Angry Renters Unite
Posted on May 31, 2008 - Filed Under Current Events, dasterdly deeds
A couple weeks back, my chum sent me this link - for the Angry Renters in America. An excerpt from the site explains their beef:
All we hear these days is whining from reckless home borrowers and their banks.
But did you know that renters are 32 percent of American households? And that homes in foreclosure are less than 2 percent?
So why is Congress rushing to bailout high-flying borrowers and their lenders with our tax dollars?
Unfortunately, renters aren’t as good at politics as the small minority of homeowners (and their bankers) who are in trouble. We don’t have lobbyists in Washington, DC. We don’t get a tax deduction for our rent and we don’t get sweetheart government loans.
Quite simply, we are just Angry Renters. And now it is our time to be heard: no government bailouts!
I have to say, they do seem to have a point. I’m a renter myself and it’s bad enough that every cent I pay in tax dollars goes to something that I’m not really interested in supporting - well, mostly anyway. I guess it boils down to this - if a group, no matter how small a fraction of the population screams loud enough or makes a good enough victim, it seems our government is more than happy to pander to them. And this isn’t a partisan issue either - it happens recklessly and frequently on all sides of the political spectrum and personally, I think it boils down to buying votes. Which in a word, sucks.
I highly recommend you check out the website and sign the petition if you’ve a mind to. As they say, ‘It can’t hoit.’ And the vids are pretty good too.
Posts of the Week & Some Other Stuff
Posted on May 30, 2008 - Filed Under Blogging, Just For Fun, brain farts, my opinions
Hey Guys,
Sorry I haven’t had much time to visit this week - between work and preparing to go to Seattle this weekend, I just flat ran out. And I happened to do a lot of stumbling today, so hopefully, you got some new lookie loos that way.
I did however, get some cruising time in and wanted to give you a few posts to check out:
Once again, Grit has come up with some very unique and whacky new approaches to terrorism. It’s a must read.
I wandered into the side door of a new blog (for me anyway) and found this rather compelling post about casual sex and relationships.
One of my favorite bloggers, who doesn’t just write poetry but takes amazing photographs has this post and it will brighten your day.
Another lovely blogger on my blogroll and whom I adore has written what could be the definitive poem about authors’ god complexes.
And I’m afraid Grit was particularly brilliant this week and I have to send to yet another of his posts, which is sure to get you giggling.
And now, the other stuff. Saturday, I leave for Seattle and I will be gone for a week. I will be with my friend Kelly, whom you all know about and hopefully, I can do something to bring her and her family some comfort. I do plan to take my laptop and writing materials and hope to post and maybe even do some blog visiting - but it’s not something I can say for sure, for obvious reasons. At the very least, I will try to post a couple of updates on the Kelly blog that I started for that very reason. And I ask that you keep those prayers coming and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ones that have already been sent.
It’s been a wild few days, I must say and I look forward to things feeling normal again but I’m not sure when that might happen. In fact, it could be that this is normal now.
Thank you to everybody who came to the blog warming, your presence made the event all the sweeter for me and I do appreciate all your good wishes and words of encouragement. Hopefully, I won’t disappoint with this new fangled thing that I can hardly get my arms around now.
Anyway, I have a couple of posts scheduled for the coming week and will talk to you soon. 
Why You Should Vote in the Presidential Election
Posted on May 29, 2008 - Filed Under Election 2008, Humor, my opinions
This election cycle has seen quite a bit of apathy among the electorate and really who can blame them? None of the candidates are exciting, interesting or even slightly different from the steady crop we’ve had over the last couple of decades. In fact, in some cases, there is quite a bit of anger and frustration on the part of the electorate over which candidates managed to get to the top slot(s) - and many suspect the ‘fix is in’ . They may be right.
However, we are stuck with those who have been selected for us and I’m all for looking on the bright side and coming up with some reasons why we should all vote - and since I’m pretty sure that there are plenty of lists around for all the reasons we shouldn’t vote, this seemed like a good idea. Although many things seem like good ideas and fail miserably but that’s another story….
You should vote in the Presidential Election because:
1. Tuesday is typically an off day and there really isn’t much else to do.
2. You might end up on the evening news as an interviewee in the exit polls. Naturally, you’ll have a much better chance if you draw attention to yourself through the use of costumes and/or picket signs. The media loves cheap and cheesy.
3. We haven’t had a chad count in a long time.
4. The sooner a new president is elected, the sooner the media can get some raw meat to feast on and it’s been a paltry feasting season so far. Note: The media apparently require vast amounts of fresh carrion, ah…er..protein to survive.
5. There is nothing good on television that day.
6. There are sure to be protest demonstrations for whichever Dem candidate got cheated or shafted, thereby increasing your chances of appearing in the evening news.
7. November is a boring month and the autumn leaves you’ll see on your walk to the polls will be about as good as it gets.
