Stress

Last night I watched the special on stress called KILLER STRESS, A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPECIAL. After last night I wonder if my telemeres are long and capped or short and frayed. Stress kills.

A 40 year study in England showed that civil servants display chronic stress when they are at the bottom of the hierarchy and it lessens as you go up the ladder. If you have no social status, no support to say "you're great," and make less money, you are wallowing in the dumper of stress that breeds disease and early death. This research shows how our social standing can make us more or less stressed.

Even baboons in East Africa who live out in the middle of no display chronic stress. They use three hours of their day to find food and use the rest of the time to make each other miserable and cause social stress. The primates with the most power show the least stress.

This tells me that it is important if you are a new parent to make sure your child is one of the chosen. Make sure your child is positioned in the best schools with the best teachers so that he goes to one of the best universities to get the best job so he will have the best friends and all the good things the world has to offer. Otherwise he will suffer from chronic stress.

Everyone needs to find something that they can feel good about and take pride in. Everyone needs to develop a talent or ability to counter stress. Exercise is a great way and eating healthy. Do all you can to keep those telemeres long and capped. Don't let your chromosomes unravel. Better yet go to www.livestrong.org. We can't all live the wonderful life without stress. Live Strong will help to give balance and teach how to get rid of stress.

Live Strong

The Lance Armstrong website www.livestrong.org is a tremendous resource for everyone who commits to living healthy. I just took a look at it last night and I'm so impressed with everything it has to support anyone wanting to lose weight, eat healthy, and exercise. There are great articles about all areas of healthy living. Take a look and join.

Community Planning

Someone in Congress needs to draft a bill to pass legislation that all new housing developments constructed from now on meet criteria that plans for the future. All homes need to have solar panels and green roofs. They need wind mills in the complex that provide energy for all the homes. Laws need to be passed that only energy efficient vehicles can be used by the citizens. Walking and biking trails need to be throughout, [not used by any motor vehicles] with access from the homes to schools, all shopping, and recreation. This is what I would do if I were a member of the House or Senate.

CNBC and Hunt for Black Gold

I watched part of the HUNT FOR BLACK GOLD on CNBC hosted by Maria Bartiromo last night. I enjoy watching CNBC for news and for business. I am astounded by the decisions that are being made by leaders of business and government regarding our future. If peak oil was reached in 2005 and a steady decline of world oil is on the horizon, why did Mike Coyle of Chevron in Richmond, California say "we need to be looking at alternative energy?" Isn't this a little late to just put it on the agenda? These leaders in their field have known about this for years. They have the charts and graphs. They have the studies. Why are they just talking about it now? They aren't DOING anything about it. We should have done something about this crisis years ago. Since Chevron purchased the most expensive off-shore oil drilling rig in history in 2006, it doesn't look like they have plans for alternative energy. They are putting their money on oil and want to drill, drill, drill.

Sarah Palin wants to drill, drill, drill in Alaska. She says that Obama is naive about thinking we can find all answers in alternative energy. I disagree with her. This is an energy emergency. One expert on this show said that they have drilled 240 dry holes in the arctic and that we've already drilled for 40 years. He said that it looks like swiss cheese up in Alaska.

The United States has 2% of the oil but we use 25% of world oil. Not a pretty picture. Something is wrong here. Don't tell me that they didn't see this coming. Why didn't they plan for it? Here Bush wants billions of dollars handed over as a blank check to his buddies right now in Washington. I'm interested to see if the Senate and House are dumb enough to vote for giving carte blanche to Bush and his cronnies.

Why wasn't an energy plan put into place years ago to make the United States energy independent? What are they doing in Congress? If the big oil companies in the United States are expected to lead the way to alternative energy, they aren't doing it. 5% of world oil is owned by American private oil companies. 95% of world oil is government owned by the big 6--Iraq, Iran, Saudia Arabia, India, Venezuela, Russia. Isn't China included? The 95% big six are not friends with us. They are unpredictable and politically unstable. One person on this show said that we are a "nanosecond away from some crisis in the middle east" that could threatenen the supply of oil to the U.S. Why, oh, why haven't we made responsible plans for our future? The chair of petroleum and geosystems engineering department at the University of Texas said "the dream is over. It's over forever."

Then I hear last night that one of the Arab nations [I don't know how to spell it] is developing alternative energies to sell back to us. The program is using new technology, solar, wind, and energy efficiency. Boy, are we idiots or what? And when we are supposedly at war with these countries and they are supposed to be our enemies as told to us by Bush, then why did I read in the Corvallis Gazette Times that Oregon State University is sending engineering professors to start a school to teach students and future engineers in Iran. This doesn't make a bit of sense to me.

I haven't heard one mention about MDI, Motor Development International in Nice, France who has developed the air car. The brilliant engineer has developed a car powered by compressed air that moves the pistons. Clean, breathable air is emitted. It uses gas to compress the air to move the pistons. It only takes one tank of gas to drive all the way from NYC to LA. The new air car will be available in 2009 for around $14,000. Australia is also developing technology with air cars. The air cars and trucks that are being developed sounds like the best answer and no one is talking about it. Why? Are we in bed with the Arab nations? Did Bush sell out the United States years ago?

