Reading this article breaks my heart. I found this on msn.com while looking for something about Thanksgiving to blog about. It really saddens me that this family has to go through such a tragedy on Thanksgiving Day.
I have made no secret of being in the recovery program for friends and family of alcoholics, and this week is a hard week for most everyone in both that program as well as A.A. While sitting in meetings this week I heard so many heart-breaking tales of “Thanksgiving past”. Things others have been through due to the drinking and the behavior of those engulfed in the family disease of alcoholism. I remember thinking when I was headed to a meeting Tuesday night, “I need to talk about what I think is going to happen tomorrow with my family.” I felt that I needed to get it off my chest, in order to ease the worry some. Then during the meeting, I heard others situations and I realized that what I have to deal with is not so bad. And I began to pray for my friends and family to get through this holiday with at least one good memory.
Today, I am trying to find something to blog about, and this is what I find. This is even more terrible than the stories I listened to on Tuesday night. I cannot imagine what the family in this article is going through.
A hideous crime committed in their home, while they were all there and awake. Not only will they have to live with the sadness of no longer having their children, their wives etc, they also have to deal with a guilt that will haunt them until their dying day. Guilt of being there and not stopping it; guilt for not knowing it happened, and the guilt of knowing they could have prevented it from the beginning if they had only treated Mr. Merhige differently.
My hope for this family is that someday soon they can forgive themselves for what they think they have caused.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
I came across this article by accident, on msn.com about the militia movement (domestic terrorists) becoming more prevalent since the election of President Obama.
I read this article with a bit of apprehension. I knew something of the sort would happen, especially due to the Presidents race. There is a remark in the article where the main person, Olson, who the article is based on, states that it is not racial for him. Maybe it is not, however, the ones that have developed so quickly in the south – I am sure it is racial for them. White supremacists and all that running rampant in the southern states it was bound to happen.
It is scary to me. I do not have any guns. My husband and our son have them, and they are in our home. However, I do not ever, even in target practice, shoot them. What if these bizarre right wing militia freaks decide to make war with our government? All hell breaks loose, and people are shooting people without even knowing why. I understand that small-minded people are afraid of a democracy; however, President Obama is not a king. He does not and he cannot rule without the aide of all of the branches of government, including our local governments. There is no one person who has complete control of our nation.
These people really scare me. I have seen many shows on the Discovery Channel on these hate groups that think they have to kill people to make there opinion known. I have always been of the opinion that there should be a hate group against all hate groups. These guys are simple minded and afraid of change.
I am not, and never will be a racist. I think it is great that we have elected an African-American President. To be alive for history in the making, the stories we will have for our children’s children, it just amazes me. Yes, he is making some huge mistakes, but the only way to not make mistakes is to not do anything. Moreover, he is trying to correct the mistakes of the administration that came before him. Unprecedented I believe is the correct word to use here. These problems in our nation are unprecedented; therefore, no one really knows what will and will not work. At this point, it is trial and error.
I wish that these militia groups were more open-minded (and didn’t carry machine guns). They are going to hurt some one, whether intentionally or not, and then the war will start. I see no good coming from these freaks. I now wish I had not read the article. I will worry more now that I did before, because my fears have been confirmed.
I read this article with a bit of apprehension. I knew something of the sort would happen, especially due to the Presidents race. There is a remark in the article where the main person, Olson, who the article is based on, states that it is not racial for him. Maybe it is not, however, the ones that have developed so quickly in the south – I am sure it is racial for them. White supremacists and all that running rampant in the southern states it was bound to happen.
It is scary to me. I do not have any guns. My husband and our son have them, and they are in our home. However, I do not ever, even in target practice, shoot them. What if these bizarre right wing militia freaks decide to make war with our government? All hell breaks loose, and people are shooting people without even knowing why. I understand that small-minded people are afraid of a democracy; however, President Obama is not a king. He does not and he cannot rule without the aide of all of the branches of government, including our local governments. There is no one person who has complete control of our nation.
These people really scare me. I have seen many shows on the Discovery Channel on these hate groups that think they have to kill people to make there opinion known. I have always been of the opinion that there should be a hate group against all hate groups. These guys are simple minded and afraid of change.
I am not, and never will be a racist. I think it is great that we have elected an African-American President. To be alive for history in the making, the stories we will have for our children’s children, it just amazes me. Yes, he is making some huge mistakes, but the only way to not make mistakes is to not do anything. Moreover, he is trying to correct the mistakes of the administration that came before him. Unprecedented I believe is the correct word to use here. These problems in our nation are unprecedented; therefore, no one really knows what will and will not work. At this point, it is trial and error.
