Sweet Sunshower

Do you guys read all the way down on the Groupons? There’s this cat at the bottom, that’s really funny. Here’s the one from today:

Remember the time when you heard of cancer but didn’t really know anyone who had it? I feel like it was maybe 20 years ago. You knew what it was. You knew some ppl survived it, and some died from it.

I feel like that’s the cycle that’s happening with guns now. We hear of this gun violence, but most of us don’t know anyone who was directly shot.

I say “we” & “most” in thinking that most ppl who may read this blog are likely middle class, & don’t live in the inner city. For those in the inner city, they know at least a half-dozen folks that have been shot (perhaps even themselves). 86 gun shootings a day.

Now, go back to that time you heard of cancer, but didn’t personally know someone with it. Perhaps in the 80s or 90s even. But no longer.

I hope this same phenomenon of familiarity w/ a killer does not repeat itself with gun violence.

OMG. Ppl are upset about Hostess shutting down. Like, for real?

C’mon. You cannot be surprised? First of all, let’s talk simple economics:

- Little Debbie makes comparable products to Hostess (swiss cake rolls are ho-ho’s, for example), for less than 1/3 of the price.

- most ppl who would regularly buy these products are going to be lower income folks (not to judge, but just an empirical observation). So, would prob opt for the Little Debbie brand in lieu of the overpriced Hostess brand. Esp in this economy*.

*by “this economy”, I mean that the middle class is making less money, while paying a higher percentage of taxes than a decade or so ago.

I’m seeing posts on fb where folks are asking why Obama is not bailing out Hostess. What? You want to bailout a stupid company that lives in the 80s?

They are comparing the auto bailout to the Hostess situation? The auto union & the big 3 auto CEOs worked together & approached the govt for assistance.

The Hostess situation was a stalemate b/t their union & the administration.

Also, when the 3 CEOs did ask the govt for the money, there were a series of Congressional hearings. At the 1st of which, Pres Obama chastised them for obviously not being serious about getting back on track b/c they each flew to DC separately in 3 private jets; so wasteful. The 2 situations aren’t comparable.

Forget that it was really Bush that started the auto bailout. Obama did go along with it, but was very clear about being tough on them & only when they showed that they were prepared to take serious steps to save money & improve their product (that is, evolve their product for the new age – fuel economy & pricing), did he facilitate the process. The congressional hearings. B/c a president can’t really (technically) “bail out” a company – it’s Congress that does it.

And the auto industry employed almost a million US workers. Not 18,000. And Hostess already went bankrupt twice, once in 2004, and again in January of this year. This was inevitable. Ppl that are even bringing up President Obama in any of this just want a reason to blame Obama. If he did bailout the company (which again, would never happen b/c the company didn’t even want a bailout), those ppl would have a problem with THAT too!

And Hostess? I don’t think I’ve had any Hostess snack cake in over 20 yrs. It was a matter of time… capitalism… supply & demand. I hope that Americans are becoming more health conscious that Hostess (unless they changed their product), would become defunct. We deserve better than what they produced, I think…

Have you guys heard about this guy, John Metz? He is a Denny’s franchise owner who’s decided he’s passing along a fee to the customer that he doesn’t have to pay anyway. So, essentially, he’s simply trying to increase his profit by 5%.

“If I leave the prices the same, but say on the menu that there is a 5 percent surcharge for Obamacare, customers have two choices. They can either pay it and tip 15 or 20 percent, or if they really feel so inclined, they can reduce the amount of tip they give to the server, who is the primary beneficiary of Obamacare,” Metz told The Huffington Post. “Although it may sound terrible that I’m doing this, it’s the only alternative. I’ve got to pass the cost on to the consumer.”

But here’s the thing: He’s NOT paying any contribution toward his employees healthcare! So, he’s just pocketing extra money, whilst taking away from the livelihood of his employees 2-fold (by encouraging customers to tip less, AND cutting hours!).

He cut all front-end employees hrs so he actually doesn’t have to worry about paying for any insurance contribution. He’s not required to contribute to their healthcare since they’re all under 30 hrs a week. Then, he’s adding on this 5% charge for a penalty that he’s assuming might be added in 2014 – one that does not yet exist. He’s flat out telling customers to cut the tips of those servers since they will get they money via healthcare, which is a scam since he cut their hrs so they don’t need coverage! UGH! I can’t believe this guy!

What’s more. We’ve had tax hikes before, & we were sure to have them under a Romney presidency. But only President Obama was the 1st president in a century to pass healthcare (almost every president has tried for since Teddy Roosevelt). Most other companies do provide healthcare for their employees. These companies can too, they’re just too greedy.

Companies with a $3 Billion yearly PROFIT are upset b/c it makes an $8 million dent in their profit. Never mind that they gave away $10 million dollars of product. Ahem, I’m lookin at you, Papa Johns.

