Michele's Infinite Ramblings

Where to begin

2011-11-16T15:37:00.001-08:00

Sooooo disappointed with politicians and their narrow minded ideology. If you are anti-choice why then be against birth control, and sex education. These wankers that want to govern what I do with my body is none of their business. If you are Pro-Life then you should be doing your best to make sure woman are given the affordable opportunity and access to birth control. And all types of birth control. That is an issue between a woman and her doctor to discuss what is best in that given situation not some old fart dictating my choice in birth control. As for sex education!!!! You think not talking about it is going to stop young people from having sex. Look how good abstinence worked in the Palin household! Switzerland is a Catholic country that teaches sex education, no pussy footing around they teach sex ed. They have very little unwanted pregnancies in that country. Even though they are a Catholic country they do what is right for the times we are in, not some backwards way of thinking.

I am Pro-Choice though I hope a woman that is pregnant is able to and wanting to have a child. I do not want to step into someone's personal life and tell them what to do. No one knows what goes on in someone's private life. It is not the government' place either. Are you going to tell some 12 year old girl that is raped that she has to have a child that she carries because of rape? If you think that is your right to dictate to this child to have a child because it's God's will!!! How do explain what happened to her? God's will? I also do not believe human life begins a conception. Now some Republicans claim life begins when the sperm contacts the egg. One can not live without a brain and the brain does not start to form till the end of the 7th week. We can all argue till we are blue in the face as to when does human life begin. So lets all agree that we will disagree on this. What I believe is right for me is just that, it's right for me. Not your truth, mine. None of us will every agree 100% with someone else's truth. Religion plays a big part in this but again it's my truth and how I look at religion. Not yours. Religion for many is personal and it needs to be treated that way. Again how I view religion is going to be different than yours. It would be selfish of me to tell you to believe the same way I do. If you feel that is your truth than there is nothing I can say to change your mind and that needs to be respected.

Getting back to being Pro-Choice or Pro-Life... We will never agree. But the one thing we as woman, need to agree on is that we need to have control over our bodies when it comes to birth control. Not someone else, not the politicians.

To my Republican friends

2010-10-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Why vote for Palin? Why vote of Angle? Why support the views of Limbaugh, Coulter, Beck and other's that have lost what it means to be a "part" of this country. Palin is a pretty face with no substance and find it insulting as a woman that this is the best the Republicans can do to find a smart, competent female. Why would you support this woman who couldn't even stick it out as governor of Alaska? She is a quitter, plan and simple. Do you really want someone that can't seem to speak intelligently to be speaking to heads of state, representing us to the rest of the world. Why support someone like Coulter who said it was un-American to question Pres Bush and his policies but it is alright for her to bash fellow Americans because they did question authority. But it is okay for her to bash President Obama; gee according to her that's un-American. Or how about the hate that comes out of Becks mouth as he sits in front of the cameras on Fox News. Is this what we as a nation are really about? No. So why do so many people think these people are all that and a bag of chips. Sorry they are not. They do not have your best interest at heart, they do not give a rats ass that many of us are struggling and can't make ends meet. I for one do not have health care and I have no retirement and I am almost 50 years old. I know most politicians just don't care but so do so many of my fellow Americans. I think when it came to health care maybe we should have looked at what has worked for other countries - even those with govt health care. Apply what works and figure out how to better serve people of this country. But OH NO don't mention socialized medicine its evil. Come on, Is It? I have many friends that live elsewhere and are amazed that no one really wanted to solve the issue of health care in this country and yes they are very happy with the care they get. Many used to live here to they do have something to compare it with.

No we have this I'm a Christian and I am so much better than you attitude. It seems to be becoming more prevalent within the Republican party and have had some of my friends tell me that this is a Christian nation and we should all believe in God. I asked what if I don't believe in God? I was told that I would be led by evil. I couldn't believe it. I don't need God in my life to know what is good, and what is right. Fact. This country was founded by many men who were Freemasons and they do not discriminate against religion. So don't bring up our founding fathers until you learn what is means to be a Mason. We are all Gods children Period. This country was founded on the principle that we have certain freedoms, religion being one of them. It is not just religious freedom for Christians. And further note when did all Muslims become terrorist?? So about 1/5 of the population of the world are terrorist. Crap we non Muslims are doomed. Again embrace those that are good, no matter if they believe in a God or not. Or what type of God they believe in.

We need to be more supportive of each other. Find common ground and do what is right. Do what is good. Take care of each other, both within our neighborhoods and globally. If the good people of the world united and set aside their religious or cultural differences this would be a much better place. If we can not get along within our own borders then how do you think we can get along globally. We all are in the same boat.

