Recently in On the Soapbox Category

We've had a couple of rainy days this week. We have had LOTS of gray days, but not a lot of precipitation. We live in this tiny dry micro-climate, and storms frequently slide just north or south of us. I'm sure that I80 and I88 direct the rain away from us.

I live in an area where a subdivision can not be built unless there is room for a retention pond to collect run-off from heavy storms. Whoever designed the ponds immediately to the east of us clearly needs to go back to school and take those lessons again.

The first year the ponds were created it became obvious rather quickly that the series of ponds, which interconnect, do not drain fast enough. Their response to it was to increase the size of the middle pond. All along the northern shoreline of the pond are homes with walk out basements, just waiting to flood.

So, with just two days of occasional heavy rain, the ponds have filled up to the point where you can no longer see the concrete culvert connecting two of the ponds, and with just a little more rain the last two ponds might overflow, and meet each other on the road between them. The homeowners must have interesting conversations with the developer when we finally get rain!

I think the developer might luck out this week. As I came home today, I could see from a ring of trash on the grass that one of the ponds has actually dropped eight inches or more. We've had gray skies, but no rain today, so perhaps it will drop some more.

I'm very surprised that they haven't had to increase the size of the tiles to allow for better drainage. Perhaps something downstream prevents them from opening up the flow. Dear Husband wondered if they have ever cleaned out the drains.

We're not in any danger. Our house sits almost at the top of a rise, and we are higher than the area that will flood. I'm just fascinated at the ineptness of designer of the pond, and the fact that the building department wasn't able to determine that the design was inappropriate. It ticks me off that my taxes pay for a department that allows problems like this to slide by.

I want to know who is responsible for the absolutely stupid idea that making our children feel good about themselves is more important than encouraging them to do the absolute best that they can do in school!?

When last I checked, life in general doesn't care how you feel about yourself. We're spending a lot of time worrying how the kids feel, and are ignoring basic education. These kids are going to be so sheltered that when they get out into "real life" they won't have a clue how to deal with it.

I've been very concerned for the last 25 years or so that we do not teach children that it is their responsibility to learn, and that we expect them to learn to the very best of their ability. The last year I taught, the students were told that to attend the party at the end of the year they had to have at least a C- average. Personally, I would have phrased the rule to read: The party will be open to those students who have earned As, Bs and/or Cs on their report card. Sorry...I got sidetracked there.

At the final teacher's meeting of the year, the principal announced that he wanted to let ALL the students attend the party. He felt the they should all have a good image of themselves, and be allowed to participate. There was dead silence in the room. I knew that I was not going to be returning the following year. I strongly suspected that I would not ever teach again, so I probably wasn't going to need a reference from this jerk, so I raised my hand.

I said that it was inappropriate to change the rules at the end of the year. Those students who had tried really hard and made straight Cs would see that those who had not made any effort at all were going to be rewarded. What type of incentive is that!? I argued that if they wanted to change the policy, they could change it for the coming year, but it was inappropriate to do it at that point. I can't recall whether what I said carried the day or not, but I still feel the principal's plan was short sighted.

Another thing I detest is promoting kids socially. If a student can not prove mastery of 70 percent of the material taught that year, the student should not be allowed to go on to the next grade. I understand the concern some people have that older students might inappropriately affect the development of the younger students. If you are really concerned about that, then you need to find a way to segregate those students who have to repeat a class. Either you put them into a restricted area where they are tutored individually or in groups, or you create one school in a district which would address the needs of those who need to repeat a class.

I know....that might tarnish their self image. Too bad! Several decades ago, a principal in a Chicago school announced to the eighth grade that those who were failing would be held back until they could prove that they had mastered 70 percent of the material that had been taught through eighth grade. The students had the last few months of the eighth grade year plus the summer to learn enough to test out of eighth grade and be allowed to go on to high school. Wonder of wonders, almost all of the students managed to accomplish that task! Those kids needed the appropriate incentive to get the job done.

Perhaps we need to set our expectations higher. Perhaps we need rules rather than guidelines. We should reward children who strive to do their best. Perhaps we need to be rewarding kids who are well behaved, who get to school on time, who do their homework, and turn in their papers. We spend so much time giving attention to kids who misbehave that we are failing those who really try. We need to find the carrot that will encourage those who are failing to WANT to be like the kids who are successful.

I think a lot of that improvement needs to start at home with parents giving their children more attention. We need to teach children that homework comes first, and then, MAYBE you can see TV, or play with whatever electronic thing is currently popular.

Heck....I'm running out of time and I haven't finished ranting! I'll have to add more later,but I have a lot to say about our young and how they are turning out. A simpler life might not be such a bad thing.

Remind me....uniforms, and fewer material possessions, and the library, and walking......

I'm very ticked! I have been listening to WGN radio all my life. It's a monster station out of Chicago that blows away all the competition with it's wattage, and it has ridden on the top of the ratings for most of that time. My favorite announcer was, and always will be Bob Collins. Unfortunately, we lost him in a light plane crash, and I suspect the the WGN ratings have been in a tail spin ever since.

I was really ticked when they canceled the Farm Show at noon, a number of years ago. I wrote a letter of protest at the time and got a canned response about the fact that they needed to address the new ratings system, and they had to provide programming that pleased those who live in Chicago and the collar counties around the city. Unfortunately, WGN has SO MUCH power that it reaches all the farmland in surrounding states, not just counties, and basically they felt all those people could go hang. I got what little I knew about the farm market from WGN, so I was set adrift, too.

Then, the trend was toward men who had stand up comedy background. I adjusted to Steve Cochran, but I thought it was the last straw when Gary Meyer (Mayer, Meier.....however you spell his name) was hired for the 1:00 slot. I figured I could listen to books on tape or CDs while I worked in the office,

Well...I was wrong about it being the last straw. That came yesterday morning when "The Girls" announced that the radio station was changing their programming, and that I was listening to their last show. I am so ticked! "The Girls," or Kathy and Judy (Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey) have been sharing the microphone at the 9:00 a.m. hour for twenty years. They are of an age where they may have wanted to consider retiring, but the station took that option away from them. What's worse, the station doesn't have anyone hired for that spot. There was NO warning it was going to happen, and when I went to the Website to comment, I discovered it has been totally revamped. There was a 'kiss off' note saying that The Girls last show was yesterday. They gave an address for the station e-mail, and when I got the last "Girlfriend Gram." I found addresses for both the women.

It takes a fair amount to get me to write a letter of complaint, but this succeeded. I understand demographics. I understand that what stations charge for their ad time is based on ratings, but rather than buck the system, WGN has let itself be cowed and now will sound just like all the other stations in town. It used to be a really big deal to be invited to work for WGN. I doubt it will be such a big deal in the future.

I expect to listen to the local classical music station a lot more now. I might tune in to the college jazz station. CDs, and cassette tapes of books will fill my day. I'm so sorry to loose a lifelong friend this way, but I think it's time we went our separate ways.

Goodbye WGN Radio, and best of luck, Kathy and Judy!

This evening, Dear Husband and I sat in the living room while we had a quick dinner. We were watching the news and there were two stories in particular that caught our attention.

First, at a Boeing plant in Pennsylvania, a Chinook helicopter going through final assembly was found to have cut wires. A second helicopter had a washer where it didn't belong. It gave me the chills to think that someone would willingly damage these helicopters, knowing that the crews who flew them might possibly die.

We both felt that this story was underplayed in the news. I checked for the story at CNN before I began writing tonight, and felt they had underplayed it as well. Perhaps there is a reason for this. It may be that they didn't have the details yet. They may have not wanted to speculate (although that doesn't seem to bother a lot of TV news departments these days). Perhaps Boeing was not willing to have their name splashed over the news for substandard products, although it was clearly an act of sabotage. They may have chosen to keep a lid on the story as security tries to determine what happened, and who might have had the opportunity to do the damage.

The second story was similar in a way, but was really one of local impact. Four or five students at a Chicago middle school vandalized the school. The news staff interviewed dozens of people from school staff and administration right up the chain of command to Mayor Daley. The school authorities have not decided just what will happen to these students, but there is discussion of expelling them from school.

Tables were turned over, books and papers thrown to the floor. Something was spread over, or ground into the carpet, and perhaps some equipment was damaged. All these things could be repaired.

