Justice Finally Served?

Bolin is sentenced to die. Again.

The time has come to see this through. He doesn't deserve to live anymore.

Not after taking Stephanie's life over twenty years ago.

How to Get Your Ass Kicked in My Neighborhood

There's this.


Or that.

If I did give in and head down to Wal-Mart, the upside is I'd finally fit in with the 10-foot tall Homer Simpson Santa Claus and the You Light Up My Life Baby Jesus two doors down - both visible from the moon.

h/t Bethie

Why Commercial Health Insurance No Longer Works

Written By: Michele Swenson
Health Care for All Colorado

Only one of five Colorado health care reform proposals evaluated by the Lewin Group has demonstrated any cost savings - $1.4 billion. The Colorado Health Services Single Payer Insurance proposal is also the only one shown capable of providing access to comprehensive health care for all.

Single payer -- or single-risk-pool - insurance would eliminate wasteful administrative spending.

Currently over 30 percent of U.S. health care dollars go to inefficient administrative costs, CEO salaries and profits of over 1200 U.S. commercial insurances. Providers and hospitals are forced to hire extra staff just to deal with administrative costs of multiple insurance authorization procedures and drug formularies, and requirements for claims, billing and provider re-credentialing - excess costs ultimately passed on to consumers.

U.S. commercial health insurance no longer performs the function for which it was developed in the 1930s and '40s - to spread health care risk and cost.

Assertions that the 'free market' will lower health costs are belied by the fact that commercial health premiums have risen 78% since 2001, and that increasingly we pay more for less coverage. U.S. health insurance is best described as a monopoly market, now dominated by three behemoths - UnitedHealth, Wellpoint and Aetna. Annual premium increases continue to exceed both the rate of inflation and raises in workers' earnings.

In response to rising premium costs, more and more employers are moving employees into catastrophic insurance policies with high out-of-pocket costs that place individuals and families at greater health and financial risk.

Out-of-pocket health costs and unpaid medical bills both rose 59-60% over the decade preceding 2005, relates the American Hospital Association -- costs ultimately passed on to taxpayers and consumers. Large medical bills cause an estimated 50 percent of U.S. personal bankruptcies.

Commercial health insurances guarantee profits by covering the healthy and rejecting anyone requiring health care as a 'pre-existing condition.' Middlemen in 'Denial Management' scan claims for excuses to delay, deny or renege on reimbursements, at an additional cost of $20 billion annually, reports The Wall Street Journal (2-14-07).

Privatization of public programs like Medicare forces taxpayers to subsidize private insurance plans at higher cost. Medicare prescription drug reform is a multi-billion dollar gift to the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies. Many hesitate to share personal information with their doctors, for fear it will be used as excuse to deny them coverage. In no other industrialized nation do people fear loss of health care benefits with change of jobs; nor do families agonize about losing everything due to huge medical bills, as U.S. families do.

Single Payer insurance is the only health care model that offers security. No longer would cancer be a twin battle - one with disease, and another to retain insurance coverage; U.S. family insurance premiums that average over $1,000 a month would be eliminated, and families would be saved from the 'Sophie's Choice' of which family members to cover. Single Payer insurance eliminates wasteful administrative costs of multiple private insurers, and permits negotiation of bulk rates for pharmaceuticals and durable medical equipment.

Every other industrialized nation has some form of single payer insurance. All average half as much health care costs and better overall health outcomes than the U.S. Will the U.S. continue to insure the bottom line of the insurance industry, or choose instead to insure health care access for all?

Read summaries 19 federal and state studies of Single Payer proposals since 1990.

God's Followers and Me

I’m going to attempt to sort out why so many Christian conservatives are dismayed by me.

A great many believers are okay with and sometimes even understand how I could teeter on the edge of atheism. It doesn’t take a crisis of faith to look around at children and innocent people suffering all over the world and wonder, “What the f*ck?”

Those who understand such doubt, even while not sharing in it, are what I like to call Sound Thinkers. They tend to be honest with themselves and therefore everyone else. Unfortunately, Colorado Springs is not known for its intellectual honesty. And so I find myself amidst a group of folks who, while kind-hearted and well-meaning, don’t know what to make of me.

They might be filled with doubt themselves or just hopelessly in need of guidance. And instead of finding the strength within or searching for answers in the world of what we know – they turn to religion with such blind devotion they cannot possibly understand why everyone else doesn't jump in with them. They surround themselves with likeminded robots and vilify those of us who have the audacity to think for ourselves.

And then along comes me.

They can’t vilify me because I’m nice to them. They can’t blow me off as some kind of braindead hippie because I don’t do drugs and it’s obvious I’m sorta smart.

“What the hell is wrong with her?” they wonder. Sometimes out loud.

I bother them on a level they can’t quite understand. But I do believe I’ve figured it out.

Atheists, agnostics, and “other” nonbelievers are supposed to be unhappy creatures outside the light of the Lord. We’re supposed to be doomed and eternally damned. It’s easy to think of strangers as doomed. Not so easy, though, when one of them works in the classroom next door and has such sweet blue eyes.

How can I live a good and happy life? How can I maintain a solid marriage and raise two wonderful, well-adjusted children? How can I be at peace with myself, the world, and everyone in it? Most of the time anyway…

All without believing in an all-powerful God and without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Why isn’t there something wrong with me?

My critics would argue there’s plenty wrong with me. But they don’t really know me. The people who are a part of my life know the complexities of a thinking, stubborn, and opinionated woman, but none would doubt my happy, healthy outlook on life.

Co-Worker #1 once said that if he didn’t believe in God and Jesus, if he found out they didn’t exist, he’d kill himself. He asked me how I make it through the day without faith.

And so he proves my point.

I make it through the day because I have faith in myself. I’m not an atheist; however, I do have my doubts. And when I’m ready to jump ship, God always seems to speak to me. (Or maybe it’s gas.) So I remain a slightly unconvinced member of the tribe surrounded by fellow Jews and traditions I adore.