I wish that these militia groups were more open-minded (and didn’t carry machine guns). They are going to hurt some one, whether intentionally or not, and then the war will start. I see no good coming from these freaks. I now wish I had not read the article. I will worry more now that I did before, because my fears have been confirmed.
Selling Plasma for financial help
Selling plasma to make ends meet? This article is on msn.com, and it makes me sad. I could never do that, as I have a fear of needles. My fiancé/husband has done this before when our family was in a crisis. I feel really bad for this woman, and all the other people in this world who are unemployed and cannot make ends meet.
Something that really angers me is how all these famous people, (Brangelina for example) go to foreign countries and help the homeless and starving people there, but nothing is done here. I have no problem with them helping people in need, however, why do not they start here, in their homeland, the United States of America? The land of the increasingly homeless and starving.
I am not as broke as even some of my friends, but we are barely making our bills right now. Groceries are actually a luxury, and yet I can still find it in our budget somehow to give to my friends and family when they are in need. That is what it is about. I may go hungry another day, but my friend or family member will not lose their home, or the electric, or whatever. Helping people is important, especially helping those close to you. I do not think that I could live with myself if I were to, say donate to Unique, when I have family and friends right here that need my help as well.
This poor woman in the article is looking at having to live in a run down RV because she was fired from her job more than two years ago, and cannot find employment. She states that she cannot even get a job at a hotel as a housekeeper. That is scary folks. I sit here in my little world counting the minutes till I can quit what I call my day job, knowing that due to my skill set and education, I will find another job without a doubt. Then I read this article and think, maybe not.
Our great nation has come under some significant changes economically here in the last few years. Most of it started with the previous President, and is being blamed on the current President. I really do not care whose fault it is, I just want some one to fix it. Stop giving money to the companies that pay out millions of dollars in bonuses. Heck, most people do not make a million dollars in their lifetime; distribute that money to people who can really use it.
Oopsy! I got on my soapbox again. I will step off, however, in the spirit of the season, remember this: There is always someone out there worse off than you are. If you come across that person, help them out. It could be you one of these days.
Something that really angers me is how all these famous people, (Brangelina for example) go to foreign countries and help the homeless and starving people there, but nothing is done here. I have no problem with them helping people in need, however, why do not they start here, in their homeland, the United States of America? The land of the increasingly homeless and starving.
I am not as broke as even some of my friends, but we are barely making our bills right now. Groceries are actually a luxury, and yet I can still find it in our budget somehow to give to my friends and family when they are in need. That is what it is about. I may go hungry another day, but my friend or family member will not lose their home, or the electric, or whatever. Helping people is important, especially helping those close to you. I do not think that I could live with myself if I were to, say donate to Unique, when I have family and friends right here that need my help as well.
This poor woman in the article is looking at having to live in a run down RV because she was fired from her job more than two years ago, and cannot find employment. She states that she cannot even get a job at a hotel as a housekeeper. That is scary folks. I sit here in my little world counting the minutes till I can quit what I call my day job, knowing that due to my skill set and education, I will find another job without a doubt. Then I read this article and think, maybe not.
Our great nation has come under some significant changes economically here in the last few years. Most of it started with the previous President, and is being blamed on the current President. I really do not care whose fault it is, I just want some one to fix it. Stop giving money to the companies that pay out millions of dollars in bonuses. Heck, most people do not make a million dollars in their lifetime; distribute that money to people who can really use it.
Oopsy! I got on my soapbox again. I will step off, however, in the spirit of the season, remember this: There is always someone out there worse off than you are. If you come across that person, help them out. It could be you one of these days.
FAKE STEAK?!?!
This article, located in the science and technology section of msn.com, really grosses me out. I can understand some of the thought process behind creating fake steak, but I do not think I could eat it.
As I read this article, I began to imagine how my steak would be grown. All I can think is “Gross”. I am a steak lover and fresh steak is the best. Going down to the auction and buying a cow, taking it to the butcher, and then bringing home fresh cut steaks. MmmMmm, good!
This article goes on to say that livestock generate 18% of greenhouse gasses. In addition, to that they take up 70% of our agricultural land. Supposedly, if they grow our meat, these things would be reduced. Seriously, does any one care about this? It is the human population that is destroying our atmosphere, and as for the agricultural land, if they are not raising animals on it, then what?
They say the meat would be germ free; no more worries about mad cow, or swine flu. To which I say, “so what?” These germs are Mother Nature’s way of weeding out weakness, and keeping the population down. If we wipe out the disease factor, there would be too many human beings on this planet. What do you think will happen to our ozone then?
The “Dark Thoughts” section on this one is just disgusting. Growing human “meat” from cadavers? They say it removes the cannibalistic context. I really don’t think so. If you eat human flesh, you are a cannibal, pure and simple, no matter whether it is real or genetically manufactured. Yick!