If the students are expelled, just what does that mean? Will they be free to run around while the rest of the students finish out the last month of school? Will they be allowed to return to school next fall, and repeat the year, or do they have to find a way to finish the last semester on their own? I can see I really need to talk with my sister, Nan, who teaches kids "at risk." Her school provides kids with their last chance at a public education before they are asked to leave the system.

Dear Husband and I were of the opinion that in-school suspension, no extra-curricular activity, and time spent cleaning up either their mess, or other messes, would be a better choice than expulsion. By taking them out of an arena where they get any reinforcement for what they've done, and by making them work to repair damage, it would take the "fun" out of the rampage. Now would be a good time for these students to learn that you have to be responsible for your action.

Let me say that we are concerned that a story which has national impact received less coverage than this local story. While it occurred out of state, had the damage not been discovered, the sabotage would have increased our concerns about terrorism, and it could have had a global impact. Perhaps terrorists have found a subtle way to redirect our focus, forcing us to review all that we do. How can we know if we've hired a saboteur, or a patriot?

On the other hand, perhaps we need to focus on the local level. If we "nip it in the bud" as Barney Fife used to say, we might head off problems in the future. Could it be that once a kid finds he can hold a school district hostage, be goes on to bigger projects? Do saboteurs act to support a political ideology, or are they kids who were once vandals, looking for a bigger thrill.

I don't have the answers. As usual, I have a LOT of questions, but I certainly hope that those people who have chosen to work against society, be they child or adult, learn that you have to be responsible for your actions.

In yesterday's mail, we received a Notice of General Assessment. The Township Assessor and the Supervisor of Assessments have declared that our house has increased in value $80,000 in just one year! And that was in a year where economically things have been slow. We have not changed our house in any way. It's a year older, and needs some maintenance. There have been no changes to the area around us, that would make our house more valuable. The township simply wants to be able to charge more in taxes.

Our present manner of funding for education is going to drive the average homeowner right out of their houses and into the streets. We'll see tent cities like those in the depression, or homes where both husband and wife work will see third and fourth jobs becoming common.

Our General Assembly refuses to consider the people who elect them, and THEIR needs. Instead, they play political games which keep them from signing off on a balanced budget, and then they have the gall to complain that they are not paid a large enough per diem for the "overtime!" Meanwhile, our Governor takes pots shots at the General Assembly, trying to set himself up for re-election, and he's not doing anything for us, either!

Our taxes have increased a horrendous amount each year at a time when we are trying to save for retirement. Just who is going to support us when the money we've saved runs out? What is going to happen to people who are so strapped by the taxes that they can't save?

We've been paying into Social Security our entire lives. Unfortunately, by the time we reach the age when the Federal Government allows us to draw on Social Security, I doubt there will be a cent left, due to mismanagement by the government. Add the cost of medical care, and the war, and things look pretty grim.

I'm not a happy camper today. I doubt I'll be a happy camper until SOMEONE turns our government around.
I read somewhere that a quarter or more of the population of the United States works in some governmental capacity: township, city, county, state, federal, the judicial system, the military, the CIA, the FBI, the CDC, Homeland Security......it's endless. We give money away to other countries, when we are so strapped that we can't provide decent health care to our uninsured.

Nope.....I'm not a happy camper. I'm ready for change!

One of the companies for which I work purchased two units in a business center last year. Rubes that we were, it took us a while to realize that we had to arrange for electricity and gas service. As the office person, I started the ball rolling and we began to get electric bills for both units. Then I approached Nicor Gas, and the past four months have been a nightmare!

I filled out two requests for commercial accounts and faxed them over in late February. Unfortunately, the contracts were identical except for the unit numbers, which are 120, and 121. We began receiving gas bills for 120. Eventually, I called to find out why we were not being billed for 121. The lesson here is: NEVER DO A GOOD DEED!!

Nicor Gas took the problem under advisement, and told me that they would work things out and I'd have a bill within the month. A month later we began receiving calls from a collection agency.
After about the tenth call from the collection agency, I discovered that they thought we owned roughly 28 of these units, rather than just two.

I contacted Nicor Gas AGAIN, and sent them the names and addresses of the builder of the units, of the lawyer who closed on our purchase of the units, and of the realty company which manages the facility. I sent them the contracts that show our purchase of the TWO units. That was May 5th. I was told that everything would be worked out in about two weeks.

This week the collection agency has begun to call daily. No matter how much I explain the situation, they tell me there's nothing they can do until Nicor Gas tells them not to pursue the situation. When I tried to explain the situation today, they hung up on me.

Today, I called Nicor Gas again, and was told that yesterday they had faxed a cease and desist notice to the collection agency. The next time the collection agency calls, I plan to ask for a manager, and an address where they can be contacted.

I am totally fed up with the situation. Both businesses seem to be run like the Federal Government: Assign twenty different people to it, and DITHER! Other than taking Valium, how would you handle this?? I need for this to end, NOW!

Whatever happened to traditional American cooking?

I know that the entire nation is concerned, if not obsessed, about weight control and cholesterol, and healthy eating. And, I know that there's just so many ways you can publish stories about meatloaf and mashed potatoes or fried chicken. I know that the food magazines have to provide something new each issue or they loose subscribers.

I don't mind trying new things. Over the years we've had family members introduce us to a cold corn salad, a pesto and goat cheese spread with dried tomatoes, and other recipes that you wouldn't call old-fashioned cooking. But, it seems to me that you can't open the page of a cooking magazine without finding the oddest ingredients, now. Have you ever read the food section in a Martha Stewart magazine? That woman never makes due with one ingredient where she can use twenty that you have to order either from her company or from an obscure shop in Manhattan.

Frankly, mango salsa on fish doesn't do a thing for me. Neither does kiwi chutney.

I don't need to learn Cordon Bleu cooking techniques. I need to learn techniques for quick, flavorful food that doesn't require thirty steps, and twelve special pans or utensils to make.

I don't mind lighter, healthier recipes, but enough with the cutesy stuff!

I am SICK of TAXES! I propose that everyone, EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE COUNTRY, pay 15% of their income each year to support the federal government, and another 3% for state funding. Wouldn't THAT streamline the process?

Can't ya see all the accountants, and lawyers and government workers scrambling to head off that proposal? They'd all be out of jobs, or would have to shift over to collections.

We are so top-heavy with management, and so overwhelmed by government that we are slowly sinking into the mire. Soon the middle class won't be able to support all the demands made upon them, and then just who do you think will pay those bills?

...have ticked me off today. You'll find two of them in entries below. The third thing had to do with the speech by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at the United Nations.

I was sitting with Dear Husband, listening to the news tonight, and we heard clips of the speech. The first thought that came to my mind was "WHY are we buying oil from this man's country?" I mean, why support someone who is so antagonistic?

Dear Husband, who thinks more globally than I do, and who is less emotional in his responses, cut to the chase and said, if we didn't buy Venezuela's oil, they'd just sell it to China. I have no doubt he is right.

Still, I'd like to see my country spend the money that is currently being spent on war, to find or develop other forms of energy, or other resources, which will make us less dependent on oil from other countries, or even better, not dependent at all.

For the first time, I truly feel that our government has made serious errors in their choices. I believe that our present government only responds to those who have the biggest lobbies, and that their decisions are not necessarily for the good of the many. I have the sense that our foreign relations are being handled ineptly. I hope that the administration is not setting the stage for WW III.

Am I being pessimistic? Probably. As I've said many times, it's my job to worry. But, I'd like to leave a better world to my granddaughter than the one we live in now. I have a mental list growing. Global warming, e coli spreading through our food system, mad cow disease, improper farming techniques, the giving away of our jobs and manufacturing industry and research and development, the "dumbing down" of the nation, lack of decent health care for every citizen, horrendous prescription drug costs, abuse of the people by the government we elect, and even the need to update our election process.....these things all weigh on my mind. What about you? Are you bothered by these things?

I was a bit irritated to find today that the USPS produces a stamp in their Holiday Celebrations Series that celebrates two Muslim holidays.

This address from Snopes.com has more information on the stamp.

Yes, I'm prejudiced. I understand that this could be considered an olive branch to Muslims, and I understand that we should willing to allow the celebration of every religion within our borders. But....why the heck are we honoring a religion that wants to wipe the United States off the face of the Earth?

It seems to me that we are hurting ourselves by trying to be politically correct.