We need to vote for Barack Obama. We need to wake up and start looking at the facts and not listening to spin from the Republican party who wants to rob us blind. The stock market tanked. Banks are failing. How much more needs to happen before people wake up in this country?

Bill Maher

I enjoy watching Bill Maher. I don't have HBO right now so I can't watch him. If I could change his show and have the opportunity to watch him, I would take out all the guests. I want to hear Bill Maher, not everyone else. I want to hear his take on political events and life. One guest is fine. One at a time but so many all together pollutes the full flavor of Bill. His brilliant mind, slashing wit, and uncompromising truth telling is refreshing.

I just did a search and I see that Bill Maher is going to be on Conan O'Brien on the 30th so I'll watch. I always watch Craig Ferguson. I'll record them both.

Neil Cavuto

I really like Neil Cavuto. I've watched him for several years on and off. He's now on the Fox Business News Channel. He's brilliant. He asks the difficult questions. He's thoughtful. He doesn't spin the facts but has the courage to look at the truth to try to figure out what's going on and how to find a solution. He's perfect just the way he is. If you want insight into what's going on in business, tune in to Neil Cavuto on Fox Business News.

Fashion Bug

Fashion Bug is a great place to buy clothes. My husband loves to shop and he brought home some of the nicest things for me last year. Everything was on sale. Practical and easy-care tops to wear anywhere. They have cute everything. Take a look around. Look for the sales. Look at the clearance racks. Find the perfect dress, blouse, or pair of pants at Fashion Bug.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Bed Bath and Beyond is a great store. My husband loves to shop there and so do I. However, at this time, I have no money to do any shopping so I just stay home. The last thing that my husband bought there was yellow rubber duckies to put on the bottom of the shower so I don't slip and fall. They're so cute.

This store has everything for the home and the kitchen. If you need something for your kitchen, go to Bed Bath and Beyond because it's there. They have it. When you're perusing recipe books and you need an odd kitchen tool, go to Bed Bath and Beyond. When you want a great gift, go to Bed Bath and Beyond. It's also a great place to look around to dream and plan for what you want to buy next.

Wealth

Is it possible to become wealthy today? I read the other day that the three secrets of wealth are to make more money, invest in items that appreciate, and don't buy what you don't need.

Rising gas and food prices make it difficult to even keep even in this economy. Unemployment is up. My husband told me that he saw on Fox News a former mortagage broker who is sleeping in a parking lot in her car in Santa Maria, California. She has been homeless for 6 months. Abandoned homes are taken over by gangs. The police watch the parking lots in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria where new homeless people sleep in cars. Boy, what a different place and how things have changed. San Luis Obispo used to be a upscale, wealthy community. It is hard to believe this is happening.

How do you invest in things that appreciate right now? The stock market tanked. You used to be able to buy a home and have it appreciate but now homes are depreciating.

I don't think that people are buying extras right now, unless they are rich. Everyone is having a hard time just putting food on the table and gas in the car.

I think it is always possible to make it better for yourself but it takes more work to learn what you need to do at this time. You must be creative. You must work hard. You must save whatever money you get. You must be competitive and do everything better than the next person so your skills are wanted and needed. There is always hope for a better tomorrow but it is a little harder to do it now.

The one show on television that is really helping people today find ways to make it is The Big Idea on CNBC with host Donny Deutsch. He's despensing valuable information. I have tried several times to call or e-mail but I haven't heard from anyone. He's helping so many people. I think that this show is probably the most important show at this time.

Boston Legal

I love watching Boston Legal created by David E. Kelley. James Spader is the ultimate attorney when he closes in the courtroom with passion using the perfect argument to win impossible cases. The character James Spader inspires. This is the last season. When it's gone, it's gone but you can always go out and buy the DVD's of each season.

I wonder what Kelley is going to write next? I loved Boston Public and Ally McBeal. Everything he writes is cutting edge and out of the box.

Second Life

I love to watch the Science Channel and see all the things that is possible on the show Beyond Tomorrow. The website Second Life looks intriguing. Linden Lab is headquartered in San Francisco, which is the home of Second Life. This virtual world, created by Philip Rosedale, allows the participant to escape into another life. It is not a game. There are no levels or scores. You exist as an avatar, a virtual representation of yourself. You can fly. You can build a house, buy items in a store, create a business, and make real money. 1000 linden dollars equals $3.00. At the time the show was made there are 150,000 users and this website is growing 10% a month. The membership is free.

This is for busy people who don't have time to socialize and it is for people who for some reason do not have opportunities to interact with people. One woman makes her living on Second Life. She spends 12 hours a day and never talks to a real person.

I looked at the website but I don't have DSL so it doesn't work for me to try it out. It encourages businesses and schools to represent themselves on the website so take a look at www.secondlife.com.

