Weird Shit – It’s a Mystery To Me

I miss George Carlin.  He always had a bit about the weird shit in life.  You know, those things that when you look at them logically they just don’t make any sense.  That’s the kind of stuff that has been swirling around in my head lately.  So here are some questions for you……………….

People who hoard guns, including semi-automatic weapons and large ammo clips are, according to Wayne LaPierre of the NRA, just gun fanciers.  Yet women, most of them older, who rescue homeless, unwanted and often injured cats from the street are Crazy Cat Ladies.  So why does society value objects whose purpose is to kill and ridicule compassion? 

Why were states, ruled by Republicans, so concerned about voter fraud in the last election, especially when they could only provide, at best, less than 10 cases of voter fraud in the previous 5 or 10 years?  Yet this same political party reassures us that only reasonable people will buy semi-automatic weapons and large capacity ammo clips at a gun show or pawn shop, without any background check.  How does the damage done or the danger posed by a few hundred, thousand, or ten thousand fraudulent votes compare to the damage done by a 30 round ammo clip in a crowd of people?

 

Those very same state legislatures felt the most pressing agenda item was to further restrict a woman’s access to a legal (by Federal law) abortion, imposing a waiting period and counseling prior to having an abortion performed, yet they object to a 3 day waiting period to purchase a gun.  If abortion is murder to them, exactly what do they think the purpose of a gun is?  Costume jewelry?  A lovely wall hanging?  Maybe a hood ornament for their truck?

Why does society practically deify the Wall Street gamblers, most of whom get richer by having access to insider trading tips (cheating), instead of valuing the hard working people who go to their jobs, either creating tangible objects or providing a much needed service, each and every day?

In light of the damage done to our air, water, ground and overall health by the extraction and use of fossil fuels do humans choose fossil fuels over cleaner energy that will benefit the humans, plants, animals and environment?

Why do those who call themselves Pro-Life generally support the death penalty and the elimination of the social safety nets that primarily benefit living, breathing children?  How does a fetus have more value than an already born child?  

Why do those same Pro-Life people object so loudly to contraception, which is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and decrease the number of abortions?  

Again, why do these same people, who say they are so concerned about fetuses continue to vilify Planned Parenthood, which in so many areas of the U.S. is the only source of low cost or free prenatal care?  Prenatal care is the best way to insure a woman gives birth to a healthy baby.

Following the exposition of the disgusting and deplorable actions of the Catholic Church, for hundreds of years, regarding their complicity in the thousands of cases of pedophile priests around the world, why are people still attending the Catholic Church and supporting anything said by any Catholic priest, bishop or Pope?

Consider this part of an ongoing list of things about society that continue to baffle, confound and anger me.  Feel free to add some of your own to the list in the comments.  I’d love to hear from you.

The Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for all to give thanks for all that they have.  

Christmas and Hanukkah are holidays where gifts are given to family, friends, neighbors and even co-workers.

As I have lost all of my immediate family, as well as beloved dogs and cats, over the years the holiday season has taken on new meaning – or no meaning – to me.  Certainly, as a vegetarian, the feasts with the carcass of a dead animal as the centerpiece is repulsive.  In the past few years I have chosen to enjoy my time off from work in unconventional ways.  Tomorrow, Christmas Day, I plan to see The Hobbit.  With any luck the theater will be nearly empty.

As far as gifts are concerned, most everyone I know has followed my request for NOTHING PLEASE.  I need to divest myself of enough stuff to fill a large store.  When that will happen is anyone’s guess.  The last thing I need is MORE STUFF.  To practice what I’ve been preaching, both last year and this year, instead of buying gifts for my employees I have donated to a non-human animal charity of my choice.  Both are grassroots, local nonprofits.

Last year I made a monetary contribution to the building fund for the Spay N Save's low cost spay/neuter clinic.  They opened their clinic earlier this year to one and all.  To find out more about Spay N Save, check out this link:  http://www.spaynsave.org/

 

This year, thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I chose the kennel at Harbor House.  Earlier this month Harbor House, a shelter for women who are battered by their partners, opened their kennel for the companion animals of the women who are staying at the shelter.  Most shelters for women who are battered do not permit them to bring their cats and/or dogs with them.  Due to that fact, many women remain in abusive relationships to protect the animals they love.  