Every now and then I'll hear something on the news that makes me want to take to my soap box. Tonight, I heard about a young man who finished a four year degree in physics and math at the University of Virginia in just one year. That's an amazing feat. Even when you take into consideration that he finished half his requirements through Advanced Placement courses in high school, he still completed approximately 60 semester hours in one year. The maximum course load when I was in school (way back in the dark ages), was 21 semester hours a semester, with a lighter load of 10-12 hours in the summer.

This young man is of Asian heritage. I don't think it's a coincidence that so many Asian students are the best students in their schools. I believe that Asian families teach their children that doing the absolute best they can in the class room is their responsibility.

I think we have made an error in letting our young people believe that socializing and extracurricular activities are the reason for attending school. Somewhere along the line in the past few decades, we have slipped away from the idea of serious study being our child's job. Instead, we spoon feed them in the class room, and try to find ways to "motivate" them to learn, and hope that they will take the bait. It's not happening. Tests used to measure the success of our teaching across the nation show the students are mastering less material every year, and I'm very concerned about the trend toward "dumbing down" subject matter.

Perhaps a decade ago, in a Chicago school, the principal announced that if the 8th graders could not pass 70% of the material on a final test in the school year, they would not be promoted to high school. There was a HUGE hue and cry. The principal was reviled, but she held her ground. Those students who were not able to pass the test arranged for summer school and retested. Oddly, they managed to learn 70% of what they had been taught over the previous 8 years, in just 8 weeks of summer school, when they buckled down and applied themselves. Most of them were allowed to pass on to high school that fall.

Some parents will cite the number of pages of homework their children bring home, and will complain about the difficulty of the subject matter for kids in third, fourth and fifth grade. I suspect that the schools are hoping to teach them as much as possible before socializing interrupts their education.

There are several ways we could change the situation. We could ditch the idea of co-ed classrooms. Separate schools for boys and for girls might be a partial solution. Or, we could give a final test for each school year. To pass to then next grade, you'd have to master 70% of the material. Or, we could ban participation in any extracurricular activity if your grades dip below a "C" or 80% of the material.

But more than that, we need to work with students at home. We need to have them sit with us at the dinner table and talk about their day at school. We need to establish study times, and study places. We need to create daily habits for them to follow: feed the dog, pick up the toys, finish today's homework. We need to give our children "jobs," and establish penalties when the jobs are not done right, or well. Not every child is going to be a genius, but every child should know from the start that they are expected to do the absolute best they can do.

There's one other thing we can do. We can limit their use of electronic toys. We can establish early on that there will only be (for example) one hour of Nintendo, or TV or DVD or telephone a day, and those things will only be allowed after homework is completed. Two days in a row of poor showing on homework, and those toys will be set aside until grades rise once more.

It's a shame that these values are considered old-fashioned. It's too bad that so many parents today have lost control of their children, and don't understand that THEY are responsible for teaching good habits, morals and ethics to their children. Schools are no longer allowed to teach ethics, morals or religion, so parents need to step up the plate, and resume their responsibilities.

I was listening to the radio this afternoon, and learned that to celebrate Mexican independence, more than twenty buildings in Chicago will be lighted with red, white and green lights.

I think I'm missing something. Did I miss a celebration for all the Germans to settled here? I know that we have nearly as many Polish people as the city of Warsaw, Poland, but I can't remember ever seeing the City light the buildings for them.

We have a large population of Chinese in Chicago, and they have interesting celebrations in Chinatown, but I've never seen the entire City decorated for the Chinese.

So, why are we celebrating Mexican Independence in Chicago? We don't celebrate for any other ethnic group. Yes, we dye the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day, but that's a bit different. Chicago's St. Paddy's celebration is really a Chicago political activity. If we were celebrating Irish Independence, I'd be asking the same question.

We used to talk about "diversity" in a way that indicated we were proud to be a melting pot. Most of us who live here are not Native Americans. Most of us are here because an ancestor thought there was a better life to be had here. They left their native country behind and emigrated to America, and most of them became American citizens.

Now there seems to be a trend toward diversity, with no intent to melt into one nationality. We're seeing people come to the United States who want the freedom and benefits, and opportunity to change their economic status, but they have no allegiance to the country, and frequently choose to ignore our laws.

In the nineteenth century, and the first half of the twentieth century, people who emigrated to the US most often settled at first in a neighborhood where people spoke their native language. They followed relatives who would help them settle in and find a job. Wisconsin is famous for its German population, and the western side of the state was the home to Cornish miners. New York City is famous for it's ethnic neighborhoods. Families encouraged their children to get an education, and to learn to speak English. Frequently, it was the children who drew the adults into life in America.

I don't have the sense that our Mexican immigrants wish to blend themselves into the culture of the United States.

I've re-written this section of my entry half a dozen times, trying to find a less incendiary way to phrase my concerns, and it still sounds harsh. The truth is, I feel the same about anyone who emigrates to my country. I'm concerned that the "melting pot" aspect of our country is part of what makes it strong. I'm worried that if we become a group of people who more strongly identify with previous nationalities, that we will ultimately fragment, and loose the strength for which we are known.

If you come to the United States for the good life, then you have some obligations. First, learn to speak English! Secondly, learn our laws. Third, be prepared to vote when you don't like those laws. Don't assume that you can come to us illegally and then demand a driver's license, or health care. Don't be surprised when we ask you to leave, if you've come to us illegally.

Okay....I'm going to step down now. Am I a bigot? I don't think so. Am I prejudiced? I hope not. I hope that I'm just a concerned American citizen who knows how much we have to offer those who want to be a part of our nation.

Today I had appointments with the dentist and the neurologist. The dental appointment went fine. I was in and out in a flash, and on my way to the second appointment.

I was 20 minutes early for the visit, so I resigned myself to a wait. I could see the doc conversing with one of his assistants, so at least I knew that he was at the facility. While I waited, the appointments secretary called me to the window. She is an overwhelming woman, larger than life, and simply large, and she has this faintly false pleasant demeanor that forces you to smile back and be nice.

I have to tell you, I ended up not being nice.

I was asked to read and sign and date two pages of information. One of the pages listed all the new charges that had been instituted. If you cancel your visit 24 hours or less prior to the visit, or miss a visit, they charge $50. If you call to have a prescription renewed over the phone, they charge $25.00. Completion of any type of form (insurance, letters to school or employer, etc.) cost $100.00, and Insurance company authorization calls by the doctor (for tests, admissions, etc) are $100.00 per call.

Only 58% of his patients paid their bills last year, so now, if you wish to see the doctor, you pay a set fee up front, BEFORE you see the doctor. They no longer accept personal checks, and requested a credit card. I offered them one, and they said they didn't take it. I offered another, and asked what happened when a patient didn't have a credit card. I was told that those who wanted to see the doctor managed to "discover that they had a card."

I was incredibly insulted. Because my doctor doesn't know how to run a business, he is treating me as though I am out to bilk him out of his fees.

The doctor kept me waiting. He didn't take my blood pressure or my temperature. He asked me what drugs I was taking, and whether the one he prescribed working for me. We spent less than five minutes on my health care. He then spent 20 minutes of my time trying to explain why he has had to make the changes.

I told him that he was likely to loose patient this way. I have always paid in full at every visit, and my checks never bounce. I told him that the quality of MY health care shouldn't suffer because others are not paying their bills.

The bottom line is, I spent $125.00 for five minutes of health care and a one year prescription for the drug I need for pain control, and wasted 40 more minutes of my time. The doctor is in so deep, and is so defensive, that he can't hear what you say to him any longer.

Needless to say, I'll have to look for someone else to help me with this part of my health care.

To be fair, I know that the health system needs a major overhaul. I know that insurance has had a hand in ruining many a practice, and it seems that the economy is now helping others to crash. We need improved guidelines that give both the doctor and the patient what each needs.

We need a miracle.

I know we're all unhappy about the rise in gas prices. It seems to me there is a simple way that the state of Illinois could give it's citizens a break, and I don't understand why it hasn't already been enacted.

The American Petroleum Industry gathered information in January on the gas rate per gallon in each state, and what additional taxes are levied on each gallon of gas. Illinois charges 19 cents per gallon, PLUS 6.25% sales tax AND a .3% tax for the underground storage tank fund.

It would be simple to pass a bill that changed the structure from a percentage of the sale to a specific amount per gallon.