Human Behavior

I find it so interesting and intriguing that people can be so mean and unkind to one another by manipulating, name-calling, shunning, and think nothing of it. They don't claim responsibility for what happens. They don't feel like they did any thing wrong when they turn their back on people who need help. They don't feel like they did any thing wrong when they gossiped. They don't feel like they did any thing wrong when they knew someone needed a friend and didn't take the time to extend a hand. They didn't feel like they did any thing wrong when they were selfish and didn't share. Instead of talking and communicating, it is easier to assume you know the answers. People want to believe answers that keeps them guiltless and protected.

I remember visiting in a nursing home and listening to an elderly heart-broken woman waiting for her daughter to visit. "She comes to town to visit her friends," she said. She was so sad that she didn't get an hour with her daughter.

People pass by the homeless on the street and ignore them as if they are invisible. They pass by the homeless and feel no responsibility to help them. And yet if enough support systems are cut away, many could be homeless. Are they really so different than anyone else?

Young people who feel a lack of support for their dreams deserve better. Now it is in the news that the national drop out rate is 25%! That's horrible. Everything should be done so that all children and young people find success in school so they can have a better life and make their dreams come true.

Lonely people are left alone. There is a collapse of values in this country. No one cares about the other.

People who want to be in control ignore offers of help to make things better in schools or in a community. I think we are in a place in this country where we need everyone to work together to make things better. I think we need to be kind to each other.

Economy Collapse and Bail Out

Years ago when $100 was missing, all employees had to take a lie detector test. Years ago when my husband was a manager of a finance company, this was common practice. Now millions can be stolen from a business and no one bats an eye. Now business leaders who steal are given million dollar severance packages to leave and keep their mouth shut.

Years ago when high interest rates were charged, it was called usury by loan sharks. Now it's acceptable business practice by banks and credit card companies.

Years ago when you used to qualify for a mortgage loan, you had to provide proof of income and a down payment. A few months ago, you could get a loan without any proof of income and a loan would be more than the property was worth.

Now people act surprised that the economy and market sector is collapsing in on itself. If people truly didn't see it coming, they shouldn't have held these positions of fiscal responsibility. They knew it was coming and they were getting rich off of it. President Bush allowed this to happen so his friends could get richer and richer. This is the result of failed Republican policies.

Corn

Corn on the cob is one of my favorite foods. Yesterday I picked six and look forward to eating corn for the next few weeks from my garden.

Craig Ferguson

I look forward to watching Craig Ferguson, the star of The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson every day. Not all shows on television are funny but this one is. The show last night on Thursday or early Friday morning didn't record. Something went wrong. It only recorded the first seven minutes, right after the cheeky monkey beginning. It had a message that said that "this station is temporarily unavailable" but it didn't ever finish recording. Sorry I missed it.

Craig Ferguson is a funny guy and keeps America laughing. We need more laughter in our lives and Craig Ferguson does his part by making sure that we have a daily dose of fun. Thanks, Craig. I hope you are on tonight.

Alan Alda

On the Wednesday night show of The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Alan Alda was a guest hawking his new paperback out called THINGS I OVERHEARD WHILE TALKING TO MYSELF. It sounds like a good book. I remember watching the science show with Alan Alda as host but most of all, I remember Alan Alda from MASH. It was a great comedy.

My husband's cousin by marriage, David Haber, was an architect and set designer. He designed the sets for MASH. David Haber also designed the MacDonald's play yard structures. David Haber passed away. He was married to Carol Goldberg [later changed to Olbur] who is my husband's first cousin. It is a strange coincidence that she married someone with the last name of Haber. I didn't ever meet David or Carol Haber but I always wanted to. My husband told me that they once had Jerry Lewis over to their house. When my husband, Les visited their home in the LA area, Carol had acting classes in their home. It sounds like they were interesting people.

Run for your Life

My son, Benjamin Haber, who is an elite distance runner sent me the following link to a U.S. News and World Report article:

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/08/11/run-for-your-life.html

What this article basically says is that the myths that running causes joint damage is baloney. It says that "older runners live longer and suffer fewer disabilities than healthy non-runners."

So I wrote back to Ben to say I would give it a try today. What have I got to lose? Nothing. I am convinced that there are only two people in the world who care whether I live or die--my sons Benjamin and Daniel. My husband cares but he's not the most uplifting person since he's sick all the time. So I thought I would give it a try today and I did. First thing, I ran and walked in front of my house on South Fork Road for 12 minutes. A start. Then when I walked up South Mountain Road this morning, I ran and walked all the way down. I usually walk only two miles. I walk one mile up to the place above a rock quarry with a gorgeous view and then I walk back down. Usually it takes me an hour and a half to almost two hours because I walk slowly, look around, watch rabbits scamper into the brush, look for birds, take photographs, and enjoy being outside. So this morning it took me 53 minutes to walk up to the stump at the one mile mark and it took me 28 minutes to run and walk back home. How come I feel so much better? Running makes me feel great. Ben is right. I need to start running. He's always tried to encourage me to run. It is amazing to me that I could feel so good and not breathe very hard coming back down South Mountain Road. It felt great. Running heals everything. Running is good. Running means health.

AIG

Bailing out AIG isn't going to make it all better. It's the tip of the iceberg. So did we borrow more money from China or are we printing worthless money to bail out AIG? What happens when the credit cards default that starts more bank failures?

