve losing control screeching sideways around the curve hitting the tree broadside right at the passenger door, like an explosion the man across the street said, shaking my whole house, killing my beautiful, beautiful boy INSTANTLY. It took two fire stations deployments, a generator and the jaws of "life" to get him untangled from that car that was literally wrapped around that big white oak tree. That tree shouldn't even be in the line of fire of that curve, but I'm told it's a "rare white oak" and can't be cut, so it sits. There have been MANY MANY accidents at that curve. The folks across the street have had their fences crashed into 10-20 times in the past 10-20 years. The telephone poles on both sides of the street have been replaced numerous times, etc., but the COUNTY does nothing to make that curve safer! I have even had the county commissioner AT MY HOME to discuss the crash, and considered a lawsuit, but set that idea aside due to how the mother of Ernie's son was treating me. Didn't want to help her and her mother who've treated me SO HORRIBLY benefit any further from my and my Ernie's horrible tragedy. When that boy grows up we'll help him, but anything now will just go to them, and everytime anyone sees the boy he's filthy. I feel so bad, but I have to stay out of it. Grandparents have NO RIGHTS, so I'm forced, at least for the time being,to keep my mouth shut! Ernie's friends are beside themselves!
Like I said, I was MISS TOUGH LOVE. Ernie spent one third of one year I think he was 16, in juvie for probation violations. Every time he stayed out all night, at those two kids' house (the neighborhood run-away hang-out) I'd call his P.O. and say, "Bob, Ernie stayed out all night again, file a PV." YUP! I was a snitch all right. But, I was trying to save his life. I called the LPD on that mom and that house SO MANY times. File charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, I'd beg. But, NO.... They just let it all go on. FOR YEARS!!!!!!
Check out this one:
I had the LPD go there and arrest Ernie right out of her house after SHE had him charged with stealing HER CAR two days prior. He hit a rock with it and left it sitting on the rock and ran back to her house. She thought she was in trouble for loaning her car to him, so she called it in stolen, then hid him out in her house. (He was 16) They (Thurston County Prosecutors) tried to take that charge all the way to trial. We went to the day of trial before they dropped those charges. WHAT a LOT of money the Thurston County Prosecutor wasted on that one! Tried to get him to "plead or we'll add more charges" He turned around and looked at me," What should I do mom?" was the look. I shook my head NO! They don't have auto theft to barter with!!! And they had to drop a couple weeks later. Playing with me and my kid! I'm not the one!!! I know the game!
Being black in a white community is not easy. Ernie lived it. He was one of about two black kids in his first grade school in Tumwater, and it wasn't much better when we moved 10 miles N to Lacey in 1989. AND, me being white, raising a black son was not easy either. I tried to take it easy and not shove my beliefs down people's throats. Let them see my work, get to KNOW ME, see the OUTCOMES, then they'll follow along both in my state job and my community work.
AND, the Lacey police did just that. I remember the first time Lt., now Commander, Suessman apologized to me for being such a butt head previously. "I am SO....... sorry Diane. You are not who I thought you were. If I have to apologize 8 times I will. I had so much fun at the YUP! meeting. Those kids are great." "That's what I've been trying to tell you guys. These are JUST KIDS who need somewhere to hang out, someone to help and guide them." YEAH SUCCESS!
Lacey PD's John Suessman was a GREAT asset to our YUP! program, as was now Lt., then Gang Det Cliff Ziesemer of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. Cliff, and Detectives. Casey Salisbury, Dave Haller, and Mike Hutnik all came to that FIRST YUP! meeting in October 1997. I remember Cliff leaning over during the break saying, "They're so polite."
I don't know what he expected, but I had prepped these "so-called gang wanna bees". "Do not be accusatory, we're here to discuss. They cannot comment on anything another police agency has done."
We handed out sheets of paper with two columns. One read: What Can Police Do To Get Along Better With Kids; the other column read: What Can Kids Do To Get Along Better With Police. After chatting over dinner with four County Detectives we used the easel to list back and forth how everyone could get along better. It was SO........... cool! All the kids and cops were shaking hands and exchanging phone numbers at the end of the meeting.