At 6.25% per gallon, this is the tax you pay, depending on the cost of gas:

$1.75 gal. = 11 cents
$2.00 gal. = 12.5 cents
$2.50 gal. = 15.6 cents
$3.00 gal. = 18.75 cents

Rather than pointing the finger at the oil industry and crying "Gouging!" perhaps the state needs to consider an amendment that would give us a bit of relief. I'm sure that they figure there will be less driving, therefore there will be less gas sold, and less tax gathered. I know they want to keep their coffers filled.

But, cutting back six or seven (or more) cents per gallon would certainly help those who have to travel to work, and might encourage the rest of us to travel a bit more.

The Federal rate is 18.4 cents per gallon, a straight rate. I think Illinois should go to the straight rate as well.....and definitely one that is twelve cents or less per gallon!

Actually, I'm really TICKED!! ( And that's putting it politely!)

I've been away from my blog for some time, caring for my mother, who has developed shingles. For those of you who don't know much about this problem, it's related to chicken pox. If you had chicken pox as a child, your body sequestered the virus in your spine. As you age, if your immune system weakens, some of that virus may seep out, and the result is patches that look like hives, followed by blisters. While you have the blisters you are contagious. The other symptom that identifies shingles is severe pain, which can run from one to six months.

We had Chicken Dijon on Friday night. It turned out to be a wonderful recipe. Some clever cook decided to brush chicken breasts with Dijon mustard before coating them with breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian seasoning, Parmesan and black pepper. They were pan fried, but I think they could have been baked, and would have been just as juicy.

At any rate....we come to what I've been pondering this morning. Why do grocers package three half chicken breasts to a package? Doesn't that number seem odd to you?

We have four people who might be eating dinner, definitely three, with a possible fourth. So, when I buy chicken breasts, I have to buy two packages and then I have a whole chicken breast left over.

Yes, I COULD freeze that chicken for the next time I have to buy it, but it ticks me off that someone has decided that three is the magic number. I'm sure that there's a marketing principal at work, and I mind that I have no choice in the matter.

Why couldn't they package them in pairs as well as in threes? I know, I know...they're making more money selling them that way, but it really ticks me off. I'm tempted to go to the kind of market where I can buy them individually!

Wake up, grocers of America! Pay attention here! We want more control over the number of chicken breasts per package!!

I find it difficult to believe that in this day and age, books might be banned at the library. Last week, as I was traveling, I heard a discussion on the subject of banned books. Today is the last day of "Banned Book Week," so evidently there are still people out there who fear the printed word.

I visited the American Library Association site that lists the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books and checked out the list of books which have been banned from schools, school libraries and public libraries from 1990-2000. I found the names of famous authors on this list: Sendak, L'Engle, Auel, Dahl, Morrison, Blume, Twain, Angelou, Rowling, Atwood and more.

It appears there are trends in the subject matter of the challenged books. Anything having to do with sex, in any form, is frequently challenged. "Where's Waldo?" was challenged because in the Beach Scene, one mean little kid is about to throw a bucket of water on a sunbathing woman who has untied the top of her bikini. Books having anything to do with witchcraft or the occult have been challenged, most notably those by J.K. Rowling.

I'm totally ticked with my neighbors! We used to live in lovely isolation, until the farmer who sold us our land decamped with his family to Idaho. He sold the rest of his land to a developer and now we have six houses along our western lot line. Unfortunately, neighbor number three has nothing to do all day but look out their window at the very old willow that is falling apart bit by bit on OUR land.

I'm really ticked!

We have been shopping at the same Jewel Food store for about fifteen years. The employees there have been incredibly kind to my mother, so we return that kindness by shopping there.

Albertson's, the owner of the Jewel chain, is making it's presence known, and there has been a recent shift in the management of this store. There's a new employee who is absolutely grating on us. This person's job is to oversee the checkers. She keeps track of who should be on break, who is collecting carts, who is checking, and who is bagging.

I don't often loose my temper, but I have today. Mindful of the fact that youngsters visit here now and then, I won't be using the words that are actually on my mind. I don't intend to use the cutsey symbol replacements for certain letters, but don't let all that lull you into thinking that I am kidding about being angry!

Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!

What a bunch of fools!

The water department is STILL trying to figure out where the coliform contamination in the water is coming from. Finally, today, they listed information on what to do during a Water Boil. They have known about this problem for one full week, and they have just NOW informed the citizens of the safety proceedures.

The Water Department has been testing thirty sites throughout the city. The contamination they are finding at some of the sites could simply be due to a dirty faucet, since at least two of the sites are in public restrooms. However, there is sufficient evidence that the 4-million gallon, underground clearwell is contaminated to justify shutting it down. We are now drawing water from two one million gallon above-ground reservoir. Unfortunately, the water from the contaminated tank has to be flushed through the system, and our appliances, such as the water heaters, so we are boiling our water.

If you would like more detail on what you must do during a Water Boil, read on.

Yep.....that's me. I am totally ticked off!

Like my friend, Jamie, I have been visiting the doctor to try to determine just what's going on, healthwise. Seventeen months ago I was handed off to a new doctor in the practice that oversees my medical needs. My doctor of more than ten years was leaving private practice to research ways to more effectively deliver health care. How could I complain about her going, when it was for such a good reason?

So, here I am with a new doctor, having to break her in on the changes that have taken place in the last year. I complained about something that was really bothering me, and she said "That is probably arthritis." So, I let it pass for a year, and then brought it up once more last October at my next physical.

I have been a loyal WGN Radio listener for low these many decades. I listened to the House that Wally Built as a child, and I remember listening to Roy Leonard talk about his six boys. Bob Collins........Well, Bob had to be my favorite radio personality of all time. The day he died we lost an incredible man.

I've been there as WGN found new people and tightened their ship. I've gradually adjusted to the new format, with the exception of the inappropriate verb use during the news, but......now they've gone too far!

I LOVE cotton! I wear cotton clothes, and use cotton linens and towels. All my quilts are cotton, the fabric, the thread and the batting. Cotton breathes. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

BUT......and isn't there always a "but" hanging out there somewhere..... when you wash cotton turtlenecks in warm water and then dry them in a dryer, the arms invariably shrink so that they are three or four inches too short!

The body of the garment doesn't seem to shrink, so just what are the garment makers doing that consistantly makes the arms shrink??? I have a closet full of three quarter length turtlenecks. What sense does that make? My wrists are perpetually cold, and it aggravates me to have to keep pulling the cuffs down. Once they shrink, you can never stretch them out again.

I demand longer sleeves! I demand sleeves that don't shrink!

(stepping off the soapbox....dusting off my hands)

Thank you for listening.

Inequality. Unfair benefits! I want to know why Federal employees are not covered by the same Medicare plan that they foist off on the rest of us? I'd like to see ONE health plan for all Americans. Since coverage is better for federal employees....I want to be covered by THAT policy!

Of course, the next question is, how do we get them to do it?

Another issue I'd like to see addressed is the pension the legislators "earn." Awarding a person a pension for life without regard to length of service is a gross misuse of funds. Each year I get a note from Social Security about what they will pay me IF I continue to work until I'm 70. Medicare is afraid to do the same sort of mailing because it's likely the legislators will have spent everything before it's time for me to retire!

Perhaps we need to consider one year of reimbursement for each year served. And perhaps we need to average their income over that time, rather than basing the pension on the salary of the last year in office. Our government is like a good old boys club, with members voting in as many freebies and benefits as they can, despite the fact that we are just beginning to rise out of a recession. They are handing out golden parachutes right and left, when people barely above poverty level are being taxed to pay for those benefits.

Dear Abby reprinted these statistics from the American Cancer Society today. They tell a compelling story.

"When smokers quit, the benefits begin immediately. Twenty minutes after the last cigarette, blood pressure drops to a level close to that before the last cigarette. Eight hours after quitting, carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal. Twenty four hours later , the chance of heart attack decreases.

After one to nine months, coughing, sinus congestion, fatique and shortness of breath decrease, and cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection. One year later, excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.

After five years, stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. After ten years, the lung cancer fatality rate is about half that of a smoker's and the risk of oral, throat, esophageal, bladder, kidney and pancreatic cancer also decreases."

I brought these statistics to you because my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her doctor didn't even let her go home. Two days later she was recuperating from having the lower third of her right lung removed. I'm delighted to tell you that she is (at least) an eight year survivor. The important thing is, that she lived to see all three of her sons become dads.

Her experience has helped almost everyone in my family to quit smoking. When we built our home we announced that it was a non-smoking area. My mother would stand out in the semi-enclosed entryway to smoke, even during the coldest winter weather. When my sister had her surgery, Mother made the decision to quit.

