Saturday, August 30, 2008

Tom's Toothpaste

Tom's tartar control plus whitening toothpaste of Maine is now my favorite toothpaste and my only toothpaste.

My son, Benjamin told me about it when he visited a couple of weekends ago. He let me try some. He said it made his mouth feel better and I agree. In fact, it is a dramatic difference. I have had inflamed gums and sometimes it felt like my mouth was teeming with bacteria, no matter how often I brushed.

Tom's Toothpaste is the answer and I'll never change back to Crest or Colgate Total.

Tom's of Maine, Inc.
302 Lafayette Ctr.
Kennebunk, Maine 04043
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/
1-800-FOR-TOMS

Governor Sarah Palin

Just because Sarah Palin is nice when she says it, doesn't mean she's right.
Just because she's pretty when she says it, doesn't mean she's right.
Just because she says it with calm marketing and public relations spin, doesn't mean she's right.
What is her level of education?
What is her religion?
What are her credentials for Commander in Chief?
Where would she take the U.S. as President?

We know she stands behind big oil and corporations making a buck. The cost of living is so high in Alaska, they need oil drilling becuase it benefits the residents of Alaska. But what about the National Geographic article about the oil spill and damage to the environment in Russa?

We know that Sarah Palin is a war gal.
We know that she wants creationism taught in schools. What about separation of church and state? What about religious freedoms protected under the constition?

I watched. I listened. I haven't changed my mind. Sarah Palin is more of the same failed policies that have driven our nation into the ground. We need change so people can dream again. We need Barack Obama.

The United States of America needs Barack Obama and Joseph Biden to save our great nation and to solve the difficult problems that the Bush Republican administration has got us into.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Barack Obama

Barack Obama is right that there is no going back because there is NO hope unless Barack Obama wins the Presidency of the United States of America. Barack Obama is the hope of the United States and the world. Barack Obama is my hope.

The outpouring of support of Barack Obama from leaders from the military, from Republicans, from the young, from the old, from everyone from all walks of life who knows that he speaks the truth and is the answer for our country at this time is unprecidented. No one else can stand in his shoes and accomplish what is needed at this time in this country. Barack Obama is the answer.

The brilliant, powerful speech that Barack Obama gave a few minutes ago answered all issues and is one of the greatest political speeches in history.

McCain doesn't have a chance because the surge of support from all parts of the United States is too great. McCain is the past and is only more of the same that has been responsible for getting our country into severe difficulty. The crooked Republican voting machines and the bullying tactics are not going to work with the surge of support for Barack Obama. I don't believe that the youth of this country are going to allow their future to be doomed. I believe that the youth and all Americans are going to make sure that everyone stands together to elect Barack Obama.

There is no going back. We desperately need Barack Obama and Joseph Biden to lead our nation and turn this country around so that we can dream again, so everyone has hope again.

Democratic National Convention

Three home run speeches yesterday with President Bill Clinton, John Kerry, and Joseph Biden. Everyone is coming forward to stand behind the only Presidential candidate who can solve the problems of today. This makes me feel hopeful for a better tomorrow. Barack Obama is the only Presidential candidate who can turn things around and stop the devastating distruction of the Republican policies. We need Barack Obama and Joseph Biden to bring change and hope to the United States of America.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Yesterday

The Beatles song, Yesterday comes to mind. It's fun to sing along in the car when it comes on an oldies station. "Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday...."

Yesterday I walked for four hours along a tree-lined mountain road. Yes, I said FOUR HOURS and my feet hurt as proof. When I came home, I got a phone call from a boiler room offering me a vacation for World Mark. I've always loved World Mark vacation time shares and have wanted to sign up. I always have big dreams that are elusive. Sometimes it feels so close and then it all fades away. I should have told the World Mark guy the blunt truth. No, We don't qualify. We live on a fixed income because my husband is disabled. I can't afford to come to the presentation. I can't afford the gas money. I can't even afford to go to the store for groceries. Pretty pathetic.

I can't afford to volunteer because I don't have the gas money to go anywhere and I don't think you should volunteer when you need to work hard to bring in money. I don't seem to be getting anywhere. My dreams keep going up in smoke. I always dream big and have big ideas. My imagination runs wild with what I would like to do and where I want to travel.