And I get through the day because I’m guided by the belief that I’m required to leave behind a better world for my children, my nieces, my nephews and kids everywhere. The ones who don’t grow up to be assholes, that is.

The meaning of life? Simple. To do good. To love and be loved.

That’s how God, whoever or whatever he/she/it is, speaks to me. And it bothers my new neighbors to see someone living a decent life while ignoring their essential ingredients.

Makes them doubt the power of those ingredients.

Register to Vote!

The deadline to register party affiliation in order to participate in the party “caucus” process is December 5, 2007.

Come and meet the next U.S. Senator from Colorado!

The El Paso County Democratic Party is excited about the upcoming visit from Congressman Mark Udall who will be the keynote speaker at the El Paso County Democratic Party fall fundraiser on Saturday, December 1st from 6-9 p.m.

Next year's U.S. Senate race here in Colorado will undoubtedly be the most highly targeted Senate race in the nation. With the current razor-thin Democratic majority in the Senate, winning in Colorado is critical to maintaining that majority.

The EPC Dems will host this special event at the Paragon Royal Ballroom, 3125 Sinton Road, just off I-25 at the Fillmore Exit.

Tickets for the Fall Fundraiser are $60 each and can be purchased online at Peakdems.org or you can send your check to the El Paso County Democratic Party office at 25 North Iowa, Colorado Springs, CO 80909—but act soon. The event is in just a few days!

Call 473-8713 if you have any questions.

We hope to see you on December 1!

"A Christian goofball of the highest order."

I continue to enjoy Matt Taibbi's take on the Republican candidates.

His latest on Mike Huckabee is a must-read.

Enjoy.

Fun Conversations With Co-Workers (Part One)

Let’s review.

I’m a Jewish, vegetarian liberal who’s been known to frequent nudist colonies and meditate like a Buddha.

I teach high school with people who attend New Life Church, enjoy rodeos, and pray for my soul on a daily basis.

Makes for interesting conversations.

Conversations that drive me crazy.

Co-Worker #1 and I have talked about everything from abortion to whales. I don’t know why. He passes my classroom and feels the need to debate. Worried about my soul and all. He votes Republican, thinks Dick Cheney is a decent fellow, and wants everyone to talk with the Lord at least once a week.

Here is an excerpt from one of our conversations today.

Student: How does David Blaine do that stuff?

Me: Speaking of David Blaine, have you seen that video making fun of him? Hysterical.

Student: I love that video!

Co-Worker #1: There’s an aura around David Blaine that I’m so uncomfortable with…

(Wait for it. Want it.)

Co-Worker #1: He’s evil.

Me: (Laughing so hard that gum flies out of my mouth.) Seriously? Is this something you came up with on your own or did you hear it in church last Sunday?

Co-Worker #1: I came up with it on my own. But my wife agrees with me.

Me: Well, I’m so glad you two found each other.

(long pause)

Me: So let me get this straight. Dick Cheney heads up Halliburton, which poisons people with asbestos and profits from the war, lies to get us into the war with Iraq and then lies about lying. A catastrophe that continues to cost soldiers their lives. Cheney is also trying to get us into a war with Iran. And he's a good guy. But that Jewish illusionist who holds his breath under water – that guy's evil?

Co-Worker #1: That pretty much sums it up.

Me: I’m going to go hang myself now.

What the f*ck am I doing in Colorado Springs?

Flat, My Ass

University of South Florida
Fraternity Party
1992

Katie and Julie walk through the crowd.

Julie: What's wrong?
Katie: Some guy just called me a flat ass.
Julie: Oh yeah? Better than fat ass.

Several friends called me out last week during my Tour of Tampa. Kept making fun of my tushie, folks. Said it needed certain plumping exercises ("I must, I must, I must increase my...butt?") or just a better pair of jeans.

This is what's commonly referred to as: a recurring theme.

Nothing about me is flat. Tiny, maybe. But not flat.

Perfect just the way it is.

Whether standing or lying down with a good book.

Okay. Now that we've established the ass itself is not the problem, I'm going with the idea that I've been wearing the wrong sort of jeans for the past fifteen years. And motherhood has not improved my sensibility.

A buddy sent me this video on the epidemic.

Oprah even devoted an entire show to Mom Jeans and my sister once sent me a website on jeans for "my body type."

Okay, folks, I get the hint. I need some decent denim for my bottom. Cause apparently I'm not doing it justice. According to, like, everyone I know.

Intervention, over. I'm going shopping next week.

Drink Up, Folks!

The inaugural All Colorado Drinking Liberally Happy Hour will be this Saturday, December 1st, 5:30PM at The Irish Snug, 1201 E. Colfax Ave #100 in Denver.

Hope to see a big gang of you there.

If you've been looking for a way to support Drinking Liberally while at the same time getting something in return, the Drinking Liberally Holiday sale is for you! Most of the DL products can be ordered (with special holiday prices) through our . Additionally, some new products(including "Beer, Not Fear" t-shirts and DL tote bags) can be ordered exclusively at our next meeting, Tuesday December 4th (we won't have the product there, but we will have order forms)!

Tomorrow night, Allison Hunter is having her campaign for House District 15 kickoff party, 5:30PM at Indigo Joes. More info can be found here.

Next Friday, December 7th, Iraq Veterans Against The War (IVAW) will be hosting Rusted Root frontman Michael Glabicki at The Ancient Mariner in Manitou at 7PM. The show is only five bucks and proceeds go to IVAW.

Ode to My Brother

Everyone should have a brother like mine.

Kid was always a prince.

When our single mother was raising us on a buck fifty, times were tough. Yet she managed somehow to put braces on her daughters' teeth, outfit us in nice clothes, see to it that we had three balanced meals a day and everything else we needed.

Mom herself wore clothes that were eight or nine seasons behind the current styles, but her kids always looked good. Despite the fact I wouldn't fix my hair.

When Brother was about twelve years old, our dentist said his teeth would need to be straightened as well.

Later that night at dinner, he made an announcement.

"I've been thinking," he said. "We can't afford braces. So, don't worry about a thing. Because from now on, I'm going to smile like this."

