Dani's Junk Drawer: The Blog of Surprises

As a Mom I Understand Things Congress and Others Seem to Have Forgotten

2009-10-01T12:36:00.001-06:00

by Daniella NicoleAs a mom, I understand the importance of thinking through actions and understanding the laws of consequences. I understand the importance of values such as honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. These are the concepts I teach my child and practice myself, as a mom and an example to my child. I expect no less from our elected public servants.As a single mom and sole

Remembering 9/11 – Why its Important

2009-09-11T18:40:00.000-06:00

Image from FEMA - Public Doman. Wikimedia Commons. I will never forget the events of 9/11 – nor where I was and how I felt that day and in all the days that followed. Few things have caused me to cry so long and so hard as I did then.Today, I have been reflecting and remembering. For me, its about so much more than us being attacked. Please understand – us being attacked is horrible and I in no

Try Again, Mister President, Try Again

2009-09-07T15:25:00.000-06:00

Not only did President Barack Obama use his time at the AFL-CIO to push his healthcare agenda on Labor Day, rather than celebrate the day/event, but he stood in front of the massive crowd (10,000 tickets were distributed for this) and told bold-faced lies. Get the full video and text HERE. "But I've got a question for them: What's your answer? What's your solution? The truth is, they don't have

7 Easy Steps to Government-Subsidized Healthcare I Strongly Support

2009-09-04T18:24:00.000-06:00

Did you hear about this? On Facebook, Myspace? Obama’s got your e-mail My initial reaction was outrage for the American Public – IF this is true. Then, a light bulb clicked on in my head. I checked my cookies and sure enough, there were two government cookies on my computer – one from the Department of Education site. I had gone there to review the lesson plans being given to teachers and

Liberals are Not the Devil and Conservatives are Not the Enemy

2009-09-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

Though we may have different views about how to do certain things and we may have different views about certain issues, there are some things that most liberals and conservatives have in common:We recognize there are problems with our government and want to see them fixedWe love our countryWe want to see those less fortunate than ourselves helped We care about international matters and want to

Being a Hot-Blooded Greek Pays Off!

2009-09-03T01:25:00.000-06:00

I was in the hospital with my son and the surgeon was commenting on how my son’s blood pressure was high. Not only does it shoot up when he goes to the doctor, but the prospect of impending surgery could not have been helping it any!The doctor and I were discussing the things that can cause elevated blood pressure and he noted that genetics and ethnicity can play a role in it. I told him we were

The Line between Ugly Truth and Mean-Spiritedness

2009-09-01T16:28:00.000-06:00

by Daniella NicoleThose who cherish truth understand that it is not always pretty. As humans, we are prone to do things that are not kind, compassionate or honest, at times. When others refer to these things, they are speaking the truth about us – as ugly as it may be. Part of being an honest person entails taking responsibility for those ugly truths that apply to who we are, past or

The White House is Requesting YOUR VIDEOS About HealthCare Reform

2009-08-31T10:27:00.000-06:00

I am subscribed to the White House email list. I did so after the inauguration because I like to keep up on the latest news coming out and I like to get it directly from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Getting news from news sources is great, but too often they spin or leave out stuff. I'll take my facts straight up, thanks!Here is a copy of the latest emailing from the White House. What are YOUR

Tossing Out Desensitization

2009-08-29T23:29:00.000-06:00

by Daniella NicoleOver the course of my life, I have often heard talk of people becoming ‘desensitized’ to the evils in the world. It is in this process of becoming desensitized that the horrors increase. This is due to no one ‘batting an eyelash’ at them any longer, assuming they are commonplace, because, well, the media says so. It is in this process that those who would push the boundaries of

God, Country, and the Inauguration

2009-01-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-01-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI read this report about a study claiming that thinking hard makes you fat. It reminded me of other studies and reports over the years I have read that claimed this, that, or the other make people fat. In each case, it was something weird like this study about thinking.Drinking Water Makes You FatInsomnia Makes You FatDiet Sodas Make You FatSugar Substitutes Make You FatHoliday