I don't have any health insurance. I had cancer in 1993 and I haven't been checked in years. I've had stroke symptoms and sometimes my chest hurts. I'm morbidly obese. So how do I deal with this? I try to exercise, eat healthy, and do what I can each day that is possible and positive for me. That's all I can do.

I try hard to do what I can do within the limits of my life, like walking the four hours yesterday. I've read eight books this month so far. I'm working on the 2/3 of my juvenile novel and getting the chapters finished for my cruise mystery novel. I sent in a restaurant review about McGrath's Fish House on July 23rd for my direct mail marketing class with American Artists and Writers and I'm waiting to hear back. I'm waiting to hear back from Writer's Digest Magazine about an article I submitted. I work on my garden and I have corn almost ready. I have a lot to be grateful for but dreams are elusive. All my Big Ideas seem to be going nowhere. Maybe it's okay. I still have food in the cupboard. I have the opportunity to write, read, exercise, and garden. No, not everything is the way I want it but I guess I should be grateful for what I have and can do. A lot of people are having problems right now. I'm not any different from any of them. Why should I get the gold ring I'm always reaching for? Friends are missing from my life. I'm living a centered life supposedly, and maybe if I keep working hard eventually something good will happen. Maybe someday............................

Barack Obama as President is my hope for my dreams and a better life.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Race and prejudice in politics

I don't understand how someone could NOT vote for someone because of their skin color. I am listening to the news and reading articles of people who say they won't vote for someone who is black. These people who say they are good people, Christian people, and yet they have hate in their heart and have the cancer of prejudice in their heart. No one can say they follow Jesus, love the message of Christianity, and hate someone because of their skin color. God made everyone of every color and race. We are supposed to get along and be kind to each other. We are supposed to support one another and be happy for someone who is doing well.

Senator Hillary Clinton

I'm happy that Senator Hillary Clinton gave a powerful speech calling for unity of the Democratic party and asking for all Democrats to vote for Barack Obama and Joseph Biden but she didn't take it far enough. A lot of her speech was all about Hillary. She didn't address all her criticisms directly that she spouted off about Obama during the Primary. To be honest, her speech was lukewarm and she didn't do what she should have done to bring the party together and to support Barack Obama.

Barack Obama is the most qualified. He graduated first in his class at Harvard Law School. He was good enough to make megamillions on Wall Street, if he wanted to be greedy and think of himself. We're lucky that such a brilliant man is willing to put himself out there to help solve the problems in the United States.

Clearly we need change in this country to stop the destruction of the last eight years of our economy. We need health care for all. We need jobs in America. We need to protect the environment. We need a strong United States of America. We need a strong dollar. Our country can't take four more years of Republican leadership.

We need to unite as a party and get out the vote for Barack Obama who is a brilliant and strong leader who will be one of the greatest Presidents in the history of the United States.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer

Governor Brian Schweitzer from the great state of Montana gave a powerful speech tonight for Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention in Denver. Brian Schweitzer is a leader to watch. He's charismatic. He's a strong and powerful leader with a vision of America that needs to be heard. The Big Sky state of Montana has a powerful leader who I'm sure will find a spot on a national ticket in the future.

I'm proud that Montana has such a strong leader since I was born in Libby, Montana, and lived there until the end of my third grade year. It makes me happy to see that the great state of Montana is alive and strong with leadership equal to any state in the United States. Go, Montana! Go forward Governor Brian Schweitzer with great success!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Visions of the Future

The show Visions of the Future on the Science Channel with Michio Kaku inspires hope in my heart for the future. Science has the answers to make this world explode with possibilities to make everything so much better and beyond belief for everyone. Superconductivity enables trains to travel on air using less energy than regular trains. Carbon nanotubes will allow us to build highways into space and allow NASA to build a space elevator making space travel common.

This is possible--the technology is here. We could build roads that allow cars and trucks to travel on air. It would revolutionize transportation. This could be our future. We don't have to be backward and rely on fossil fuels. We don't have to destroy our environment and drill for oil. We can solve problems with science.