I have no issue with the GOP. I have friends that are Republicans, & I can understand the basic principles – small government. I just don’t necessarily agree with that b/c I simply don’t trust ppl or the private sector. I’ve seen too much corruption or folks/organizations/corporations try to “get away with something”.

Anyway, I still respect the ideas of the basic Republican. Not the racist ones. Or the selfish ones. Or the bigots. Or the haters. But the basic “small government minded” person.

However, I’ve made no secret of it, but the GOP has become corrupted in recent years. This happened years ago, when they went through a transition. When the Whig party transitioned into what then was called the Republican party. Here’s the deal though. I believe that what was then called the Whig (then Republican) party, was actually filled with what we think of as progressive, liberal thinkers. What we equate with today’s Democratic party.

There’s been a contamination of sorts into the Republican party over the last 150. More so in recent decades. By something called the Tea Party. This, I must say, is the DUMBEST group of ppl EVER. I’m sure you know why I’m saying this, but maybe 1 day I will elaborate & actually type out the stupidity I’ve heard from this faction. If I can stand it without getting a headache.

The Republican party is so different from what it was a hundred years ago, & I think it should change names to signify that it’s no longer what it once was. It’s been contaminated by the Tea Party & the Libertarians. They need to keep themselves separate, in their own separate parties.

There is a split in the current “Republican” party. There is no solidarity even amongst themselves. They need to kick out the others that are contaminating their party. Not just because they are corrupting the party, not just because of their obscene immorality, but because their extremism is turning ppl off.

Look at these numbers. Days after the election, there was a poll done within each party of who they think would make an ideal party candidate for President in 2016.

In the Democratic party, there is a clear front-runner. Almost 2/3′s of the party have a person in mind. There is a clear person in mind as 2nd choice, and nominal votes for others. This is normal.

Now, look at the Republican candidates’ poll. Not even a fifth of the party can agree on any 1 person? You can OBVIOUSLY see that their is a monumental split in the party. They can’t even come to a consensus among themselves. How do they expect the American ppl to go along with them?

Am I the only one who can see this? It’s so OBVIOUS.

Ok. I know I’m sensitive, but I need input from the rest of you here. Am I being overly sensitive here. I’m “D”. I’ve known “E” for almost 10 yrs, met him through Mr. T.

“E” is someone who has hugged & kissed me as a friend, even smelled my hair & would tell me how good it smells. He’s like a Tea Party person. Here’s our exchange, & what I demand from him at the end. Am I right to be offended, & demand an apology from him?

I’ve heard a LOT from him about Obama, how he’s a Muslim, and how all Muslims want to destroy everyone else. Crazy stuff. Using the word “infidels” and all kinds of lies posted online about Obama. So, I think emotions were high, & this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Or, I’m being too emotional? I put a bright arrow next to the parts I thought were jerky or racist or both.

There’s a poll at the end, & of course I want feedback, so please leave a comment! Thanks!

I’ve been compiling reasons why I’m voting for Obama, & thought I’d put them up in a public space so they can be viewed by anyone. So, this is a randomness.

The repeal of DADT.

“For we are not a nation that says “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell”.
We are a nation that says, Out of Many, WE ARE ONE.
We are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot.
We are a nation that believes that
“all men and women are created EQUAL”.
Those are the ideals that generations have fought for.
Those are the ideals that we uphold today.”

“‎”Obama fully funded the Violence Against Women Act, and supports its reauthorization.” -George Saunders“

‎”Obama is the first President in a generation to make a car go further on a gallon of gas.” -Adam Werbach

“Obama has made financing higher education easier.” -Emily Raboteau

“… he supports the idea that corporations should be held accountable for their actions through regulation, and should contribute to bringing down the national debt through fair taxation of their profits.” -Nate Mendel

EVOLUTION.
I need a Pres. that can evolve with the world. This is not flip-flopping. This is accessing the environment & your constituents, & making a decision that best suits the ppl of your nation at the time. B/c our world changes. We must adjust ourselves to it. Or we kill the world. Then what?”

THE ARTS.
The Detroit Symphony Orch had a CRIPPLING strike that lasted for MONTHS. It seemed like forever. Now, the Atlanta Symphony is in jeopardy. To the point where even administration there is at odds with board members. Maybe I’m more concerned about it b/c I do know dozens of musicians in these places. But I also know that Romney plans to ELIMINATE all (what he calls excess) funding for the arts.”

CANCER. I HATE CANCER. But I know that we are far behind other nations in research simply b/c stem cell research funding is so minimal or blocked. With Obama as President, we can continue stem cell research.

NATIONAL SECURITY. We need a leader that understands the importance of finding those responsible for atrocities against our country. And has a plan, not just going into a mission, but also an exit strategy so that our sons & daughters can be husbands & wives.