He smiled with angel eyes and a closed mouth. So his teeth wouldn't show.

"See?" he said. "No one will be able to tell."

At the time, I thought he was nuts. My exact words were, "You're nuts. We didn't ask to be born with crooked teeth. They need to be fixed so you don't look ridiculous for the rest of your life." I then proceeded to lecture everyone on the financial ramifications of marrying a drunk.

I was sixteen. And a pain in the ass.

Now, I think back to my brother's sweet smile and my eyes fill up with tears. Somehow Mom managed to get him in braces the following month.

Brother would slip notes inside my mother's purse when she worked graveyard shifts at the hospital.

Open At 2AM - they'd say.

"Dear Mom, I hope you aren't bored. You are working very hard and I love you very much. Have a good night and I will hug you when you come home. Love, Your Son."

He slept on the floor when Nana came to visit. For five or six months. Every year. For seventeen years in a row.

You get the idea.

Kid was a prince.

And the years haven't changed a thing.

Last week, on Thanksgiving morning, I had to make an early run for the drugstore. Woke up my brother to move his car and left while it was still dark and most of the family was still asleep. When I returned, Brother was waiting up for me.

Only when I was safely home would he go back to bed.

Later that night, I went out for a power walk by myself.

Because two helpings of stuffing, potatoes, and squash aren't going to leave my ass and thighs on their own.

The walk lasted longer than expected and the sun disappeared quickly. Street lights came on and dogs started to bark... Lutz and all... but I wasn't worried. Before my cell even started to ring, I knew my brother would be looking out for me.

"Where the hell are you?" he asked.

He stayed on the line until I walked up my driveway. Found him waiting for me with a worried look and shaking his head.

"Modern woman, my ass," he said.

Everyone should have a brother like mine.

Just wish he lived closer than Miami.

Look Ma, No Gloves

Within the course of a week, we experienced two extremes and ultimately left this:



For this:

Know something?

We prefer the cold.

Goes so much better with our porcelain skin. And makes the holidays feel like the holidays.

Happy winter, people.

Happy Trails to You

As we leave Florida this morning, I look back at a week spent soaking up the love.

Love and snide comments.

They go together like sex and cigarettes, Republicans and money, liver and red velvet cake.

Here are a few thrown my way by professed loved ones:

"Want some butter or salt with that? Don't be afraid of flavor, Kate."

"That's one hell of a forehead."

"Chablis? Jesus, you're cheap."

"Eat something."

"Who unloads only half the dishwasher?"

"Great nightgown. You look like Nana."

"Sure, we'll watch the boys. Go have fun."

"Katie, now that you're perfect in front, might as well get workin' on that ass. Way too flat. So exercise or buy some decent jeans. Either way."

"As we drove up here from Miami, I knew we were getting close to Tampa when we turned on the radio and heard Candlebox."

"What's the difference between vegetarian and regular stuffing? Oh wait, I know. One came out of a bird's ass."

Thank you Robert, Joe, Ariana, Kerri, Ish, Chris, Michelle, Mikey, Noreen, Ron, Chelsie, Robin, Victoria, Beth, Mike, Kristina, Sheila, Mishon, and that obnoxious Boston guy at O'Brien's. For driving up, spending time, making memories, attacking my life choices, and buying me drinks.

Let's do this in another five years, when I'm back in town, bitter from all the evangelicals and fifteen degree weather.

Later.

Today

Happy Thanksgiving!

From CIVIC Concern

Education officials , legislative leaders and members of the state board of education traveled last week to New York for an in-depth look at that state's Regents exams. For months now, there have been high-level discussions of shifting Florida's accountability system toward end-of-course exams, which some experts say would be a more useful tool than the FCAT. The focus is particularly on high schools where recent attention on Florida's high dropout rate has highlighted the need for change.

Read more here.

Part of CIVIC Concern's mission is to offer Floridians more information about what their elected officials are doing and how it affects their lives. Armed with information, we can demand more accountability and better public policy from our leaders. But it will only work if we raise our voices together.

Encourage your friends and colleagues to join you in building a better Florida.

Join the conversation to share your thoughts on this issue. Should the FCAT be reformed or eliminated all together? Do you think end-of-course exams a good alternative? What suggestions do you have to improve Florida's public schools?

Get involved.

Harvest a Humane Bounty this Thanksgiving

Cause this is how turkeys are supposed to look.

If you enjoy good food, you ought to care about how its prepared. Who wants to eat tumors and ulcers?

If you believe in God, you ought to care about abusing His creatures.

If you eat animals who've been tortured, you are participating in a cruel and immoral practice. You are part of the problem.

This is the truth.

If you can't imagine a Thanksgiving without turkey, why not go organic or buy a turkey that was farm-raised and killed in a humane way? How can you feed a dead animal full of hormones and pesticides and antibiotics to your children? Or your parents? Or your friends and loved ones?

Someone. Please. Explain it to me in a way that makes sense.

Once and for All

My favorite question this time of year:

Do Jewish people celebrate Thanksgiving?

Yes. Yes we do.

And just so you know - we go trick-or-treating for Halloween, eat chocolate hearts on Valentine's Day, and hold out until the third date.

Just like every other normal American.

There Goes the Neighborhood

My parents have had a Christmas village for years now.


Dad gets all the supplies from storage and carefully unwraps The General Store, Post Office, and Unoffensive White People.


Snow covered trees sway in the background while carolers softly sing among the delightfully upper middle-class ice skaters.


Between Thanksgiving and New Year's, Main Street comes alive again in my parent's living room. Traditional Christian families walk the town square in peace, Santa isn't mugged by meth addicts, and The First Metropolitan Bank denies loans to minorities without a worry in the world.

I've always looked at the homogeneous community and wondered aloud, "Where are the brown and black faces?"

"This reminds us of our youth," Dad would say. "And this is what it looked like back in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the 1950s."

Ahh, yes. Let's glorify a time when segregation was legal, women could only get laid lying down and people listened to Elvis Presley - on purpose.

However, when we arrived home this past Thursday, Mom and Dad gathered my boys around the table and Dad asked,

"Notice anything different?"