They say that marketing would help them to sell this crap. Problem is most of us do not care that a cow had to be killed so that we could have that steak. God gave us cows to provide us with milk and steak. It is part of the circle of life.
I will likely become a vegetarian if they switch to genetically manufactured meats. What about you?
As I read this article, I began to imagine how my steak would be grown. All I can think is “Gross”. I am a steak lover and fresh steak is the best. Going down to the auction and buying a cow, taking it to the butcher, and then bringing home fresh cut steaks. MmmMmm, good!
This article goes on to say that livestock generate 18% of greenhouse gasses. In addition, to that they take up 70% of our agricultural land. Supposedly, if they grow our meat, these things would be reduced. Seriously, does any one care about this? It is the human population that is destroying our atmosphere, and as for the agricultural land, if they are not raising animals on it, then what?
They say the meat would be germ free; no more worries about mad cow, or swine flu. To which I say, “so what?” These germs are Mother Nature’s way of weeding out weakness, and keeping the population down. If we wipe out the disease factor, there would be too many human beings on this planet. What do you think will happen to our ozone then?
The “Dark Thoughts” section on this one is just disgusting. Growing human “meat” from cadavers? They say it removes the cannibalistic context. I really don’t think so. If you eat human flesh, you are a cannibal, pure and simple, no matter whether it is real or genetically manufactured. Yick!
They say that marketing would help them to sell this crap. Problem is most of us do not care that a cow had to be killed so that we could have that steak. God gave us cows to provide us with milk and steak. It is part of the circle of life.
I will likely become a vegetarian if they switch to genetically manufactured meats. What about you?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Fifteen minutes of fame?
Yet another “temporarily famous person” who will not stop trying to get into the spotlight. Sarah Palin. Gosh, did we not get enough of her when she was McCain’s running mate? Anyhow, this article, definitely a good read, found at msn.com, about Sarah Palin’s upcoming book release.
First of all, if you did not notice it in my first paragraph - Sarah who? My goodness, she was such an unknown when Senator McCain chose her as a running mate, and now I believe her fifteen minutes of fame have gone to her head. Don’t get me wrong. I find her a very strong, funny (even when by accident) woman. I do not think that she is a good role model for anyone, however.
She “quit” her job after the Presidential election was over. She has told many, many stories with falsehoods in them. I imagine she is exaggerating for affect in those cases. Now, she has written a book, a book full of all kinds of junk about her life, her family, and the Presidential race. Seriously? Would you buy this book? I might use it to help hold a table level or something, but I would not spend money on it.
She strikes me as a very money hungry, very star struck loser who has taken her fifteen minutes of fame and is trying to make a life off it. No one can ride fifteen minutes for as long as she is trying to. I suppose I should wish her luck, we all need an income these days.
Shoot! I was famous once. My fifteen minutes of fame came from playing an actual arcade game (back in the day) for forty-hours and forty-five minutes straight. I set a world record on that game. I did it Webb City when I was about 13, and even if I told you what game it was, and what score, you would not know me from Adam. That’s because in the grand scheme of life, if your fame only lasts 15 minutes, then get off the freaking stage. It is over, get a life. If you actually remain famous, without trying to force it as Mrs. Palin is doing, well then FABULOUS! Keep up the good work, but do not force it, in the end you just end up looking silly.
First of all, if you did not notice it in my first paragraph - Sarah who? My goodness, she was such an unknown when Senator McCain chose her as a running mate, and now I believe her fifteen minutes of fame have gone to her head. Don’t get me wrong. I find her a very strong, funny (even when by accident) woman. I do not think that she is a good role model for anyone, however.
She “quit” her job after the Presidential election was over. She has told many, many stories with falsehoods in them. I imagine she is exaggerating for affect in those cases. Now, she has written a book, a book full of all kinds of junk about her life, her family, and the Presidential race. Seriously? Would you buy this book? I might use it to help hold a table level or something, but I would not spend money on it.
She strikes me as a very money hungry, very star struck loser who has taken her fifteen minutes of fame and is trying to make a life off it. No one can ride fifteen minutes for as long as she is trying to. I suppose I should wish her luck, we all need an income these days.
Shoot! I was famous once. My fifteen minutes of fame came from playing an actual arcade game (back in the day) for forty-hours and forty-five minutes straight. I set a world record on that game. I did it Webb City when I was about 13, and even if I told you what game it was, and what score, you would not know me from Adam. That’s because in the grand scheme of life, if your fame only lasts 15 minutes, then get off the freaking stage. It is over, get a life. If you actually remain famous, without trying to force it as Mrs. Palin is doing, well then FABULOUS! Keep up the good work, but do not force it, in the end you just end up looking silly.
Friday the 13th, and other silly superstitions.