Those YUP! meetings started at 6 pm, with a break at 7, the second half would sometimes go past 9:30 p.m. The kids love it, the police or the mayor or the county commission or the school superintendent or whoever we had that week as our speaker loved it. Community and even our Lt Governor has been involved in YUP! since 1997. We have a standing appointing with Lt Gov Brad Owen in Feb for President's Day at his office at the State Capitol. One year he came to our Back-2-School party at Skateland. I think the kids were a bit more intrigued with his plain-clothed State Patrol body guard who they figured out was armed. Asking him all kinds of questions.
I'd get kids coming by my place on the "off" Wednesdays asking, "Isn't there a YUP! meeting tonight?" Meetings were the 1st & 3rd Wednesday Sept - June. Summers we didn't schedule speakers as the attendance slacked off, but during the school years '97-2001, we had up to 40 for the twice monthly YUP! meetings.
AH Gosh I'm ranting today. I am just passionate about "MY KIDS"!!!
I just can't help thinking what MY mother would say if "I" ran for president. (But then she's only ONE NEGATIVE PERSON) Now, I've been "clean & sober" for almost 25 yrs, and I've been referred to as a "community leader and activist" by our local newspaper for over 10 yrs now. But, GEEZ Louise, I wouldn't dream of running for a political office. Even though I stood on a stage giving a commencement speech to seniors in 1996, and told my story of drug use in my 20's, I still don't like re-living my old life. Running for office, your opponent in his/her bid to win sometimes goes dirty and digs up your old dirt. I'm not the one. Just let me live my life, being a GIVER NOW! Let old dogs lie. I made bad choices, that in one way or another made me who I am now. That old life has given me the insight and street knowledge to not let these kids pull the wool over MY EYES. I tell them, "YOU CAN'T KID A KIDDER!" My ex called me sneaky. Well, I'm just a couple of years past raising TWO teenagers who got in-and-out of trouble, and I put their little butts in-and-out of juvie playing TOUGH LOVE. They turned into wonderful young men. Although, Ernie was killed at 25 by a drunk driver, he was a giver, and wise well beyond his years giving all his friends and acquaintances the best of advice. And, my youngest, now 25, and he's been the closing manager of a restaurant for the past 2 1/2 years. He also has a giving heart and NEVER misses work. Going over a year without calling in sick, twice since being employed.
My 25 yr old son and I were talking recently and I said, "Everyone has a choice of roads to take, no matter where you come from." He said to me, (and I even took the time to write down this quote) "But, some people can't live with the decisions they've made." Last night on The First 48, I heard Lt Toney Armstrong say almost the exact same thing. How true that is, and the reason I started The Moms' House and Youth Unlimited Partnership (YUP!) We focused on what the kids were GOOD at. Not what they did wrong.
As parents, we PRAY that our children make it through these years. I thought Ernie had made it. I remember at 19, we were driving up Ruddell Road in Lacey and he said of two friends (a brother & sister) who were not attending school regularly, (now, don't forget I was the TOUGH LOVE type of parent, my kids went to school EVERY day OR ELSE!!!, he even USED to call me a SNITCH,) "What do you expect? They have no discipline," came spouting out of his mouth, to my disbelief. Had ERNIE really just said kids need DISCIPLINE?
Now, you may be saying, 'Well, he's 19, of course he's growing up,' BUT you must agree that most of us don't acquire "mortality" until we're 25-30 yrs old. That ol' 'It won't happen to me' attitude.' Acknowledging that kids do NEED discipline is a biggie!
I thought MAYBE when he was 25 this sort of comment might occur to him, but he WAS a smart and thoughtful young man who'd seen more than his fair share of life. What a revelation, I was smiling inside, my boy was REALLY growing up....