Michelle Obama

I am so impressed with Michelle Obama. What a genuine, sincere, kind, and nice woman! She is brilliant, yet isn't the kind of woman who drives her own needs in front of others. She believes in service. I can't think of any woman at this moment who I feel even reaches her level or even comes close to her. She is everything that I admire and hold dear. She is a role model for every woman. She's a wonderful mother. She's a brilliant attorney. She's a good person inside. She's a wonderful wife. She serves our country and willing to put herself out there as First Lady. She's willing to make sacrifices to stand next to her husband, Barack Obama as the President of the United States.

Michelle Obama gave a powerful speech at the Democratic Convention this evening. At this time in my life, I have no close friends or a best friend but I know that I want a best friend just like Michelle Obama. I think she is perfect in every way. I admire her so much and she stands for the values that I believe in. I can't imagine any person in this country not being moved by her speech. I don't walk in her circles and I can't afford to do a lot of things but I do know that I would follow her anywhere to serve and do what she asks. I believe in her and she inspires hope in my heart for this country and for me.

Senator Edward Kennedy

Tears streamed down my face as Senator Ted Kennedy spoke tonight at the Democratic National Convention. I've always admired Senator Kennedy and the Kennedy family for all they have stood for and what they have done to serve our country. His speech was powerful, just as powerful as I have seen him over the years on C-Span in the senate fighting for this cause and that cause to help people in need. The Kennedy's could easily have sat back and enjoyed their money. In spite of tragedy, they have chosen to put themselves out there to make our nation better and to help all people.

I admire Senator Edward Kennedy. One of the reasons why I will always love him is because he wrote to my son, Aaron and sent a photograph. Aaron sent him a Valentine one year when he was young. Senator Kennedy took the time to personally sign a photo of himself and send a letter to Aaron. I will always treasure the photograph.

The Kennedy family has always been in a high place in my list. When I started my homeschool and created the curriculum, I thought of Mrs. Rose Kennedy. I thought of the Kennedy children who were given the best of everything in life and went to Choate. I felt my children were also the best and I tried to figure out what the Kennedy children would learn within the Kennedy family and at Choate. I tried to pattern my curriculum after what I felt the very best and privileged children in this country, like the Kennedys, would learn in school.

Senator Edward Kennedy came to the Democratic Convention despite severe health issues. He came to serve, to unite the party, to tell about his admiration and support of Barack Obama. His speech was powerful. Senator Kennedy will always be one of my heroes. I wish I could learn at his feet and at the feet of people like him. I am humbled by his service and his life, as I am of all the Kennedy family members.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Acai Berries

I was doing a Google search about acai berries since I want to plant an acai palm in my yard. Why, you ask? Because the juice of the acai berries are supposed to help you lose weight and because of it's high antioxidant content. What did I learn? I learned that it is best to eat acai berries fresh because the products available on the market have a fraction of the antioxidant content. You need to be able to have rainforest weather to keep one of these palms with year around temperatures no lower than 50 to 70 degrees. I was thinking that I would need to build a four story house with a central indoor garden with all floors overlooking this palm as it reaches up 90 feet. A little spendy for my budget just to get fresh acai berries so I need to start thinking of something else. I know....anyone out there who is living in Arizona or hot enough year around weather needs to start thinking about planting a cash crop of acai palms and selling it on the U.S. market for people who want to eat healthy.

It you want to learn more go to http://growacai.com/

Pesto

I made some fresh pesto yesterday to put on pasta. Have you ever made some? Do you want to know how? Okay...I'll share the recipe.

I went out into my garden to pick about two cups of basil leaves. I washed them and put them in my food processor. Then I added 1/4 cup of pinenuts, three garlic cloves, 3/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, and about 3/4 cup of olive oil and then I buzzed it until it was smooth. I know what you're thinking.....all that olive oil...yeah, I know. I guess it really has enough calories for quite a few days so this is not an every day event but it really is good. I have found it is best fresh.

My Garden

I'm not having any luck trying to download photos to my blog this evening so I will tell you about my garden, rather than show you.

I have corn taller than me. I crowded the rows so I would have lots of it. My favorite foods are corn on the cob and watermelon and I planted both. I'm not sure how the watermelon is going to do this year though. I also have pumpkin, different kinds of squash, cucumbers, Swiss chard, tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, carrots, and lots of other stuff. The apple tree is loaded. This spring we planted several dwarf cherry, pear, and peach trees plus blueberries, raspberries, and table grapes. We have an acre in garden, but not all the space is used this year. Next year I have bigger plans. We have 2 1/2 acres in trees. Next year I want to plant pecan and walnut trees plus more blueberries, thornless blackberries, raspberries, table grapes.