I have rather touched on this subject before, but being that it is Friday the 13th, I cannot help myself. I am going to do it again. I found this article at msn.com, regarding superstitions of the world.
Very interesting that in the UK, a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck, while here in the great United States of America, the superstition is exactly opposite. I have a family member who, about 30 years ago, actually slammed on his brakes and backed up his car until he got to a driveway, to turn around and go a different direction because a black kitty cat crossed the road in front of him. Now that my friends, is a superstition run deep.
I like the paragraph about the shamrock in Ireland being a good-luck charm. We have spent many a beautiful day as a family sitting in a patch, looking for that ever-illusive four-leaf clover. I personally can look all day, and never find one. However, my little brother, we took him camping with us one time, and he must have found twenty-five of those little buggers. I really do not believe that they bring luck, but they are so difficult for me to find that I do keep them pressed in a book in my library when I do get one.
There are a couple of other oddball superstitions in this article, but I want to talk about the number 13. Why do we think it such a bad number? Why does Friday the 13th become even more “cursed” than any other day numbered 13? Well I have researched these things in the past, so I am going to pass on some knowledge here.
In the Western world, Friday has always been considered an unlucky day. When combined with the fear of the number 13…well, you get the picture. These superstitions go back at least as far as the 17th century. It is really hard to get any specific facts as to why these things are considered unlucky. Friday is rooted in Christian faith, as it is said the crucifixion happened on a Friday. (Where as Good Friday is the only exception to this belief.) The number 13 being unlucky, also stems from Christian faith, in that there were 13 people at the table for the Last Supper, and Judas was the first to leave the table, died at his own hand shortly thereafter.
Although nowadays we mostly just poke fun at the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, it is interesting to note things like; there is no 13th Street in Joplin. There are also no hotel rooms with the number 13, nor a 13th floor in any building. (Oddly enough, there is a 13th floor; they just call it the 14th.)
So yes, it is just a silly superstition, but it is rather fun to spend the day watching the superstitious try to get around “all that bad luck” throughout the day. When really, if anything bad were going to happen, it would have happened whether it was Friday the 13th or not.
Very interesting that in the UK, a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck, while here in the great United States of America, the superstition is exactly opposite. I have a family member who, about 30 years ago, actually slammed on his brakes and backed up his car until he got to a driveway, to turn around and go a different direction because a black kitty cat crossed the road in front of him. Now that my friends, is a superstition run deep.
I like the paragraph about the shamrock in Ireland being a good-luck charm. We have spent many a beautiful day as a family sitting in a patch, looking for that ever-illusive four-leaf clover. I personally can look all day, and never find one. However, my little brother, we took him camping with us one time, and he must have found twenty-five of those little buggers. I really do not believe that they bring luck, but they are so difficult for me to find that I do keep them pressed in a book in my library when I do get one.
There are a couple of other oddball superstitions in this article, but I want to talk about the number 13. Why do we think it such a bad number? Why does Friday the 13th become even more “cursed” than any other day numbered 13? Well I have researched these things in the past, so I am going to pass on some knowledge here.
In the Western world, Friday has always been considered an unlucky day. When combined with the fear of the number 13…well, you get the picture. These superstitions go back at least as far as the 17th century. It is really hard to get any specific facts as to why these things are considered unlucky. Friday is rooted in Christian faith, as it is said the crucifixion happened on a Friday. (Where as Good Friday is the only exception to this belief.) The number 13 being unlucky, also stems from Christian faith, in that there were 13 people at the table for the Last Supper, and Judas was the first to leave the table, died at his own hand shortly thereafter.
Although nowadays we mostly just poke fun at the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, it is interesting to note things like; there is no 13th Street in Joplin. There are also no hotel rooms with the number 13, nor a 13th floor in any building. (Oddly enough, there is a 13th floor; they just call it the 14th.)
So yes, it is just a silly superstition, but it is rather fun to spend the day watching the superstitious try to get around “all that bad luck” throughout the day. When really, if anything bad were going to happen, it would have happened whether it was Friday the 13th or not.
Worries about Violence in association with 9/11 Terrorists
This article found at msnbc.com is about the “alleged mastermind” behind the 9/11 attacks could cause more violence. Especially since he is on trial in what would be the shadow of the Twin Towers.
There are concerns that he will not get a fair trial as well. To which I say “OORAH!” Does he deserve a fair trial? In my opinion, the answer to that question is no. He most definitely does not deserve a fair trial. He is admitting to having been the mastermind behind it all, so just put him away, or give him the death penalty. Why waste all this time and money letting some poop-head lawyer try to get him off when he so obviously wants to be punished. If he had not admitted to it, then maybe, just maybe, I might think he deserves a fair trial. In this case, a fair trial would not be held in the great city of New York, because there will not be an unbiased soul anywhere in that vicinity to be put on the jury.