- Established a credit card bill of rights

- Required economic justification for tax changes

- Signed Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill

- Expanded Pell Grants for low income students

- Passed for-profit college restrictions
(For-Profit Colleges Are Bankrolling Romney to Keep Student Loan Money Flowing)

- Ended the ban on travel for those w/ HIV

“President Obama had everything to lose & nothing to gain by not publishing the photos of a dead body. It simply shows that while he has a priority to protect the nation, he carries it out w/ integrity.” – Etgar Keret

MILITARY/VETERANS

- Funded VA to help w/ Vets’ services ($1.4 B)

- Got better body armor for active combat troops

- Medical care was redic/nonexistent prior; he created the Joint
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program to fix/organize that.

- Put an end to Bush-era Stop-Loss policy (extension of duty once tour is done, often arbitrarily sent soldiers back just as they returned home).

- Initiated and signed a recruitment and employment plan, specifically designed to help vets get govt jobs; but also encouraged private sector to hire vets.

- Expanded VA budget to pay for more mental health professionals ($4.6B – not sure if you’ve seen Vet suicide rates, but they’re staggering!)

- Created Green Vet Initiative – w/ special funding to Labor Dept to train veterans in green jobs (expanding area).

- Supported & signed Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act – made $ available for better medical care for vets.

- Reauthorized (& funded) families of fallen soldiers to be able to visit when the body arrives at Dover AFB. (& ended media blackout on coverage of fallen soldiers – they deserve recognition for making ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms & beliefs)

- Improved housing for military personnel.

- Improved conditions at Walter Reed & other military hospitals.

- Changed the failing war strategy in Afghanistan, got an exit strategy in place.

- Increased pay and benefits for military personnel.

- Repealed DADT (I mentioned that 1 on a diff day already – worth
repeating).

- Made finding Osama Bin Laden a priority.

OIL.

Since President Obama took office, oil imports have dropped by an average of 1.1 million barrels per day.
- In 2010 domestic crude oil production reached its highest level since 2003.
- In 2010 natural gas production reached its highest level in more than 30 years.
- The U.S. has become a net exporter of fuels for the first time since 1949.
- The Obama administration has proposed a five-year offshore leasing plan that makes more than 75 percent of undiscovered oil and gas resources off our shores available for development, while putting in place common-sense safety requirements to prevent a disaster like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico from happening again.”

ENERGY

Pres. Obama more than tripled the govt’s investment in clean energy sectors such as the smart power grid, energy efficiency, electric cars, and renewable power. These investments are responsible for saving or creating 224,500 jobs as of the end of 2010.

- Electricity generation from wind and solar increased nearly 71 and 40.3% between 2008 and 2010, respectively.

- The Obama administration issued a conditional loan guarantee for the construction of the first nuclear power plant to be built in the United States in decades. Once constructed, it will provide enough clean energy for 1.4 million people.

- The administration funded the weatherization of more than 600,000 homes, saving low-income families an average of $400 in heating and cooling costs in the first year alone.

- Pres. Obama has set a 10-year goal to develop and deploy cost-effective clean coal technology, and to put online several commercial demonstration projects within four years.

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And randomness about Mitt Romney:

“Mitt Romney plans to remove regulations on air and water quality and cut off funding for the National Labor Relations Board.” -Marilynne Robinson

There’s 1 part of the Romney “47% video” that no one’s talking about. This part: “… use Ann sparingly. So ppl don’t get tired of her.” Really? I know you have no respect for women, but YOUR OWN WIFE?! Your partner, to be by your side, through “better or worse”. Like, when I hear Pres. Obama talk about his wife, mother, grandmother; you always hear respect. Maybe that’s why his policies on women is to not regulate them.

Mitt Romney is disdainful of “government assistance,” because he’s never known anyone who needed it.

“Mitt Romney is disdainful of “government assistance,” because he’s never known anyone who needed it.” – Moby
I’m a little surprised that this group didn’t correct Moby. Mitt does know someone who needed Government assistance – his parents. They did not make it on their own, they did not “built that”. They got help. Mitt doesn’t seem to remember, & I think that makes others think it didn’t happen.

The lying of the Romney-Ryan campaign. I can’t have a president that lies to me. Says one thing in the debate, but his website (in writing) says the complete opposite.

Romney wont release his tax returns. What’s he hiding?

Romney wants to dismantle FEMA & privatize disaster relief. He says it would be “immoral” to count on the govt to fund disaster relief efforts for its own country

Mitt Romney says he’s not going to raise taxes. But by “not raise taxes”, he means he’s going to increases taxes & fees. He don’t speak American. And I need a President that speaks American.

- economists say that his tax plan (to balance budget in TEN YRS) is mathematically IMPOSSIBLE.