I want to make sure that we have lots of food growing since we live so far from Corvallis [45 minutes away or 25 miles], gas prices are high, and it's fun to grow your own food. Plus I don't want to starve since I'm not working anymore. My husband told me that all the money was gone at the 4th of the month. I found out later that he was holding back a little. All this is making me food insecure. My answer? Grow lots of food and write every day.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Obama and Biden

What a great combination for the Democratic Presidential ticket! Joseph Biden is a great choice. They will work well together. Both are strong, brilliant, and can handle anything that comes at them. Barack Obama is going to be a great President and Joseph Biden will be the supporting Vice President who will work hard to accomplish the goals of the Presidency.

We need Barack Obama as President and Joseph Biden as Vice President. We now have a 9 trillion dollar national debt, thanks to President Bush. We need Democrats to the rescue of the United States to protect the Constitution, the people of the United States, jobs, and the environment. We need to end the war and not start any new ones, like McCain wants to do. We need to make higher education affordable for everyone. Health care needs to be available for everyone for prevention. Change is needed so people can dream again!

I watched the debate between Obama and McCain. What did I think? What was my overall impression? I loved Barack Obama. I thought that McCain lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps war. If McCain gets in, he is determined to play soldier with his buddies no matter what cost or price to the United States. McCain is more of Bush and maybe worse.

We need Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. The perfect presidential ticket for the Democrat party to charge forward and win.

My Blog

I have been having the worst time trying to connect to my blog with Internet Explorer. This is the first time I've been able to connect. Hurray! I checked Adsense and it says that I made zero money so I am certainly not going to get rich with this blog. Zero in two weeks is not getting anywhere very fast.

Each time I try to connect to blogger with my great speedy dial-up, it takes me about 20 minutes from the time that I put in my password until I finally get to the dashboard. Frustration all in caps. I get messages that Internet Explorer can't open the site. Why? I get messages that my cookies are disabled. Not true. It says Java Script is disabled. Not true. I have to sign in twice and it makes repeated clicks and loops. All this boils down to 20 minutes as I remain calm but wish that someday I could have a normal Internet experience where everything works!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Robert Downey Jr.

It was fun to see Robert Downey Jr. on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson the other night. He's off the charts brilliant in front of the movie camera. Now he's also a director. He's in the new movie Tropic Thunder that came out on August 13th. Go see it in the movie theater for the full effect with popcorn and pop in front of the giant screen. In this movie Robert plays a character from Australia. He was also in Iron Man. Next he will be Sherlock Holmes. I hope that he casts Craig Ferguson in the movie. He'd be brilliant and perfect in any part.

I loved watching Robert Downey Jr. opposite Calista Flockhart in Ally McBeal, one of my favorite shows of all time. Just where are the reruns?

I remember many, many years ago watching Robert Downey Jr's father on late night television smoking away being charming and great too, just like his son.

Disney

Disneyland and Disney World are the happiest places on earth. I agree. I love anything Disney. Here are my five perfect children. Aaron is in the blue and yellow knit shirt. Joe is in the green shirt. Daniel is in the multi-stripe shirt. Benjamin is in the navy blue shirt. Gretchen is in the light blue polo top. We used to try to go to Disneyland several times a year. We all went to Disney World once when my kids earned the 7 day trip for selling newspaper starts to the Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon. Always great memories with Disney. Always the perfect vacation.
Sea World was another favorite vacation attraction for our family. This was Sea World in Florida near Orlando. Aaron is on the far left with Daniel in front. Gretchen is in the middle with Joseph in front of her. Leslie, my husband is in the back on the far right with Benjamin in front of him. Where am I? Always taking the pictures.

