God, Country, and the Inauguration

Photo Courtesy Senator Barack Obama Press Kit

I do not think it will surprise many for me to say I am not a fan of President–elect Barack Hussein Obama. That being said, I love this country. I am a patriot through-and-through. I love that we are a melting pot country and I love our constitution. Did you know that our Declaration of Independence is a model for other countries that seek freedoms and democracy?

As a patriot, I can say that regardless of our initial impression of the man, I cannot think of a single president in history who has been perfect. I cannot name one who has not made a decision that turned out badly (despite his best efforts) or who has not at some point in his term of office acted on some human frailty – the way all of us do in our daily lives. By that same token, I cannot think of a single president who has not also shown, at some point, tremendous wisdom, courage, or leadership for this country. Every incoming president is bound not only to disappoint, but also to inspire.

Soon Barack Hussein Obama will be our 44th President. Those who wish ill upon him are unthinkingly wishing ill upon us all. His blunders will affect this country in ways that could do serious damage. His triumphs will change lives for the better, possibly in profound ways.

In loving this country and her people, I pray for Barack Hussein Obama. I pray he will be blessed with the wisdom to clearly see what is best for the people of this country as a whole, and with the courage and strength to act on that wisdom even when it is difficult or unpopular.

I pray for his family. I pray they will be able to endure the sacrifice and challenges that come with being the family of the President of the United States of America. We do not need family challenges or stressors to be adding more pressure and workload upon our president. We need him to be at his best and able to focus, with a clear mind and heart, upon the needs of this country. We also need him to be able to be there for his family and to have that source of comfort and peace in his life. Those moments will help him to better endure all he must as our president.

I will be watching the inauguration as he is sworn into office. I care not for the Hollywood elite and the hoopla, but I am very much interested in the swearing in ceremony of our new president. Every swearing in ceremony is an historic event, and while some cling to that label because he is black, I use it because it is the hallmark of the democracy in this country that I so treasure. Each swearing in ceremony means ‘we the people’ have a voice and a choice in our own leadership and government. I hope to never take that for granted.

As an American, you can protest and boycott the inauguration or you can attend and cheer with tear-filled eyes. You can watch in the hopes he will commit a major blunder, or you can watch for the history-making aspect. You can do something that has nothing to do with the inauguration, or you can even change the channel and watch something else. Those, too, are other great parts of this country – you have the freedom to choose how to respond to this event, and it won’t be broadcast on every channel.

God Bless America!

PS. Those who wish to watch do not need a television to do so. Hulu is one of multiple online sites that will be broadcasting the event live.

New Study Claims Thinking Makes You Fat – Studies on Obesity Doom All

Image via WikipediaI read this report about a study claiming that thinking hard makes you fat. It reminded me of other studies and reports over the years I have read that claimed this, that, or the other make people fat. In each case, it was something weird like this study about thinking.

Drinking Water Makes You Fat
Insomnia Makes You Fat
Diet Sodas Make You Fat
Sugar Substitutes Make You Fat
Holiday ‘Spirits” Make You Fat
Healthy Food Makes You Fat
Shampoo Makes You Fat

In the end, it appears that pretty much everyone is doomed to be fat as most people have at least one of those fat-makers in their lifestyle. These studies could lead one to develop a new life strategy:

“Eat, Drink and Be Merry – for Tomorrow You May Be Fat!”

Resources:

Don’t Think Too Hard – You Might Get Fat
FoxNews. Wednesday, December 31, 2008

How drinking too much water can make you fat. Diabetespreventiondiet.com. 2008.

Does the Lack Of Sleep Make You Fat?
Science Daily. December 13, 2004

Can Diet Soda Make You Gain Weight?
James M Klatell. CBS News. January 4, 2007.

Can Sugar Substitutes Make You Fat?
Alice Parker. Time Magazine. Sunday, February 10, 2008.

Drinkers Beware – Holiday ‘Spirits’ May Make You Fat
FoxNews – Health Blog. Dr Marc Siegel. December 17, 2008 10:19 a.m.

Sneaky Foods That Can Make You Fat. Valerie Banner.
Quality Health News. 2007.

Can the Methyl Paraben in Your Shampoo Make You Fat?
Terressentials. 2009

Science Proves that Family Get-Togethers Warp Your Brain

This new study is one to consider the next time you feel stressed rather than refreshed by time with your family. Now, I thought brain-warping only applied to those of us with dysfunctional families. Who knew it applied to y’all, too? *laugh*

Home for the Holidays
FoxNews – RedEye
December 31, 2008



If the video does not display, please try this link

So, speaking of time with family, does time with your family stress you out? If so, is it only certain members or is it being in a big crowd of family that does you in?

And the big question, if your family stresses you out, what have you done to change it or what do you do to handle it?

My method for handling it is that I am an equal-opportunity eliminator. I eliminate from my life all sources of serious stress.