Protesters at funeral of Fallen Soldier

2010-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Good Christians standing on a road side displaying hateful messages. Is there something wrong with this? I am not religious but do know a thing or two about Christianity. These so-called good Christians are judgmental, cruel, and completely un-enlightened. I thought following the teachings of Christ is what a good Christian does. Could you see Jesus standing on the side of the road displaying a sign that says something cruel? I do not think so. He would be consoling the family and friends of this fallen soldier. It is also a shame that people use the First Amendment to such an extreme. No there are talks of limiting where these types of protest can take place. Since some do not seem to respect others and act in a callous way. There is nothing Christian about these people. Shit! There isn't even anything good about these people. When are people going to say enough to hate? When are we going to get back to being good neighbors, good friends, being respectful and realizing that we are ALL in the same boat. If we forgive our own children for their digressions. Then do you think God forgives us? So if you think it is okay to protest a soldiers death because he was gay! Then what do you think God will think of you for not forgiving one of his own.

Healthcare Reform, Politicians and the Uninsured

2010-03-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

I don't really care what side of the political spectrum you sit on but if you think our Healthcare does not need an overhaul, you must be living a spectacular life with no worries. Or make a lot of damn money and just don't care what happens to those of us that work but have no benefits.

Why should someone be in debt the rest of their lives because they ended up in the hospital with no insurance? How about the person who looses their insurance because their spouse dies and that insurance came through the deceased spouses work. Then, because you have a pre-existing condition no one will insure you. Next thing, we are going to your funeral because you could not fight the cancer because you had no insurance and no monye to pay the medical bills. I for one did not think much about healthcare cost until I lost my insurance. Have you looked at the prices of Meds?? Some anti-biotics can run $300 for 30 pills. Anti-biotics have been around for ages so why so high? How about going in for an ultra-sound? Old technology that has been around, and you may only spend about 15 to 30 minutes while the tech looks around. Depending on where you live this could cost you $500 to $2000. That is insane. It makes me insane thinking about it.

Last Febuary I changed jobs for what I thought would be a better deal. More money, full time and good benefits. It did not work out and I did not keep my insurance from my previous job because the COBRA cost was out of sight. I have been without insurance for over a year and been living with a gallbladder that needs to come out. So I suffer and pray that it doesn't turn into emergency surgery since I have heard it will run almost 100K. I know someone that had hers taken out in an emergency and at last count she was up to $75,000 and not everyone had billed her yet. Thats insane.

Now for those that stand around speaking for me and not even asking what I want in terms of healthcare. I wanted the public option for people like me that do not have insurance through their employer and for those of us that are low income. Insurance companies do not give a rats ass about the consumer and some think that government can't do it either. For me I take the government to run healthcare cause I can at least vote out those that fall asleep at the wheel. I have absolutely no control over the Big Insurance Company. If I did I would fire all their asses and start over. With a salary cap and limits on how much they can rape the consumer. In the long run if we take care of our health and use preventive measures it would save money. That is just my take on things. I agree that someone that is obese should not be getting a knee or hip replacement at my expense. Knock off some of those pounds then maybe!

I have friends that grew up here with our healthcare that now live in England, Germany, and Switzerland. Maybe Switzerland should not count since they have extremely good care but also is a better run country. My friends in England wonder why we, or the politicians have their head so far up their arse about government run healthcare. I don't, but hey remember I don't speak for everyone. I have been told that if you are terminally ill and no hope of recovery/remission from some disease or ailment you go back to the end of the line for healthcare which is the big drawback. But for things like my gallbladder, you go in and get er done. They, my former US friends, all say they would take their government run healthcare over the care we get here. Then they ask, why can you not learn from what doesn't work in our way of healthcare and make a government run healthcare thatt really works?? Shit, I don't know but it sounds good to me. Why can't we?

As for the politicians. Do you really think they care? The politicians themselves have wonderful coverage. Many plans to choose from. Some would even work for low income. So why is it not good enough for us, the average Joe or Joan American Tax Paying Citizen? My beef with them is that it needed to be taken care of years ago. Bush had 8 years to do something and just swept under the carpet. Before him their was Clinton and remember Hilary trying to do something and she got bashed, mainly by Republicans. Instead of coming together for the good of the people, for this country, they have bashed this back and forth. Now finally Obama has it on his desk and signed it. Now what? Those that don't like it, complain. Well you should have all worked together to come up with the best plan.