Daniel Haber

Daniel Haber is a Super Hero who can do anything, accomplish anything, answer anything. Super Daniel's mind is quicker, brighter, better. He reads and everything merges with answers when needed. He's clicking with answers. Daniel can handle anything that comes at him. He can brilliantly solve any problem with inventive solutions and get results. My son, THE DANIEL is laid back with that easy going personality that can talk to anyone, like when he was the President of Sigma Pi in college to being part of Compete Columbus composed of leaders of Columbus, CEO's, and Presidents of Fortune 500 corporations now. When he works, one hour of output is ten times greater than anyone around him. Daniel is a shining super star that shines all the way to distant galaxies. Just a fact.

Daniel is working for Battelle in Columbus, Ohio and is attending The Ohio State University in the part-time MBA program. He is a member of Compete Columbus composed of all the leaders in the Columbus area. Columbus, Ohio is a major U.S. business and science hub for innovation. Exciting things are going to come from Columbus. Sit back and watch.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Oregon College of Education

This is a photo me when I was in college. I graduated from Oregon College of Education in Monmouth in the summer of 1970. It's now called Western Oregon University. My Bachelor of Science degree is in Social Science and Corrections with a minor in special education.

Tap Dancing

I used to take tap dancing lessons. I also took ballet lessons when I lived in Libby, Montana. I had the outfits complete with Shirley Temple curls. I used to dress up and pretend. I had costumes of a nurse and all kinds of different outfits. I had a wonderful and happy childhood.

I was always a real ham. I still am. I love to be in the middle of everything and up front. Now I live in the middle of nowhere.

Baby Photo

This is one of my early photos when I was a toddler in Libby, Montana.

My Children

Here's a photo of my five children. Starting on the left is Joseph, next to Gretchen who is reading a Care Bears book. Daniel is sitting on Gretchen's lap. Next to Daniel is Benjamin. On the end is Aaron.
Here's a Christmas photo of the boys and our Saint Bernard, Nana. Joseph is on the left, then Daniel. Aaron is on the far right and Benjamin is in the middle. We were living in our house in South Salem on the corner of JDavid and Summerfield. These photos were taken in the mid-80's.

Richmond Elementary School

This photo was taken at Richmond Elementary School in Salem, Oregon. I'm the blonde in the middle. On the far right is Dennis Blanchard. On the far left is Corrine Craft standing next to Sue Crothers. Corrine died. Her best friend was Sylvia who owns the Quilted Forest on Commercial Street in downtown Salem.

I've known Sue Crothers since the 4th grade. I remember being invited to her house one weekend for a barbeque. Her father is a doctor and had the most amazing library. I was so impressed with the library with floor to ceiling bookcases on all sides of the large room. I've always wanted a huge library. Years later when I talked to Sue, she said that one thing that she always remembered about me is that I always had lots of pencils and paper when I was in school. That's still true.

I haven't seen or talked to anyone in a long time.

What was great about Richmond Elementary School was that Matilda Gillis was the Principal who was also one of the editorial advisory board members of Highlights Magazine for Children. My Mom always subscribed to Highlights for me to read.

It was during this time period when I used to write screenplays. I would write television scripts for the show, Gunsmoke.

My Dad

This is a photo of me and my Dad in Libby, Montana. My Dad was State Commander of the VFW in Montana. He served in WWI in France. This photo was either taken in Libby or another city in Montana when he went to a meeting. My Mom took the photo. She was the state musician and played the piano for everything.

My parents would go to lots of meetings in Montana. My Dad would buy me 10 comic books and $1 worth of penny candy. I would sit and wait for the meetings to be over. I was perfectly happy with my comic books and penny candy so I didn't care. They also held state leadership positions in the Masons.

Christmas in Libby, Montana

This was taken at Christmas of 1951 so I was almost four years old.

Benjamin Leslie Haber

Benjamin Leslie Haber is coming to Alsea this weekend. It's always exciting to see the Golden Boy. Ben works at Zymo Genetics in Seattle and he's working on cancer drug research. He graduated from Northwestern University in biomedical engineering, which is in Evanston, Illinois.

Ben is also an elite distance runner and is sponsored by Seattle Running Company. Ben's nothing short of amazing, brilliant, and perfect. That's just a fact.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Roller Skating and the Olympics

This is an old photo I found. I used to love to roller skate. This is a photo of me and my roller skating dance partner.