The article states that the loudest voice against the holding of the trial comes from relatives of the victims. They are very upset that the trial will be held in the federal courthouse, which is approximately a thousand yards from where the attack on our nation began. A firefighter whose son died in the attack says the city’s wounds are still too raw, and “ripping that scab open will create a tremendous hardship.” While others think that it is fitting that they face justice so close to where the attacks took place. (I still say he doesn’t deserve a fair trial.)
As for the violence, I am not for certain as to what kind of violence they should be worried.You have your city folk, all-American people who do not want justice for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed; they just want him to pay for what he is admitting to having done. Therefore, they may be inclined to try to give him his just desserts outside of the courtroom. In addition, should he make it all the way to trial, and New Yorkers do not like the ruling, I would think they might lean toward some kind of rebellion.
Then you also have to consider the kind of people this Mohammed comes from. Terrorists. They are violent by nature, and we have one of “theirs” in captivity. They could lose what little wits they have and try to get him out of custody through whatever means possible. Be it with a troop of crazies, or bombing somewhere else to draw attention away to their extraction plans. I would not want to live in New York City right now. The possibilities of violence are so completely endless when you are dealing with religious fanatics.
There are concerns that he will not get a fair trial as well. To which I say “OORAH!” Does he deserve a fair trial? In my opinion, the answer to that question is no. He most definitely does not deserve a fair trial. He is admitting to having been the mastermind behind it all, so just put him away, or give him the death penalty. Why waste all this time and money letting some poop-head lawyer try to get him off when he so obviously wants to be punished. If he had not admitted to it, then maybe, just maybe, I might think he deserves a fair trial. In this case, a fair trial would not be held in the great city of New York, because there will not be an unbiased soul anywhere in that vicinity to be put on the jury.
The article states that the loudest voice against the holding of the trial comes from relatives of the victims. They are very upset that the trial will be held in the federal courthouse, which is approximately a thousand yards from where the attack on our nation began. A firefighter whose son died in the attack says the city’s wounds are still too raw, and “ripping that scab open will create a tremendous hardship.” While others think that it is fitting that they face justice so close to where the attacks took place. (I still say he doesn’t deserve a fair trial.)
As for the violence, I am not for certain as to what kind of violence they should be worried.You have your city folk, all-American people who do not want justice for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed; they just want him to pay for what he is admitting to having done. Therefore, they may be inclined to try to give him his just desserts outside of the courtroom. In addition, should he make it all the way to trial, and New Yorkers do not like the ruling, I would think they might lean toward some kind of rebellion.
Then you also have to consider the kind of people this Mohammed comes from. Terrorists. They are violent by nature, and we have one of “theirs” in captivity. They could lose what little wits they have and try to get him out of custody through whatever means possible. Be it with a troop of crazies, or bombing somewhere else to draw attention away to their extraction plans. I would not want to live in New York City right now. The possibilities of violence are so completely endless when you are dealing with religious fanatics.
Friday, November 6, 2009
DNA Barcoding
This is an interesting article regarding DNA “bar-coding”. Since I am currently enrolled in BIO 101 and we just took a test over DNA fingerprinting, I thought this article was very appropriate. This article is located on msnbc.com.
DNA fingerprinting comes in very handy for determining who the criminal might be (if he leaves any behind, that is). However, this article is talking about using the DNA fingerprinting to determine where trees are being harvested illegally, and what herbal medicines are really made of. This type of genetic technology could also contribute to early warning system for the spread of disease.
My initial reaction to this one is “how cool is that?” Now I am nowhere near a biology major, but I do find this kind of thing very interesting. They can actually use DNA fingerprinting to find out where animals are being “harvested” illegally.
There are links in the article referenced to even more fascinating stuff. One of the links has a photo of a handheld DNA barcoder that would allow scientists to more quickly determine the species of a plant or animal, and help them to identify and catalog the “vast biodiversity” before much of it becomes extinct.
So, if you find this type of thing interesting, please read the above referenced article and the articles linked to it. DNA bar-coding would do wonders for the scientific world as well as the criminal one mentioned above.
DNA fingerprinting comes in very handy for determining who the criminal might be (if he leaves any behind, that is). However, this article is talking about using the DNA fingerprinting to determine where trees are being harvested illegally, and what herbal medicines are really made of. This type of genetic technology could also contribute to early warning system for the spread of disease.
My initial reaction to this one is “how cool is that?” Now I am nowhere near a biology major, but I do find this kind of thing very interesting. They can actually use DNA fingerprinting to find out where animals are being “harvested” illegally.