This link for Harbor House (http://www.harborhousefl.com/2012/08/3rd-annual-paws-for-peace-walk/) provides a complete description of why these caring people chose to open a kennel that provides a safe haven for these animals.  For many of us, myself included, our companion animals are precious, priceless, irreplaceable members of our families.  

While I realize that it is too late for anyone reading this post to choose to make a donation to a charity this year, I want to encourage each of you to consider doing this for future “special” occasions where you would normally purchase a gift.  Instead of continuing to fall prey to the crass consumerism that abounds, help out a good cause.  Your money will help and you may start a tradition within your circle of family and friends.  You will, most certainly, help raise awareness of the causes you support.  Most of us, especially in the developed world, have enough stuff to last several lifetimes.  No gift is too small for those in need.  

During this enduring recession, it has been the small, grassroots and local nonprofits that have suffered the most.  The majority of these groups do not have a stockpile of money to help them through the tough times.  Local cat and dog rescue groups often operate in the red because of mounting veterinarian bills to save the lives of the sick, injured or abused animals they take into their care.  I encourage each of you to look around your community and find good nonprofits that need some help.  If you can’t give items they need or make a monetary gift, consider volunteering your time.  Most need caring, reliable volunteers for everyday tasks throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.  

The giant nonprofits that you’ve heard of or whose ads you often see of television generally have endowments or large bank accounts.  Don’t believe me?  Check out Guidestar to see the latest IRS 990s of some of the nonprofits you have heard about.  The larger the group, the larger the staff, the larger the expenses that don’t go directly to their cause.  United Way, for example, takes at least 15% of your donation simply for managing the fundraising.  When you get a phone call to raise funds for your local police or fire department, that call is made by a fundraising firm.  That firm may keep 40% or more of each donation they collect.  You would be better off taking some home baked cookies to your local fire station or even donating some money if the local firefighters are volunteers.  

This is just my 2 cents.  Take it for whatever it’s worth to you.

WISHING EACH OF YOU A JOYOUS AND SAFE 

HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Many, if not most of you, have probably never heard of this television show.  It debuted in 2006, the same year that the very popular 30 Rock began it's run.  Both shows were about a late night comedy sketch show, however, the perspectives were entirely different.  After 22 episodes, Studio 60 was summarily cancelled.  So, why am I writing about it now?  That's simple - I LOVE IT.  Although I have attempted to watch 30 Rock on a couple of occasions, I find it unbearable.  I find the characters annoying, offensive, self-centered and, frankly, not terribly intelligent. 

When Studio 60 was announced, there was no question that I would watch it.  It was scripted by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Thomas Schlamme.  Both of them are geniuses in their fields. 

I have three screenwriters whom I positively adore, in no particular order:  Aaron Sorkin, Joss Whedon and Lawrence Kasdan.  All three have scripted my favorite television series and/or several of my favorite movies.  All three of these men are funny, witty and take me on an emotional roller coaster ride.  Their characters, both heroes and villains, are fully human and a joy to watch.

Studio 60 was Sorkin's third television series.  His first, Sports Night, was delightful.  It was critically acclaimed, but suffered from low ratings.  ABC gave it a chance and it lasted 3 seasons.  Before Sports Night was cancelled, Aaron had already started his masterpiece, The West Wing.  The two main stars of Studio 60, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, met and worked together on The West Wing.  Their natural camaraderie was evident on screen.

Studio 60 is semi-autobiographical, with Matt Perry playing a Sorkin like character and Bradley Whitford playing a Tommy Schlamme like character.  Sarah Paulson's role is based upon Kristin Chenoweth.