I have had asthma due to allergies almost all my life. For me, the trend toward not smoking is one of the best things that could have happened. My family always made sure to seat me upwind of their smoke, but that doesn't eliminate second hand smoke.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and today is the 27th Great American Smokeout. If you smoke, I hope you tried to do without them today. It could be the best thing you'll ever do for yourself....and your loved ones!

This morning I was listening to the third installment of the Petulant Politics of Illinois. We have a zealous young governor, Rod Blagojevich (BLAH-GOY-A-VITCH to the uninitiated), who was saddled with a 5 billion dollar deficit in the state budget when he took office. Of course his primary concern is cost cutting.

Well, he's been initiated to the real world of budgeting, now. FOr example, it seems that agreement had been reached concerning funding for the office of the Secretary of State, but at some point, the legislature decided to add an extra five million to that figure. The Governor is up in arms, saying that the legislature is spending the public's money like "a bunch of drunken sailors." One legislator took offense, and said he'd never been a sailor!

A budget was agreed upon last Spring, and the legislature adjourned for the summer. During the summer the Governor cut additions that he felt were special interest in nature. When the legislature returned for the two week fall veto session, they began restoring that funding to the budget.

There's a good explanation of the situation at this site.

I was cutting down the peonies today, and I never garden without listening to the radio. The news was on, and I was sort of paying attention to the report. I'm sure that I heard them say that the Illinois General Assembly voted today not to give illegal aliens legal driver's licenses.

First of all, why in the world were they voting on this issue?? When we have such pressing matters concerning the residents of this state, why are we at all concerned with documenting someone who is here illegally? And WHY are we not packing them off to detention when they apply?

I know.....to be politically correct I should be calling them undocumented persons. In these times when we are so concerned about "Undocumented persons" within our borders, what possible reason could we have to discuss giving them legal driver's licenses??

Please tell me that I heard that wrong, that I missed the boat, and that I need to apologize. Otherwise, it's time to vote the jerks OUT!

I was truly aggravated this evening to be shown over and over a sobbing relative of the military personnel lost in Iraq yesterday.

When did someone decide that it was appropriate to intrude on these people in their time of grief? What makes the TV stations feel that it's NEWS to tightly focus on a woman who has just lost her son? Why do they send reporters out to stand on the lawn and comment on the serviceman's home?

I just don't understand this approach to news. I think it stinks! If they are newsworthy, then approach them in a few weeks, when they have had a chance to deal with the first rush of loss. Don't push your way into their homes and harass them in the hope of raising your ratings. Both network news and local news ought to be more circumspect. We don't need our newsrooms sinking to the level of a Jerry Springer show.

If the families are newsworthy, give them time to grieve, and then make a podium available to them. Otherwise you're exploiting them.

I was recently reading about a woman who had been married for thirty-five years to a man who abused her. He broke her arm, her shoulder, her jaw and a couple of ribs.

I've read enough psychology to understand that there is a dynamic in that relationship that keeps her in place. But for the life of me I can't understand why you would make excuses for, and stay with, a man who HURTS you!! I know that she believes she deserves this treatment, and that it's HER fault he does these things, but what I can't understand is why she didn't get out after the first instance of abuse.She must have been trained as a kid that she was worthless to have lasted so long in a dreadful situation like this. I wonder if counseling is of any use at this point?

I know that when you are alone with a man who is in a rage, it's not worth fighting back. I also know that many women put up with an attack to divert the man from hurting their children. But, once the attack is over, all you have to do is bid your time and walk away. Why are we not teaching our children to do that?

I have on-line friends in similar situations, and I do everything I can to encourage them to GET OUT!! I'm surprised that women's groups haven't been more successful in helping women out of these situations, or even better, putting an end to the attacks. I think that penalties for crimes against women are woefully light. If we could change the legislation, perhaps men would think first before they strike.

Have you ever helped someone put an end to abuse?

I was browsing blogs and came across the October 19th entry at StupidAngryCanajun titled "Back to Volcanic." Go read. She's covered the topic suscinctly and I totally agree! Greedy bastards!

Brava! Great post!

It’s been my policy to refrain from talking about the war. There are pundits out there who are infinitely better informed, who are also more eloquent on the subject. But recently a friend put up one of those counters that points out the cost of having gone to war, and I felt bitterly stung by it.

Personally, I felt that we had no business going to war, but I also believe that you support the choices made by your government. If my President says we needed to go to war, I have to trust that he had access to better information than do I. When I feel my President is wrong, I’m allowed to say so, and I am also allowed to work from within the system to try to elect someone more of my choosing.

What bothers me most of all is that no matter what we do now, we are the Ugly Americans. If we drop everything and walk away, we’ll be castigated for abandoning the Iraqis once again after having demolished their infrastructure. It doesn’t matter that Hussein did that very thing to his own people. WE are the bad guys.

If we stay and rebuild, we are accused of being greedy and being there for material reasons only. It doesn’t matter that Americans are loosing their lives to help the Iraqis. As fast as we try to rebuild, Iraqi splinter groups destroy, and WE are blamed for the situation.

I don’t wish to discuss this subject, because all the rhetoric in the world can’t change what has already happened, and I have yet to see anyone who can focus on the future and what should be done. It’s past time for countries which have had their hands out to the U.S. for years to understand that in return they are obligated to support us. You can’t call us greedy when we are supporting your economy, sending assistance in dozens of areas, and accepting your students in our universities.

I won’t argue that we have made mistakes. Personally, I’d like to see us pull back and do more at home for a while, but as long as Americans are putting their lives on the line on foreign soil, I will be supporting my country.

So, pardon me if you disagree, but this is MY chance to speak out.

Today I was reading "Dear Abby" in the Chicago TRibune. A reader sent in the Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do from Rotary International. The four questions to be asked are:

1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned.

Normally, I'd choose to follow these guidelines. I think they have a lot to say about good citizenship, and empathy for others.

But tonight, there's not a chance I can put them in place. Did you see that jerk interfere with play last night at the Cub's game? I'm astounded that Alou was able to control himself. I wouldn't have! I'd have been climbing the wall to take him out!

The Cubs have gone SOooooo LONG without a winning season, and a FAN interferes with play. It doesn't matter that he's a good man, that he does wonderful things for kids, or that he's a friend to all. He distrupted the play, broke the Cub's concentration and opened the door to the Marlins wiping us off the field. He KNOWS the game, and should have known better! Asshat!

The best thing for all involved is for the Cubs to win tonight, and put this behind us!

We were just watching the national news on T.V., and ABC reported that the Pentagon is selling off equipment that can be used to create biological weapons, such as incubators, and centrifuges. Equipment that the government purchased for $46,000 was sold for $4,100.....less than one tenth of the value.

The issue of cost burns me, but another issue sent me up in flames. It seems that they sold to anyone who contacted them on the Pentagon website. NO background checks were made. NO attempt was made to see where the equipment was going, despite the fact that it has been determined that some of the equipment has been resold in countries that harbor terrorists.

I MIND that my government is making such poor decisions in matters that affect my tax dollar and my safety. We count on the Pentagon to be there to protect us, and it seems our trust is unfounded.

Our Homeland Defense needs a bigger think tank. We not only have to work against threats from outside our borders, we have to work against stupidity within our ranks.

UPDATE 10/6/03, From CNN.Com:
"The GAO investigation was requested by the House Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, which is a unit of the Government Reform Committee."

"The subcommittee will hold a hearing on the matter Tuesday with testimony from Pentagon officials, GAO investigators and a chemical-biological weapons expert."

It seems a large quantity of protective suits were sold, some of which were defective. These suits had been distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies and had been returned when they were found to be defective. THe suits should have been destroyed.

What's with the flood of articles on kid's back packs, lately? I've seen them in magazines, newspapers and on T.V. Is this just because the kids are back at school, or has there been some research recently about the danger to little spines?

Last Sunday, Bob Condor of the Chicago Tribune wrote about kids riding bikes to school. He felt it was a healthy physical activity, and it cut down on some of the traffic volume typical around schools. Readers wrote in to comment that they felt their children were unsafe on bicycles with the heavy backpacks. It's too easy for them to shift, and cause a loss of balance.

Okay, ladies! Listen up!

If you have not made your appointment for a mammogram, go do it NOW! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The chances are good that your local facility is running a special on mammograms and you could save some money doing it during October.