Corvallis, Oregon is supposed to be one of the more affluent cities in Oregon and the United States. So how come when my husband shops four times a month going to six stores for bargains that the stores are empty and the clerks say, "that's the way it is now."

Our country's economic structure is headed for collapse and bankruptcy. I don't think we've seen anything yet. We can thank the Republican party, President Bush and the unbriddled greed of crooked leaders of business. Do you really want to vote for any candidate who wants to privatize social security and put the social security trust fund in the hands of business idiots who have caused the choas in the housing market, the stock market, the banking crisis, and the failure of large corporations?

Part of the problem is that large corporations allow top managers, vice presidents, and board room members to vacation at work by taking the big salary, delegate their work, play golf, and not earn their pay. This allows all kinds of crooks to manipulate the figures and the books, and steal. Read all about it in EXECUTRICKS by Stanley Bing who outlines how to retire while you're still working. This needs to end now.

Another thing that needs to end now is paying off CEO's who fail and who steal by rewarding their failure with million dollar severance packages.

Ronald Reagan said that communism takes away your right to fail. Even the Reagan Republicans who have allowed all this to happen don't listen to their leader. Our country is broken and Republicans are responsible.

We need change. We need the strong leadership of Barack Obama to get our country out of the mess caused by failed Republican policies.

James Patterson

I've been reading a lot of James Patterson lately. I love his novels. Since August 6th, I've read 12 books and out of those, 5 have been by James Patterson. I can recommend the following books with enthusiasm and tell you that you will become addicted to his books too, once you start just one.
SAIL
SUNDAY'S AT TIFFANY'S
WHEN THE WIND BLOWS
ALONG CAME A SPIDER
THE LAKE HOUSE

Craig Ferguson

I love to watch the Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He makes me laugh. He makes me happy with his boyish grin. I really loved seeing his sister, Lynn Ferguson on the show. She's fun, clever, and I'd love to be part of her group of friends. I also loved seeing his brother on the show. He was cute too and so talented. I can see that it must have been fun to be part of the household of Craig Ferguson growing up.

One of the best shows of Craig Ferguson was the other night when he stood up for voting and learning about candidates. I thought at the time at his eloquent speech that Craig Ferguson could run for office and win, just like other celebrities who care about our great country and want to make it better.

Senator Gordon Smith

Senator Gordon Smith is running for reelection. Will I vote for him? No. One of the main reasons is because of his voting record in the Senate, because he hasn't protected Oregon, and because he's a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS or a Mormon. Oh, you say, that's not nice to consider a person's religion. Well, if you had my experience, you might think twice. My husband tells me about an attorney who defends perverts and criminals who brags on Sunday that "I can get anyone off!" My husband heard him in this church in Corvallis. Is this really the kind of ethics you want to vote for? Oh, you say, one creep doesn't make everyone a creep. Well, I disagree because a lot of financial scams comes out of Salt Lake City. I've seen first hand the duplicitious behavior and the situational ethics. I've had my fill of it.

Senator Gordon Smith who is head of Mrs. Smith's frozen pies regularly pollutes the environment here in Oregon. Does he clean up his mess? No. The Pie Man pays the fines instead. Over and over he continues to pollute. Do I respect this? No.

The Willamette River should be full of salmon and trout. The Willamette River should have lots of little row boats with men fishing on a Saturday or Sunday. Does this happen? No! If you get close, it stinks. Pulp and paper mills, chemical industries have poured their chemicals into this river for years. We need to clean up Oregon, clean up the Willamette River, protect the environment, have universal health care, protect social security, protect children, end the shame of having homeless people, halt unbridled greed and unethical behavior, and protect the Constitution of the United States.

Privatizing social security will be the end of social security. Banks are failing right and left right now. Bail outs are unprecedented. Republicans just want social security money to keep it going a little longer. When the money goes, the elderly will be out on the street living under bridges eating out of dumpsters. Senator Gordon Smith doesn't want to protect social security. He wants to privatize social security. Bah, hum bug!

Walking

I've been walking up South Mountain Road for the last month quite regularly. I've lost only 5 pounds. I've also been trying to eat healthy and count calories.

Here's what I've done:
August 17--Sunday 1 hour, 20 minutes
August 18--Monday 1 hour, 30 minutes
August 19--Tuesday 1 hour, 36 minutes
August 23--Saturday 1 hour, 47 minutes
August 25--Monday 1 hour, 58 minutes
August 25--Monday 2 hours, 23 minutes
August 26--Tuesday 4 hours, 16 minutes
August 27--Wednesday 1 hour, 55 minutes
September 1--Monday 1 hour, 28 minutes
September 4--Thursday 1 hour, 46 minutes
September 5--Friday 1 hour, 40 minutes
September 7--Sunday 1 hour, 50 minutes
September 8--Monday 1 hour, 20 minutes
September 9--Tuesday 2 hours, 3 minutes
September 10--Wednesday 1 hour, 43 minutes

I think that most people would lose weight doing this but not me. I heard on the news about new research about the European fat gene. Well, I guess I got one of those. They said that you need to exercise and sweat four hours a day in order to keep your weight down. So I guess I need to up the amount of time that I exercise every day. The only time during this month period that I lost a few pounds was August 25 and August 26 when I exercised for four hours each day. Sometimes I wish I lived in an apartment across from Timberhill Athletic Club where I could swim every day and take classes. I would also use the elliptical runner for one hour every day. I really wish I could afford a gym quality Precor Elliptical runner at home. It would be great.