8. You can delude yourself into believing that your vote counts.
9. Since it is a federal law that your employer must give you up to two hours to vote (without penalty) you will have an extra 1 hour and 45 minutes to screw around before you go back to work.
10. We need a new list of conspiracy theories, new blood in the Whitehouse will help to spawn same.
11. I’m dying to see if Bill Clinton will be our first male First Lady.
12. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can start looking forward to the next presidential election.
13. Due to global warming it may be your last chance to vote before it is proven that voting is destructive to the planet.
14. Since you’ve probably spent the last ten years of your life in front of a computer screen, doing something more exertive could be dangerous for your health.
15. It’s cheaper than putting gas in your car.
16. You may luck out and be witness to voter fraud and/or disenfranchisement and be able to sue somebody later, thereby facilitating an early retirement.
17. It’ll be fun to see what Florida does to screw it up this time.
18. This may be your only chance to vote for your dog.
Okay, well that’s my list. What’s yours?
First Books
Posted on May 28, 2008 - Filed Under all about books, amazing
I don’t know about you, but from the time I can remember, I always have had a book of one sort or another in my hands. I hated dolls and toys and only ever wanted books or clothes (yeah, I guess I was born 40 like Ma used to say). My books then were very special to me and had their own special places on the shelves above my bed.
My books now are special too. I just love books, plain and simple.
I just found out about this. I think it’s a wonderful thought and great idea. They have already distributed 55 million first books to low income families.
You want to change the world? Then it’s this sort of thing that will do it. Books feed imagination, curiosity and stokes the thirst for knowledge - and that leads to some amazing things and helps to add to the growth of our fellow human beings. What better way could we help?
Please check into it - if it grabs you, send them something - or find a way to get involved.
WC
Purple Socks
Posted on May 27, 2008 - Filed Under Uncategorized, brave women, breathe, friends
I put on purple socks today
which made me think of you
I walked them out into the day
and wished the sky to blue
I bought a box of chocolates
and ate them in your stead
I called up God and placed my bets
then uttered prayers in bed
I forced myself to belly laugh
and make it very loud
and gathered lillies along the path
to chase away your clouds
I tried to do the many things
that inform the world of you
in deepest hope that angel’s wings
will fly us back to true
copyright 2008
New Day
Posted on May 26, 2008 - Filed Under Blogging, Dear Readers..., adventure
Two weeks ago, I really began to think seriously about self-hosting. Though the idea had come up many times, I’d always pushed it to the back of my mind and left it there to be considered for another day.
Recent events in my personal life have made me realize that life is just too damn short and that some things just shouldn’t be put off. About three days ago, I just decided it was time and from the point of that decision to having a new blog was nothing short of magical. It was so fast it seemed almost instant. And so it was.
Many thank you’s are in order and most especially go to my good, good friends Moe and Kelly who literally had this blog up in 24 hours. They are utter magicians and I am in awe of their generosity, love, caring and mad skilz. I simply couldn’t have done it without you guys. Had I tried to take this on myself it would probably be months before I had it all figured out and then weeks before I’d have the nerve to open the doors. Yet, with your help - it’s been pretty fricking close to effortless. I love you guys, I know you know that but I wanted to say that publically so there was no mistake. You two rawk!
Of course, there’s also the wonderful Michael, my original blog mentor and dear friend of many years. Without you, I’d never have started blogging in the first place and anything that’s come out of it, I have you largely to thank.
Then of course, there is all of you guys. My friends, my readers, my debaters, my challengers, my buddies. You’ve delighted me with your own special views of the world, your intelligence, your wit, your charm, your humor and your heart. I hope you find the new place to your liking.
I’m still the same old WC - the stupid posts, the jokes, the deep-think stuff, the silly stuff, will all still be happening here. Hopefully better. Hopefully the best is yet to come. Hopefully, new horizons will be met. Hopefully, I’ll stop sounding so mushy…soon.
So, grab a chair, a cup of coffee or a margarita - get yakking with each other, look around - stay awhile. Don’t forget to update the link to the new address. The old writer chick will stay online for some while to come, until everything is tweaked, changed over and updated - so you can still find me that way too.
Anyway, I guess it’s time to quit blathering and get back to work. Thanks again, for everything to everyone. Love you madly.
Annie
A Day to Remember
Posted on May 25, 2008 - Filed Under Current Events, History, honor, recipe
Memorial Day is that first big picnic and three day outting holiday of the year in the states. And I have many fond memories of the family gatherings at local parks, the smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill - juicy watermelon dripping down my chin, mom’s macaroni salad and of course the waiting for nightfall so we could light our sprinklers. It’s all part and parcel of this holiday.
Though, I would ask, that we all take a moment of silence to thank God for those who have spilled blood and given their lives so we can celebrate this holiday. And to say a prayer of thanks and Godspeed to all our troops worldwide - who carry on the tradition of standing the watch.