If you are forty and have not had one, it's time to get a baseline test. Some doctors will tell you that you only need one every other year until you are fifty, and then one a year. Others will tell you to get one every year. It varies from doctor to doctor. Be on the safe side and get it done. If you catch breast cancer early it can be controlled. Think of all you have to loose by putting it off.

Guys, if you love your wife or your daughters, remind them to get it done. Let them know you care about their health.

This comes under the category of being good to yourself. I know the test can hurt. I know that for some people it's very embarrassing. BUT....it might save your life. GO DO IT!

This came across my desk yesterday. My friend, QT, who sent it, told me the author is unknown. If you are the author, I'd be happy to give you credit for compiling this post.

Taxes

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
Capital Gains Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Court Fines (indirect taxes)
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax Interest expense (tax on the money)
Inventory tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Local Income Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Septic Permit Tax
Service Charge Taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Taxes (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Road Toll Booth Taxes
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone State and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Toll Bridge Taxes
Toll Tunnel Taxes
Traffic Fines (indirect taxation)
Trailer registration tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was
the most prosperous in the world, had absolutely no national debt, had the
largest middle class in the world and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What the hell happened?

One of the blogs I manage was discussing pet peeves this week. When one of the members asked what our pet peeves were, I immediately thought of all the little irritating physical things that drive me crazy, like crunching ice, chewing gum with your mouth open, or picking your nose in public! There was a particularly funny set of posts about a mate who stuffed his wife's head under the quilts and "fluffed the covers." We amassed a long list of little things before one of the members said "bullies."

Now, that's REALLY a pet peeve, and so is lying. Another that bothers me is the person who can see that half a mile ahead he or she will have to merge into the next lane....and they FLY up that lane, and expect you to let them in.
All three of these things show insensitivity to others, and less than sterling ethics. Unfortunately, we have hordes of people who succumb to this behavior.

Another behavior that angers most people is interrupting someone who is speaking. I confess, I'm bad about this, and I really try not to do this. Apparently I've learned it from my family, who are almost all talkers and not much at listening. So far, I've noticed that my mother, my oldest sister and one of my nieces can talk right over whatever I've been saying. It's not easy to teach yourself to be a listener when you've barged right in on others for years, but it's well worth the effort to change the habit.

What frosts your cookies?

By now most of you have read about ABC News importing depleted uranium from Jakarta in a test of our homeland defense. I have several thoughts on this subject.

First, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, has stated that shipments to the US are being checked in their ports of origin as our first line of defense. The idea is to make our ports the LAST line of defense. What I'd like to know is, why hasn't the Dept. of Homeland Security tried to breach these defenses to see just how well the plan works? I can't believe that they haven't determined how thoroughly shipments are assessed prior to this.

My friend, Buffalo, sent me two e-mails today. The first is a post that's been making the rounds for a year or more, purported to be Robin William's Plan for Peace. The second post was Buffalo's plan for peace. He was willing to let me repost those e-mails here, so I have my first guest blogger.

This is the first of the two posts:

You may have seen this before, but it bears repeating. Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan...what we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and issue the following message:

1. The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic and the rest of those 'good ole boys.' We will never "interfere" again.

2. We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one will ever sneak through holes in the fence again.

3. All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would surely welcome them.

4. All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5. No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get an "F" and it's back home baby.

6. The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non-polluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will just have to cope for a while.

7. Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. About a week of the wells filling up their storage sites ought to be enough.

8. If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9. Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10. All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer.

"The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying ' Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'You want a piece of me?'"

Chicago schooling is in an incredible mess! For quite some time school administrators have been campaigning to get the students to class on the first day of school. What kind of household send their kids to school when they feel like it, rather than on the first day of class?

This indifference to schooling is a serious problem, but now the City of Chicago has given students even more reason to be indifferent. Students who attend schools which have an over all failing grade have been given permission to seek a spot in another school, where the student might get a better education. Unfortunately, the Chicago school district was totally unprepared to deal with the volume of students who wished to change schools.

I have written my thoughts about school uniforms in the recent past. I feel that the casual clothing kids wear today makes it impossible to create an environment where the students can focus on the lessons.

I was delighted to hear that one school has announced that short t-shirts which reveal the belly are banned. Neither the students, nor the teachers may wear them. Should a student come to school in one, they will be greeted at the door and handed an oversized T-shirt to wear for the day.

The students dislike wearing the oversized T-shirts so much, that they are changing their wardrobes.

Clever....very clever.

Education is an important subject to me. I spent a lot of years as a teacher, and it's not possible to turn off my thoughts about education in general now that I no longer teach.

I was half-listening to the radio today and heard part of a blurb about a school that planned to address student absenteeism by charging the parents when the students were not in school.

We have a cable channel here in the US which used to be known as The Nashville Network (TNN). It has recently been taken over by aliens and is known now as "Spike." It's being touted as the first network for men.

Lord, spare me from Homeowner's Associations! It seems that they are all powerful and that you are guilty until proven innocent.

Did you know that your Homeowners Association can fine you for each stork that a relative plants on your lawn to celebrate the birth of your child. Or that you can be fined for planting TOO MANY rosebushes?

You can be fined for hanging out your laundry, or hanging a cute little swing by your doorway. You can also be fined if you paint your house the wrong color! AND you can be fined for a fence that is the wrong height, or for having foster children, or for disturbing the new fallen snow!

I was in the car earlier this week and heard that Pfizer and Glaxo, two of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the US announced that they would discontinue supplying Canadian pharmacies that resell their product to the US. For more on the subject, visit the Boston Globe article from August 7, 2003.

The entire subject of the cost of drugs in the US riles me. We pay at least TWICE as much for the exact same drug as the Canadians, and other countries pay much less than the Canadians. It's the exact same medicine, not a generic, but Americans are expected to pay through the nose "to support the cost of research."

HORSE HOCKEY!!!

Those companies can sell their products for the same price to every country, and they might make a billion or two less in profits, and still be able to fund the research. They are going to find very rapidly, that the baby boomers in the US will NOT be able to pay their outrageous demands and their free ride will be over.

It can't happen soon enough!

We've all experienced it, an ad that riles us so much that we turn the radio off, or click the mute button on the TV. We've all suffered through the expansion of pop up ads and banners and all forms of telephone harrassment...er marketing.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that ads like that contribute to road rage and violence in the home.

There's one particular ad that we find so offensive that we RUSH to mute it. It's an ad for Menard's. It's a chain similar to Lowe's or Home Depot. Overly eager singers proclaim "Save More Money At Menard's." I can bear the singers and the jingle, it's the spokesman who drives me wild.

He's an old fashioned saleman with a huge smile and "Hail fellow well met" demeanor who hawk's the week's sales. I expect him to reach out of the TV and grasp my arm and pull me into the store, all the while telling me what wonderful things I'll find within. I can deal with all that, but his tone of voice simply makes me want to take a header off a cliff to get away from him.

We thought at one point that our prayers had been heard when a young woman replaced him for a while, but we suspect she must be his daughter. Same voice. (sigh)

I want advertising people to take notice: If you persist in making your ads this offensive, you will drive customers away. I will NEVER shop at Menards.

I'll save my complaints about pop ups, telemarketers, coupons in magazines, and fragrance ads that stink up an entire magazine for another rant.

If you shop at Menard's, would you please tell them to change the ads??

I wrote about the Chicago Tollway Authority and their push to collect all the unpaid tolls for the past two years, on June 9, 2003. That post has been a magnet for people who want to tell their stories.

The CTA was refusing to allow people to make payment plans. They have been demanding payment for two years of tolls and fines within 16 days. It was announced that those with fines over $500 could arrange to make payments, but it must not have gone into place in time for the last woman who commented.

Go read the comments and see how things are shaping up.

Discourse, Dialog, Diatribe, Disappointment

I had hoped when I started blogging that I would find that the blog world was slightly different from the other areas of the Internet that I have experienced. Recently, on one of the blogs that I read, I learned that things are the same all over the Internet.

A friend sent me to this URL recently: http://64.177.83.63/liberty/email.htm

The presentation reminds us that freedom comes at a price, and that we must NEVER forget those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

I know I won't.

Go visit.

The "Q" section of the Chicago Tribune, for Sunday, July 20, offered this information about AIDS:

*25 MILLION people have been killed worldwide by AIDS over the past 20 years.

*80 MILLION people will have died of AIDS by 2010.

*In 2002, 1.9 BILLION dollars was spend on AIDS prevention worldwide.