Daniel Haber

Daniel is my youngest son. This week he's in Washington, D.C. taking a week-long class on doing business in Washington for his MBA program at Ohio State University. I talked to him a couple of nights ago. He visited the House of Representatives and the Senate where he heard Senator Hillary Clinton speak on behalf of her transportation bill. How exciting and inspirational!

I love Washington, D.C. There is so much to see. Some of the greatest museums are there, like the Smithsonian. My husband and I visited the city in June of 1995 for eight days. I loved seeing the Supreme Court, the Senate and House of Representatives, the Smithsonian, the Holocaust Museum, the Lincoln Memorial. I loved it all. History is everywhere in Washington, D.C. and I would love to go back someday.

Conversations with Michael Eisner

Conversations with Michael Eisner is a new interview show on CNBC. It is smart, bold, and edgy. It is just Michael Eisner with his choice to be interviewed. He is respectful but asks the difficult questions that elicit insight and reflection. This is the best interview show I've seen.

Sarah Palin

On the cover of the September 15th issue of Time Magazine is Sarah Palin with a feature article. After watching her during the Republican Convention and on other news shows, and reading this article, I have real concern about her as a candidate.

First of all, what does it say about John McCain who selects a running mate after meeting her once and is surprised by secrets? Obviously, he is impulsive and didn't fully check her out.

As mayor, Sarah Palin asked the library about banning books. As a lover of books and an staunch advocate who believes the library shouldn't ban books, this deeply concerns me.

It says in the Time article that "she has continued to play down social issues as governor." What does this mean to me? This means that the average person in the United States is not going to be better off or helped with Sarah Palin in office. The rich are going to continue to get richer and it means four more years of the same failed Republican policies, maybe worse.

Sarah Palin doesn't want anyone around who doesn't agree with her. She gets rid of them. The Time article said, "Palin stands accused of sacking the state's top cop because he wouldn't fire Wooten, a state trooper who is in a messy custody battle with Palin's younger sister.

I will NOT vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin. I see this right wing extremist ticket as a danger to the United States, to the freedoms of this country, to the Constitution, and to the people the government is supposed to protect and help.

As a Centrist and member of the Democratic Party, I will proudly cast my vote for Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. Even Sarah Palin's husband's step mother is considering voting for Barack Obama!

Assisted Suicide

Oregon is the assisted suicide state. I couldn't object more. This is the antithesis of everything a doctor stands for. Recently in the news a woman with cancer was told by state health insurance in Oregon that they would not pay for treatment but they would be glad to pay for assisted suicide. Wow!

I have grave concern for babyboomers in the years ahead who get sick in this country. AARP reports that many older people with medicare and other insurances are having problems finding a doctor who will help them.

The answer, if you aren't lucky enough to be rich, is to work hard at keeping yourself healthy by exercising, eating healthy foods, and destress.

Project Runway

I searched for this show at the suggestion of Craig Ferguson who is the host of the Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I'm so glad I found it on the Bravo Channel.

This is a fun, off-the-charts creative reality show. The challenge for the show I watched was for a group of young fashion designers to design wearable garments from Saturn car parts. Yes, I said car parts! The group loaded up tail lights, seat belts, upholstery, and other stuff in carts and their imaginations started turning. Within hours, designs were drawn and garments were sewn. I love this show. One judge told one young woman who won the competition that her dress was good enough to take to Paris.

Project Runway reminds me of the clothing design class and competitions at Oregon State University when the students used to come into Joann Fabrics in Corvallis where I used to work. It was fun and exciting to wait on these students and listen to their dreams for the future and see their designs.

Ratatouille

I finally got to see the Pixar animated movie, Ratatouille. It fills my heart and inspires. As the restaurant critique in the movie said, "The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations, the new needs friends....not everyone can be a great artist but a great artist can come from anywhere." I believe that too. What a great movie to watch again and again.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Cats or Dogs?

I was recently thinking of getting another dog. I love basset hounds and saint bernards best, but then I started of thinking of the waking me up in the middle of the night to let them outside and the walking even when I didn't want to go for a walk. I decided I'd stick with my two indoor cats who are low maintenance.

I do miss having a basset hound. I had two that I really miss--Howard and Humphrey. I got Howard as a puppy. His ears flopped into his water dish. When he walked, his ears hung to the floor almost. He was adorable and I always loved him. He could sit up on the couch with a paw on the side, just like a person. He used to drag his blanket around with him. We used to go for long walks. He went from one side of the sidewalk to the other sniffing bushes. Sometimes he would wander over to lick a cat. Howard had pizazz. He was named after Howard Stern. I figured it was appropriate, a Jewish long-eared dog with chutzpah. I always liked Howard Stern too. Now he's wealthy with a beautiful young wife in the Hamptons. Happiness to you always, Howard Stern and to my Howard the greatest of all basset hounds.