It’s days like these that I wish I had the wherewithall to send a home made bbq to Iraq and Afghanistan - with vat’s of mom’s special macaroni salad on ice. Unfortunately, I haven’t so…I offer the recipe instead. I suppose it is possible that one or two of our troops might find the recipe and be able to convince somebody to make it for them???
Okay -
2lbs of large elbow macaroni
1/2 small brown onion, minced fine
3 stalks minced celery
1 very small jar of pimentos
2 large dill pickles, minced fine (are you sensing a trend here?)
3 large hard cooked eggs minced fine
1/4 cup of dill pickle juice
3 TBS yellow mustard
paprika
1 can of tuna (optional)
1-2 cups of whole egg mayo (depending on how dry or wet you like your mac salad)
Cook elbow macaroni and drain and rinse. Place in large bowl in fridge and let completely cool. Once mac is cooled pull out of fridge and set aside (it works well if you make the mac the night before and leave in fridge over night - cooled mac does not absorb the liquids as much and keep the salad much more moist). Take mayo, mustard, pickle juice and mix in separate bowl, set aside.
To the mac, add the celery, onion, egg, pimentos, pickles and tuna (if you are using) and toss thoroughly. Then again, put in fridge for about an hour. This lets the flavors marry and seep into the mac first.
Then pull out of fridge and add ’sauce’, again tossing thoroughly. Sprinkle with paprika on top, cover with plastic wrap and keep cool until ready to serve. If you find that the mac has absorbed the liquid too much and is a little dry, just add a little water to bring it back up. Quite yummy.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.
WC
The Truth About Beauty
Posted on May 24, 2008 - Filed Under beauty
A friend sent me this in an email, and though I’d read it before it hit home more this time around. It’s a poem by the timeless beauty, Audrey Hepburn. I really like how that lady thought. WC
“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.”
Audrey Hepburn
Hit Parade
Posted on May 23, 2008 - Filed Under Just For Fun, Life, my opinions
Last week I did a post about some fun/fav posts I’d found and I’ve decided that I’m going to make that a regular Friday thing. Since I am going to make this a regular feature if anyone finds a great post that I miss, please feel free to send me the link too.
Drum roll, please… this week’s hit parade…
Once again, Curious C has an unusual post about one of her newfound hobbies. This girl has quite an imagination and I’m always intrigued by what intrigues her. Meme fans will especially appreciate this one.
A new discovery of a blog and blogger - I call her Joan of Fun on my blogroll and she is a hoot. As evidence by this post. Your trip to the mall will never be the same.
If you’ve never visited Alison at Silent Verses then you are missing out on some of the best prose on the internet. This poem really got me.
Another new blog/blogger discovery. She’s thoughtful and provocative and I loved this post because it made me think while at the same time seeming oh so familiar.
Christine - one of my favorite wordsmiths, says things in ways that no one else does. I wish my mind worked that way.
Mrs. V has an incredibly cute and funny video that is worth the time to watch. The good news is that the whole family including the dog will get a kick out of it.
This post I simply happened upon - I don’t know the blog or the blogger, but it was an extremely well written and informative post on freelancing. Definitely a must read for any writer.
If you haven’t, please do take the time and check out these posts and the bloggers who wrote them. It’s worth the time and may even expand your horizons, or at least, make you smile.
Enjoy!
WC
The Bastids…
Posted on May 21, 2008 - Filed Under Life, brain farts
This has been quite the week already - my friend, another friend’s family member, still waiting to be paid for a job I did a month ago…gas is a thousand dollars a gallon…blah blah…
So, what could make it even better? No internet. Yup…good ol’ Verizon went belly up about 2pm today. So, I sat and checked it all day long. Called Roomie at work to see if it was the network thingie he set up. Didn’t seem to be. When he got home, all his super-duper equipment proved that it was the provider.
The bastids - they spend a bagillion dollars to get you wanting this stuff, making it an integral part of every aspect of your life and then they pull the plug, just because of some silly old 60 mile an hour winds. Jeez what a bunch of pansies!
I don’t know about you, but I actually get a twitch when I can’t get internet access. And they say cigarettes are bad. I wonder if they’ve done any studies on second hand web surfing. Or thrice-removed cyber tripping? You’d think they’d find some interesting things. I can’t stand it when I’m cut off, I’m like a drunk jonesing for their next bottle of Muscatel. It’s frightening really. I was so mad I only gave the dog dry dog food tonight, no table scraps or anything. Of course, it wasn’t her fault but I don’t know who to blame and she was convenient. Not to worry, she got her doggie cookies though.
The worst part is that I was waiting for updates on my friend and couldn’t get them until about an hour ago. I guess I should quit griping since it’s back now and the update was good.
Still, I rather enjoy calling the faceless, nameless cyber ghosts who provide my internet connection bastids. It makes me feel better somehow. Bastids, bastids, bastids. Try it, you might like it.
WC
PS: And no, the picture has nothing to do with the post, but it seemed cheery. 
keep looking » 