Took us a minute.

The boys pointed to the ornate building with blue stars in the windows.


"That's new," Youngest said.

"Right!" Dad exclaimed. "We added a Heeb House!"

Oh good Lord.

"It's a synagogue, Grandpa," Oldest said.

"Wow," I said. "This is really great how you continue to reach out and include us in your yearly traditions. Makes this little village that much nicer, too. Maybe next year you'll add a mosque."

"Don't get ridiculous," Dad said.

Couple days later, my niece came over and demanded to know,

"Where am I? I don't see anyone who looks like me."

She is part-Hispanic.

And she has a point.

Can't wait until the gay/liberal/vegan/hippie/atheist relatives arrive and demand to see their representation in the Old Time Christmas Village.

Right now, several of both are thinking, "I hope she's not talking about me."

I am.

And come on. The Irish pub doesn't have a single Irish drunk.


My blood relatives can do better than that.

Pretty soon, this village is gonna rock.

News From Home

Tampa:

Sickles High School, best place to teach - hands down, lost last night's football game to Gaither. Close friends who educate Sickles' students are so stressed and overworked, due to faulty district policies, that none of them even mentioned to me how great Sickles' football team had been doing. The game last night was sold out. And while I enjoyed a few glasses of wine down the street during happy hour, students held signs encouraging a Gryphon win. Nice to see.

Almost makes me want to drop by for a visit next week.

But not really.

In other Tampa-related news, Mayor Pam Iorio is trying to persuade Jim Davis to run for mayor. It'd be nice to see Jim get back into politics. He'd do a great job for this city.

Boston:

Courtesy of Jenn, this *is* one of the best Fenway moments I've seen. An autistic man is chosen to sing the national anthem and does a better job than Roseanne. Go figure.

Colorado Springs:

Every Christmas, Jewish volunteers offer to work in different places so that Christian staff can go celebrate the birth of the Lord.

Makes it harder for them to hate us the rest of the year.

Here are some ideas for December 25, 2007 -

Memorial Hospitals: Requires an application, written reference, background check, interview, and training. Give yourself plenty of time for this one! Contact Bonnie Nixon ASAP at Memorial at 365-5298 to request application materials. If you cannot meet all their requirements by 12/25, please consider one of the other options below.

HEALTHSOUTH: Come visit people who are rehabilitating from various injuries. They need people to visit, possibly help serve food/drinks, and/or participate in a craft activity from about 11am to 1pm. Adults and children age 10 and over (with parental supervision) are welcome. RSVP to Robyn Brown at 578-0821.

Salvation Army: They need volunteers on 12/24 at 6pm to set up for dinner the following day, and on 12/25 to greet people and serve food (time frame generally from 10am-2pm). No age limit – families are encouraged to participate. Children need to be supervised. RSVP to Leslie Hickey at 574-6835.

Senior Living Centers: Come visit people who are alone and could use the company. There are a variety of locations. Time of day is TBD. No age limit – families are encouraged to participate. Children need to be supervised. RSVP to Leslie Hickey at 574-6835.

Christmas Unlimited: They need just a few volunteers on Christmas Eve (12/24) from 9am-3:30pm to help distribute toys. Adults and children 12 and up are welcome. RSVP to Michelle Weiss-Persons at 559-8522.

Humane Society: They need 8-16 volunteers, adults and teens over age 14 are welcome; those under 18 should come with a parent. Help with various duties – nothing too heavy though. To RSVP, contact Vivian Weinstein at (210) 823-0033.

If any of these places allow rum and egg nog - I'm in.

Up to Us

Safe and sound here in sunny Florida. And it looks as though we brought with us some western wind and a few chills.

Well, I was taught never to arrive empty handed. And I *am* a lady.

Speakin' of ladies.


Swear she lives next door to my parents.

Gotta love Lutz.

Anyway, on to saving the world...

Here are some ways to make a difference today, the third Iraq Moratorium Day, no matter where you find yourself.

1. Wear an anti-war button, armband, or t-shirt -- something visible expressing your opposition to the war. Encourage others to do so as well.

2. Check to see if there is an activity happening in your city. If there is, join in and bring a friend.

3. Put an anti-war sign in your house or apartment window, on your lawn, or in your car window.

4. Call into radio talk shows. Talk about why you oppose the war in Iraq, why you want to stop a new war in Iran, and why you want all of the troops to be brought home now.

5. Download and distribute our ­"Want to Do More?" flyer in your community, where you work, at the school you attend, or anyplace where people gather.

6. Sign the Iraq Moratorium pledge: "I hereby make a commitment that on the Third Friday of each and every month, I will break my daily routine and take some action, by myself or with others, to end the War in Iraq." Then forward it to others and encourage them to sign and take action as well.

7. Click here to find other ways you can take action as an individual, and help build this effort.

Any Health Care Concerns In the House?

I sent out an invitation both a month and days in advance:

Let's get together at my place for a SiCKO Viewing Party!

Forget community responsibility. I really just wanted the free Michael Moore movie that Democracy for America passed out to people hosting house parties.

Score!

At some point, though, it occurred to me that we get about twenty people in our house every weekend to watch assholes catch a ball. For a movie about our country's health care crisis? Two responses.

Then Allison Hunter, my favorite Dem in these here parts, sent out an invite to some of her peeps.

Out of 400,000+ people in the greater Colorado Springs area - three concerned citizens showed up.

And two of them came for free beer.

As we settled into a cozy and feel-good movie dealing with out-of-control drug costs, I heard one of my guests moan a little.

"Touching, isn't it?" I mumbled.

"Not that," she said, pointing to our new flat-screen television. "I think your color's off. The green tint is out of control. What the hell? I know this movie is about sick people, but come on."

Great.

Another guest arrived - raising the number to four around our evergreen screen. Dude wasn't seated more than five minutes when he leaned over in my direction. I thought he was going to say something profound about HMOs and the Nixon administration.

Not so much.

"I hate to bring this up," he said. "But have you noticed a green quality to your-"

"I'm aware," I said. "Focus on the message."