Air Car

There is an engineer in Nice, France who has been working on a car that runs on compressed air for the last 10 years. The company is MDI which stands for Motor Development International. It is a new kind of engine that is powered by air that can run at a speed of 110 kilometers an hour. Compressed air moves the pistons in the engine. Clean, breathable air is emited from the car. You can plug it into a home compressor to refill using only $2 in electricity for 4 hours. Gas is used to help compress the air. One tank of gas can take you all the way from LA to NYC. The cars are expected to be on the European market next year for under $14,000. This is the best hope I have heard about in awhile.

John H. Appelgren

This is my Dad, John H. Appelgren who was mayor of Wolf Point, Montana from 1926 to 1928. His photo hangs in City Hall. I just received this photo from my cousin, Victor Gess. My Dad was born in 1890 and I was born in 1948. Both his parents, my grandparents, were born in Sweden. I sure hope that someday I can visit Sweden. I know I will love it there.

My Dad spoke several languages, earned a degree in law and veterinary science by taking classes through the mail, and won a writing contest with Reader's Digest Magazine.

Reading Challenge

I was rereading ON WRITING by Stephen King. On page 145, he says, "I'm a slow reader, but I usually get through seventy or eighty books a year, mostly fiction."

Do you read seventy or eighty books a year? This is a challenge that is worth trying to meet and work towards. See if you can start reading two books a week. At the end of a year, you will have read over 100 books. You will be so proud of yourself. Just think of all the things you will have learned and great books you will have discovered.

When I was growing up, my Dad used to read the Bible every night. He used to read the entire Bible several times every year. He also read one western book every night. I used to buy him stacks and stacks of western books. Can you read a book every day?

J. A. Jance

If you haven't discovered J.A. Jance yet, the great mystery writer, go to your nearest book store and grab several of her books. She has created great stories and the characters you love to read about.

DAMAGE CONTROL, a Joanna Brady mystery, number 13, just came out in hardback on July 22nd, 2008 and JUSTICE DENIED, a Beaumont mystery, number 18, is now available in paperback. J. A. Jance publishes with HarperCollins.

I love the J. P. Beaumont myteries series because the setting is in Seattle, where my son, Benjamin lives. The Joanna Brady mystery series takes place in Arizona and is equally great.

If you want to curl up with a great mystery written by the BEST mystery writer today, buy several books by J. A. Jance. You'll get hooked, like me. Check out her website to see if she is going to be at a bookstore near you so you can get your books signed. Someday I hope I get to meet her too.
http://www.jajance.com/

Alsea Library

The Alsea Library is part of the Corvallis Library system. This means that because I live in Benton County in Oregon that I can check out any book I want from the library. The website is http://www.thebestlibrary.net/. It IS the best library system I have ever seen. They give great service and they have the BEST books on the shelves. When you browse the bookcases in Corvallis, you will find the newest books and every possible book in any topic you could want. It's amazing. The lady who set it up really knew what she was doing. She also set up the library in Seattle.

The only thing I would change in the Alsea Library is I would make it much bigger. There aren't any private rooms for study. It's one room where any talk disturbs anyone who wants to be quiet and just read. There aren't any individual study rooms for students or someone who loves to do research.

I'm grateful that we have a library in Alsea. It's needed. A library is probably one of the most important parts in any city. I feel it is essential.

The large room in back in the library is sometimes used for groups. Money is charged. Alsea is a little town. It would be better if the room could be used without any charge. We don't have a community center in Alsea and we need one. The last time I was at the library, I was asked to move with my laptop into the children's section. A few minutes later a meeting was held at the tables by city leaders. Evidently, they didn't want to pay the fee for the meeting room at the library.

I'm grateful for the great service and the opportunity to check out books from the library.

Windows Updates

My computer is slower than molasses. I have dialup. It's been several hours and we're downloading three critical updates. It's now at 51%.

Jet Pilots

In the Gazette Times this morning was a story on the front page about a pilot flying a Quantas jet and landing safely in the Philippines, even though there was "a hole the size of a small car" in the side of the Boeing 747. Wow! That's amazing flying. I wonder what happened. The pilot is a true hero. He's the kind of pilot that everyone wants to have behind the cockpit handling the controls.

Pilots should have a strong voice in whatever happens in the skies since they are the ones who know and they are the ones who are risking everything. If they say that they want enough fuel for an emergency, give it to them. If they need to rest, give them time off. Whatever they feel is necessary to fly a plane safely, should be given to them.

Philip Roth

I just finished PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT by Philip Roth. Before that I read EVERYMAN by him.

I laughed. I got angry. I was shocked at some parts. Most of the time I laughed through both books. He sees people from the inside out. I'm in awe of Roth's dialogue, internal dialogue, and brute honesty. Now I'm a fan.

Here's my new favorite writing quote:
"All you have to do is sit down and work! And so I set forth--sitting down--to become a writer who is dazzling, and with no reason to believe that where my desire was altogether naked and out in the open where nothing in me need any longer to be stilled or intimidated by the wish of others; where mine was the imagination totally in charge, I could not but become exactly what I wanted." by Philip Roth in PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT on page 282.