I was looking at the Beijing Olympics and the event was beach volleyball. There are so many Olympic events these days. I remember when I was in junior high or middle school that they were talking about roller skating being added to the list of events to participate in the Olympics but it didn't happen. I don't understand why. I was very disappointed. I used to spend weekends and some evenings during the last part of elementary school and junior high at a roller rink in Salem, Oregon. I started to enter regional competitions and won the first medal for free style and two medals for dance. I loved it. I especially loved dance. The free style test for the first medal was very easy--just 3-turns and simple twirling or spins, nothing fancy or complicated. The dance was so much fun. I used to read the correography in a book that had diagrams for the dances that we had to learn. The testing was at The Oaks Roller Rink in Portland for the regional event. Some of the dances had 3-turns in them and you had to go backwards and turn in addition to doing different moves with your feet. It was a challenge and I loved it.

If ice skating is an Olympic event and ribbon twirling is an Olympic event, WHY in the world isn't roller skating an Olympic event? It's such a wonderful outlet for young people. It's great to have competition. It's wonderful to work for medals and ribbons. It's great exercise. It's easier to build roller skating rinks than ice rinks. It includes more kids. It's a much harder sport than ribbon twirling.

For the sake of young people everywhere, why don't you please reconsider allowing roller skating to be an Olympic event? I've always thought how much fun it would be to own a roller rink. I'd skate most of the day. I would be skinny and happy, but then I sure wouldn't get many novels written. Oh, I know....I could skate for three or four hours every day and then write my novels.

The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson

This last week was snake week on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. When my children were little, my son, Aaron, had a pet king snake. One time I found it at the bottom of my clothes hamper. We had lots of pets when my kids were young.

Two weeks ago was shark week. About three weeks ago, I read an article in the Smithsonian about sharks and how they were misunderstood. I read that they were curious and the easiest to catch. I remember when my children were at home in the mid-80's. We were living in Salem, Oregon. I was at a TAG (talented and gifted) meeting at South Salem High School. The mothers who were there were all asked to pick an animal that they wanted to be. I picked a shark to the horror of those who listened. I picked a shark because a shark doesn't get hurt and is able to protect themselves. I figured that a shark is fearless and no one bullies a shark. My answer sure didn't go over very well. I wasn't asked to explain my choice. That ended any hope of friendship right there.

I watched several shows during shark week on the Discovery Channel. It was fascinating. Did you ever consider that the big tooth grin of the Great White just might be a smiley face?

Saving Grace

I have started to watch Saving Grace on TNT that comes on television on Monday nights at 10 p.m. It's a powerful drama that is about a detective who was sexually molested by a Catholic priest when she was nine years old. This abuse went on for a year and a half. This priest molested 27 other children.

Detective Grace played by Holly Hunter says, "Act like a tough guy? Get treated like one. I want to bust the world wide open....I want to engage with people, with lovers, and fellow cops. I want to be physical and I want to ask the big questions. I want to taste the tastes and fix the problems. I want to run head long into chaos and bad guys and darkness and pranks and fun and laugh, laugh, laugh. I want to be the best friend, the greatest aunt and the most complicated daughter. I want to be the mystery in the room and I want to be known. Embrace your grace."

I first learned about this show while watching The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Holly Hunter was on the show and they mentioned Saving Grace. After checking Craig's bio, I learned that Craig Ferguson wrote the screenplay, Saving Grace. I haven't seen it yet but I want to.

Relgion has covered up so many sins. When a young boy is molested by a priest, it is a double betrayal. If the young boy goes into the priesthood and prays on his knees for peace, and then in turn molests other little boys and girls, this tells me that it is a dark cancer that continues. It must stop because it has destroyed so many lives. In my opinion, anyone who has sexually molested a child should be given the death penalty. It should NOT be allowed to happen again.

Go to www.embraceyourgrace.com and share your stories.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Donny Deutsch

The Big Idea on CNBC with host Donny Deutsch is my favorite show and is important for anyone who wants to learn how to be successful in life and business. On every show Donny has guests who are CEO's and business leaders who have written books on the topic discussed. This daily hour with Donny on CNBC is packed with important information that will help anyone who cares about learning and moving their life forward towards their goals. All topics having to do with the work place, managing people, and leadership are discussed, like body language and conflict negotiation to name a couple. Deepak Malhotra, a professor from Harvard Business School who wrote NEGOTIATION GENIUS is a frequent guest on the show.

