Time Flies.....

.....when you are worn out.

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I've posted anything to the blog.  Frankly, even though our nightmarishly busy season at work is over, I'm still buried alive in work to do.

Barely into the New Year, I found out that our IT person and all round Jack of All Trades had accepted a new job and would be leaving before the end of the month.  It was a scramble to try to find a replacement, get the new guy trained and have others on staff (mostly me) pick up the rest of the IT guy's duties.  Maybe, before I am eligible (and rich enough) to retire I'll be able to get back to doing my job duties instead of taking on more.  Yeah, right.  Add to this that our Development Director will be retiring in March (that deserves an entire post of its own), and I'm in stress overload.

When I get home from work I am beat.  I feed half the cats and the dog and then choose between fixing myself something for dinner or feeding the other half of the cats.  On a good day I can do all 3 plus scoop a couple of litter boxes.  Lately, I've been asleep in front of the television by 8PM.

I'm going to make this brief so I can get to the laundry, dishes and, of course, the litter boxes.  I hope you will check out the video links below.  I have been a fan of Bill Moyers since the first time I saw one of his PBS shows many, many years ago.  I am never disappointed and always come away better informed as well as angry about the latest injustice most often committed by our elected officials.  This week was no exception.  He began with the underhanded, but typical, Washington insider BS that gave half a billion dollars to AMGEN, an American biotechnology firm convicted in Federal court in December, 2012 and fined $762 million dollars.  Our tax dollars are supporting a criminal operation - imagine that!  The second segment was about Roe v Wade.  Once again, a thoughtful and informative piece of journalism.  It also gave me hope that the forces on the Right will not continue to dismantle this critical legislation.  I highly recommend watching the full show.

The Benefits of Being over 60

Trust me, I've done more than my share of complaining about aging.  Those complaints include increased aches and pains, loss of stamina and strength, and even a dulling of memory.  However, in the past few years I've come to rejoice in the fact that I've lived most of my life and won't have to face a bleak future.  The times, they truly are a'changing and not for the better.  I no longer envy the young, in any way possible.

My generation, in my estimation, lived through the best of times of American history.  We also, for the most part, benefited from a high point in education on all levels.  From kindergarten through graduate school, our educational system reached its zenith.  As baby boomers we had benefits both from having parents who lived through WWII and the Great Depression and living through major progressive changes ourselves.  Our parents witnessed and/or experienced the advent of Social Security and FDR's implementation of massive expansion and improvements in our infrastructure, from roads, to bridges and dams.  That isn't saying everything was good.  The development of the atomic bomb, the bombing of Hiroshima, the Holocaust showcased the worst of humanity.

In the 1950s President Eisenhower oversaw the building of interstate highways, connecting our nation as never before.  In the 1960s we saw the first steps toward equality for all humans, recognizing people of color and women as fully human, although that fight still continues today.  The passing of the Civil Rights Act and the advent of the Second Wave of feminism helped to provide previously unavailable opportunities to a large segment of our population.  President Johnson got Medicare passed, so that the elderly wouldn't have to go without affordable and accessible health care.  Add to all this the fact that we had the best music ever - Elvis Presley, Motown, Crosby/Stills/Nash & Young, the Beatles, Carole King, James Taylor, just to name a few of my personal favorites.  As time progressed, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, and LGBT persons were coming out of the closet and beginning to be "granted" their rights as humans as well. 

What does the future hold that concerns and worries me so much?  I'll try to make the list concise:

• CLIMATE CHANGE
• AN EROSION OF RIGHTS, ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN
• A WORLDWIDE FAILING OF ECONOMIES
• INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT/POVERTY
• INCREASED VIOLENCE, EITHER PERSONALLY OR THROUGH WARS
• EXTINCTION OF MORE AND MORE SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS
• WORLD HUNGER
• BIGGER AND MORE FREQUENT NATURAL AND MAN MADE DISASTERS
• INCREASED DESERTIFICATION
• LACK OF SUFFICIENT CLEAN WATER, IN OUR OCEANS, LAKES, RIVERS - EVERYWHERE
• INCREASED RELIGIOUS ZEALOTRY BY ALL RELIGIONS

During a time when we, as Americans, have access to a larger amount of information via the Internet, most of us remain complacent and uninformed of the dangers which are happening, whether in our own backyards or worldwide.   It seems to me that only a small percentage of Americans are actually paying attention.  Too many are simply struggling to get by, day to day.  Others just don't care, continuing to believe that things will get better and there isn't anything to worry about.  And still others resort to paranoia about fantasy bogey-men (like the UN Agenda 21).