There are links in the article referenced to even more fascinating stuff. One of the links has a photo of a handheld DNA barcoder that would allow scientists to more quickly determine the species of a plant or animal, and help them to identify and catalog the “vast biodiversity” before much of it becomes extinct.
So, if you find this type of thing interesting, please read the above referenced article and the articles linked to it. DNA bar-coding would do wonders for the scientific world as well as the criminal one mentioned above.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Aliens? Hmmm….I for one have always wanted to believe in life on other planets. This article talks about how they have been looking for life in all the wrong places. They have learned that there are more probable places where other forms of intelligence could be.
Previously they were using the principle of mediocrity, and now that they are using that same principle but applying it to the sun, they feel they may be on to something.
I am a huge fan of things that are difficult to explain. Things like the Egyptian pyramids, and the Bermuda Triangle, and most definitely the possibility of other forms of intelligent life “out there”. I am not easily swayed to believe or not believe. I weigh all the facts – of which there are very few, in my opinion.
I believe that God would not “create the heavens” just for us to look at. That would be silly in my opinion. All that wasted space. I just do not see him as being wasteful. In addition, something to consider, is that we, as the human race, are just an experiment. Therefore, it just goes to think that he (God) put “experiments” all over the Universe. (This is just a thought. Honestly, when I run out of things to say, I start making stuff up. I have to get to 1500 words somehow!)
I do not believe the stories about alien abductions though. Part of the reason for that is that in this day and age, with the technology that we have available to us, the “sightings” have come almost to a complete halt. They still happen, but not as often. If there were other forms of intelligent life out there, why would they abduct us and do such rudimentary experiments on us? More food for thought.
I personally have seen an unidentified flying object. It was about eighteen years ago. I was at my Grandma’s home in Carterville Missouri. I had just put my darling baby girl in her car seat, and was saying my goodbyes to Grandma. Grandma got a strange look on her face. She was staring at something in the sky behind me. It was still daylight, but heading into twilight. I turned to see what she was seeing.
In the sky and what seemed very close were two very large “fire balls” gliding together. Parallel to each other and the earth. There was no sound. Just the large glowing balls. It was the strangest thing I have ever seen. There was no video taken by any one. Grandma and I talked about it for days. When it was reported on the news, they said it was “space garbage”. That, to me, is the silliest thing I ever heard. There is no way they were outside our atmosphere. They were so close; they seemed to be no higher than you could fly a standard kite.
I know I used the words “fire balls”. However, they were not on fire, they were similar in color to fire, but there were no flames.
Call me crazy if you will. I have been called worse. I am just relating what I perceived to have happened that autumn day.
Previously they were using the principle of mediocrity, and now that they are using that same principle but applying it to the sun, they feel they may be on to something.
I am a huge fan of things that are difficult to explain. Things like the Egyptian pyramids, and the Bermuda Triangle, and most definitely the possibility of other forms of intelligent life “out there”. I am not easily swayed to believe or not believe. I weigh all the facts – of which there are very few, in my opinion.
I believe that God would not “create the heavens” just for us to look at. That would be silly in my opinion. All that wasted space. I just do not see him as being wasteful. In addition, something to consider, is that we, as the human race, are just an experiment. Therefore, it just goes to think that he (God) put “experiments” all over the Universe. (This is just a thought. Honestly, when I run out of things to say, I start making stuff up. I have to get to 1500 words somehow!)
I do not believe the stories about alien abductions though. Part of the reason for that is that in this day and age, with the technology that we have available to us, the “sightings” have come almost to a complete halt. They still happen, but not as often. If there were other forms of intelligent life out there, why would they abduct us and do such rudimentary experiments on us? More food for thought.
I personally have seen an unidentified flying object. It was about eighteen years ago. I was at my Grandma’s home in Carterville Missouri. I had just put my darling baby girl in her car seat, and was saying my goodbyes to Grandma. Grandma got a strange look on her face. She was staring at something in the sky behind me. It was still daylight, but heading into twilight. I turned to see what she was seeing.
In the sky and what seemed very close were two very large “fire balls” gliding together. Parallel to each other and the earth. There was no sound. Just the large glowing balls. It was the strangest thing I have ever seen. There was no video taken by any one. Grandma and I talked about it for days. When it was reported on the news, they said it was “space garbage”. That, to me, is the silliest thing I ever heard. There is no way they were outside our atmosphere. They were so close; they seemed to be no higher than you could fly a standard kite.
I know I used the words “fire balls”. However, they were not on fire, they were similar in color to fire, but there were no flames.
Call me crazy if you will. I have been called worse. I am just relating what I perceived to have happened that autumn day.
Baby found after 5 days.
This story is absolutely ridiculous. I found it on MSN.com and I cannot believe that a mom would actually do this.
