Saturday, August 29, 2009

What a Week

This has been a crazy week. I don't think I've been so tuned in to the news, online and on-air, in a very long time.

There was the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, ending an era that won't ever be repeated. I watched the wake last night, and I just laughed and laughed at the stories. Then today was the funeral, and again, there were wonderful stories. The only thing that bothers me are the CNN reporters practically chastising President Obama for not making his eulogy a rallying cry for health reform. It's a funeral, people, get a grip.

I loved that Joan Kennedy was in attendance, as were several past Presidents -- Clinton, Bush, and Carter. All of them seated right there with the Obamas.

The one thing I really came away with from the wake and funeral is that the belief that you can do anything is the strongest ally you can have in achieving your goals. Story after story was told of Ted telling his children, nephews, and nieces about how they needed to believe in themselves and then just try their best. That's a legacy passed on from Joseph Kennedy to his children, and now the next generation has to take hold of it and move forward.

I've spent the last two days watching so much of the Jaycee Lee Dugard story. It's so hard to think that this 11 year old kidnapped girl was brought to a backyard and kept there for 18 years, where she was raped and mothered two children. From what her stepfather has said, Jaycee is a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, meaning she feels a bond with her captors. Now she has guilt about that. Jaycee and her children, who have no clue what a normal life is, will need a lot of therapy, love, and understanding for a very long time. Their transition will no doubt be difficult, but I hope Jaycee realizes how many people have never forgotten her.

As for the police, I applaud Sheriff Rupf who has admitted and apologized that his team dropped the ball back in November 2006. They responded to a 911 phone call but didn't do a background check. He has stepped forward to say they made a mistake, and I appreciate him owning up to their faux pas. However, the man in charge of the Corrections Department, the ones who have had the kidnappers as their parolee was full of excuses. He accepted no blame, no fault, no remorse, no nothing that his parole officers had failed to unearth Jaycee's presence at the home. He needs to be fired. He's just trying to cover his tail, and if he doesn't think he should at least acknowledge their lack of depth, then he's the wrong man for the job.

Then finally last night the Discovery lifted off after several delays during the week. It was a perfect blastoff with no problems whatsoever. It was at night, and it was beautiful. The shuttle program is approaching its end, but I really hope that the next phase does happen and that we return to the moon. There's so much more to be done.

Space exploration is intriguing and fascinating. I felt a strange extra connection to it last night, since I was so in Kennedy mode. After all, it was President John F. Kennedy who issued the mandate for the United States to reach unheard of heights in the space program.

Lastly, yesterday the Los Angeles coroner proclaimed the death of pop icon Michael Jackson a homicide, further clearing the way for charges to be filed against the doctor who gave him the drugs the day he died. I'm all for it. These doctors need to be stopped. This so-called physician gave the last drug to Jackson simply because Jackson kept demanding it. In other words, instead of following his medical common sense, the man was only concerned for his financial well being. He didn't want to be canned, so he gave Jackson a drug he knew he shouldn't have. This man needs to go to jail. He committed a murder, and he knew it.

What a week. So much news and so many emotions.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

Miracles Do Happen - Jaycee's Alive

Hope fills the heart everywhere of parents and loved ones who have children missing, be it kidnapping or other event. In 1991, Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped in front of her step-father. Today, it was confirmed that Jaycee, now 29, is alive. We don't have a lot of details yet, except that her kidnappers, including a registered sex offender, have been arrested for kidnapping, rape, and other charges. Jaycee has two children, apparently from the kidnapper. No time, she's lived a nightmare, but Jaycee is alive. 18 years later, and a mother has been reunited with her daughter. Welcome home, Jaycee!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rest in Peace, Ted

It just hit the news that Senator Ted Kennedy has died. Kennedy had a long career, a respectable one in politics that included a controversial run for President many years ago. I remember it well. Ted wasn't my favorite Kennedy. While I was always totally sold on his brothers John and Robert, I was less sold on him, but he was a Kennedy, and he had their drive and the same heritage. He's the only male Kennedy to make it through a long life. In that sense, this is the end of an era.

Once upon a time, there existed Camelot. It was shot down in 1963 and murdered in 1968. What was left, the remnants of that dream, has succumbed now to disease. Those big lights will never shine again in Washington D.C.

Rest in peace, Ted, and say 'hi' to Jack and Bobby.


Monday, August 24, 2009

Bling a Ling!