A couple of articles that I read this morning prompted me to put up this post.  First is this from Alternet - Alaska Militia Leader sentenced to prison   I highly recommend checking out the website for the Southern Poverty Law Center to find out more about militias and hate groups, and their astronomical rise in the past four years - Hate and Extremism

And one final link has to do with President Obama's nomination of Jack Lew for Treasury Secretary.  Although I had wished he would appoint Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC, I never expected that to happen.  Soon to be former Treasury Secretary had helped get her booted from the early White House team.  I would have been just as happy had either Paul Krugman, Joseph Stiglitz or David Cay Johnston been the nominee.  I never expected that to happen either.  I hadn't been concerned about Lew, despite his wacky & arrogant signature after hearing Obama's glowing introduction to the nomination.  Additionally, NPR made a point to say that Lew had photos of the FDR programs gracing his office walls, implying that Lew was supportive of these programs.  This interview on Alternet changed my mind and put a knot in my stomach.  Below is a quote about Jack Lew from Professor William Black:

So—and he has the history, in one sense, correct. He says the problem arose before deregulation. That’s true that derivatives were already a problem before deregulation. And so, Brooksley Born proposes to deal with the problem by having a regulation to deal with credit default swaps. And then the Clinton administration, in league with Greenspan, in league with Phil Gramm, and with one of the important architects of all of this being Jack Lew, squashes Brooksley Born to destroy the proposed regulation and to pass something, the Commodity Futures Modernization Act—talk about a dishonest phrase—that not only said, "You, Brooksley Born, cannot go forward with this particular regulation," the statute actually said, "We hereby withdraw all regulatory powers to protect the nation, period. From the federal government, from the state and local governments, we exempt you from the gambling laws. We exempt you from the boiler room laws to prevent fraudulent operations." It’s one of the most extraordinary abusive things in the world, heavily involved with AIG’s ability to produce not just the disaster atAIG, but the disaster of credit—of the CDOs that blew up a larger portion of the world. And those CDOs would not have been possible without these credit default swaps.

Again, I had held out hope that Obama would get Congress to re-instate Glass-Steagall.  That ain't gonna happen with Jack Lew at the helm of Treasury.

For more about Glass-Steagall, check out these links:
Glass-Steagall

Interestingly, Sandy Weil, formerly of Citigroup and advocate for the repeal of this law, has reversed his position and sees the error of his ways now that it's too late: Sandy Weil + Glass-Steagall

DECEMBER, 2009 – JANUARY 9, 2013

       The last couple of years have been a bit difficult for me.

1. DECEMBER, 2009 – Caleb has tumor removed from his intestine
2. JANUARY 1, 2010      – went into hospital due to a cat bite on my foot
3. FEBRUARY 25, 2010 – Clark euthanized (11 years old)
4. MARCH 19, 2010 – Charlotte euthanized (9 years old)
5. JULY 30, 2010 – Cammie euthanized (15 years old)
6. AUGUST – SEPTEMBER, 2010 – me back in hospital for 5 surgeries, including a skin graft
7. DECEMBER 10, 2010 – Chase found dead (7 years old)
8. FEBRUARY 12, 2011 – Chaz euthanized (12 years old)
9. MARCH 11, 2011 – Colin euthanized (rescued from the street 1998 – adult cat)
10. APRIL 22, 2011  - Caleb euthanized (15 years old DOG)
11. MAY 21, 2011 – Cagney rescued from the street
12. JUNE 14, 2011 – Charlie euthanized (12 years old)
13. JUNE 24, 2011 – Cissy euthanized (16 years old)
14. NOVEMBER 11, 2011 – Claudia euthanized (rescued from Animal Services 2005 – older cat)
15. NOVEMBER 28, 2011 – Campbell has all teeth removed
16. DECEMBER 12, 2011 – Colt euthanized (8 years old)
17. JANUARY 12, 2012 – Courtney euthanized (13 years old)
18. FEBRUARY 16, 2012 – Cordelia euthanized (14 years old DOG)
19. FEBRUARY, 2012 – Cashew (kitten) + Contessa (about 1 year old) rescued from street
20. JUNE 29, 2012 - Chandler euthanized (13 years old)
21. AUGUST 2, 2012 – Crockett had all his teeth removed
22. JANUARY 9, 2013 – Cassandra having surgery to remove all of her teeth

Prior to having to put so many of these cats and dogs to sleep, there were extensive veterinary bills for treatment in an effort to save or, at least, prolong their lives.  It's not just about "pocketbook" issues but also the emotional distress that goes along with dealing with watching so many cherished loved ones die.  

While I know that most, if not all, of these animals would have died long before had I not brought them into my home, my life and my heart, it stills takes a toll.  My own health struggles helped erode my coping skills as well.  These were choices which I made and, therefore, are mine alone to bear.  

My apologies to friends if I've been more short tempered or less communicative in the past couple of years.  It's not always easy to exude sunshine and roses through personal trials and tribulations.  

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