*5.7 BILLION dollars will be needed annually for prevention of AIDS by 2006.

In the coming seven years, more than two times as many people will loose their lives to AIDS than in the previous 20 years. These statistics are shocking! Who are we kidding about prevention?

Given that we are talking about a FATAL illness, why have the numbers spiraled in Europe and the USA? The doctors have gotten the word out about abstinance or safe sex, so why do people still risk their lives?

I understand about wanting to get laid. I understand about making love. I understand about drug addiction. I don't understand about risking my life for either. How many people will die before it's finally brought under control?

Well, it seems to be my week to be ticked! I've been listening to absurd ads on the radio warning us to call our representatives in Washington and tell them to vote NO on the drug importation bill.

What a load of horse hockey!

The parmaceutical companies have made billions off American citizens and they are afraid their cash cow is going to be taken away. Well, it's about time!

Do you realize that drug makers in the U.S. allow the exact same drugs they sell here to be sold for a fraction of the cost in other countries? Senior citizens who are on fixed budgets have had to take the step of purchasing their prescriptions in Canada or in Mexico for years. The drugs are sold for even less in other countries around the world.

The ads tried to scare listeners by telling them the imported drugs wouldn't be governed by the guidelines from the FDA, and that's not so. If you'd like to read just what the House of Representatives intended, visit this post by Congressman Larson of Connecticut.

I have a long way to go to reach retirement, but I'm really concerned that we won't be able to meet the costs of insurance and prescriptions once we retire. My husband is presently on a prescription that costs more than $120 each month. Do the math. A couple of prescriptions could sink a budget really fast. Insurance isn't any better. My mother has insurance in addition to Medicare that costs her more than $6000 now. Think what it will cost in 15 years!

The race for the presidential election that's two years off has already started. You can bet that the cost of drugs and insurance is going to be a hot issue in that race. A candidate that doesn't have solutions isn't going to get any support from the baby boomers. And you can be DAMN sure that they won't get MY vote!

I heard about this on the radio today, and actually surfed to see if it was really true. It seems that a prisoner in New York wants the State of New York to pay for his sex change to the tune of $500,000, and then move him to a women's prison.

The article suggests that to deny this man his sex change would be cruel and unusual punishment, and that it's a medical issue, and therefore can't be ignored. They liken it to a person knowing they have diabetes before they enter prison requiring treatment once they are incarcerated.

If he has begun the change, I might understand petitioning to continue it. But, if this is his fondest wish, and he didn't act on it BEFORE he went to jail.....then I don't see why the state should be obligated to foot the bill.

Personally, I feel that we spend all together too much money making our prisoners happy and comfortable. There are a LOT of people in the US who can't afford TV, Cable hookups, an exercise gym, and unlimited education. IF prison was a less pleasant place, maybe fewer people would be willing to risk going there.

A friend told me today that an ex-con was interviewed about the situation, and he said that if HALF the money spent on locking people up was diverted to creating jobs for released prisoners, fewer would repeat their offenses. They can study all they want in jail, and it doesn't do them any good because no one will hire them once they are released.

I propose we make it a really unpleasant place to go....and do everything we can to prevent those who have been incarcerated from going back. And, this turkey can have his sex change when he has raised the funds! Maybe the inmates will contribute to his fund drive.

There have been a number of incidents lately that point out what a melting pot we are. The most recent one that comes to mind is the case of the woman who wanted to have her driver's license picture taken wearing a chador. (I believe that's what it's called. Forgive me if I've erred.) In case you missed the decision, she did NOT win her case, and must show her face if she wants the license.

I mention that situation because it is an example of a change in the expectations of those who wish to emigrate to the United States. At one time, immigrants rushed to find a way to fit into society here. They pushed their children to do well in school, found entry level jobs and worked their way up. And in the process, they learned English so they could read the newspapers and understand the laws.

Now, I'm finding that people are moving to the United States and trying to make us over into the image of the country they have left, with freedom. It concerns me terribly that there is less effort to learn English these days. Newcomers move into an area where friends and relatives have settled, and they learn the ropes from someone who has been here for a bit, but they resist learning the language.

I'm concerned for several reason. First, it's easy to take advantage of those who don't know English. If you can't read English, you can't go on-line or to the library to learn about things like Social Security cards. I'm sure I know people who have been sold a card that is free to all. It is much easier to prey on someone who can't read the news, or learn the laws, or understand the political system in our country.

Second, those who live here without mastering English, are relegated to the most menial of jobs, at the lowest pay levels. I don't want you to misunderstand; there's nothing wrong with low paying jobs, but one of the things that draws people to us is the opportunity for an improved standard of living. Why would you go through the hardship of relocating, and not do everything you can to find a job that you enjoy?

Which brings me to the thought that when you choose to live in America, you need to embrace all aspects of American life. We have been called a "melting pot." I've always thought our strength lies in our ability to take the best of each culture and blend it into the mix that is uniquely American. We need our new citizens to participate in government so that they are represented. We need their influence on our arts and customs. If they are bound by lack of language into a ghetto, they fail to grow and nurture the whole.

And, in times like these, where we fear for our safety, we need to know that those who live here will work toward the goal of national safety; that they will support the choices our government makes, or work to change those choices through acceptable channels. We've come to a time when we need to be united, and unfamiliarity with English prevents that unity.

The federal government spends incredible amounts to provide tax information in dozens of languages. I'd rather they provided classes in English. Some states, California comes to mind, are requiring their schools to be bi-lingual. I think the students would make faster progress if the schools focused on English. There should be classes for immigrants to learn English, but the students need to be mainstreamed as quickly as possible into classes where English is the only language spoken. Stop encouraging activities that divide us!

This may seem like a tough stand, but it's been proven to work. If you read about immigration in the 1800's you'll find that those people didn't expect a handout. They knew it would be difficult, and they waded in and eagerly assimilated. I think we need to encourage everyone who lives within our borders to embrace ENGLISH!

It seems that my entry on June 9th has been a magnet for people who are being hounded by the Illinois Tollway Authority for failing to pay tolls. One of the first people to comment said that he had a coming hearing. I'm glad to say that he was successful in his protest, and has been excused from his fines. But, it seems that he is the exception that makes the rule.

If this is a subject of interest to you, I recommend that you go into the archives and read the comments from June 9th. You'll find advice on how to prepare for your hearing, and also information on two lawyers who may bring a class action suit against the Tollway Authority.

Apparently, law abiding toll payers who pass through the gate rather than waiting for the light to change to green have been rounded up in the hunt for the scofflaws. It seems that the delay in registering the toll is causing a serious problem. Another problem is the number of malfunctioning toll booths. The Authority assumes that IPASS equipment malfunctions and that the toll booths always work right.. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the courts.

To those of you who paid the tolls....good luck with your cases. To those of you who didn't....pony up!

This list is the top 30 searches on Lycos for the week ending May 5, 2003:

1 X2: X-Men United
2 Tattoos
3 KaZaA
4 SARS
5 Dragonball
6 Kentucky Derby
7 American Idol
8 Prom Hairstyles
9 Britney Spears
10 Mother's Day
11 The Matrix Reloaded
12 NFL
13 50 Cent
14 WWE
15 Atkins Diet
16 Las Vegas
17 NASCAR
18 Pamela Anderson
19 NBA
20 IRS
21 Marijuana
22 Yu-Gi-Oh!
23 Jennifer Lopez
24 Brooke Burke
25 Dixie Chicks
26 Baseball
27 Eminem
28 Harry Potter
29 Christina Aguilera
30 Iraq Rebuilding

Please note the type of subject that makes up the first 29, and then look at the 30th. How naive we are to let the subject of rebuilding Iraq fall to 30.

I suppose this gives us some idea of the median age level of the people surfing at Lycos. *GRINS*

Since I posted, more information has been made available about the hazing incident in Northbrook. I've seen footage of it on the TV, and listened to commentary on the radio.

It seems the girls organized this activity on their own, without the sanction of the school. It took place off the school grounds, and <u>legally</u> is not the school's responsibility. At one time, this type of activity was allowed, but the school ended the practice when it became too rough.

The senior girls ordered yellow sweatshirts for themselves, and white ones for the juniors, and then invited the juniors to participate at a cost of $35-40. The principal wondered why anyone would accept an invitation to be hazed. I wonder why they stayed and put up with it when it got bad.

The juniors were huddled on the ground , surrounded by a circle of seniors, being smeared with all sorts of offensive things, and struck. Several people video taped the entire episode!