Craig Ferguson

I appreciate watching The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He's always funny. He makes me laugh.

It was nice to see Wayne Newton on your show. What a nice guy! He obviously has a kind heart since he loves animals so much. Wayne Newton is Mr. Las Vegas because he's a great entertainer.

I like the green sparkling jacket, Craig. Both are really nice. If you are in Las Vegas often, you might need both of them. The silver one is snazzy too.

Griffin House performed on your show. They're fantastic. Everyone needs to run out and buy their CD--Flying Upside Down.

Thanks for telling everyone about Carl Sagan's book, Craig. I just requested it from the library. I've always loved Carl Sagan. When I homeschooled my children, I bought four copies of the book, Cosmos by Carl Sagan from the Book of the Month Club for all of us to read out loud. I decided it would be a great astronomy text.

I love your show, Craig, just like the rest of America. You have lots of fans. I think you're perfect just the way you are. You must have been so much fun even as a little boy. I bet that when you went through school you had a hard time not laughing. I'm grateful you're on television. I'm grateful, like so many people, that you are here to make everyone laugh. You make me laugh.

I have to be honest that I really didn't like that lady from the X-Files. She kept picking on you with little comments. I didn't like it at all. You're perfect just the way you are and I hope you don't have any more guests like that on your show. You should bring your mother on the show. She could whisk away any guests like this with a duster. I bet she agrees with me.

I wish you were part of my family, Craig. The world needs more people just like you.

You need a band and everything you want from CBS, Craig. You deserve everything you want for making people laugh and bringing joy into people's lives. Bless you. You've captured the hearts of America. You've won. You did it. You're the funniest guy. You're the BEST!

Welcome to the United States of America, Craig! The U.S. is a much better country because of you.

Spring

The new water, SPRING, put out by Coke tastes sweet. It's my new favorite water. My water of choice. Now I'm spoiled. I'm working on my second case and I love it. Thank you, Coca Cola!

The Big Idea

I love watching the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. There is so much information packed in this show that is important to learn that I have to take notes. I'm glad I have Tivo so I can back it up when I can't keep up with the multi-levels of great information. It was nice to see Eric Trump. What an outstanding young man!

One big thing I'm learning is that it is important not to be too nice in business. In the last few years, this is the feedback I've received in the work place:
"You're too nice."
"You're a Miss Goody Two-Shoes."
"You care too much about doing the right thing."
"You try too hard."
"You try too hard to fit in."
"You're so enthusiastic."
"Sponge Bob"
"You're conscientious."
"You're friendly."
"You could sell anyone anything."
"You're too competitive."
"Your learning curve is phenomenal."
"Do you always smile?"
"Do you always see everything as positive?"

As a writer, I can be whatever I want. I'm working on developing a thicker skin, not smiling so much, and not being nice to just anyone who walks about. I'll be fair. I'll listen. I'm going to work hard at my writing to accomplish my goals. That's it.

Water Car

I was watching High Net Worth on CNBC and saw the new Honda car that uses water as fuel with no environmental damage. It must have a boiler and emits steam. Sounds promising. I wonder if they use sewer water that's been treated. It would be a super waste of precious water to use good water that is drinkable or that can be used on crops.

Yurt and Breakfast

I want to put up several yurts along the edge of our property next to South Fork Road. I want to have a Yurt and Breakfast. I could deliver baskets in the morning with muffins, and bottles of juice and water or people could pick up the baskets at the yurt I would have as a little shop to sell produce and things I make. I wouldn't even have to bake since I could go to Costco or buy muffins at the grocery store. I don't have the money to invest in yurts. I may have to just write a novel that takes place in Alsea where the main character has a yurt and breakfast. I think it would be fun. It would be a great home business. Now if I could just figure out how to make it happen.
http://www.yurt.com/

Hemingway

"Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer's lonliness but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his lonliness and often his work deteriorates. For he does his work alone and if he is a good enough writer, he must face eternity, or the lack of it, each day."
Ernest Hemingway--Nobel Prize acceptance speech

I wrote for 6 hours today and now I'm going to read.
Yesterday I wrote for 4 hours.

Writing

I got up at 4:44 a.m. this morning. I've been busy working on a writing project and having fun as words come together on the page. Yesterday was a productive writing day. I find that writing is essential for a good day. Writing nourishes my soul and allows my heart to heal. I'm grateful that I have the time and opportunity to spend my days as I want.

Consumers Power

Our electrical power comes from Consumers Power in Corvallis. They came out to Alsea two days ago to cut some branches that were obstructing a power line. After my husband asked, they were nice to give us the wood chips from the branches on our property. We're putting the wood chips around our blueberry bushes. Thank you Consumers Power!

Craig Ferguson

Craig Ferguson, the host of The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS will be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from July 24 through July 30. Everyone should book a flight to go to see him.

