10 Facts About Oil

...from the Environmental Defense Fund.

96 Percent of the world's transportation energy currently supplied by oil.

$75 Cost of barrel of oil on July 18th, 2007.

$131 Cost of barrel of oil on July 18th, 2008.

9.6 billion Number of fewer miles Americans drove in May 2008 compared to May 2007.

10.3 billion Number of trips taken via the U.S. public transportation system in 2007, the highest in 50 years.

44 Percent increase in price of diesel fuel paid by public transit agencies.

20 Percent of America's public transit agencies that are cutting services due to budget constraints.

46 Percent of population that has no access to public transit.

$6,251 Amount the average two-worker household saves annually by taking public transportation instead of driving a car.

2030 Year by which lifting the ban on offshore drilling may start to impact the price of gas.

Some of these make me wonder if expensive oil isn't good for the planet and all of us. No offshore drilling - instead let's put more money into public transit and alternative sources of fuel.

Tart. Like Me.

You ever have one of those days? One of those months?

Husband is away and to say we miss him is an understatement. The boys take turns sleeping with me and I spend most nights curled up in one corner of the bed hoping the kid, whoever it is, doesn't kick out my kidney.

In an effort to get well I'm drinking a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with mother (f*ing awful aftertaste) each night.

I know. As if the dead fishies and a ton of mercury swimming around inside my tummy isn't bad enough.

And I've got bizarro friends calling me up asking when the next Boobie-Thon is so they can see "some ta-tas."

Anyone know where I can get a shirt that says, "Leave Me Alone"?

All is not awful, though. I'm so happy to be here I can't stand it. When cousins come down or tragedy strikes or my brother passes through town on his way to Philadelphia - I know I'm on the right side of the Mississippi.

I'm concentrating on my mommying and my career. Both going well and strong. I am kicking ass and taking names.

Best part of all? My kids.

It's Oldest's turn to kick, I mean snooze with, me tonight. As I'm gulping down the vinegar and feeling sorta blah, he runs up and says, "Guess what Momma? I get to sleep with an angel tonight."

I really do have the best little boys ever.

But I still hate the vinegar.

Theology With an Eight Year-Old

Putting my children to bed is always interesting. They ask wacky questions ("Will you come to my NBA draft even if it's on a Friday night?") or ask for stories about when I was a kid ("Tell us again about the time you sold everything in your toy box and got in trouble!")

Anything to prolong going to sleep.

The other night, Youngest was scared about something. After checking underneath the bed and in the closet, I assured him he was safe. Kid wasn't buying it and said he couldn't fall asleep.

"Then don't worry about going to sleep," I said. "Just rest your eyes and make up a story in your head. You can say your prayers, or count to ten, maybe talk to God."

He stopped rubbing his eyes and looked at me. "Talk to God?"

"It's an idea." I looked at the clock. Almost 9pm. I had stuff to do and was willing to try anything. "Maybe you could ask him to watch over you."

Kid sat straight up in bed. "Mommy, I watch the news with Grandpa."

Fantastic.

"I see how people get murdered and killed every single day," he said, justifying the need for future therapy. "If God can't watch over them, how is he going to watch over me?"

I took a deep breath. Don't you just love him?

"That's a very good question," I said.

Youngest folded his arms and waited for an answer. I did my best.

"I ask myself that same question every day. All I can tell you is that we make sure you are as safe as possible and momma, nana, and grandpa are all right here in the next room. We're not going to let anything happen to you, okay?"

I kissed him on the forehead and gave him an extra-long squeeze. Kid went to sleep after that - comforted more by his Momma than by the big Poppa.

Well. I do have a better track record.

Say It Ain't So, Lee Stranahan? To A Question You Shouldn't Even Be Asking?

Okay, I'm game.

This business about John Edwards, well, it doesn't bother me so much. Anyone who reads this site can't possibly be surprised by my response.

For those in the cheap seats, I will repeat what has become all too painfully clear: When or if a man cheats on his wife - it is an indication of nothing. Maybe he's a lousy husband. Maybe she's a lousy wife. Maybe the other woman is a gold digger.

But maybe not.

And none of it is our business.

Please spare me the Newt Gingrich comparison. Newt was a rotten human being long before his hypocritical ass went after Bill Clinton. That's the difference - Newt spoke in front of all the news cameras about character while cheating on his own wife. Newt, Bill, and maybe John have done what powerful people have been doing since time began.

Not so powerful people do it, too.

For all kinds of reasons.

And none of it is our business.

Don't Get Me Started

I'm afraid Husband and I are becoming more like those old people who lived through the Great Depression.