Turns out, the red cable wasn't plugged in and that messed up the tint and my husband didn't get his technological sh*t together until after the "socialists left the building."

Can't blame him. We are a scary bunch. I wouldn't want to bend over and fiddle with wires in front of us, either.

Overall, despite the hue, we enjoyed SiCKO and the resulting commentary. Will be lending this movie out to everyone who couldn't be bothered to attend my house party last night. Especially Co-Worker who believes if you get sick, you ought to shut up and die like a decent American.

Anyway. Despite everything. SiCKO beats Sunday afternoon football games and the mind-numbing conversations about Peyton Manning.

Plus I scored a free DVD.

That's gotta count for something.

Don't Laugh. It Only Encourages Me.

Those who live in the western part of The Springs, YourHub (print edition) is publishing one of my articles on Thursday.

So enjoy.

This is Going to Sound Ridiculous

No, I'm not voting for Mitt Romney.

I'm flying to Tampa tomorrow and can't shake the blues. The next seven days will be wonderful, I know. I'll visit with loved ones, relax by the pool, eat Mom's food, drink Dad's alcohol, and leave the children for hours at a time.

Can't wait.

But then next Friday, we will get on a plane and fly back to The Springs. And I honestly don't know when I'll return to Florida.

Not anytime soon.

The past five months, I've been looking forward to this trip. And it will end too quickly. I am sure of it.

And so if we go out for dinner and I linger a little too long, if everyone goes to bed and I stay up for more talks, if I insist on one more story or squeeze your hand without letting go, oblige me a little.

It's gotta last awhile. A long while.

And it's gotta last you, too.

So on behalf of my teary eyes, trepidation, and awkward silences, thanks for understanding.

Now who's ready to party?

For Those Who *Won't* Be in Tampa This Weekend

Congress Set to Vote Wednesday on $50 Billion More for the War

Call the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Tell your representative:

* Stop funding the occupation of Iraq!

* Restrict any and all funds for the U.S. military operation in Iraq to the safe and rapid withdrawal of all U.S. troops.

Not sure who your rep is?

Seriously?

What's wrong with you?

Check here.

My Old Boss

As she races through her third year as superintendent, Elia's take-charge style has drawn public criticism along with the employee backlash.

Ya think?

My favorite quote from the article:

"If she doesn't listen enough, somebody will make a motion to fire her," Olson said.

From Olson's lips to God's ears. Can't wait for *that* party.

True Love Stinks

My friends, we'll call them Sherry and Rob, recently celebrated their eleventh wedding anniversay. Sherry came up with a wonderful idea, asking friends and family to share funny memories, pre- or post-marriage.

I'm sure they received plenty of stories, because this is one wacky couple.

Here's mine:

Summer 1992: I went to California to hang out with Sherry and meet her boyfriend Rob and maybe get a tattoo.

After a week of wandering, watching television, and forever scarring my virgin hip with ink before ink was cool, I bore witness to the beginnings of a beautiful relationship. I liked Rob. Despite the dance he did while making sandwiches.

What struck me about the two of them was how completely comfortable they were around each other. I still hadn’t let Future Husband see me without makeup and here was a young couple in love, walking around in their underwear and leaving doors open to chat during potty time.

Nothing says intimacy like a candid toot. That’s what I learned that summer.

Their relaxing, easy-going attitude was infectious. The night I returned home to Tampa , Future Husband and I got a hotel room. In the middle of the night, I tore one off.

Future Husband had to breathe through his mouth.

“You came back to me with a teddy from Frederick’s, a tattoo from Venice Beach and a toot from Sherry and Rob.”

Our relationship made it to the next level. Otherwise I don’t know that we’d still be together – out here in the land of the big ass burrito.

And so the legacy lives on. Thanks to Sherry and Rob.

Happy Anniversary.

Who Buys This Sh*t?

My friend Jenn sent me this email today. In case I know anyone who wears hoodies and robes while dreamin' of a White Christmas.

As a matter of fact...

To: Katie
From: Jenn
Subject: it's like a bad accident

i stared at this for a good five minutes and, i must admit, i'm totally perplexed. if you add a bunch of lights to it, does it look like it's on fire?!

Reflections on a Birthday Weekend

“Happy Birthday, Ms. Robinson,” my student said. “How old are ya?”

“How old do I look?” I asked.

Big mistake.

“Thirty-nine,” he said.

Well. Ask a stupid question…

And so it started. My birthday weekend. A pain in the ass from beginning to end.

Don’t get me wrong, heartwarming events occurred. But, let’s face it, those are no fun to write or read.

Early Saturday morning, I got a Brazilian wax and European facial by the incomparable and awesome Linda Marie at Morning Glory Salon. She rocks. Effective salon treatments are a lot like my life: beneficial, hurts like hell, but ultimately kinda hot.

Later that night, I ate a great Japanese dinner at Jun with the family and a co-worker who politely asked that he and his wife join us. Of course, this is the same co-worker who belongs to New Life Church, gave me a “Convert or Fry” book to read and sits to the political right of Rove.

Good friends, though.

As a result, I spent an hour and a half over sushi and Edamame listening to how Al Gore is a wuss, Hillary Clinton is a demon, and Bill Clinton was the worse thing to happen to this country since smallpox.

After a rockin’ hockey game, I got home and talked online with one of my favorite friends, we’ll call him Jamie, from Tampa. Kept waiting for those birthday wishes and a “Can’t wait to see you next week!”

Not so much.

Apparently, I’m an aggravation. And birthday or no birthday, Jamie had some sh*t to say.

“Why do you ask a question and then f*ck it up with sarcasm?” he asked.

Umm. Because it’s part of my charm?

Love sentiments that include “you’re pissing me off” because “you pull some stupid sh*t.”

As if that's a bad thing? Christ. Someone needs a *nap*.

Then I woke up Sunday to the following voicemail message:

“Well, Katie, I left a message yesterday and you didn’t call me back so I’m sure you won’t call me today either. Therefore, I’m not wishing you a happy birthday even though you’re approaching forty. And you look like a vamp on your website. The last picture looked much better.”