Now, I make it sound like he was a bad a**, and he had been in some trouble (smoking pot, stuff like that -no robbing people or stores, mostly just dirty UA for pot) when he was 15/16, but by the time he was 18, things were really looking up. I think because he was doing SO well in school and staying out of trouble otherwise, his PO just stopped taking UA's. He ran for and was elected his school's ASB VICE PRESIDENT at the end of his SOPHOMORE YEAR. Pretty good, huh? He was also involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Lettered in both ASB & FBLA in Sophomore & Junior years. He got his GED his Junior year then pursued his music career. He was heading to a VERY high-end music college in Florida (he'd all by himself gotten all the loans etc., for the tuition) when he was killed in 2004. Snuffed out just like that on a trip to Safeway to get his morning Lipton Ice Tea. David James Butterton, age 28 gave my stone cold sober boy a ride to the store. A show-off by nature, he decided to drive 80+ MPH around the 25mph curve losing control screeching sideways around the curve hitting the tree broadside right at the passenger door, like an explosion the man across the street said, shaking my whole house, killing my beautiful, beautiful boy INSTANTLY. It took two fire stations deployments, a generator and the jaws of "life" to get him untangled from that car that was literally wrapped around that big white oak tree. That tree shouldn't even be in the line of fire of that curve, but I'm told it's a "rare white oak" and can't be cut, so it sits. There have been MANY MANY accidents at that curve. The folks across the street have had their fences crashed into 10-20 times in the past 10-20 years. The telephone poles on both sides of the street have been replaced numerous times, etc., but the COUNTY does nothing to make that curve safer! I have even had the county commissioner AT MY HOME to discuss the crash, and considered a lawsuit, but set that idea aside due to how the mother of Ernie's son was treating me. Didn't want to help her and her mother who've treated me SO HORRIBLY benefit any further from my and my Ernie's horrible tragedy. When that boy grows up we'll help him, but anything now will just go to them, and everytime anyone sees the boy he's filthy. I feel so bad, but I have to stay out of it. Grandparents have NO RIGHTS, so I'm forced, at least for the time being,to keep my mouth shut! Ernie's friends are beside themselves!
Like I said, I was MISS TOUGH LOVE. Ernie spent one third of one year I think he was 16, in juvie for probation violations. Every time he stayed out all night, at those two kids' house (the neighborhood run-away hang-out) I'd call his P.O. and say, "Bob, Ernie stayed out all night again, file a PV." YUP! I was a snitch all right. But, I was trying to save his life. I called the LPD on that mom and that house SO MANY times. File charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, I'd beg. But, NO.... They just let it all go on. FOR YEARS!!!!!!
Check out this one:
I had the LPD go there and arrest Ernie right out of her house after SHE had him charged with stealing HER CAR two days prior. He hit a rock with it and left it sitting on the rock and ran back to her house. She thought she was in trouble for loaning her car to him, so she called it in stolen, then hid him out in her house. (He was 16) They (Thurston County Prosecutors) tried to take that charge all the way to trial. We went to the day of trial before they dropped those charges. WHAT a LOT of money the Thurston County Prosecutor wasted on that one! Tried to get him to "plead or we'll add more charges" He turned around and looked at me," What should I do mom?" was the look. I shook my head NO! They don't have auto theft to barter with!!! And they had to drop a couple weeks later. Playing with me and my kid! I'm not the one!!! I know the game!
Being black in a white community is not easy. Ernie lived it. He was one of about two black kids in his first grade school in Tumwater, and it wasn't much better when we moved 10 miles N to Lacey in 1989. AND, me being white, raising a black son was not easy either. I tried to take it easy and not shove my beliefs down people's throats. Let them see my work, get to KNOW ME, see the OUTCOMES, then they'll follow along both in my state job and my community work.
AND, the Lacey police did just that. I remember the first time Lt., now Commander, Suessman apologized to me for being such a butt head previously. "I am SO....... sorry Diane. You are not who I thought you were. If I have to apologize 8 times I will. I had so much fun at the YUP! meeting. Those kids are great." "That's what I've been trying to tell you guys. These are JUST KIDS who need somewhere to hang out, someone to help and guide them." YEAH SUCCESS!
Lacey PD's John Suessman was a GREAT asset to our YUP! program, as was now Lt., then Gang Det Cliff Ziesemer of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. Cliff, and Detectives. Casey Salisbury, Dave Haller, and Mike Hutnik all came to that FIRST YUP! meeting in October 1997. I remember Cliff leaning over during the break saying, "They're so polite."
I don't know what he expected, but I had prepped these "so-called gang wanna bees". "Do not be accusatory, we're here to discuss. They cannot comment on anything another police agency has done."