"You're going through hard times? This ain't nothin'! I once had to flick maggots off a steak I found in the garbage so I could eat something after nearly starving to death. In the winter. While only wearing socks."

I've always been sympathy-challenged. It's the Irish in me or something. We're allergic to self-pity and I don't like pitying others either. Feeling sorry for someone is insulting and doesn't do them any good.

I'd like to think I'm empathetic, though. To a point. I understand that sh*t sucks sometimes and you just need to cry it out before building a bridge to get over it.

So quit telling me I don't get it. I do.

For instance, I've got some friends dealing with divorce. I'm all kinds of there for them. A part of me worries that divorce just isn't the solution to their problems, but they don't like to hear that kind of crazy talk. Not when Singles Night is a-callin'.

I often get the whole "you don't understand" reply to any advice I give that cautions against splitting up.

Why don't I understand? Because I'm happily married? It's still hard work. I know that unexpected complications arise. Husband is back and forth between The Springs and Tampa again and it's hard as hell being separated when we still really dig each other.

I do understand.

But do you really want a judge telling you when you can see your own kids? Are you okay with a stepmom or stepdad one day exerting a certain amount of influence over your daughter? Is some strange with a skanky ho really worth all that?

Sorry. No judgments.

I also have several friends suffering from financial woes. Bankruptcy, unemployment, and having cars repossessed is happening to the most unlikely of folks. I even know a few people who are sick and tired and not getting any better. And I must bite my tongue when they too complain and then tell me I don't understand.

I'm living with my parents, for Christ's sake. And my house for sale in The Springs started flooding because of a busted hot water heater.

I can remember what it was like years ago to have my husband laid off with two toddlers and a new house mortgage. I do believe after the fright subsided, I got off my ass and found a part-time job in the evenings to help out until he got hired somewhere else. I took a loss on the house we sold last year. I know what it's like to be in the hospital and scared about leaving my children motherless because a silly stomach bug was out to get me.

Maybe this is our generation's time to suffer or maybe we should simply rethink our priorities and voting habits, but it is what it is. Let's learn from it and grow. Don't run away or drown in the drink just because you're blue and things aren't the way you thought.

Let's become better people and earn the right to tell our grandkids they don't know from struggling.

And through it all I always understand. I really do.

What's Wrong with People?

At my old school in Tampa, I worked with a guy, we'll call him Sam.

Sam was slightly annoying. He would lecture me on my use of profanity when I write and the importance of appearing in modest clothing online.

Sorta like my mom with a penis.

But Sam's heart was in the right place and so I smiled and nodded and encouraged his crazy talk. Not a bad guy.

A few weeks ago, Sam sent out an email to several people asking them to support Barack Obama. Probably not the smartest thing to do from school, but whatever. I once got an email from a fellow teacher telling me why Glenn Beck was the second coming of Christ. I just ignored it.

But a fellow teacher, in his department, got offended and reported it. We'll call her Blanche.

That's right. Instead of going to Sam directly, or his Department Head or Principal, Blanche sent the email along with a formal complaint downtown. Poor Sam had to haul his cookies to Ybor City and meet with the head of Professional Standards to get officially reprimanded.

What's wrong with people? Have we lost the ability to simply hit delete and move on with our day? Are we so sensitive that everything requires action?

I get emails all the time from people who harp about Senator Obama's Muslim background or the power of prayer. I don't get all worked up. I hardly respond.

Of course, I have a life. What's up with Blanche? Does she suffer from unbelievable boredom and frustration? Is Blanche such a miserable and frigid woman that she wants everyone to feel her pain?

I've seen her waddle through the halls with a permanent frown and what my stylist calls a "waxing issue." So perhaps frigid isn't too far off.

Blanche works with Sam and yet had no problem turning him in because he had the audacity to publicly support a candidate for president.

Our world is full of miserable people, folks. The fact that Blanche is also a Republican is not necessarily to blame. But it sure does explain her frigidity.

Where Were the Parents At?

Lawrence King is abandoned at birth. Grows up with all kinds of problems. His adoptive parents allow him to go to middle school in full drag sometimes - with makeup.

Brandon McInerney comes from a broken home. Mom's addicted to meth and Dad likes to beat the sh*t out of her from time to time.

Lawrence flirts inappropriately with Brandon almost every day. Thrives off negative attention. Brandon takes out a gun and shoots Larry in the head - twice - during English class.

Naturally it's the assistant principal's fault.

Right.

A Modern American Family

Back in the day, when my great-grandparents took the boat over to America from Ireland, they also took an incredible chance. They risked their lives to make a better one for their children and grandchildren.

For all of us.