She actually reported her seven-month-old daughter missing, after having given her to the babysitter to hide. If you read further, you will see that she had a three-year-old son go missing back in 1987, and she almost did jail time back then. Not because of the missing son, but because a six year old girl was found in the home and had been abused.
As I am typing this, I am still in complete shock. I do not understand how any woman can give up a child. Not like this. I mean, I can understand if there are extenuating circumstances and you put your child up for adoption, but to give her away, and then report her missing? You have got to be some kind of special for that.
This woman and her husband have allegedly used drugs in front of the children. They have been watched by the Department of Family Services for this as well as keeping a messy home. Why didn’t some one see this coming? They obviously did not want to take care of the child.
Thank God, the baby was found in good health, even if she was hidden in a box under the babysitter’s bed. I hope the parents and the babysitter stay in jail for a while, and that they find a good loving home for that beautiful baby girl who has done nothing to deserve the life she is getting.
She actually reported her seven-month-old daughter missing, after having given her to the babysitter to hide. If you read further, you will see that she had a three-year-old son go missing back in 1987, and she almost did jail time back then. Not because of the missing son, but because a six year old girl was found in the home and had been abused.
As I am typing this, I am still in complete shock. I do not understand how any woman can give up a child. Not like this. I mean, I can understand if there are extenuating circumstances and you put your child up for adoption, but to give her away, and then report her missing? You have got to be some kind of special for that.
This woman and her husband have allegedly used drugs in front of the children. They have been watched by the Department of Family Services for this as well as keeping a messy home. Why didn’t some one see this coming? They obviously did not want to take care of the child.
Thank God, the baby was found in good health, even if she was hidden in a box under the babysitter’s bed. I hope the parents and the babysitter stay in jail for a while, and that they find a good loving home for that beautiful baby girl who has done nothing to deserve the life she is getting.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Superstition
This is very interesting. I know this is November first, however, I want to write one more blog in the spirit of Halloween. I specifically searched for Halloween news, and found this article at NationalGeographic.com, which by the way has many very interesting articles regarding some other Halloween-ish things, like a ghostshark and a Dracula fish.
The discovery of this 17th century witch bottle is really pretty cool. According to the article, these bottles were intended to ward of evil spirits and curses. They usually contained the fingernails, hair, nail clippings or even urine of the person who was in need of this talisman. Then the bottle would be buried near the home or a building frequented by the person needing the protection of the witch bottle.
These witch bottles were used much in the same way some one in our day and age would use a horseshoe placed above a doorway. It is simply superstition, and superstition is a big part of Halloween.
I have heard that is bad luck if a black cat crosses your path, or if you walk under a ladder. If it rains on your wedding day, it supposedly means that your marriage will be miserable. Wait a minute! It rained on my wedding day, and the next 18 years of my life were miserable, maybe there is something to that one! No, I am just kidding. I am not a superstitious person. (I mean, yes what I said about the 18 years of my marriage being miserable and the rain, that is true, but come on – weather being an omen of how my life will be – I just don’t think so.)
There is also the seven years bad luck if you break a mirror. I have heard that instead of seven years, that the years coincide with the number of pieces it breaks into. But I have broke a mirror or two in my life, and nothing changed.
I do believe however, that if you say something out loud, that you believe to be true – if you want it to continue to be true, you should “knock on wood” as the old timers say. I only say this because many years ago, when I lived in Georgia, I was bragging. Bragging about my driving skills, and how I had not been stopped for any reason or received any kind of traffic ticket since the age of 16. I did not knock on wood. The very next morning, pulled out of my driveway (in front of a police officer, unbeknownst to me!) and proceeded to do approximate 55 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Um…I got a ticket. The officer was very unhappy with me.
That little story right there has brought my husband to tears many a time. (Laughing at me, that is!) Since that day, I have never bragged about my driving skills without knocking on wood, and have yet to receive another ticket. Knock on Wood. I do get pulled over quite a bit, because of my lead foot, but I remain ticket-less since the instance above which was over 10 years ago.
The discovery of this 17th century witch bottle is really pretty cool. According to the article, these bottles were intended to ward of evil spirits and curses. They usually contained the fingernails, hair, nail clippings or even urine of the person who was in need of this talisman. Then the bottle would be buried near the home or a building frequented by the person needing the protection of the witch bottle.
These witch bottles were used much in the same way some one in our day and age would use a horseshoe placed above a doorway. It is simply superstition, and superstition is a big part of Halloween.
I have heard that is bad luck if a black cat crosses your path, or if you walk under a ladder. If it rains on your wedding day, it supposedly means that your marriage will be miserable. Wait a minute! It rained on my wedding day, and the next 18 years of my life were miserable, maybe there is something to that one! No, I am just kidding. I am not a superstitious person. (I mean, yes what I said about the 18 years of my marriage being miserable and the rain, that is true, but come on – weather being an omen of how my life will be – I just don’t think so.)