We handed out sheets of paper with two columns. One read: What Can Police Do To Get Along Better With Kids; the other column read: What Can Kids Do To Get Along Better With Police. After chatting over dinner with four County Detectives we used the easel to list back and forth how everyone could get along better. It was SO........... cool! All the kids and cops were shaking hands and exchanging phone numbers at the end of the meeting.
Those YUP! meetings started at 6 pm, with a break at 7, the second half would sometimes go past 9:30 p.m. The kids love it, the police or the mayor or the county commission or the school superintendent or whoever we had that week as our speaker loved it. Community and even our Lt Governor has been involved in YUP! since 1997. We have a standing appointing with Lt Gov Brad Owen in Feb for President's Day at his office at the State Capitol. One year he came to our Back-2-School party at Skateland. I think the kids were a bit more intrigued with his plain-clothed State Patrol body guard who they figured out was armed. Asking him all kinds of questions.
I'd get kids coming by my place on the "off" Wednesdays asking, "Isn't there a YUP! meeting tonight?" Meetings were the 1st & 3rd Wednesday Sept - June. Summers we didn't schedule speakers as the attendance slacked off, but during the school years '97-2001, we had up to 40 for the twice monthly YUP! meetings.
AH Gosh I'm ranting today. I am just passionate about "MY KIDS"!!!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Washington Post Endorses Hillary
Saying, "Mrs. Clinton has more than cleared that bar, using her years in the Senate well to immerse herself in national security issues, and has won the respect of world leaders and many in the American military."
The Democratic editorial contrasts Clinton and Obama -- calling her "the brilliant if at times harsh-sounding senator from New York" and him "the incandescent if still undefined senator from Illinois."
The Times went on to say Clinton "sometimes overstates the importance of [her] resume," but that upon hearing "her policies and answers for America's big problems, we are hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience."
New York is one of a host of states that will vote during the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries.
When I got an e-mail from Obama on my Black Planet account, I wrote back: I believe you have a great future, but I do not believe you have the experience to be President of the United States - YET!
Yes, I'd like to see a PERSON OF COLOR in the WHITE HOUSE, but one who's ready, and in my opinion Barack Obama is NOT READY. Get a few more terms, not just ONE TERM in the Senate, and THEN run for the biggie!
As a white woman, who was married to a black man, and who raised a mixed son (a WONDERFUL young man who was killed by a drunk driver at 25 yr, in 2004), I raised my son to be a proud and SMART Black man in America. Don't put yourself in positions to get harrassed by the police, or stress out your neighbors, thinking this or that. Just because you have the RIGHT to do this or that, be SMART about it. I recently told a young man in my care - you are black and you should not be just riding your bike around for no reason after dark. You put yourself out there to get harrassed by cops, and what might the neighbors think you are up to? Unless you have somewhere to go, you don't just go riding around at 16. Now, other Black Parents might say, 'you are telling him he can't do this or that because he's black.' No, I'm teaching him to be a SMART black man in America. That's just the way it is! My Ernie got harrassed and harrassed and harrassed by local law enforsement from the time he was 14. Not to mention, I may know things about this 16 yr old that those other Black parents do not know: like this 16 yr old may already have theft issues and I am also protecting my neighbors from this young man and not putting cheese in front of a mouse's nose!
The Democratic editorial contrasts Clinton and Obama -- calling her "the brilliant if at times harsh-sounding senator from New York" and him "the incandescent if still undefined senator from Illinois."
The Times went on to say Clinton "sometimes overstates the importance of [her] resume," but that upon hearing "her policies and answers for America's big problems, we are hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience."
New York is one of a host of states that will vote during the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries.
When I got an e-mail from Obama on my Black Planet account, I wrote back: I believe you have a great future, but I do not believe you have the experience to be President of the United States - YET!
Yes, I'd like to see a PERSON OF COLOR in the WHITE HOUSE, but one who's ready, and in my opinion Barack Obama is NOT READY. Get a few more terms, not just ONE TERM in the Senate, and THEN run for the biggie!