When they first arrived, my ancestors settled near Scranton, Pennsylvania with other Irish Catholics. They married amongst themselves and had lots of kids. Cousins grew up next door to other cousins and extended family members were each other's best friends.

My grandparents and their siblings were a strong, tight-knit, loving brood. They worked hard in jobs that required little, if any, formal schooling. Yet these wonderful people provided for their families, went to church each week, lived by important morals and values, and enjoyed their lives. Together.

Good times indeed.

The next generation married more of the same, but my parents, aunts, and uncles didn't have as many children. They were able to go to college and get good jobs. A few moved out of town or out of state. Some came back, but others did not.

The following generation is my own. We married a whole lot of everything.

I was the first to stray, snagging a Jewish boy of Russian descent, leaving Catholicism behind. I added to our extended tribe by bringing two Jewish boys with Irish attitudes into the world. Some married people of Italian and Polish descent - but at least they're still Catholic. Then one cousin married a Persian princess who's agnostic and another cousin married a Muslim from Central Europe - Kosovo, Bosnia, Sarajevo - some place like that.

Family reunions look like a UN meeting. Only with more piercings.

More of us went to college and a majority have earned advanced degrees. We make pretty good money which allows us to invest, buy retail, fly across country for an Oasis concert and eat organic strawberries.

More good times indeed.

Talking to my mother one day, I said something about how our family is much stronger now because we are so educated and diverse. We know more about the world and ourselves. We even love our gay cousins.

Mom remembers growing up amid people who would do anything for one another. Sure they were poor, but they knew what was important - family. Everyone attended each other's plays, recitals, first holy communions, weddings, and funerals.

You didn't call 911. You called Aunt Nora down the street.

"My mother and her sisters, the whole family really, was plenty strong," she said.

Oh my.

You know, she has a point. Something is lost throughout the years as we blend into a larger melting pot. I cannot deny that my generation isn't as close as the previous ones. We are scattered all over the country, hardly anyone stayed in Scranton. We don't vacation or spend weekends together. We are lucky to hang out once a year, if that.

And yet, we have gained more than we've lost. My generation isn't just a disconnected diaspora who only have their bloodlines in common.

We have had more advantages and, to our credit, seized them. My cousins, siblings, and I branched out from the home base because we could. What's wonderful is that we stay in touch. We don't have to be in each other's lives, yet we want to be. Which makes our connections just as strong as if we lived down the street from each other.

Our story is similar to other descendants of ethnic immigrants. Future generations generally have fewer kids, get all kinds of smart, and not only travel the world, but change it.

Perhaps comparing generations is unfair. Both have their own set of strengths. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents laid a strong foundation and roots that allowed us to become successful. What a shame if we hadn't taken the opportunities they made sure we had.

I'd like to think they are proud of us. We're their legacy after all. Even the gay ones.

What or Who is Younger Than John McCain?

You'd be surprised.

Bugs Bunny, computers, the reverse cowgirl position, birth control pills, and my grumpy father-in-law are all younger than John McCain.

So is my new favorite website - with many more examples.

Enjoy.

Perhaps He Gets It?

Is there a marker you would lay down at the end of your first term where you say, "If this has happened or not happened, I would consider it a negative mark on my governance"?

If I haven't gotten combat troops out of Iraq, passed universal health care and created a new energy policy that speaks to our dependence on foreign oil and deals seriously with global warming, then we've missed the boat.

We'll see...

Treating the Symptom Instead of the Disease

We have a problem in Florida schools. The FCAT, our flawed statewide assessment test, is tied to funding and so that makes it important. Students must do well on the test in order for their school to make a good grade and get money, honey. A lot rides on this particular test, which is sorta crazy because it's so flawed.

With this in mind, our lawmakers pass a law that acknowledges FCAT flaws - and then does absolutely nothing about them.

Go ask an administrator what the law means and they won't be able to tell you with any degree of certainty. It's supposed to stop schools from obsessing over FCAT, but we cannot expect that to happen because the importance of the test remains. You can't tie funding to one test and then expect teachers and schools not to react to that level of importance.

Kids will still feel pressure to perform, teachers will still feel pressure to prepare, and the FCAT will still be an inaccurate measure of what our kids are learning in school.

Fix that and maybe those banners will come down and rallies can be held for other reasons - like upcoming football games - instead of celebrating a high-stakes test that leaves us all with more questions than answers.

I'm a David Letterman Fan

But apparently *he* doesn't read my site.

Shining On...

I've noticed that people are grand supporters of my mouth, nerve, writing, chutzpah, bravery...whatever you want to call it.

Until it affects them.