The Big Idea is exciting and I wouldn't miss it. Donny Deutsch is dynamic, exciting, brilliant, and he's so handsome. He's taken on the leadership role with the help of other important business leaders to help people during these difficult economic times with proven advice and tips for success.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama is the ONLY candidate running for President of the United States, as far as I am concerned. He has already shown that he is presidential. He has the respect of the world. He is a brilliant man. He listens. He leads. He's the BEST candidate.

In my opinion, Barack Obama will be listed among the greatest Presidents of the United States. We can no longer afford to be careless about our choices in the political arena.

We need Barack Obama during these difficult economic times after President Bush has run our country into the ground. How many trillions of dollars are we in debt now? Gas prices are higher than they have ever been. Foreign countries are buying up our land and businesses. China is loaning us money. How could anyone even consider voting Republican after what we have just experienced with eight years of President Bush?

Carl Sagan

I've been slowly reading Carl Sagan's book, THE DEMON-HAUNTED WORLD: SCIENCE AS A CANDLE IN THE DARK and taking notes. I've always loved Carl Sagan. I loved watching his series on television, COSMOS and the book with the same name. I copied some important quotes at the beginning of the book about science, critical thinking, and democracy. Here are a few that I thought were important:

"...The most we can hope for is successive improvement in our understanding, learning from our mistakes...." p. 28

"...Abandoning science is the road back into poverty and backwardness." p. 38

"Mistrust arguments from authority," is one of the great commandments of science. p. 28

"The values of science and the values of democracy are concordant, in many cases indistinguishable. Science and democracy began--in the same time and place, Greece in the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. Science confers power on anyone who takes the trouble to learn it....Science thrives , indeed requires, the free exchange of ideas; its values are antithetical to secrecy. Science holds to no special vantage points or privileged positions. Both science and democracy encourage unconventional opinions and vigorous debate. Both demand adequate reason, coherent argument, rigorous standards of evidence, and honesty. Science is a way to call the bluff of those who only pretend to knowledge. It is a bulwark against mysticism, against superstition....It can tell us when we're being lied to. It provides mid-course correction to our mistakes. The more widespread its language, rules and methods, the better chance we have of preserving what Thomas Jefferson and his colleagues had in mind....If we don't practice these tough habits of thought, we cannot hope to solve the truly serious problems that face us--and we risk becoming a nation of suckers, a world of suckers, up for grabs by the next charlatan who saunters along." p. 38-39

"Keeping an open mind is a virtue--but as the space engineer James Oberg once said, 'not so open that your brains fall out.' Of course, we must be willing to change our minds when warranted by new evidence. But the evidence must be strong. Not all claims to knowledge have equal merit." p. 187

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Beijing Olympics

8-8-8 is the start of the Beijing Olympics. How exciting! China has moved mountains to make everything nice for everyone who comes. The Chinese government and people have made sure that everything will go well and that everyone will have a special time.

I remember when my husband and I visited China in September of 1993 for 18 days on an Ocean Pacific tour around China that ended in Hong Kong. It was wonderful to see China and to learn about the country. My husband had always wanted to visit China and walk on the Great Wall so we did. We had a wonderful time and I will never forget it.

At the time when we visited China, they were already building freeways and highrise hotels to get ready for the Olympics.

To everyone who has the opportunity to see China at the Beijing Olympics............have a good time, relax, be grateful for the opportunity to visit China, enjoy all the Olympic events, and show respect to the Chinese people who have worked so hard to make it so nice for you.

Paris Hilton

I just watched the new political commercial for Paris Hilton. I think it's great. You go girl! You are brilliant at marketing. You're hot. You own any stage you are on. You look great. You can express yourself well. Go for whatever you want in life.

Your commercial was a brilliant move and puts you front in center. I think it's great.

I listened to Bill O'Reilly tonight make disparaging comments about your commercial. I've listened to David Letterman interview you in the past and make condecending comments. I say....go forth and be strong. Be who you want to be. Make a difference.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Mary Rosenblum

I just got back my last assignment in the mail today from the Long Ridge Writer's Group. http://www.longridgewritersgroup.com/ I've been taking the novel writing course with Mary Rosenblum. I'm so grateful for her help throughout the course. She wrote the text for the novel writing course so I couldn't have had a better instructor.