A couple of years ago, I watched the series again online.  It was as fresh as it had been when it debuted.  I recently borrowed the DVD set from a friend and watched the first 8 episodes in the past 24 hours.  It is simply a travesty that this show wasn't renewed - the only show by Aaron Sorkin that didn't get green lighted for a second season.   If you have Netflix, subscribe to Hulu or can possibly get the DVDs from your local library - DO IT!  As with all of Aaron's work, the scripts are filled with fast paced, smart, funny dialog and great story lines.  The actors are at their best.  In addition to Matt Perry, Brad Whitford and Sarah Paulson, the cast includes Amanda Peete, Steven Weber, D. L. Hughley, Nate Corddry (he is wonderful and adorable), Timothy Busfield and Simon Helberg (of Big Bang Theory and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog fame).  Helberg does a killer imitation of Nicholas Cage and Sarah Paulson's Holly Hunter is a laugh riot. 

Instead of listing the works of Sorkin, Whedon and Kasdan, check them out on IMDB.  I hope you will watch the series.  It's really, really worth it.

AARON SORKIN

JOSS WHEDON

LAWRENCE KASDAN

How I Spent My 4 Day Weekend

Well, I had high hopes for this 4 day weekend.  Starting next Saturday, my staff and I will be working 6 days a week.  Trust me, I'm getting way too old for this.  When I get home at night now I rarely have the energy to feed all of the cats (and the 1 remaining dog) and scoop any litter boxes.  Dinner for me?  All too often it's cereal, unless I had cooked on the weekend and have leftovers.  I rarely stop to pick up something to eat on the way home. It's just too darn expensive to eat out.  Frozen dinners mostly end up tasting like the cardboard container in which they are packaged.  Many nights I just skip dinner, after having also skipped lunch.  Yeah, I know.  No lectures, please.

So, I did get my nearly 2 weeks worth of dirty dishes washed.  I tore up my dishwasher at the end of 2010 and haven't been able to afford to replace it.  Can we say VET BILLS????  I just finished washing and bleaching out 5 litter boxes that have been sitting outside for over a year.

I did manage to run my payday errands yesterday.  Yes, on Black Friday.  I got two prescriptions filled at Target, well after the BF mad house.  Next I went to PetSmart for their BF specials.  Friskies canned food, 39 cents a can.  I bought 8 cases and I saved at least $1.50 per case.  Those should last me a month.  I bought 8 of the 35 pound scooping Tidy Cat litter.  On sale for $8.99 with a $5.00 coupon on each purchase.  So, buckets 2-8 were only $4,25, including tax, each.   WHOO - HOO.  Those might last about 2 months.  I had almost gone through my Buy 1, Get 1 free 14 pound each containers of Tidy Cat.  Great timing.  I had bought a total of 24 of those.  At $7.79 for two, that was a super deal at the time.

Then off to the grocery store where I picked up fixings for homemade potato soup and vegetarian chili.  With both I should have something to eat for dinner for about 2 weeks.  Of course, I'm going to get tired of each before that time is up.  Oh, well.

Intersperse all of this with Laundry.  At my house I'm always doing laundry, mostly because of the cats  Between barfing on the bed and having to wash the bedspread, there are towels, more towels and even more towels.  Years ago I started putting towels under the litter boxes.  Someone, invariably, hangs over the edge.  It's quicker and easier to soak the towels in the washer in vinegar water (bought 4 gallons at the grocery store yesterday) and then wash the towels than to constantly mop the floor or try to peel wet newspaper off the floor.

I had planned to clean and organize my kitchen on Thursday.  That didn't happen, needless to say.  Hopefully I can get started on that tonight and finish up tomorrow.  I did a little bit, here and there since Thursday, but not that anyone but me would notice.  I still need to vacuum the living room carpet.  I am about to get started on scooping at least 4 litter boxes, possibly 6 before the night is over.  My personal batteries tend to run down around 8PM and little gets done on most nights.

I did get the bills paid and out of the way.  Tomorrow, I may be taking my 92 year old neighbor to the grocery store.  And, of course the cooking marathon.  Then, goody, more dishes to wash.  Of course, I have about 20 cat bowls and a dog dish to wash daily.  Oh, I have to finally clean out the fridge, something I've been meaning to do for the past 7 or 8 weekends.  And Monday morning before I leave for work, I'll have to drag a full week's worth of garbage to the street - bags & bags of dirty cat litter in 7 quite heavy garbage cans.  There was no garbage or recycling pick up on Thanksgiving Day.