The best of the comments that I have heard so far have to do with responsibility. The KIDS should be held responsible for their actions , and so should their parents, since the girls are still minors.

The school had both the students and their parents sign a code of behavior at the start of the school year that would preclude behavior like this. While the senior girls will not be suspended, they have been banned from extracurricular activities. I bet the next howl we will hear will be from the parents of the girls who will not be allowed to go to prom!

A more militant opinion was that the police should have been called, and this should have been pursued legally. It would surely give other students pause for thought.

I don't know yet how aggressively I'd pursue this. We need to work with younger children to instill respect for their classmates, rather than putting out fires in high school. And I STILL think hazing should be banned!

I was reading the Chicago Tribune, and came across this article http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-030508hazing,1,6268353.story?coll=chi%2Dnewslocal%2Dhed.

In a prosperous town North of Chicago, the junior and senior girls were having a "powder puff" football game, that turned into a hazing of the junior girls. The juniors were pelted with mud and feces, splattered with paint, and beaten up. Two of the girls needed medical attention.

Two assumptions made in the article truly bothered me. It was suggested that parents had provided alcohol, and also had helped to gather the feces used in the hazing. What parent in their right mind would have done that?? The sanitary considerations alone make this a dangerous and stupid activity, but what kind of message did they give their children? "It's okay to play with feces, honey; they won't hurt you at all!" "Go ahead and drink in public.....everyone else does!" "BASH that girl! You've hated her all year; now's your chance to give her one!"

Where were the school officials who should have been present for a school activity? Was this planned to take place in the Forest Preserve so that school officials wouldn't be there? And what about parents who were present? Why didn't they stop it?

Hazing is inappropriate! ANYWHERE! I was involved in a hazing situation at college, and learned that even at that age, students still need guidance. The book "Lord of the Flies" runs through my mind every time I hear about students having the chance to assert their authority over classmates. We need to do a lot more to be sure that young people understand the need for social interaction, and how it works.

It's old fashioned, but I've always used this as my guide: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Yep....the Golden Rule. Generations have used it successfully, but I'm beginning to worry that it's going to fall by the wayside. Just how do you pursuade the junior girls that revenge isn't sweet, and necessary? After all......they'd just be doing what has been done to them!

NO MORE HAZING!

About three weeks ago, I read an article in the Chicago Tribune about Andrea Prosse, a former Air Force Acadamy cadet. It was this article that made me decide I wanted to blog, because I was so incensed at the state of affairs in our military academies.

Ms. Prosse was in the upper third of her class, and had shown exceptional leadership skills when she was sanctioned by her fellow classmates and forced to leave school, 8 days before graduating.

While she was a student, she had dated a classmate at the Academy, and when she chose to break off the relationship, he stalked and harrassed her for more than a year. She finally asked upperclassmen, and her instructors, for assistance, and was told she had to resolve the issue on her own.

In her last semester of school, she was working on an engineering project, and the stalker accused her of lying about where she got the design for the engine she was using in the project. She had borrowed the design <u>with permission</u>, but she was tried by her peers and and forced to leave the Academy. Lying is considered an offense punishable by dismissal.

This woman was planning to become a fighter pilot, and then an astronaut, and now her plans will never see fruition. She doesn't have her college degree, and since she can't serve in the Air Force, the government is charging her for four years of education.

She chose to come forward about all this, because even if the case is overturned, and she is reinstated, her male classmates feel she has broken the code by speaking out about a fellow classmate, and has dishonored the Academy in doing so. She will never be able to effectively lead as an officer with this in her background, so this web of lies has destroyed her life long plans.

I have a <b>HUGE</b> problem with an institution that encourages this type of behavior. My tax dollars are going to support a place that feels loyalty to the institution is more important than honesty. Furthermore, the male cadets closed ranks behind the male cadet despite the fact that his actions were clearly self-serving, and this points up the fact that the future leaders of our military place little value on gentlemanly behavior, and NO value on women in the service.

All of this has come on the heels of of 47 women telling their Congressmen that they had been raped or assaulted while they were at the Air Force Acadamy. (Ms. Prass was assaulted by an upperclassman.) At least four of the top officers at the Academy have been asked to step down, but I don't think changing officers at the top is sufficient. Women who elect to serve our county shouldn't have to worry about defending themselves from OUR military personnel.

I don't have the solution to this mess, but I want to see those in charge take the matter more seriously! What do YOU think? Is there a place for women in the services?

...not not the weather kind, the bridal kind...or ANY kind of shower along those lines. I think whoever created the 20th century concept of showers should be taken out and SHOT!!!

I have to go to my step-daughter's bridal shower today. First, let me say that I am delighted to be celebrating her coming nuptuals. She's found a swell guy to marry. I'm pleased to be able to give her a gift that I know she will like. I don't have any problems with brides being registered, or the the idea that we are gathering to give her household items (or lingerie, or cooking tips, etc.).

What really bugs me is the stupid games! My sisters were rather busy procreating, so I was invited to bridal showers, baby showers, eight grade, high school and college graduations, and then bridal showers for my nieces and future nieces-in-law and baby showers and so on. At all the wedding oriented activities, women get together and play the silliest games, all for the purpose of distributing token gifts to the participants. I finally tried to beg off on some of those showers, but it never worked.

This is my idea of a great shower: NO GAMES. Maybe you could organize a pot luck supper, or go out to eat, and then open gifts. NO GAMES!! Sitting and chatting, or putting together a personal book of recipes, but NO GAMES!!!! Going out to a Chippendale performance and having a drink or two, then sending the bride home to open the gifts the next day, but NO GAMES!!!!!

<muttering as I walk away........no gamesnogamesnogames>

Earlier this month, when the U.S. government was voting on the President&#8217;s budget, I think I heard that we were giving a BILLION&#8230;.that&#8217;s right a billion with a &#8220;b&#8221;&#8230;.dollars each to Jordan, Israel and the Philippines. Unfortunately, our largess didn&#8217;t stop there, but those three caught my attention.

I would be the first to admit that I am not well versed in international politics. I know that administrations prior to this one have paid out huge sums in an effort to shore up friendly countries, or to try to bribe unfriendly ones into seeing us more favorably. It seems to me that most of that has backfired and left us with a large part of the world assuming that there will be never-ending handouts. Despite our generosity, we are now hated across the world.

I don&#8217;t understand why we are giving such large amounts to these countries. What have they done that warrants us supporting them? Are we paying Israel because it kept out of the war and kept a low profile? And why are we supporting the Philippines? I just don&#8217;t understand. Even more, I object to the blackmail coming from North Korea. &#8220;Pay us, or we&#8217;ll send a nuclear suitcase bomb to you!&#8221;

We&#8217;ve helped to free Afghanistan from the tyranny over there, and we&#8217;re told that if we don&#8217;t rebuild their country faster, they will let the tyrants back in. What ever happened to the concept of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps? That&#8217;s what we&#8217;ve done. It&#8217;s how we&#8217;ve become the success that we are. Generations of Americans have worked long hours, and saved pennies, and done without until they could afford things. What&#8217;s wrong with applying that same concept in other places?

At the grocery store where I shop, there are men who hold up signs saying that they will work for food. A man who shops when I shop, will invite them to come in with him, and then he buys them meals and juice or milk. He does this to be sure that the money he gives is used for food, and not siphoned away for drugs or alcohol. This is generosity that I can understand.

With countries, I&#8217;d like to see us send food or medicine or technology, rather than cash. I realize that some places are in such dire straits that they need help to feed their people, but once the populace is stabilized, we need to assist them in ways that will make them independent. We don&#8217;t need to collect satellites; we need to create partners in a healthy economy.

Or, and this is a thought&#8230;..we might keep the money and start taking care of our own problems. We could see to it that students in poor school districts received a quality education, or we could subsidize more college education. We could provide basic health insurance for those who currently have no coverage. We could provide temporary shelter for the indigent, or create training programs for those on welfare. We could even recreate a Works Progress Authority to rebuild our deteriorating infrastructure. We would create jobs, train people, and improve our situation.

I suppose that those who are involved with politics or government will have dozens of reasons why we can&#8217;t do this, but I think that they are geared to the status quo and are unwilling to see that we have other options. We need fresh thinking in our government, and some new direction, and I hope we can bring about a better reputation for our country, too.

I don&#8217;t have the answers, but I can see the need for change.