Mary Rosenblum writes science fiction and mysteries. She's an award-winning writer and this weekend is at the Willamette Writers Conference in Portland, Oregon teaching workshops. www.willamettewriters.com Inside the Willamette Writers brochure, it says: "Mary Rosenblum has published eight novels and more than 60 short stories with major magazines since 1990. She has been a Hugo finalist and a winner of the Compton Crook Award as well as short listed for a bunch of other awards. She lives and writes on country acreage where she also trains dogs for tracking and sheep herding trials. Her novel HORIZON from Tor Books and the 'drylands' collection, Water Rites from Fairwood Press, are on the shelves now." http://www.maryrosenblum.com/

I wish I could be at the Willamette Writers Conference. Maybe someday. If I work hard and get this novel finished, maybe I can next year.

I'm working on a cruise mystery. Mary suggested that I put it in the romance suspense category which sounds like fun. I love the idea of writing travel mystery/suspense novels because I love to travel. Although I can't afford to travel right now, this is one way I can travel the world and have fun sitting right here on my acreage in Alsea.

I'm very encouraged by Mary's letter that I received in the mail today. "You have a classic romantic suspense/mystery here. It really will sell....I think this would make a marvelous series." Now all I have to do is be persistent, work hard, and finish it.

I've been writing every day and reading to support my writing. I exercise by walking up the mountain road behind my house and I garden. That's my life. I can't afford to go anywhere but my life is full and I'm having fun with my writing. Now I'm working to finish this mystery/suspense novel. I couldn't have done it without Mary's help. Thanks, Mary.

Craig Ferguson

I sure enjoy watching Craig Ferguson. He has a brilliant mind. He's funny and perfect just the way he is. I'm grateful that at least once a day I laugh when I watch The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Craig started out as a drummer in a rock band for several years. Then switched to acting. In 1995, he came to America to star in the ABC Comedy, "Maybe This Time" with Betty White and Marie Osmond. He has written two feature films. He's a director. Now he has finished his first novel, BETWEEN THE BRIDGE AND THE RIVER.

Craig Ferguson does it all and does it well. He makes everyone laugh. He sure makes me laugh every time I watch him. The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson is essential television as far as I'm concerned.

Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons was on the David Letterman Show on Friday night. I watched it just because Richard was going to be on the show but I'm never pleased with how David Letterman treats him. It was fun to see Richard. He just turned 60. David Letterman is 60. I'm 60.

I dug out all my Richard Simmons videos that I have purchased over the years. Yes, I'm a big Richard Simmons fan and have enjoyed his aerobic concerts sweatin' to the oldies through the years. He makes exercise fun. He cares. Most of all Richard Simmons makes you smile and laugh.

Here's what I have purchased over the years:
Richard Simmons Get Started
Sweatin' to the Oldies
Sweatin' to the Oldies 2
Sweatin' to the Oldies 3
Sweatin' to the Oldies 4
Broadway Sweat--Aerobic Musical Workout
Broadway Blast Off--A Get Up and Go Workout
Groovin' in the House--An Aerobic Concert
Dance Your Pants Off--An Aerobic Concert
Tonin' Uptown
Tonin' Downtown
Tone Up on Broadway--A Complete Toning Workout
Stretchin' to the Classics
Day by Day with Richard Simmons--8 Videos

I've also subscribed to his newsletter years ago through the mail and I have two Deal-A-Meals.

Richard Simmons is now working hard to make sure that physical education is in every public school. Physical education and exercise is essential for health for everyone. Take a look at his website at www.richardsimmons.com.

Big Brother

I watch Big Brother on CBS. Craig Ferguson on the Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson had Julie Chen from Big Brother on his show the other night.

I've seriously considered submitting my application to be on Big Brother. I think it would be fun but I'm old and fat.

It's interesting to observe how everyone reacts under all the different conditions in the house. Some get angry. Some rant and rave. Some are quiet and watch. Some are sneaky and lie. Some manipulate. Some show character and integrity. Some are kind and nice. Some are fun and playful. It's all there. There's no hiding in the Big Brother house.