Who would I want to see in Las Vegas, IF I could afford to go? I would want to see Craig Ferguson, Elton John at Cesars Palace (7-23 to 8-2), Wayne Newton at the MGM, and Jerry Seinfeld will be at Caesars Palace from 8-8 to 8-9. I couldn't find any mention of Jerry Lewis appearing anywhere when I did a brief look around, nor did I see Chris Isaac who is an amazing performer.

I've never been to Las Vegas. For me, it doesn't have the aura of a happy place because my oldest son died in Las Vegas on August 28, 1995. Aaron worked at the Westward Ho and at Sam Goodie. He had a membership to the gym. He loved to work out. I talked to him the day before and he was fine. We got the call that said that he left his shift at the Westward Ho and took an overdose of pills. Les hired an investigator but it came up zilch, no information. The family wasn't allowed to identify his body so sometimes I wonder whether he was murdered or if he is in the cript in South Salem? I know we don't have all the answers. I know he didn't feel safe because he tried to find a way to leave. He kept asking everyone if he could live with them or if they would help him and everyone said no. Les said no and that's one reason why I have a hard time living with him. I feel it is left up in the air, unsettled, a mystery. I know there is nothing I can do about it but I need to know the truth for my peace of mind and for my children.

Aaron was amazing. He was smart, kind, creative, and fun. I will always miss him every day. As I write this tears are streaming down my cheeks. This is the way it is for me. Always missing Aaron.

Writing

I'm writing every day and reading every day since I'm staying home full time. I've been home a month since June 12th. After I committed to a full time writing schedule, I've finished two writing projects and got them in the mail. It's amazing what you can get done when you keep your rear end in the chair consistently day after day for hours.

Walking

I've been walking up South Mountain Road behind my house almost every day for at least 30 minutes. In addition to this, I'm working in my garden. I need to also include Gilad's Total Body Sculpt that I save on my Tivo and ride my exercise bike. So far no weight loss. Something's got to work eventually.

I had to give up my membership to Timberhill Athletic Club. I can't afford it since I'm home and not working. I miss it. I miss swimming in the deep water. I'm staying in Alsea so Timberhill isn't realistic with continued rising gas prices that are out of control.

I'll do what I have available to me and what I can do each day.

Willamette Writers

Another great issue of the newsletter for Willamette Writers came in the mail two days ago. Every month there are great articles, insights and wisdom for the writer. Even if you can't go to the meetings, it's worth it to join Willamette Writers just for the articles in the newsletter. It's like getting another writing magazine.

I love reading anything that Cynthia Whitcomb writes who is the President of Willamette Writers. I also love reading Jessica Morrell's columns. All of the contributing writers are great and amazing. Cynthia has such great insight into human behavior. I think that a great writer does and has to have this understanding in order to write great scripts and novels. I wish I lived next door to her and could have coffee once in awhile. I think she's perfect just the way she is.

I wish I could come to the Conference. I wish I could volunteer to be part of the ongoing process of what happens with Willamette Writers but I live far away and have zero bucks to make anything happen in my life that would be fun. I think you have to live in Portland to get the full flavor of Willamette Writers or you must have enough money to be able to travel and keep up with them.

I'm concentrating on the habit of writing every day for several hours and keep it up so that I can start turning out novel after novel. Thank you, Cynthia Whitcomb for another great writing lesson in the newsletter.

Craig Ferguson

The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson is back and I'd glad. I missed you, Craig. You make me laugh. You need to be on two hours a night, seven days a week. If you want to go somewhere and travel, CBS should follow you around and film you on location. You also need a band and a sidekick. I'll be your sidekick. That would be fun.

Rudy...this is a new development. I love it. You are going to get lots of great material.

Chris Isaak....I didn't know anything about Chris Isaak, until I watched him tonight on your show. He sang, "I'll go crazy." And I went crazy for Chris Isaak. What a great performer. I can see why he is a Las Vegas star. Go see him. It's worth going to Las Vegas just to see him. I had to rewind the Tivo 5 times just to watch him again and again because he was so fabulous. He's that good. He's got it all going on--sexy, great talent, nice, and an amazing entertainer.

Julie Andrews....I need to read her new children's book, Simeon's Gift. I find time after time that entertainer books or celebrity children's books are always amazing. I think it is because gifted and talented people have their gifts spill over into all areas of their life. No wonder they start coming up with writing great children's books.

I'm glad you're back, Craig. I need to laugh so I need you to be there. CBS needs to give you a raise and a band.

Time Magazine

Time Magazine brings world leaders and news into your home. The July 21, 2008 issue has Nelson Mandela on the cover with his lesson on the secrets of leadership on page 43. The article is by Richard Stengel. Words of wisdom from Mandela are liberally sprinkled throughout the article. The eight secrets are:
1. Courage is not the absence of fear--it's inspiring others to move beyond it.
2. Lead from the front--but don't leave your base behind.
3. Lead from the back--and let others believe they are in front.
4. Know your enemy--and learn about his favorite sport.
5. Keep your friends close--and your rivals even closer.
6. Appearances matter--and remember to smile.
7. Nothing is black or white.
8. Quitting is leading too.
One thing that I know is that in order to be a leader, you must have a support system of people who believe in you. You can't be a leader without it.
http://www.time.com/
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