My world - it's a disaster.  Is it Christmas yet?  Santa, all I want is the energy to clean this place up, the organizing gene and the return of the 2 day weekend.  And, if you have a spare dishwasher and a person to install it, that would be wonderful. 

Thanksgiving - A Celebration of What?

Over the years my feelings about Thanksgiving have changed dramatically.  As a child, I looked forward to the new coloring pages of pumpkins, turkeys and Pilgrims.  There were crafts and plays.  That first stage was - FUN.

As an adolescent I looked forward to time off from school and The Dinner.  My mother was a wonderful cook and she made the best dressing ever.  When my father died in early 1965, holidays in general became something different.  Not only was his absence discomforting, but it became a time to reexamine what holidays actually meant.  At the same time, holidays were becoming more and more about consumerism, buying new and better decorations and Family.  Without dad, family wasn't the same for me.  The word was like a slap in the face.  It made me feel like I didn't "belong."  As the years progressed I began to feel more and more like someone on the outside. 

Aging does give one perspective.  My idea of family changed and designated days to celebrate some created occasion has become an artificial construct for me.  These special days had subtle messages for many people.  It wasn't just those who didn't have a conventional or traditional family who were marginalized, but those of differing religions, other than American origins, those who couldn't afford the crass consumerism flooding the airwaves.  The myths of a harmonious 1st Thanksgiving, the forcing of some sort of ideal family and/or lifestyle, the underlying guilting of those who didn't fit that ideal.  Square pegs unwelcome in the Norman Rockwell America.

The final straw and/or the final epiphany happened when I chose to become vegetarian.  My eyes had been opened to the overwhelming abuse and cruelty inflicted upon non-human animals and it was unconscionable.  Their pain became my pain, my sadness.  The sight of a golden brown dead turkey as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table was/is repellent.  Happy Turkey Day became the new expression for this holiday.  Happy Turkey?  Excuse me, but I know those turkeys would be much happier if they were still alive.  The massacre of millions of turkeys each year for Tradition is an obscenity  The truth of how massive numbers of turkeys are bred and raised to meet the ever increasing Need, created by marketing executives, is horrid to see and even worse for those turkeys to endure.  No longer are turkeys the multicolored birds of my youth.  Now turkeys are white.  They are bred to have oversized breasts, so large that it is often difficult for them to keep from toppling over.  Why is this done?  Because the white flesh of the turkeys' breasts are the favored part of this bird.  They are "engineered" to fit the tastes of their predators.

Add to the abuse and cruelty toward these marvelous creatures the abuse and cruelty the European invaders and then the "Americans" visited upon the First Peoples, the REAL Americans.  The violence of this holiday, either hidden or ignored by most is the reality of this holiday/holy day to me.  For the rest of America apparently ignorance is bliss.  Unfortunately once faced with the truth, I can't wipe it from my memory or ignore it.  I will enjoy the day, and will spend it with my family - 4-legged and furry. 

Wishing each of you and all of us -

PEACE ON EARTH & GOODWILL TOWARD 

ALL LIVING THINGS

To see a video inside Butterball, the largest purveyor of dead turkeys, visit this link:

  http://www.butterballabuse.com/

And, if you're interested, here are a couple of links about the first Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning, observed on Thanksgiving Day since 1970.

http://www.uaine.org/ and

http://www.uaine.org/wmsuta.htm

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Please Vote for Manatees!

Save the Manatee Club is a non-profit located in Central Florida.  The organization was founded 31 years ago for the purpose of saving manatees from extinction.  Please click on the link above to vote for Save the Manatee Club and help us win a grant in the Chase Giving Campaign.  The grants range from $10,000 to $250,000.  The more votes we get, the higher the grant awarded.  We need your vote.  It only takes a few minutes of your time and will make a big difference for manatees. 

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