Seriously, why am I surrounded by such characters who feel so comfortable giving me a hard time? It seems I take part in activities or conversations that reflect a common theme.

I don’t know. Does honesty beget honesty? On some level, perhaps I'm hoping to learn something. Or maybe I just enjoy their company. As much as I enjoy hair being ripped from my ass.

Beneficial, hurts like hell, but ultimately kinda hot. Happy birthday to me.

John Edwards for President

The word that comes to mind is - honorable.

Whether we're talking about the candidate himself, his wife, family, supporters, or staff.

Honorable comes to mind, time and time again.

Changing the subject - honorable does not come to mind when discussing the easily led among us.

Here are some messages for the swiftboaters. Even if they don't get it.

h/t Danny

V.D. Is A Terrible Thing to Waste

And so I tell my children we need to thank some veterans today.

They sent emails to two cousins who served our country well - in Iraq. Because my cousins went through enough, what with constant death looming, I decided to spare them the hour and a half phone conversation that would have commenced had my children called them.

Oldest and Youngest like to talk. A lot.

I'm printing both boys' letters to said cousins here - because really these are messages for all our veterans. Not just the ones lucky enough to be related to me.

This is what Oldest transcribed to me and I typed it out - word for word:

Dear Danny,

Thank you for protecting our country on Veteran's Day. I hope you are having fun today. We might go to a Veteran's Hospital tomorrow because we don't have any school.

Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for serving our country.

Was it really cold in Iraq when you were there? What was the food like? I like Japanese food. Did they have sushi in Iraq? Did you get to play Playstation and watch the Patriots play football? I bet you missed your friends from America. I miss my friends from Florida and I'm just in another state. Not another country.

So thank you for being a soldier.

This is Youngest's masterpiece:

Dear Jimmy,

Thank you very much for keeping our country safe and for protecting us. Was Iraq fun or terrible? You must be very brave. I would miss grilled cheese sandwiches and my girlfriend Chastity.

I think I would have cried a lot. You are probably like a hero or something. And we're related. So that's pretty cool.

Want to hear a funny story?

I got a whoopy cushion and put it on my mom's chair the other night for dinner. She sat on it and it made a loud noise! I looked at her, pointed my finger and said, "Catherine, not at the dinner table!" We all laughed.

You can visit sometime if you like.

Thank you for being a soldier. I'm glad you got out of the Army.

I know. Heartwarming.

And I totally knew that whoopy cushion was there.

Happy Veteran's Day to all. And thank you.

Stop the Alternative Minimum Tax

If the richest tycoons on Wall Street get their way, you'll face a significant tax hike this year so they can buy more hookers. Sound fair?

Here's the deal: An obscure provision called the "alternative minimum tax" is going to end up raising taxes for tens of millions of middle-class households—maybe even yours—unless the Senate gets its head out of its ass.

Democrats want to cancel this tax increase for the middle class—and pay for the shortfall by closing a massive new loophole that's allowing the richest investors on Wall Street to pay lower tax rates than you or I do.

The bill passed the house, and super-rich investors are making big campaign contributions and lobbying hard to keep their loophole. *Their* Republican representatives played along - not a single one passed it. But the Dems got it done, surprisingly enough, and now it's up to the Senate.

Can you sign our petition to close the mother of all tax loopholes?

Click here to add your name—and see how much more you're paying.

I'll Use Any Excuse To Bare My Ass on the Internet

It's my party and I'll repeat a post if I want to.

November 10, 1969--9:31am--Dunmore, Pennsylvania

My mother passed out within seconds because pain medication makes her "feel funny". Doctors used forceps to yank me out of there. Mom blames my stubborn streak and big head. I just wanted to avoid the Nixon administration.



Everyone “ooh'd” and “ahh'd” even though, let's face it, I was a funny lookin' kid. Nana and Aunt Mimi, both nurses, were available to beam. Bio Dad was off in Germany getting drunk.

Within hours, hospital administration carried me back into my mom's room with all the necessary equipment a newborn needed back in the Dark Ages. They must have looked ridiculous.

“Noreen, we have a problem,” they said. “Catherine is disturbing other infants in the nursery. While I realize you need peace and quiet, so does everyone else and frankly, we’re sick of the complaints. Catherine is going to sleep in here from now on and we use that term loosely. Good luck - she's all yours."



Don't let that cherubic face fool you.

Although once in my mother's arms, I stopped fussing immediately - content with constant attention. This theme would repeat itself in various ways for the rest of my life.

Here's to thirty-eight years of keeping it real.

How Republicans View The World

(Click on the image for a closer view.)

A Meeting Where No One Yelled At Anyone

Last night, I met a few like-minded souls in The Springs.

No, it wasn’t the annual gathering of “Nudist Vegetarians Who Blog.”

Not ‘round here.

Not in forty degree weather.

This particular meeting also had nothing to do with parenting or politics. It had to do with writing.

But I found a way to work politics in somehow. Part of my charm and all.

We met at the Cucuru Gallery Café, a trendy eatery in Old Colorado City, filled with beautiful works of art, yummy sandwiches, and even yummier raspberry iced tea.

They didn’t have a single beer on tap, though.

UPSIDE: Kept my clothes on and used only kind words.
DOWNSIDE: Kept my clothes on and used only kind words.

Danny Summers, sports writer from The Gazette, talked about YourHub, described as a hyper-local, online newsletter. YourHub is a convenient way for writers to get published while contributing to local news.

Steve Saint, a freelancer in the group, wondered out loud if YourHub was also a way for The Gazette to score free content.

Steve worries that newspapers won’t pay for a writer if they get the piece for free.

I’m normally against giving away a free piece of sass. But I’ve also contributed to neighborhood news in other forums and doing so is an effective way to feel connected to the community.

Danny said all age groups and writing styles are needed.

“But, please keep in mind,” he added. “No cursing or pornography.”

Looked right at me when he said that. I swear.

Must know my mom.

I asked if a liberal Jewish voice can even find a place in The Gazette – in print or on-line. Danny said he thought most papers were liberal and The Gazette publishes all political points of view.