This should have only taken a few months to hash this out, then be done with it and move on. We still have the economy to work on and bringing together the people of this country. President Obama was handed a mess and it takes all of us to clean it up. You can't dump it in his lap then turn your backs. Many did nothing while this country was going down the toilet. One has to ask did it work for you pretending that things were not gettin out of hand? If a President leaves the country worse of than when he got it, he Fails. If If I ran a company like Bush ran this country I would have been fired or even better, given a Golden Parachute. I could have retired in luxury instead of busting my hump for meager wages. I am almost 50 and will never be able to retire. I will be the little old lady that greets you a Walmart.

How about a Tea Party to stop Corporate Greed with outrageous salaries and bonuses. They should take a pay cut and give the bottom feeders of their companies Raises. The ratio between Execs and those that are at the bottom of the company has grown to an outrageous amount. If the CEO of you Company is making 15 million a year but the employee at the bottom is making $25,000 that is sickening. I don't care if you are a high school drop out someone that is mature, raising a family and trying to put away retirement money 25k doesn't go very far. I make less than that and have no retirement to speak of. And the jerk CEO can bankrupt your company and get paid the big bucks to leave.

The Michael Jackson Movie 'This Is It'.

2009-11-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

I went and saw this movie and glad I did. If he had lived these concerts would have been remembered for decades. One hell of a production and the hard work would have paid. I have come to the conclusion that he is and will be for many many years to be the ultimate entertainer. What talent. What a waste to be gone so young. And yes 50 is young.

To read my review of the movie, click here to check it out.

Adsense Revenue Sharing Site For Those That Blog

2009-11-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Just started using this site. It is not a social bookmarking site. This is mainly geared towards those that blog. If you do not have a blog you can start one on this website. It's called 'You Say Too' and it shares AdSense revenue with you 50/50 split. You can also upload photos and games to earn a share in AdSense.

I am always on the lookout since I use AdSense on many of my sites.

Check out 'You Say Too' by, Clicking here.

For more information on this website 'You Say Too' Click Here.

Ireland the Emerald Isle

2009-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Ireland? For those that are of Irish descent but have never set foot on her should during their life visit the emerald isle. Ireland is a land that is beautiful but holds on to a violent and troubling past. My visit to Ireland was mared by being ill with the flu but only let it slow me down a bit when I was there. My family is somehow, supposedly related to the great Irish leader Michael Collins. How this maybe I haven't figured it out but if we are related I believe it is more directly through his father. So of course while in Ireland I did some sighseeing and maganged to get around. Though not as much as I would have liked. I did to a lot of running around in Dublin. Trinity College was fun and is where the "Book of Kells" is located and they are beautiful. One also has to check out the pubs while there. Went to a few museums and did the usual sort of things any tourist would do. Went to see Tara even though it was closed. I do know that one day I will have to go back to finish seeing Ireland.

Check out a little article I wrote about Ireland, click here.

The State of This Country.

2009-10-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

If I say that when Clinton left office we were in a good position as a nation as a whole, some people get very upset. It is not a fact though? The man was in office for 8 years with having to deal with a Congress that was Republican majority and then Democrat majority. Did we not finish those 8 years in an economy that was stable? Did we not finish those 8 years better off? Both parties have contributed to the debt but the Republicans out spend by far. So after Clinton things were not that bad. Now let’s get to G W Bush. Our deficit after he left office had gone up 100%. When Bush left office he should have left this country either in the same state, or made an improvement. Did he do that? If you answer yes I would ask, what you have been smoking. Think about it. If I took over a corporation that wasn’t doing too bad, was holding its own but ran it into bankruptcy did I do a good job?

Now with Obama in office, those on the right just cannot let it rest that things are still bad. Hello people! How long has he been in office? We did not get into this mess overnight. Our current President has only been in office for about 10 months. Do you think it fair to lay so much on his shoulders? Obama has a tough road ahead of him. The people of this country have a very rough road to travel. What bothers me is that some just stand around and point fingers. I ask did you demonstrate or complain while Bush was in office. Did you do nothing as this country went down the preverbal toilet?

If the people of this country cannot get along, then we have no business expecting our leaders to do the same. We need to take care of us, this nation. While we fight and point fingers at each other do we accomplish anything? Healthcare has been a major issue for decades. We all know this, but can’t even talk about finding solutions without some resorting to uncivilized behavior.

When it comes to concerns about what is best for us and this country do your own research, I mean really do your research. Don't take Rush Limbaugh’s word for it. Don’t take a politicians word for it. Don't sit down, watch Fox news and believe every word they say. Check it out. Be better informed. Above all else, remember what works for me may not work for you but do your homework. Respect people's differences and understand that disagreeing is okay. That with determination, respect, and knowledge people can overcome many obstacles to make life better for everyone.