As a white woman, who was married to a black man, and who raised a mixed son (a WONDERFUL young man who was killed by a drunk driver at 25 yr, in 2004), I raised my son to be a proud and SMART Black man in America. Don't put yourself in positions to get harrassed by the police, or stress out your neighbors, thinking this or that. Just because you have the RIGHT to do this or that, be SMART about it. I recently told a young man in my care - you are black and you should not be just riding your bike around for no reason after dark. You put yourself out there to get harrassed by cops, and what might the neighbors think you are up to? Unless you have somewhere to go, you don't just go riding around at 16. Now, other Black Parents might say, 'you are telling him he can't do this or that because he's black.' No, I'm teaching him to be a SMART black man in America. That's just the way it is! My Ernie got harrassed and harrassed and harrassed by local law enforsement from the time he was 14. Not to mention, I may know things about this 16 yr old that those other Black parents do not know: like this 16 yr old may already have theft issues and I am also protecting my neighbors from this young man and not putting cheese in front of a mouse's nose!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Current Affairs
As a person who keeps up on the news, I watch CNN throughout the day, I have thoughts on a couple of our HOT TOPICS:
1. The murdered Marine, Maria Lauterbach.
Have they checked the handwriting from the note she left on Dec. 14?
Just seems strange to me that she ALL THE SUDDEN decided to "leave". Maybe suspected Marine killer Cesar Laurean showed up and:
1) told her they were leaving together, that he was leaving his wife, and she wrote the note herself....or
2) forced her to write the note (any signed of stress in handwriting), or
3) maybe he wrote the note himself? Was it handwritten at all? Maybe it was typed ... hum...
Food for thought. Hadn't heard any thoughts on that "note," BUT I've been thinking...
2. Britney Spears
Britney looked a bit more lucid on the TMZ tapes the other evening when she was out shopping without Adnan. Everyone is talking mess about him, BUT maybe he IS helping get her clean and sober. Anyone thought of that???
The game ain't over till the fat lady sings. None of us know what goes on behind closed doors.
Just some thoughts on a couple of items out there in the news.
1. The murdered Marine, Maria Lauterbach.
Have they checked the handwriting from the note she left on Dec. 14?
Just seems strange to me that she ALL THE SUDDEN decided to "leave". Maybe suspected Marine killer Cesar Laurean showed up and:
1) told her they were leaving together, that he was leaving his wife, and she wrote the note herself....or
2) forced her to write the note (any signed of stress in handwriting), or
3) maybe he wrote the note himself? Was it handwritten at all? Maybe it was typed ... hum...
Food for thought. Hadn't heard any thoughts on that "note," BUT I've been thinking...
2. Britney Spears
Britney looked a bit more lucid on the TMZ tapes the other evening when she was out shopping without Adnan. Everyone is talking mess about him, BUT maybe he IS helping get her clean and sober. Anyone thought of that???
The game ain't over till the fat lady sings. None of us know what goes on behind closed doors.
Just some thoughts on a couple of items out there in the news.
The Moms' House / YUP! (Youth Unlimited Partnership)
From 1996-2001 I hosted up to 40 local youth (some gang wanna-bees) over for Dinner Speaker Meetings at our home twice a month. With topics including How Police & Youth Can Get Along Better (our first meeting) to Emergency Preparedness, Black History Month, Date Rape & Dating Violence, and guests speakers of police, teachers, fire fighters, and County Commissioners.In addition to the YUP! Meetings, there were field trips to not only job sites, but fun things like Seahawk and Mariner games (with transportation to those games provided by the Lacey Police Dept.) Also, Wild Waves, Car Washes, Camping Trips, Bar-B-Ques, an All City Hip Hop Picnic with our Lacey Mayor as the Graffiti Artwork judge, Eight Annual Back-2-School Parties at Skateland celebrating the “onset” of school every September open to all community members, with themes like: YUP! School’s Cool or YUP! I Want My Education and Mission Possible! YUP! was a huge hit! A mini-boys and girls club right out of my home. Not only a hit with the kids, BUT also with the local law enforcement and the N Thurston School District to many of our community leaders. Thurston County's former gang detective, now Lieutenant Cliff Ziesemer said to me in 2000, "Diane this County doesn't have a gang problem anymore, and it's not because of what we did, it's because of you and your YUP! program." That's what YUP! and The Moms’ House did for this community.
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