You gotta be to the right of Atilla the Hun to think The Gazette is liberal. But okay. They did print Ellen Goodman once.

Once.

Overall, the gathering was a success. And so I can pinpoint the exact time, 7:35pm on Thursday, November 8th, 2007, that The Springs went from scary to satisfactory.

To this transplant from Tampa anyway.

Will Be Heading Home to Tampa on Thursday - Drat!

And so I'll miss the next Dems Club meeting. (Hear that? Allison's breathing a sigh of relief and John Morris just called off security.) Remember what happened the last time we all got together?

Good times.

If anyone wants to take the reins and report back about this gathering, I'd be much obliged. Let someone else get death threats while I head off to enjoy a 90 degree Thanksgiving.

Suckers!

Here's the information -

We have another great Dems Club Meeting! Joined by El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa and County Commissioner for District 4: Dennis Hisey.

We will discuss the expansion and overcrowding of our county jail.

Please come with all your questions!

Date: 11.15.07
Time: 6 pm
Place: Bambino's on the corner of Platte/Circle

Try not to miss me, peeps.

I'd Join This Mommy Group

The 6 Best Parents of 2007

h/t Marc
We'll join 'em next year, babe.

He Ain't Heavy

Brother wonders if I'll ever stop emailing his friends about my breasts, books, blogs, and bullsh*t.

Umm. Probably not.

Brother hopes I never contact his wife's family.

Sloan, one of the aforementioned friends, imagines what would happen if I did get in touch with the Untouchables.

Ugh, what a mess. Those days of friendly, pleasant Christmas dinner with the in-laws will be a thing of the past.

You: Could you pass me the yams, "Mom"?

Mother-in-law: We just got an email from your sister.

You: Whoa, hey, does anyone know the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?

Father-in-law: We've never seen so much swearing in print before.

You: I feel sick.

Wife: You should.

You: I couldn't protect them forever!

Mother-in-law: She used the word abortion eight times! Who does that in a Christmas Card??

Three Out of Four Ain't Bad

Here are the winners for School District 11. Can't believe Nullandvoid won.

But the voters have spoken.

A Liberal's Dilemma

Every Veteran’s Day, my family and I thank the men and women in our lives who’ve served this country. We call or visit, expressing gratitude for what they’ve given all of us.

Our first Veteran’s Day in The Springs, we now have another option to add to our annual tradition.

This Saturday, beginning at 10am, is our new community’s annual Veteran’s Day Parade. The 90-minute funfest will feature local military heroes, Air Force Academy cadets, Junior ROTC units, high school marching bands and the Air Force Academy band as well as balloons and floats.

I’m uncomfortable attending such an event. There’s a difference between gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our soldiers, and simply celebrating the military.

Veteran’s Day isn’t about glorifying war, wrapping it up in a pretty parade and calling it patriotism.

The best way to honor our soldiers is to limit the danger they face. Speeches and parties are fine, but first we must elect officials who respect soldiers through sound foreign policy and adequate funding for supplies.

A parade does very little good when veterans are suffering from wounds, both physical and psychological, and don’t have access to quality health care.

Marching high school students eager to put on a uniform is yet another issue. I feel rather foolish holding a balloon and cheering for a group of kids who are recruited to serve without full disclosure. As a teacher, I see too many students who think war is a game and an easy way to pay for college. They don’t understand the ramifications of military service and that sometimes the ultimate payment isn’t so easy after all.

Volunteering to feed homeless vets, visiting the elderly at a VA hospital or advocating for better veteran’s benefits – there are many ways to commemorate Veteran’s Day. A parade just drowns out the real issues with a lot of noise.

Help Me Understand This One

I'm a strong supporter of universal health care. And so recently, an activist from Florida sent me this petition to sign, calling on Congress to call on insurance companies to include coverage of fertility treatments.

I hadn't thought about such an issue.

Should infertility treatments be covered by insurance companies?

I'm inclined to say, "No."

If a couple wants to go to great lengths to conceive a child, more power to them. But the money for such treatments ought to come out of their own pocket. I'd support helping couples adopt children already here before I'd give them an endless supply of taxpayer money to conceive their own.

It's not a healthcare issue.

It's not a wellness issue.

Our planet is overpopulated.

'Nuff said.

Idiots Rule

Two scientific papers presented yesterday at the 135th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in Washington D.C confirm what most of us already know.

Florida must replace their ineffective “abstinence-only” curriculum with comprehensive education programs that ensures teens have the information necessary to make responsible decisions.

The majority of teachers surveyed by the University of Florida — 87 percent — acknowledged that sex education, in some form, took place in their schools. However, they noted it was not accessible to all students, was often afforded little time, occurred late in the students’ academic careers, had little to no uniformity in curriculum and who was teaching it, and had no standards for training or quality assurance.

No wonder it doesn't work. And so Florida students continue to be at risk for unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Florida continues to have the 6th highest rate of teen pregnancy and 2nd highest rate of annual HIV infection.

Striving for excellence as always, fellas. Congrats.

Much Ado About Nothing

Recently, a few women made news for their comments about Jews.

Ann Coulter said, “Christians just want Jews to be perfected.”

Halle Berry showed Jay Leno a picture of herself with an overgrown nose and said, "Here's where I look like my Jewish cousin."

Both women were accused of anti-Semitism.

Nonsense.

Ann Coulter’s bread-and-butter is offensive language tinged with ignorance and half-truths. In other words, she’s a b*tch. She was probably abused as a child and is fighting her inner lesbian and, as a result, free thinking people everywhere must suffer.

Girlfriend needs a drink and some p*ssy. In that order.

Besides, evangelical, right-wing Christians do believe Jews need salvation in order to be saved. Her comment follows that train of logic to its ultimate conclusion. What’s wrong with that?

I was talking with a co-worker the other day and he gave me a book to read: Evidence That Demands a Verdict.

SIDE NOTE: The book is slightly disingenuous – “proving” that which is supposed to be taken on faith alone. But whatever. A pastor can’t afford five cars on televangelism alone.