Hip Hop is a craze that has taken the world stage with a vengeance. It began as a dance and now is a way of life that includes the fashion industry and decorative jewelry. Bling Bling is a style that makes a 'watch me' statement. Check out Hip Hop Bling, a wholesale jeweler with over a decade of experience in this unique line. They don't just sell the styles, they help to set the trends!

A Financial Option

No one really likes to talk about their finances, especially if their situation is poor. I know because I've been there. Sometimes it gets so bad that the only option is bankruptcy. That makes the process of securing credit quite difficult. One of the best ways of getting back on track is to obtain a prepaid card from a company like NetSpend.

Getting a Prepaid Credit Card or debit card lets you make purchases, secure travel reservations, and shop online without having to worry about your credit history. It's even a great way to control your spending, even if you aren't recovering from a financial crisis. Simply load the card with the amount you desire and let it be your budget guide.

Prepaid cards are certainly an option to be considered.


Sunday, August 16, 2009

Elvis - Just a Moment to Remember

Wow, it's been another year without the late, great Elvis Presley. 32 years is a long, long time, but I love he lives on in his movies and music. I have Blue Hawaii on now as part of TCM's all-day tribute. What a wonderful, innocent way to remember the true King of Rock and Roll!

Friday, August 14, 2009

North Highlands Auto Repair 916-332-6995

Sooner or later, it happens to all of us. Our cars won't start, or, oops, we lock ourselves out. When that times come, consider phoning T-Rex Towing & Auto Repair. They service North Highlands, Sacramento, Roseville, Lincoln, Antelope, Natomas, Citrus Heights and other surrounding areas. If you need a simple jump start, a tire change, or a tow, North Highlands Auto Repair can get you back on the road. They're looking for your business.

This is a paid sponsored post by this company.


Thursday, August 6, 2009

Animal Love

As a devoted animal lover, I always pay attention to animal groups and websites that I discover or am referred to by other sites and friends. I'm a stanch supporter of good animal causes, including animal rights and animal care. After all, I've always had dogs. I consider them my babies. Currently, I have two young dogs, and they are my best joys, bringing me smiles and lots and lots of unconditional love.

A while back, I found a website devoted to the American Animal Care Center Fremont which serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties in Northern California. Currently, they are offering three different coupons which are pretty valuable to those in need. You can get $20 off pet vaccinations, a free initial examination, or a free rabies vaccination with a regular priced exam. You can make an appointment or order prescription refills online, which is so convenient. Their website is loaded with information about them and pets.

The American Animal Care Center has been named the 2009 Small Business of the Year by California Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico.

Click here -- American Animal Care Center Flickr -- to see some great photos provided by this leading and respected organization. You'll smile, that's for sure.

This is the kind of place an animal lover loves to see.


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Finding Diesel Parts

Shopping online is often more economical than shopping at your local stores. Not only are the prices generally lower, but you can obtain hard to find products as well. Customer oriented, Diesel Parts Pro has products for a variety of vehicles, including Audi, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, and Volvo.

If you're looking for diesel parts, including reliable under warranty replacements for factory-fitted parts, this is the place to go.

Diesel Parts Pro will answer your questions and assist you with your needs with products such as turbochargers, diesel glow plugs, diesel injectors, and fuel pumps. They are eager to help you find the aftermarket parts that you need.


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A Crazy Day - Clinton and Prisoners

Okay, this is a crazy news day. First came the news that President Bill Clinton went to North Korea and secured the release of the two women, including Lisa Ling, being held there. This was probably already a done deal. Someone described it as a photo op for North Korea, and they are probably right. Still, the important thing is that the women are being pardoned and released.

Now comes word that a federal judicial panel has ordered California to reduce its prisoner count by 44,000 over two years because it's "
the only way to bring the system's medical care up to adequate standards." Okay, so, they want to put dangerous criminals out on the street because of this reported medical neglect? I'm sorry, but I don't care.

Please don't get me wrong. I'm all for prisoners having adequate care, but I am NOT for releasing 44,000 dangerous lawbreakers simply because there's a problem in the system.

The governor is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court. Let's hope they have more sense.


The Acai Berry Rage

Losing weight is a difficult thing, and the market today contains all kinds of diet options. One of the biggest rages out there today is Acai Berry, a product Oprah Winfrey backs. You can get the acai berry products at this website.

 
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