- he says he has no tax cuts for billionaires (ie corps lining his pocket), but his website indicates otherwise, IN WRITING.

- for those of you college students, or w/ kids about to go into college, he’s getting rid of Pell Grants, and the Clinton tax credit for college.

- his advisors (same as Bush) are planning on having us go to war w/ Iran, which will def plunge us into a real recession!

- The GO(T?)P believes a baby should be borne of rape, but that in-vitro fertilization should be illegal? I’ve held/snuggled/kissed so many babies born via IVF, & the were miracles that the family longed for.

I know I’ve wanted to write my personal thoughts on various elections topics for a while now, but the prob is simply that I have no time.  I do have a lot on my plate right now, that I won’t get into, but I really don’t have any time to even get a decent night’s sleep. My dvr keeps warning me that it’s running out of space (less than 10% space remaining).  I just keep deleting stuff.

Anyway, I’ve been hearing a lot about all the environmental regulations from the GO(T)P, and how they’re unnecessary.  I have to tell you, they’re not unnecessary.

This is a typical young female in India. Covering her face while outside, to protect complexion & skin from pollution.

Do you know why women in India wear head-scarves covering their faces? B/c it’s the easiest (& most fashionable) way to cover their mouth & noses & still have their hands free.  The alternative is wearing a mask.  There were areas we visited in India where we simply had to cover our faces simply to breathe.  The pollution is so bad in the cities b/c there is no regulation/enforcement to have clean air.

The water is not drinkable. I remember seeing a table on the front page of the newspaper in Ahmadabad, listing the top 5 water-borne illnesses, with increases # of cases of each over the years next to it.  We’re talking serious illnesses, diseases like dysentery (amoebic & bacterial), cholera, diarrhea (plus gastrenteritis), typhoid (plus paratyphoid), polio, hepatitis A, ascariasis, guinea worm, schistosomiasis.  It’s not good, folks.

RO water filter at my aunts’.

Luckily, my families there that I visited all that RO filters (reverse osmosis) for drinking water.  Once we left home, it was only bottled water.  And we learned how to inspect bottled water very quickly.  There were street vendors that tried to sell us bottled water for Rs. 20, but upon close inspection of the “seal”, it was evident that the bottles had been refilled & the seal was melted back together to make it look like a new bottle.  When you’ve been walking around the Taj Mahal in 105 degree heat all day, most ppl won’t squint their eyes at those tiny perforations on the seal of the water bottle.  They’ll just glance at it, & notice that they heard the seal break when they twist it.

We need these regulations to keep our health safe.  Especially since we don’t live in a country with free (or even affordable) healthcare.

Now, even with these pesky environmental guidelines in place, we’ve still managed to do well by our country.  The republicans are concerned about oil production.  Well, we’re producing oil.  Only with safety checks in place (so we don’t have another BP oil spill).  Those pesky regulations are keeping the oil workers safe!  Bleah, bunch o’ pansies, huh?  Well, no worries, we’re import less oil than ever before; down to less than 50% now, on track to be at 25% by 2016, and could be at ZERO percent by 2025 if the next president stays on track!

What does that mean?  Well, for starters, we don’t need Romney opening up the Keystone pipeline, like he’s promised to do.  You already know how I feel about it!  And we don’t need it!  What we do need is to be able to breathe, and drink water.  10% of the US does not have easy access to drinkable water.  Let’s not let that number increase.

We’re doing some redecorating at my parents’ house, & I’m just using this space to put some gallery layouts down.

I think we’re going to go with the last one in the 2nd row. I like the consistency of the similar frames (all being black), but it’s not too matchy or rigid. The black frames would go w/ their wall clock, and the black frame around their tv.

Unfortunately, I just bought them a digital photo frame, and it’s got a brown frame. Wah-wa! Oh well. It’s dark brown, maybe we can paint the frame or something.

The last one (the clock) is an idea I have for my own home 1 day. That way, I always know what time it is in India & Phoenix (where I have family that I call all the time). The beauty being that those 2 locales don’t observe daylight savings time, so the # of hours difference changes, and I won’t need to change the clocks!

Sometimes I am directed to stuff on Craigslist, and it’s good stuff. Stuff I want to share, but since so many have already linked to it, & the poster is likely being inundated w/ emails, they take it down. So, here a screenshot of the latest.

I know he says “strictly platonic”, & I reckon he means it. He’s very focused on his song.

But it got me thinking. What if you were really into something? Like reeeeally into something, & you were looking for a mate, & it’d be awesome if that mate was really into it too? This would be a great way to put out something specific you’re looking for, without a commitment or “dating” game stuff, and just see if organically evolved into something more.

Also, I’m wondering if I could go to the Sly Fox on Karaoke nights to see if his dream ever came to fruition. But alas, I simply don’t have the time for that. So, if someone wants to report back, that’d be awesome!