Anyway, my co-worker said that he didn’t want to offend by giving me a book he ultimately hopes will trigger a conversion and “perfection.”

I told him I wasn’t offended.

“You believe I’m doomed,” I said. “All this Jewish/Buddhist nonsense flowing out of me. Gonna send me straight to hell. If you didn’t try to save me, I suppose *that* would be offensive.”

When I finished the book, I gave it to him, giggling.

“That Jesus character was a HOOT,” I said. “And his followers are even nuttier. You guys are wacky, wacky f*cks.”

See? Still friends. Even though I’m gonna burn in a lake of fire.

And Halle Berry simply made a bad joke about Jews. Which is rarely forgivable, the telling-a-bad-joke part.

I did that once. Once.

“What’s a Jewish dilemma?” I asked.

Husband’s family looked at each other and then back at me.

“Ham!” I shouted.

The answer was supposed to be, “Free ham.”

They didn’t call me an anti-Semite. They called me a lousy joke teller.

Big difference.

Enjoy It. Or Suck It. Completely Up to You.

Who, besides me, can name the man at the end?

And now, a b*tch-free moment.

Brought to you by Governor Ritter.

Conversation 2007

The public is invited to join Senator Morse & Representative Michael Merrifield

Monday November 12th at 6:30
At the Olympic Training Center
West Wing Conference Room
1 Olympic Plaza
(corner of Boulder and Union )

Educating our children is a top issue in our neighborhoods and in our State. Please join in this important discussion to help lead our children’s education system into the 21st century.

Monday’s meeting is part of a series of discussions being facilitated around the state by Conversation 2007. For more information, please visit www.conversation2007.org.

Cause Who Wants to be Discovered Posthumously?

I wrote a story that was passed around to several literary agents who suggested I should say the idea was inspired by actual events. Since I could not lie, because my mom would kill me, agents rejected my story and high ideals. Instead of letting the story die, I finally decided to share it with the masses. One chapter at a time. Every month.

http://www.oliviaskiss.blogspot.com/

It's not Houck or Hemingway. But it's enjoyable.

If you like it, feel free to tell others. Unlike my other work, "Olivia's Kiss" is not divisive. It's about a girl who kills people. Something we can all relate to.

I really hope you like it.

Let me know what you think: good, bad, and everything in between.

I've Been Called A Communist, Racist, Republican

Even been called a b*tch once or twice.

Fine. To each his own.

But nobody - NOBODY - calls me paunchy.

Put this in your pipe and suck it.


And then get out and vote.


That's right. VOTE.

Sad News This Week

A bit late gettin' this out, I know. Sick kids and all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fowler/Davis clan back in Tampa. Cody Davis passed away on Tuesday after battling a long illness.

Most longtime readers know that Jim Davis and I go way back. His mom, Cody, was always a presence in his office, campaign, and life.

She was one tough lady. With an awful lot of love to give. And she'll be missed.

Representative of the John Edwards National Campaign Office in the Springs

Andy Boian, who has been retained to develop the John Edwards campaign effort, will be at the Carnegie Room of the Penrose Library in Colorado Springs on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2pm to discuss what needs to be done to carry Colorado in the February Caucuses.

Please make an effort to attend this meeting and contribute your thoughts, ideas and ANY other resources you can commit. This would be a good time to do something.

Please pass the word and try to get as many people there as possible. It is vital that we demonstrate that the perception that El Paso County and the Springs are inhospitable to the populist message is quite wrong. A good turnout at this event would be an excellent message.

This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome.

You may contact Richard if you have any questions.
Richard J. Haas
Poignant Points Consulting
Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 550-0029

It Wasn't A Gang Bang

Everyone but Barack Obama simply expressed what the rest of us were thinking.

"Take a f*cking side and defend it, Hill. Before it's too late."

She's goddamn embarrassing.

Sounds Like a Challenge to Me

I was a devil for Halloween this year.

To which my friend Jeff remarked:

A real devil doesn't have to use her hand to keep the tail erect.

Nothing But Inside Jokes Here. Move Along.

Out of all possible activities in which to participate when returning home in a few weeks, there is one thing I definitely WON’T do.

I will not visit Superior High School, that remarkable institution where I first learned to:

• Teach history effectively.


• Appreciate co-workers who hunt and cry and yell at their dogs.


• Define and pronounce jingoism.


• Get through meetings without laughing, especially when co-workers throw vibrating phones in my lap.

I will not even *drive by* those hallowed grounds. For several reasons.

My reasons don’t include a certain angry, bitter Language Arts teacher who passed around copies of my website in an attempt to get me fired. (Big ups, Lois!)

My reasons don’t include horny coaches who stare at my chest. (Big fan!)

And my reasons don’t include you. So get over yourself.

I won’t be visiting my old stomping ground because:

• Former colleagues don’t have time to urinate or blow their nose after hourly crying jags, much less visit and hug and list in alphabetical order all the ways they miss me.


• Alcohol isn’t allowed on campus. ‘Nuff said.


• When I invited Beth to a family gathering, she said she’d rather nap. And she’s serious. So f*ck her.


• Michelle* hasn’t lost a single kid all year. So there’s nothing to make fun of her about.


• Frank lost a ton of weight and if I hug him, I'm afraid I might actually feel his penis.


• Karen will be there. And she obviously no longer talks to Jesus on my behalf. So f*ck her, too.


• Chris, Mike, Steve, and Mark aren’t around to make fun of my hair and pale skin.


• Jimmy can't be bothered.


• Robin and I will still meet for happy hour. And talk about each one of you.


• Carol isn’t there to judge my life choices.


• Kristina and Barbara suck at keeping in touch.


• Despite shortcomings and obvious character flaws of all involved, I still might crawl under Sheila’s desk and refuse to leave.

So unless Brian promises to wear shorts and show off his legs, I’m afraid it’s in everyone’s best interest if I stay far away from the overworked, stressed and unfunny creatures you’ve become.

Goddamn Elia.

I'm Supporting John Edwards for President

And no one explains why better than him.