Social Bookmarking sites that let you make some money.

2009-10-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have written before about Redgage and how they pay you for your content. That is for every 1000 clicks you get a small percent of money. If you are an avid blogger, photographer or have some good links this is a good site. I have been on there for about a month and have not even made a dollar. But nothing these days is a quick fix and I was not expecting it to be.
To get in on the action with Redgage Click Here.

A new one that I found is good if you are using Adsense on any of your blogs or websites. One just puts in their adsense number and off you go. I just started this site to see what happens. I do use Adsense in Hubpages, Blogger and my personal website. Thought why not add to my account. to check out this new site, She Told Me, Click Here.

Here is another site I have decided to sign up for, Xomba. So far I like tthe look and feel of this one. This is another site that does Adsense sharing. You can write shot articles which is nice that you do not have to produce 400+ words. You can write, comment, share ideas, make friends and get paid. There are two types of posts: Xombytes and Xomblurbs. The Xombytes are anything you want to write such as a book review, or a how to guide. Xomblurbs are social bookmarks that you share. If interested in joining Xomba, Click Here.

As always I will keep posting what happens with my earnings. I will also spread the word on any other sites that come my way to earn some passive income.

Blindly Following and the Ridicule of Those That Disagree.

2009-10-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

This for me has always been a touchy subject. Along with religion these topics or issues usually get me going. Many that have know me for years, know that at one time I was a Republican. I usually tell people I wized up and left. This came after being involved in fighting a Democrat Bill to make a million acres of California desert into wilderness. I met many Dems that didn't know what they were talking about, couldn't answer a simple question on what constitutes "wilderness". Even found Repubs that didn't know squat about the subject. Most knew nothing about the desert, let alone actually been into the desert. They saw it from their car as they drove to Vegas. So you ask what turned you off then to the Republican party? To make a simple and short statement, "our way is the only way". If you think for yourself and don't always tow the party line there is something wrong with you. At the time that this was going on with the Bill, it was election time. I had met the Republican that was running and did not like him. Did some background research on him and liked him even less. I told fellow party members that I would not vote for this man. By saying this you would have thought I had committed a 'capital' offense. I was called many names and thought this is stupid. So I left the Republican party. Since becoming a Democrat I have found this to be only somewhat true within the party. The ones that I find that are overly adament about their views being correct are former Republicans, for the most part.

So this is how I feel. I have a right to my opinion just like you. If I can respect your opinion even though I disagree with you, you should do the same for me. Neither one of us is wrong, it's just that we do not agree. So get over it. What I feel will work for me and my country may be different than what you feel is right. If you are adamnt about this and have thought about what is at stake but are going in a different direction than me, then so be it. What gets me is that some don't even think about what is a stake. They don't think about how this will affect their neighbors. Some don't think about it at all but just go with the flow. Bruce Springsteen once said, "blind faith in your leaders will get you killed". I know he was talking about war but from a different angle it could mean a death to our way of life. Do not go blindly running after some views of a politician because he is with the party that you belong too. Some oppose because that is what they feel is expected. I'm a Republican I am not going to agree with a Democrat even if it is right. Isn't it then wrong not to stick up for what you believe is right regardless of what others will think. It's not always pleasant, I know that first hand. I did not vote for the Republican because I did not agree with him on issues and felt that he would never back our side in defeating the wilderness bill. When he became Governor he did not help our cause. I did what I felt was right.

Roman Polanski needs to face his responsibility and come back to US.

2009-09-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

What is almost as sick are these idiots saying to free him? Some of them have children of their own. For those in the film business (not all feel this way) shame on you for sticking up for this guy and turning the other cheek. If he were a friend of mine I would simply say "you did a terrible thing it is time to take care of this". Not go run and hide and shirk your responsibilities.

Yes, Polanski has had some very rough and sad times in his life. He is a holocaust survivor and then there was the murder of his beautiful, pregnant wife Sharon Tate by the Mansion Family creeps. Many others have led terrible lives but did not rape a 13 year old child. No one is above the law.

For those that think we should set him free. Where the hell do you people come from and where do you get the audacity to think he should walk free.

Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol", my first impression.

2009-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am 104 pages into the book and already having a hard time putting it down. Dan Brown delivers another good read. I am just wondering who or what will be pissed of about this book. Or maybe that only happens once it is made into a movie. Maybe Ron Howard will direct this one with the incredible Tom Hanks starring as Dr Robert Langdon.