I'll never forget when my children were born and two weeks later they caught RSV. This remains the most frightening time of my life when I wasn't sure if my precious babies were going to make it. Turns out, they're fighters and eventually got well. During their recovery, the powers that be at Massachusetts General Hospital kept Oldest in the NICU and sent Youngest upstairs to the pediatric unit. Youngest was placed in a room with a rambunctious eight year-old and within fifteen minutes I'd had enough of the kid's television, video games, and coughing.

I insisted my *two week-old, premature infant* be given a private room in the crowded hospital. Or else.

They said it couldn't be done.

I was direct and firm.

They gave me the room.

When Husband told his family members, he heard a whole lot of "That's our Katie" and "That's why we love her!"

Right. But when that same directness and firmness is pointed at them, all of a sudden being Katie ain't so great.

And when I bring it up, or talk about my experiences in the world or the experiences of others with a bit of furious anger, I get called "bitter" or stand accused of a "persecution complex."

I don't feel bitter or persecuted. Ever. Especially when I'm calling attention to issues of importance.

A better description would be "empowered."

But my inlaws aren't isolated incidents. A friend of mine has been on the receiving end of a few snide comments and questions lately because of what I have written. As if anyone can explain me or my writing. But all of a sudden, that previous steadfast support isn't presenting itself. Friends can say, "Screw 'em" when it relates to other people. When their own snooty friends are the ones commenting, it's a different story.

Let me be very clear. These people aren't upset that bad or upsetting things occur. They are upset because I *write about it* or *point it out* or *appear on camera.* Not only do they not care about social or personal injustice, they'd also prefer I shut up about it.

Sorry.

I'm always kind of hoping that my mouth, nerve, writing, chutzpah, bravery...whatever you want to call it...will rub off on others. But it never does.

I Don't Think I'm a Democrat Anymore

I know these days I'm supposed to feel the power of hope and change. Democrats are energized and more people than ever are excited about the upcoming election. Barack Obama, according to most polls, is ahead and looking forward to becoming our next commander-in-chief. Young people are involved in record numbers and apathy is falling by the wayside.

Plus the lead singer of Wilco took a shower and smiled the other day at an Obama rally. That's gotta count for something.

Yet, while I listen to Barack Obama talk about his plans to bring us closer to war's end and more affordable health care, I find myself chuckling and rolling my eyes.

Cynical all of a sudden.

Except it isn't all of a sudden. My disillusionment has been building for quite some time. It seems to me that we pick candidates who are moderate in their beliefs and appeal to more people. They tell us what we want to hear. Then they get elected and do all kinds of nothing. For me and you, that is.

I turned down an invitation to be involved in this year's Democratic convention and although a majority of the reason had to do with a new job in Florida, I also had no desire to celebrate a political party that is failing so miserably in Congress. Failing me and you, that is.

Gas prices are high, the economy is in the toilet, the housing market is a mess, men and women are dying in Iraq, and there's a rise in bankruptcies due to medical issues. What exactly is Barack Obama going to do to solve these problems?

Ask most of his supporters and they can't tell you anything except how the man makes them *feel.*

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's getting people pumped up. However, what if he gets elected and turns out to be *gasp* a politician after all? What if nothing changes as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?

I'm afraid the people of this great nation will only feel further polarized and cling even more to guns, faith, and American Idol.

And I'm not so sure we can survive that downturn.

So here I am feeling all negative and then I went and finished Matt Taibbi's book The Great Derangement.

Check it: "The people who really run America don't send the likes of George Bush and Dick Cheney to the White House to...commit massive criminal conspiracies on live national television; they send them there to repeal PUHCA...and slash fuel-efficiency standards and do all the other shit that never makes the papers but keeps Wall Street and the country's corporate boardrooms happy. You don't elect politicians to commit crimes; you elect politicians to make your crimes legal."

That's what we're electing in November, no matter what political party we align ourselves with. You see, the joke's on us.

Me and you, that is.

Anyone Have $60,000?

That's how much it's going to cost to keep a Pace Program for Girls, SONG, alive and kicking. This is a program that focuses on early intervention, year-round schooling, and behavior plans to help at-risk girls.

And due to a lack of funding, this program may be shut down next month.

We either pay now or later. It's in our community's best interest to help these girls get through school. Florida has dismal graduation rates and we must provide alternative schooling to those who would otherwise get lost in our crowded mainstream classrooms.

It's cheaper to pay for these programs than to try and bankroll a generation of young girls who can't finish school, end up on government assistance, get into trouble with the law or drugs, and often end up bringing more babies into the world.

There. Now $60,000 doesn't sound like so much, does it?

My Cousin Tommy...

...passed away yesterday.

He died suddenly and so our family is left shocked and saddened.

Just last October his mother passed away.

Got the phone call Tuesday evening while eating dinner in Ft. Lauderdale with Brother and Sister-in-Law. And so we sat, mulling over our meal, talking about our memories of this wonderful man.

Tommy and my mother were first cousins. He saved her life one day when they were kids. They had been swimming and Mom almost drowned. Tommy pulled her to safety.

She called him her hero for the rest of his life.

He also made us laugh.

As my Nana got older, she and her two sisters lost their sight. We affectionately called them the Three Blind Mice. One day Tommy drove them to have lunch. He dropped them off in a gas station. They thought they'd arrived at the restaurant and went in asking for a table. Tommy stood in the parking lot and laughed.

A good-natured laugh.

The whole family got a kick out of him.

Thank goodness that will never die.

When our boys were babies, Husband and I took them to Tommy's house in upstate New York. We paraded them around in front of the family and showed everyone the parenting books we were reading to fully prepare ourselves for life's hardest job. Tommy said parenting books were good for only one thing - whacking kids in the head when they do something wrong.

He had the best smirk.

Tommy's views on parenting: "You spend the first twelve months trying to get them to walk and talk and the rest of your life telling them to shut up and sit down."

Tommy was great. Funny and kind and loving and full of personality.

If you have any extra prayers, send them to my cousins - Tommy's children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. They lost Aunt Marie and now, less than a year later, they've lost Tommy.

He will be missed.

The Discussion Continues

I'm in Ft. Lauderdale tonight and the next few days.

Leave it to my fellow Floridians to take an interesting discussion and drive it into the dirt. Some of my favorite comments: Bang-o-Rang (I don't even know what that means), blaming University of Florida, and general hating nonsense.

This one takes the cake:

"[Poor people] buy steaks with EBT cards and then use their stash of cash to buy beer and the honest working schmucks have to eat beans and rice....that is the American injustice."

Why are so many people bitter and angry regarding their fellow human beings? I thought helping others was supposed to bring out the best in people.

Jeez. I'm gonna go take a dip in the Atlantic.

Instant Karma's Gonna Get Me

Was asked to do an interview today based on my post about Holly Benson last week.

The interview happened so fast I didn't have time to do my hair or make-up so viewer discretion is advised.

I swear the camera adds twenty pounds, but yes, I recognize the fact that I made fun of Holly's hair and then got on television with a brillo pad atop my own head.

Laugh it up, fuzzballs.

Thank God they didn't mention this site - I'd like to charm my co-workers before I start alarming them.

I've only been back a month. That's gotta be some kind of record.

Tax Tally Trickery

From factcheck.org:

The McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee both claim that Obama has voted 94 times “for higher taxes.” We find that their count is padded.

After looking at every one of the 94 votes that the RNC includes in its tally, we find:

--Twenty-three were for measures that would have produced no tax increase at all; they were against proposed tax cuts.
--Seven of the votes were in favor of measures that would have lowered taxes for many, while raising them on a relative few, either corporations or affluent individuals.
--Eleven votes the GOP is counting would have increased taxes on those making more than $1 million a year – in order to fund programs such as Head Start and school nutrition programs, or veterans’ health care.
--The GOP sometimes counted two, three and even four votes on the same measure. We found their tally included a total of 17 votes on seven measures, effectively padding their total by 10.
--The majority of the 94 votes – 53 of them, including some mentioned above – were on budget measures, not tax bills, and would not have resulted in any tax change. Four other votes were non-binding motions related to conference report negotiations.

It's true that most of the votes the GOP counts would either have increased taxes for some, or set budget targets calling for such increases. But by repeating their inflated 94-vote figure, the McCain campaign and the GOP falsely imply that Obama has pushed indiscriminately to raise taxes for nearly everybody.

A closer look reveals that he's voted consistently to restore higher tax rates on upper-income taxpayers but not on middle- or low-income workers. That's consistent with what he's said he'd do as president, which is to raise taxes only on those making more than $250,000 a year.

Just so you know.

We Can All Relate to Getting Old

This video goes a bit fast (which is good because maybe we don't want to be in focus) and you don't know these people (which is good because maybe they don't want to be recognized) but we all realize what it's like to get together with lifelong friends and drink and laugh and act silly.



Joe thinks my site is getting too sappy ("Can't you piss off some more Mexicans? That sh*t was funny.") Therefore I won't go into what a great time we had.

I'll just ask if you can count how many of the men are losing their hair?

And then can you guess which one's the communist?

I love it when big-time free-market capitalists want government to help them.

The leaders of major airlines are kinda sorta pissed. They sent out this letter the other day.

An Open letter to All Airline Customers:

Our country is facing a possible sharp economic downturn because of skyrocketing oil and fuel prices, but by pulling together, we can all do something to help now.

For airlines, ultra-expensive fuel means thousands of lost jobs and severe reductions in air service to both large and small communities. To the broader economy, oil prices mean slower activity and widespread economic pain. This pain can be alleviated, and that is why we are taking the extraordinary step of writing this joint letter to our customers. Since high oil prices are partly a response to normal market forces, the nation needs to focus on increased energy supplies and conservation. However, there is another side to this story because normal market forces are being dangerously amplified by poorly regulated market speculation.

Twenty years ago, 21 percent of oil contracts were purchased by speculators who trade oil on paper with no intention of ever taking delivery. Today, oil speculators purchase 66 percent of all oil futures contracts, and that reflects just the transactions that are known. Speculators buy up large amounts of oil and then sell it to each other again and again. A barrel of oil may trade 20-plus times before it is delivered and used; the price goes up with each trade and consumers pick up the final tab. Some market experts estimate that current prices reflect as much as $30 to $60 per barrel in unnecessary speculative costs.

Over seventy years ago, Congress established regulations to control excessive, largely unchecked market speculation and manipulation. However, over the past two decades, these regulatory limits have been weakened or removed. We believe that restoring and enforcing these limits, along with several other modest measures, will provide more disclosure, transparency and sound market oversight. Together, these reforms will help cool the over-heated oil market and permit the economy to prosper.

The nation needs to pull together to reform the oil markets and solve this growing problem.

We need your help. Get more information and contact Congress by visiting www.StopOilSpeculationNow.com.

Jeez, guys. Welcome to the party.

I've Got Some Bad News and Some Good News

The bad news is that I've been getting petechiae lately. This is bad because it means my platelet count is getting lower. Despite the dead fishies swimming around inside my tummy.

:nervouslaughidon'twannadie:

The good news is that it sorta looks like the Lord. If you squint. And sip a few cocktails ahead of time.

Maybe I can sell myself on eBay? Remember the grilled cheese sandwich that fetched $28,000? That thing looks more like me than Mary.


Surely I'm worth more than a sandwich.

I think...

I Get the Best Emails - Ongoing

On Thursday, The Gazette, back in Colorado Springs, printed my last column.

As a result, I received many positive responses yesterday.

From Jim, a Catholic priest: Believe me, I do not have any more sympathy for militant fundies than you do. Even their knowledge of Christianity is extremely narrow. For them it's a veneer, a cover, a means of getting ahead in their particular society. They cannot understand how God can save anybody except themselves.

From Susan: As a Chicago transplant, I intend to keep your July 10 column. As adults, we can deal with the community, but I'm sorry that your children had the experiences they did. Obviously, we're able to create happy lives wherever we go and, though a stranger, I wanted to wish you and your family well.

From Amy: I just thought I would offer you a different take on areas of the Springs. The Westside, Manitou, and much of the downtown area are very, very liberal. Just look at Colorado College! And as much as I know I won't change your mind about this town, please understand that one area of a place with a population close to 600,000 people, does NOT represent the area as a whole. Good luck to you in your future, and I hope you find peace in the next place you choose to live.

So nice, right? Of course, the haters reached out as well.

From Patricia: I am exhausted by your severe case of narcissism! You don't even know there is a whole world of people around you. "HUSBAND" must be a nut case also. Well, hope TAMPA has a band and parade to welcome Miss Wonderful and "HER" Boys, but be ready for a big disappointment, Lady. Get over yourself! I thought the air in the Springs was a little fresher, now I know why! GOOD RIDDANCE!

But I am important Patricia. I'm so important that you felt the need to get upset and write to me. I matter in your world. I'm so special, even to you. And you can't stand it.

From Steve: HAIL HAIL THE WITCH IS DEAD!!!! how you think you are a writer i have never been able to figure out you are a bitter hateful person a feminnazi of sorts and frankly my dear a major bitch i feel bad for your husband who i picture as Miles the tv show Fraiser now go angry liberal and spread your manure elseware!!!! GOOD DAY I SAID GOOD DAY!!!

Girlfriend is off his meds.

I SAID GOOD DAY...you people crack me up.

Florida's Official Health Care Policy for the Poor: Go Jogging

Holly Benson, inept Secretary at Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, said in a radio interview Wednesday being poor or unemployed is no excuse to be unhealthy.

"It means," Benson said, "you have a lot more time to go running."

The radio host laughed in response.

Oh, those poor fat people. They are just so so funny.

Hear for yourself.

Or feel free to listen to the unedited version, if you can take more than a few minutes of elitist snobs laughing at the unfortunate among us.

Who hired this woman and put her in charge of Florida's health care needs? Charlie Crist, a man who wants to be vice-president, chose a woman who:

1) wears biker gear in her official photo (see above),
2) is in desperate need of what my hair stylist calls a "corrective color situation,"
3) thinks poor people can solve health care woes like heart disease and diabetes with a quick run around the block. After all, they have nothing better to do.

Choice move, Crist. Nurse Ratched wasn't available?

What's Wrong With the Senate and Barack Obama?

They caved in. They refused to stand up to Bush and they refused to protect our civil liberties.

We should have gone back to the old FISA rules instead of granting immunity to the telecoms without first knowing what they did.

So which is worse? The Bush administration for pushing through such a law or the Democrats in Congress for allowing it to happen?

Hotlanta Never Sounded So Good

It goes without saying that it isn't easy for a woman to return to the workforce some eight years after she gave up her career to have children and teach.

I'd like to take a moment and thank those of you who tried to help a sister out. You gave me phone numbers, names, and email addresses. In most cases, I called and connected with people who freely gave advice, references, and the inside scoop.

When I was out there pounding the pavement and looking for my new rewarding career, rejection was part of the process. When those doors slammed shut, it helped that in the back of my mind I could think about people in my life who believed in me.

Thanks so much for helping and pointing me in the right direction.

As I leave today for Atlanta, to spend a week learning about my new position, I am so feeling the Independent Woman vibe. I will work hard and further justify your help.

I am also reminded of an essay by the incomparable Erma Bombeck. Years ago, she wrote about Margaret Thatcher, Mother Theresa, Golda Meir, and several other notable women who achieved later, rather than earlier, in life.

Then she wrote about a woman who watched her youngest child get on a school bus. This woman decided to return to her dream because maybe it was finally her turn. Erma's last sentence revealed that woman's identity. "I was thirty-seven at the time."

Well, I am a year older and on my way, too. And not just to Atlanta baby.

Reactions

When telling people we're back in Tampa, for good, a few reactions stand out from the others. There have been different approaches, each of them beautiful in their own special way. For example, there's:

--Subtle.

"Wanna get naked?"

I'm kidding. Relax.

--Get Over Yourself.

"Let's hang out and grab a bite to eat. But you don't mind if I email and text and check messages the entire time, right? Have I mentioned how much I miss you? What was your name again?"

--Selfish.

Already covered this, but I've been thinking about the upside.

Brother took a job in Philadelphia and will move from Miami next month. This is a great opportunity for him. Instead of barking about how we just moved back and how his move affects my life, I simply said what I'd want to hear.

"Congratulations, kid. Sounds like a great new adventure for you."

Meant it too. Maybe if I hadn't dealt with the maroons, I'd have reacted selfishly. Thanks maroons!

-- The Absolute Best.

After a few days of soaking up sun and love, we told our boys that they'd been awarded partial scholarships to a good school in Tampa and Mommy got a great job(s) so we'd decided to stay. Oldest wrote up this note and handed it to us with hugs and kisses.

--Supportive.

Big ups to Becky. The day after I told her, she reacted with honesty and self-awareness. Breath of fresh air really.

"I want to be mad at you, but can't," she said. "There's no way to justify it."

"Why mad?" I asked.

"Because you're not coming back. We didn't even have a chance to get used to the idea of you living here."

"Maybe that's a good thing."

"No..."

"I can be a handful."

"Who can't? No, I stayed mad for five minutes, but then realized you are doing what's best for your family. Can't be mad at you for that."

See? That's why she's my closest friend.

--Validation.

Husband's boss approved a deal to let him commute between The Springs and Tampa.

--Acceptance. And a bit of love.

Moved into my parent's house with the kids. Immediately Dad took me across the street to see a house for sale. As we walked back, he said, "That's a great house, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I said.

"Hell of a deal, don't you think?"

"It's a great deal," I said with a smile, looking around my parent's living room. "But not as good as the deal I've got right here."

Dad took a swig of beer. I think I heard him say a prayer. Then he looked at me and said, "You're never leaving. Are you?"

I don't know about *never*, but as I listen to my children play in the pool and I smell the food my mother cooks with love, I'm in no hurry to leave.

Besides, a liberal Jewish woman living with her right-wing Catholic dad...a vegetarian hippie girl hanging with a grumpy meat eater...well...gives me plenty of material.

No hurry to leave. No hurry at all.

Chapter 8

Just in case you feel like encouraging me with your presence. Enjoy.

My family's T-shirts. Such class.

A party with blood relatives, beer, and explosives. 'Nuff said, right?

At least this one is in keeping with the theme of the day.

Most of my relatives are of Irish descent. So this one is in keeping with the theme of their lives.


Oops. How did that get in there? Oh. I meant to point the camera *away*. My bad.

How my parents met.

This makes sense to anyone from Buffalo.

Now you know where I get it from.

Celebrate Your Own Independence Today

And don't forget to read The Declaration of Independence. Out loud. To yourself and especially your kids.

Then sing along with me...

"Well, I know it wasn't you who held me down
Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key."

I'm Back in Tampa

For good.

Those of you who read my posts know that this past year in Colorado Springs has been quite a challenge. I worked at Academy 20's Expulsion Program and my fellow teachers seemed to like me until they realized that the Christian books and subtle intimidation tactics weren't working. I am going to stay Jewish and liberal. So that's when they decided I was too "East Coast" for their liking.

My children didn't fare any better. They attended Freedom Elementary in District 11. This is a school district NONE of my Springs friends would send their kids to, but I swore it'd be different for us. 'Cause my boys are smart and delightful. Turns out, too smart and delightful. Principal's exact words were:

"I wouldn't say they're cocky. But they are confident. They communicate well. They don't hesitate to say they're great basketball players These aren't bad things. Your children are also sensitive and sweet. Kind to everyone and very polite. It's just that their more mature qualities make them a bit of a target with the other kids who don't excel as much."

What to do with such a town? Some might say to stick it out and fight for change. Why should I? I'm not a fan of dry skin, wild animals, or snowstorms in May. Why should I settle for second best, headaches, and intolerance?

Family counts for a lot. Not only do we have my parents in Tampa, but relatives from up north - the dreaded East Coast - visit Florida all the time. Three cousins arrived yesterday. Those with tight-knit families understand my point. I want my kids to experience the love that can only come from family.

Few months back, Husband green-lighted a job search in the Tampa Bay area. And I got *two* positions. A freelance writing job and a full-time gig going back to corporate training where I also get to dip my well-manicured toe into sales. I will wear suits, heels, and work from home. Beat that.

Then my boys were accepted at a private school in Tampa. As a former public school teacher, I am supposed to hate private schools. But I don't. The people I know who have attended them are the most tolerant, intelligent folks around. My kids will not be a social experiment. They will feel safe. They will feel secure. And they will receive a superior education no matter what neighborhood we live in.

Despite everything, I can't tell you how happy I am for this past year.

I got to experience life away from everything I've ever taken for granted. I learned to appreciate. I got to join a great synagogue, a writer's group, political activities, and the PTA. I got to meet some wonderful people I will never let go of and reconnect with others I've come to cherish even more. I got to stand up for my beliefs amid hostility and intolerance, which only made me stronger. I got to further appreciate a man who supports anything that is best for his children.

And then I got to come home.

With all its charm and challenges, Tampa is home.

For good.

I Missed One Question

I didn't know how many Reps were in the House. Otherwise I'm in.

How did you do?

Heck If I Know - Part 2

What did this article say that was so wrong?

h/t Jim

Heck If I Know

BOB SCHIEFFER: How can you say that John McCain is untested and untried, General?

CLARK: Because in the matters of national security policy making, it's a matter of understanding risk. It's a matter of gauging your opponents and it's a matter of being held accountable.

John McCain's never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war. He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee. And he has traveled all over the world.

But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded—that wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn't seen what it's like when diplomats come in and say, "I don't know whether we're going to be able to get this point through or not. Do you want to take the risk? What about your reputation? How do we handle this publicly?" He hasn't made that call, Bob.

SCHIEFFER: Well, General, maybe—could I just interrupt you?

CLARK: Sure.

SCHIEFFER: I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences, either, nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down. I mean...

CLARK: Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.

What did he say that was so wrong?

John McCain Should Not Become President

Why? Because -

McCain is against a woman’s access to birth control. He voted more than 20 times to block it.

McCain opposes equal access to health care coverage. He voted to eliminate Title X and deny millions of women basic health-care services ranging from birth control to breast cancer screenings.

McCain won't protect a woman's right to choose. In fact, he's voted against choice 125 times out of 130 opportunities since 1983. And he said Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

I'm Cheating On You

With these guys. My moonlighting gig.

There are plenty of well-written and informative articles. Take a look around. And try not to be so jealous. After all, they pay more than you do. So I've got to go with them for a while. But only for a while. And I'll still come back and visit with you every now and then.