There is also the seven years bad luck if you break a mirror. I have heard that instead of seven years, that the years coincide with the number of pieces it breaks into. But I have broke a mirror or two in my life, and nothing changed.
I do believe however, that if you say something out loud, that you believe to be true – if you want it to continue to be true, you should “knock on wood” as the old timers say. I only say this because many years ago, when I lived in Georgia, I was bragging. Bragging about my driving skills, and how I had not been stopped for any reason or received any kind of traffic ticket since the age of 16. I did not knock on wood. The very next morning, pulled out of my driveway (in front of a police officer, unbeknownst to me!) and proceeded to do approximate 55 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Um…I got a ticket. The officer was very unhappy with me.
That little story right there has brought my husband to tears many a time. (Laughing at me, that is!) Since that day, I have never bragged about my driving skills without knocking on wood, and have yet to receive another ticket. Knock on Wood. I do get pulled over quite a bit, because of my lead foot, but I remain ticket-less since the instance above which was over 10 years ago.
Spring Forward / Fall Back
This article located at MSN.com about Daylight Savings time is interesting.
The whole Spring Forward/Fall Back thing has always been a curiosity to me, and since this weekend was the Fall Back time of the year, I thought this would be a great time to read more on it.
I really enjoy the fact that when we “fall back” an hour, that I get to sleep in – if I can. You see, getting old has played a trick on me, and I find it difficult to sleep past 7:30 a.m. even on the weekends. No matter how much sleep deprivation I have suffered throughout the week. It stinks.
Anyhoo, as I read this article, and see that Hawaii and Arizona do not follow the rules on the time change, I have to wonder. I have to wonder why then, do the rest of us? Seriously, if the change is only done as an energy saver as the article states, it makes no sense to me. We need to save more energy in the summer time, but the Daylight Savings Time gives us more light in the morning. I would rather have more light in the evening, personally. If you use their reasoning, the reason it makes no sense to me is that the majority of us is only wasting those extra minutes of light in the morning. Most of us are asleep when those extra minutes come into play.
Moving on: If you read this article, there are some questions at the end of it that I found very interesting, like, “why do we wake up with bad breath?” and “why do we snore?” and my favorite, “why do we yawn?”
The one about the bad breath is really quite gross. It makes me want to go brush my teeth like right now! Disgusting. However, it does make sense.
Why do we snore? There are many reasons listed. However, I am not really certain which one of those reasons applies to me – or my hubby. Gosh! My husband really saws logs. Sometimes if I do not go to sleep before he does, I have to go sleep on the couch!
Why do we YAWN? Go ahead, read the article linked above, and see if you can keep from YAWNING. I tried. I was unsuccessful. However, it is also very interesting that they can find no scientific correlation as to why we snore. I think someone should get a grant and study it more.
Thanks for reading! I hope you had a Happy Halloween!
The whole Spring Forward/Fall Back thing has always been a curiosity to me, and since this weekend was the Fall Back time of the year, I thought this would be a great time to read more on it.
I really enjoy the fact that when we “fall back” an hour, that I get to sleep in – if I can. You see, getting old has played a trick on me, and I find it difficult to sleep past 7:30 a.m. even on the weekends. No matter how much sleep deprivation I have suffered throughout the week. It stinks.
Anyhoo, as I read this article, and see that Hawaii and Arizona do not follow the rules on the time change, I have to wonder. I have to wonder why then, do the rest of us? Seriously, if the change is only done as an energy saver as the article states, it makes no sense to me. We need to save more energy in the summer time, but the Daylight Savings Time gives us more light in the morning. I would rather have more light in the evening, personally. If you use their reasoning, the reason it makes no sense to me is that the majority of us is only wasting those extra minutes of light in the morning. Most of us are asleep when those extra minutes come into play.
Moving on: If you read this article, there are some questions at the end of it that I found very interesting, like, “why do we wake up with bad breath?” and “why do we snore?” and my favorite, “why do we yawn?”
The one about the bad breath is really quite gross. It makes me want to go brush my teeth like right now! Disgusting. However, it does make sense.
Why do we snore? There are many reasons listed. However, I am not really certain which one of those reasons applies to me – or my hubby. Gosh! My husband really saws logs. Sometimes if I do not go to sleep before he does, I have to go sleep on the couch!
Why do we YAWN? Go ahead, read the article linked above, and see if you can keep from YAWNING. I tried. I was unsuccessful. However, it is also very interesting that they can find no scientific correlation as to why we snore. I think someone should get a grant and study it more.
Thanks for reading! I hope you had a Happy Halloween!
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