This story is set in Washington DC which is fun to have it on US territory. It centers around ancient symbols, Freemasonry, tattoos, wealth, Smithsonian, Capitol and Noetic Science. The book doesn't take long to get Langdon tangled up in a mysterious thriller. Since I am only 104 pages into this book there is not much more I will tell or reveal. Since I do not want to ruin it for anyone. If you are a Dan Brown fan this is a must buy book.

For those that think expressing there right to tell others what they should or should not read. Do you not have anything bettter to do? The Catholic church has made a big deal out of two of his books and wonder why do they do this? Drawing attention to something just makes it more intriguing. I also can think for myself and do know the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Books, and movies for the most part are for entertainment. I do enjoy a good documentary or reading a biography but that type of reading or movie watching is done for a different purpose that entertainment. I for one think it is a personal preference and that is just it "personal".

Reading opens up a world and can take you on marvelous adventures. Enjoy!

For further reading check out, Dan Browns "The Lost Symbol" and Noetic Science.

Thanks

I discovered a new social bookmarking site, Redgage.

2009-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Since I am new to Redgage I really only have a little insight to share.

What is RedGage? A social bookmarking site with a twist. RedGage will pay you for the content you create. Based on the number of unique page views, uploads, and also contest. They do a contest daily where you earn points, there are daily, weekly and monthly drawings. The daily winner gets $25, weekly $50 and the monthly winner gets $200. Redgage pays you by sending you a reloadable debit card after you have earned $25.

What you can share: blogs, photos, video, documents, and links. The more the merry and more earning power.

With the holidays approaching earning extra cash would be nice. If this sounds like you CLICK here to sign up with RedGage.

I will post more info after I have used this site for about a month and update what I think.

Thanks for reading.

Drink of the Gods: Wine.

2009-09-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Three cheers for mor affordable wine. Ever go into a wine store or your local gorcery store and look at all the selection of wine? There is much out there and can be a dauting task in picking something new out. If trying to get away from what you always buy you may end up standing there in the aisle with that "deer in the headlights" look.

There are some wine under $20 that are very good. There are even some around $15 or less that are good and some are very good. We don't all have the time or money to just grab a bottle and try it out. If you are so inclined to do this then keep a journal and note the wines you drink. Nothing worse than a year or so later you pick up a bottle at the store, bring it home open it and think this is awful. Come to find out you have had this wreched wine before. I will abmit that I don't always look up what I have drunk in the past.

Wines for $10 or less, that are good do exist. If you have a Trader Joes in the neighborhood you can find some good buys and if you buy 2 buck chuck (Charles Shaw) stick with the Shiraz. Now if you bump it up a notch in price for wines in the $15 range you will expand your options. I mainly drink red wine so I usually have fairly good list of affordable good red wine.

There is nothing better than sitting around with friends and sipping on some good wine. It's even better sharing a bottle with friends while paired with a nice appetizer of cheese or a nice evening meal.

Enjoy

Cheap Wines From California

20 Cheap Red Wines for $20 or Less

Wineries of Napa Valley

Creating Curb Appeal to Sell Your Home

2009-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

When selling your home there are many things to consider. One thing that gets looked over is the outside of your house. Ever heard the saying "first impression makes a lasting impression". If your home lacks curb appeal the first impression may mean they keep on going and don't even get out of their car. Seller has to remember that not all buyers are using an agent when they first start looking at houses. They may just be driving around on a Sunday looking at home with "for sale" sign out front.

Your home maybe pristine and beautiful on the inside but the outside curb appeal is what draws that buyer into your home. Homeowners end up so concerned with the appearance of the inside of their house they neglect the outside. Lets start with a "wow" factor on the outside of your home so buyers are waiting with anticipation to see the rest of the property. Drive through your neighborhood and check out the homes. Which one's stand out for the right reason's? Is it the paint job, nice walkway, flowers, well-manicured lawn, and nice front door? If you are strapped for money! Try painting the front door and/or paint the trim of the house. Flowers can bring color to your yard for a small price and getting a little dirty pays off in a big way. There are ways to make your house shine without breaking the bank. Make the effort to spruce up the outside so the buyers will come inside. The payback value will be worth the time, effort and money you put into giving your home curb appeal.

The day that an "open house" is planned make sure toys are picked up, dog poop is picked up, rake leaves up, spruce up flower beds, power wash siding and deck. Put a fresh mow on the yard and clear walkways of grass.

Remember if you can get them into your lovely home that is half the battle. The buyer should look at your home and picture it as theirs.