Science Proves that Family Get-Togethers Warp Your Brain

2009-01-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

This new study is one to consider the next time you feel stressed rather than refreshed by time with your family. Now, I thought brain-warping only applied to those of us with dysfunctional families. Who knew it applied to y’all, too? *laugh*Home for the HolidaysFoxNews – RedEyeDecember 31, 2008If the video does not display, please try this linkSo, speaking of time with family, does time with

The Brenda Bag – Making a Life Statement

2008-12-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI am a fan of ‘The Closer’ and the main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. One of her trademarks is her big black bag. Her purse is oversized so she can put all manner of items inside, including case files.In more than one instance, her bag and the contents therein have been useful props in creating a particular impression of her choosing. Like many women, I have

The United States No More – Russian Prediction

2008-12-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

Step Back in Time – Victorian Pins and Greek Architecture

2008-12-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have a very talented friend who I want to honor and support today. This multi-talented entrepreneur has two talents in particular that I want to blog about.The first is her Handmade Victorian Pins (and more!). These lovely pieces of jewelry and other items are reasonably priced, and some are antiques. Each pin comes with a unique (written) story. The means of ordering is detailed on the site

Eartha Kitt Tribute – Symbol of Feminine Sexiness Passes Away

2008-12-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

Political Parties and the U.S. Government – Democracy Requires More than One Voice

2008-11-20T06:26:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI have never believed that our government should be controlled by one party. In a democratic society, there is more than one school of thought that needs to be addressed, and many voices that need to be heard.While I lean more centrist to conservative, I recognize the value of having a healthy mix of liberal ideas and plans in the rule of the country, side-by-side with a

Post Election - Can We Truly Be 'United' States?

2008-11-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy Senator Obama Press Kit. The election is over and Senator Barack Hussein Obama has been declared the 44th President of the United States. His term will begin in January of 2009 and run for four years.There are strong emotions on this day after the election on both sides of the political fence. What happens from here on out is not just up to our leaders, but to 'we, the people', as

Compare the Candidates

2008-09-07T20:10:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia Informed voters are smart voters. There are ways to get to the truth about the candidates, the issues, and where each stands in this election. Below are factual and non-partisan resources for discovering the truth behind the hype. In one section, I did add links to an evaluation project a newspaper is working on of senators and their voting track record. The Washington Post is

The True Power of the Office of President of The United States of America

2008-09-04T04:54:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia What is the true scope of power and the responsibilities of the President of the United States of America? Before electing anyone to the office, it is important to understand just what they have the power to do, and just what their responsibilities are.The Department of State lists the official and constitutional criteria, powers, and responsibilities of the president.Over at

Who Can Say One Positive True Thing About Senator John McCain?

2008-09-03T04:25:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia In a forum of which I am a member, a challenge was issued: Who could say one positive true thing about Senator John McCain? Though several attempts were made, the issuer of the challenge shot them all down until one forum member shared the following:Senator John McCain Heroically Grants a Dying Mother Her Final WishAs stated in the article, it is not about politics, but it

Partying with American Political Parties

2008-08-30T18:14:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia Today's post is dedicated to the political parties of the United States of America, and voting.The Directory of American Political Parties offers a listing of the political parties in the USA along with a brief description of each.The Political Philosophy Quiz is by far the most accurate I have seen lately at revealing where a person stands in political philosophy. The quiz

Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?

2008-08-19T15:03:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia I was commenting elsewhere about my mom being killed by a drunk driver, and it got me thinking about various aspects of the case. One of the things that struck me was how on the one hand I was given total access to the police reports, witness accounts, coroner's report, photos, etc. (An off-duty officer witnessed the incident). On the other hand, I was told multiple times by

Successes and Failures

2008-08-19T09:49:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia I have discovered that I might very well define success and failure differently from others.I set major goals for myself and a lot of minor goals that lead up to the major one. I always allow for flexibility because sometimes life has other plans for us. ;-)To me, every time I accomplish a goal, even a minor one, it is a success. To me, every time I adapt quickly and well to

Put Down the Gun and Call Someone

2008-08-13T19:22:00.001-06:00

Photo © Chance Agrella I read something in the news today that has really been bothering me.Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Dead After Shooting Inside Party HeadquartersI will never understand what goes haywire in a person's head that leads them to the conclusion that their troubles will somehow be made better by shooting or killing someone else - and/or themselves.No, it will not make YOUR