The Brenda Bag – Making a Life Statement

Image via WikipediaI am a fan of ‘The Closer’ and the main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. One of her trademarks is her big black bag. Her purse is oversized so she can put all manner of items inside, including case files.

In more than one instance, her bag and the contents therein have been useful props in creating a particular impression of her choosing. Like many women, I have multiple bags of multiple sizes that I use for various occasions. However, lately I find myself drawn to my own ‘Brenda Bag’. My life circumstances currently dictate that when I go out, I must take a number of items with me, and they all just fit better in my “Brenda Bag”.

The bag you carry can create an impression, as Brenda’s use of hers illustrates. In her case, her big bag is like her life – disorganized, but everything she needs is there. Others carry bags that are compact, or highly organized with pockets, zippered sections, and slots.

What type of bag/wallet/briefcase/messenger bag/backpack do you carry and what does it say about your life?

Resources:

A Photo of Brenda with her bag
http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/photos/?oid=38245

The Closer – TNT
http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/about/

The United States No More – Russian Prediction

An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal caught my attention last night. In it, a Russian professor predicts the division of the United States, with each part joining up with or being ruled by a foreign entity. While I do not believe it would ever come to that, I can see some states wanting to separate. However, again, I do not really think it will come to that.

With the article is a map illustrating how Prof. Igor Panarin believes the U.S. will be divided. First question: If this came to pass, would you stay where you are or would you move to a specific region in order to be affiliated with a different country? In this illustration, there is no longer a U.S. section – all are under or affiliated with other countries.

I would have to move, and my move would be in an eastern direction – though I am not sure how far east I would move.

Second question: What do you think the likelihood is of the U.S. becoming a divided nation?

Source:
As if Things Weren’t Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin’s Forecasts Are All the Rage; America ‘Disintegrates’ in 2010
Andrew Osborn. Wall Street Journal (online). December 29, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html

Step Back in Time – Victorian Pins and Greek Architecture

I have a very talented friend who I want to honor and support today. This multi-talented entrepreneur has two talents in particular that I want to blog about.

The first is her Handmade Victorian Pins (and more!). These lovely pieces of jewelry and other items are reasonably priced, and some are antiques. Each pin comes with a unique (written) story. The means of ordering is detailed on the site for the pins and other items.

The next item is related to her talent as a photographer. She recently took a trip to Greece (pre-riots) and got some great shots of the area, including some amazing photos of doorways and windows. That may sound odd, but once you see the photos you will understand why they caught her eye and are now part of a gorgeous 2009 Calendar.

2009 Doorways and Windows of Greece Calendar










For now, the way to preview the photos and order the calendar is via Facebook (use the link). If you have any trouble with either, please let me know and I will assist you. I have ordered my own calendar, and soon I will be ordering a pin (I need to make up my mind as to which one I want first!).

Please note I get nothing for sending business in her direction or in the direction of the other entrepreneurs I list in my directory, other than the joy of helping support other entrepreneurs.

Eartha Kitt Tribute – Symbol of Feminine Sexiness Passes Away

Image via WikipediaMy first exposure to Eartha Kitt was in her role as ‘Catwoman’ on the 60’s television series, “Batman”. One of three women to play the role, she grabbed attention as the only black woman to play the role (to that point in time). She got my attention by being the one to produce what I considered to be the best Catwoman purr ever.

Since that time, she captured the attention and imagination of the world with her striking eternal feminine sexiness, voice, accent, and style.

Some of my favorite Eartha Kitt songs are: Santa Baby, I Don’t Care, This is My Life, I Love Men, and Where is My Man. In addition to acting, dancing and singing, this amazing woman penned three books and lived life to its fullest as a single woman.

Today, news broke that this remarkable woman died due to colon cancer at age 81.

Please enjoy these musical treats from Eartha Kitt. At the bottom of this posting is a listing of sites with more information about her life and her passing.

Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt


I Love Men by Eartha Kitt

Where is My Man? By Eartha Kitt

I Don’t Care by Eartha Kitt

This is My Life by Eartha Kitt


More information may be found at:

The Official Eartha Kitt website
http://www.earthakitt.com/

Singer, Actress, Dancer Eartha Kitt Dies of Colon Cancer at Age 81
Associated Press/FoxNews.com. December 25, 2008.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,472987,00.html

The Purrrfect Diva
Eartha Kitt Had a Taste For the Best Things in Life. Wil Haygood, Washington Post Staff Writer. Washitnton Post (online). Posted Decebmer 25, but listed as December 26, 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/25/AR2008122500870.html

Eartha Kitt listing at The Internet Movie Database (IMBd)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0457755/

Singer Eartha Kitt Dies
US Magazine (online). December 25, 2008.
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/singer-eartha-kitt-dies

‘Santa Baby’ Singer Eartha Kitt Dies.
Aaron Parsley and Stephen M. Silverman. People Magazine (online). December 25, 2008 6:00 p.m. eastern time.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20249101,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines