Is it homophobic to stand firm in the Christian belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman? Gays have every right to be gay but should they have the legal right to marry? I just don't think so. But today, Pastor Rick Warren flip-flopped on the issue.
Is it homophobic to invite families in general to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House without specifically sending invitations to gay families? Gay families should certainly be allowed to attend but why should any particular group be singled out to be invited? That's what Obama did this year. Politics . . . I get it.
It truly saddens me the way society is being bullied by the gay community. I absolutely believe that people should be allowed to exercise free will. That's Biblical. God says we can. But we don't have to pretend that what is wrong is right. . .
- Kee
- Welcome --
I hope you find my thoughts and opinions regarding politics, Christianity, family and just everyday "stuff" interesting.
Please read and be sure to visit again.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bobby Jindal
I was anxiously anticipating Bobby Jindal’s response to President Obama’s speech on Tuesday night. After only a few minutes I could no longer stomach it and had to change the channel. The look on Jindal's face, his tone of voice, the cadence of his speech – everything was so annoying I couldn’t even “hear” him. The content of his speech may have been 100% on point (I don't know) but if so, his delivery completely detracted from it.
I thought this man was supposed to be ready to “stomp with the big dogs”. If he is the best the Republican Party has to offer – this is a party in trouble for real! I'd like to suggest that we go back to the drawing board . . .
I thought this man was supposed to be ready to “stomp with the big dogs”. If he is the best the Republican Party has to offer – this is a party in trouble for real! I'd like to suggest that we go back to the drawing board . . .
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
NY Post’s Chimp Cartoon
I was going to let this one go but it just keeps growing and growing so I guess it’s time for me to chime in. The chimp cartoon, hmmm. . .
I must admit that my initial reaction to it was “wow, so in 2009 we’re still monkeys?” Then I really took some time to think about it and concluded that it is possible that racism was not the theme. It occurred to me that even if Bush was still president the NY Post would have probably published the exact same cartoon. And what would have been the difference then? There would have been no cries of racism, no protests, and no apologies. Politicians are prime targets for ridicule and attack – and the president is no exception. On the contrary, as long as I can remember, the President always seems to be the first target.
So as I continued to think about the uproar over the cartoon I wondered, if we (Black folks) are trying to have it all. We have a Black man as President but we also want our President to now be exempt from cartoons, jokes and other forms of ridicule? Because he is Black, are all jokes about Barack Obama going to be forever scrutinized and run through the racism meter? Give me a break!
And now who once again is at the forefront of the controversy? Al Sharpton – the voice of Black America, the bigotry monitor. Even though the paper and cartoonist have both apologized, Sharpton says it’s not enough. For me, any issue that could have had some validity is made questionable simply by Sharpton’s involvement. (Please just go sit down somewhere and close your mouth!!)
The cartoon was indeed in poor taste – whether racially motivated or not. But as far as I’m concerned the only person deserving an apology is Charla Nash. She sustained horrible injuries and nearly died as a result of the chimp attack. Her life will never be the same. That is absolutely NOT a laughing matter.
I must admit that my initial reaction to it was “wow, so in 2009 we’re still monkeys?” Then I really took some time to think about it and concluded that it is possible that racism was not the theme. It occurred to me that even if Bush was still president the NY Post would have probably published the exact same cartoon. And what would have been the difference then? There would have been no cries of racism, no protests, and no apologies. Politicians are prime targets for ridicule and attack – and the president is no exception. On the contrary, as long as I can remember, the President always seems to be the first target.
So as I continued to think about the uproar over the cartoon I wondered, if we (Black folks) are trying to have it all. We have a Black man as President but we also want our President to now be exempt from cartoons, jokes and other forms of ridicule? Because he is Black, are all jokes about Barack Obama going to be forever scrutinized and run through the racism meter? Give me a break!
And now who once again is at the forefront of the controversy? Al Sharpton – the voice of Black America, the bigotry monitor. Even though the paper and cartoonist have both apologized, Sharpton says it’s not enough. For me, any issue that could have had some validity is made questionable simply by Sharpton’s involvement. (Please just go sit down somewhere and close your mouth!!)
The cartoon was indeed in poor taste – whether racially motivated or not. But as far as I’m concerned the only person deserving an apology is Charla Nash. She sustained horrible injuries and nearly died as a result of the chimp attack. Her life will never be the same. That is absolutely NOT a laughing matter.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Microphones and Cameras
Things are so different now than they were “back in the day”. Back in the day we didn’t hear about every single, solitary movement of politicians, celebrities and athletes. Today their actions are everywhere. Even if you don’t want to know what they are doing, you know what they are doing. Internet, TV, magazines -- it’s overkill for sure.
While we average citizens are ridiculously obsessed with hearing and seeing more and more about the daily activities of celebrities – what they are doing, when they are doing it and who they are doing it with – these celebrities often appear oblivious to the fact that “we” are watching. Of course I’ll never know for sure but I’d like to think that if I were a celebrity I would think twice before I ever said or did anything. I’d also be very judicious in my selection of “friends”.
So this week we’ve got a couple examples of celebrities forgetting about the cameras and the microphones. Michael Phelps caught on camera smoking marijuana and Etta James talking way too much before a microphone.
It’s been a while since I’ve put anyone on my “Go Sit Down Somewhere and Close Your Mouth List” but I’ve got to put Etta James on it. I must admit that when I saw Beyonnce singing her song at the inauguration, I thought it was strange (and perhaps disrespectful) because James is still among the living but James should have vented her frustration quite differently.
And you Michael? You’ve got one more chance, don’t blow it!
While we average citizens are ridiculously obsessed with hearing and seeing more and more about the daily activities of celebrities – what they are doing, when they are doing it and who they are doing it with – these celebrities often appear oblivious to the fact that “we” are watching. Of course I’ll never know for sure but I’d like to think that if I were a celebrity I would think twice before I ever said or did anything. I’d also be very judicious in my selection of “friends”.
So this week we’ve got a couple examples of celebrities forgetting about the cameras and the microphones. Michael Phelps caught on camera smoking marijuana and Etta James talking way too much before a microphone.
It’s been a while since I’ve put anyone on my “Go Sit Down Somewhere and Close Your Mouth List” but I’ve got to put Etta James on it. I must admit that when I saw Beyonnce singing her song at the inauguration, I thought it was strange (and perhaps disrespectful) because James is still among the living but James should have vented her frustration quite differently.
And you Michael? You’ve got one more chance, don’t blow it!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Our 44th President
We keep hearing it and I must say I feel the same way -- "I never thought I'd live to see the day." My kids asked me a few times over the years, "Do you think there will ever be a Black president?" My quick, canned answer remained, "Not in our lifetime." In spite of my lack of faith in the American people, today Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. Despite my own personal political views, this is a very emotional and exciting day.
Seeing Michelle Obama at center stage is especially thrilling. I think I've always paid particular attention to First Ladies. I loved Laura Bush and I am already feeling similar admiration for Mrs. Obama. I am certain that she will add her own style, class and dignity to the White House.
Yes, today is a day of celebration but it should also be a day of prayer. Today we party, tomorrow back to reality.
Seeing Michelle Obama at center stage is especially thrilling. I think I've always paid particular attention to First Ladies. I loved Laura Bush and I am already feeling similar admiration for Mrs. Obama. I am certain that she will add her own style, class and dignity to the White House.
Yes, today is a day of celebration but it should also be a day of prayer. Today we party, tomorrow back to reality.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Inaugural Prayers
There’s been a lot of fuss over the Inaugural prayers and who is being asked to lead them. Obama has asked an openly homosexual bishop to offer a prayer at an inauguration event next week. My mother always told me that “you can’t please everybody” but Obama sure is trying. Asking the Bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray was to satisfy those opposed to the invitation he extended to Pastor Rick Warren. Oh brother!
Anyway, Robinson said that he will not use the Bible and "will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."
So my question is this – when you are being careful to not be “especially Christian”, to whom are you praying? Is that kind of prayer just kind of thrown out there in hopes of being answered by any old god who happens to be available and listening? He can leave me off his prayer list. . .
Anyway, Robinson said that he will not use the Bible and "will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."
So my question is this – when you are being careful to not be “especially Christian”, to whom are you praying? Is that kind of prayer just kind of thrown out there in hopes of being answered by any old god who happens to be available and listening? He can leave me off his prayer list. . .
Friday, January 9, 2009
Christmas -- After the fact. . .
My children and I had a quiet Christmas at home. Instead of the traditional turkey dinner, I did the Black Southern thing and cooked gumbo. We ate until we hurt ourselves. That was one of our Christmas highlights.
My 17 year old daughter is not usually an emotional girl but after she opened her gifts on Christmas morning she sat on the floor looking as if she would cry at any moment. Sure enough, as soon as I asked her what was wrong – she burst into tears. My initial thought was that she was disappointed that she didn’t receive a gift she wanted. But she immediately corrected me and said that she was sad that this would likely be her last Christmas living at home because she’s off to college this fall. So, she and I sat and cried together for a few minutes. My how the time just whizzed by. I know it sounds cliché but it does seem that just yesterday she was a little bitty girl who always wanted to sit on my lap.
It’s funny because even though she’s now a 17-year old young woman, she still seems to want to jump right inside my skin. I’m always kidding her about invading my personal space but I will definitely miss her being “in my box” after she leaves. She’s not only been my “road dog” all these years, she’s been my best friend. She’s an incredibly mature young woman and I do wonder what it will be like when she leaves. Oh well, we shall soon find out.
My 22 year old son had some sadness on Christmas also. He was sad because his 3 ½ month old daughter spent Christmas in California with her mom. He sure hated missing her first Christmas.
This young man is one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever known. His compassion is truly one of his most admirable qualities. Yesterday we had a long conversation about various topics. And repeatedly during our conversation he would say things like, “if I had the money, I’d just give it to him” or “how can we help this person?” This child of mine has always been like the person who attracts stray dogs. Not to say that any of his friends are stray dogs but since junior high school he seemed to develop deep friendships with the neediest kids. And he would bring them home assuming that we would be able to do something to help. As a result, he had different friends practically living with us throughout all of his high school years.
Christmas highlighted his compassion all the more. A friend of his came to live with us for what I thought would be a couple weeks in September. Well, a few weeks turned into 3 months. I was so outdone by the extended stay and the extra mouth to feed that I was just flat out annoyed at the sight of his friend. My son did everything in his power to calm me during the 3 months because this friend had already had such a tough life financially that he just wanted him to experience a few months of peace.
I am so incredibly proud of both of my children. As I was sitting crying with my daughter on Christmas, I shed several tears about my son as well. This will also probably be his last Christmas at home. He’s a little slower moving than his sister in terms of being independent but I sense that he will soon be gone.
I do welcome this impending new chapter in my life, but I’m also a little sad that these kiddies of mine grew up so darn fast. I have been completely consumed with raising children for the past 22 years. What will I do with myself now?
My 17 year old daughter is not usually an emotional girl but after she opened her gifts on Christmas morning she sat on the floor looking as if she would cry at any moment. Sure enough, as soon as I asked her what was wrong – she burst into tears. My initial thought was that she was disappointed that she didn’t receive a gift she wanted. But she immediately corrected me and said that she was sad that this would likely be her last Christmas living at home because she’s off to college this fall. So, she and I sat and cried together for a few minutes. My how the time just whizzed by. I know it sounds cliché but it does seem that just yesterday she was a little bitty girl who always wanted to sit on my lap.
It’s funny because even though she’s now a 17-year old young woman, she still seems to want to jump right inside my skin. I’m always kidding her about invading my personal space but I will definitely miss her being “in my box” after she leaves. She’s not only been my “road dog” all these years, she’s been my best friend. She’s an incredibly mature young woman and I do wonder what it will be like when she leaves. Oh well, we shall soon find out.
My 22 year old son had some sadness on Christmas also. He was sad because his 3 ½ month old daughter spent Christmas in California with her mom. He sure hated missing her first Christmas.
This young man is one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever known. His compassion is truly one of his most admirable qualities. Yesterday we had a long conversation about various topics. And repeatedly during our conversation he would say things like, “if I had the money, I’d just give it to him” or “how can we help this person?” This child of mine has always been like the person who attracts stray dogs. Not to say that any of his friends are stray dogs but since junior high school he seemed to develop deep friendships with the neediest kids. And he would bring them home assuming that we would be able to do something to help. As a result, he had different friends practically living with us throughout all of his high school years.
Christmas highlighted his compassion all the more. A friend of his came to live with us for what I thought would be a couple weeks in September. Well, a few weeks turned into 3 months. I was so outdone by the extended stay and the extra mouth to feed that I was just flat out annoyed at the sight of his friend. My son did everything in his power to calm me during the 3 months because this friend had already had such a tough life financially that he just wanted him to experience a few months of peace.
I am so incredibly proud of both of my children. As I was sitting crying with my daughter on Christmas, I shed several tears about my son as well. This will also probably be his last Christmas at home. He’s a little slower moving than his sister in terms of being independent but I sense that he will soon be gone.
I do welcome this impending new chapter in my life, but I’m also a little sad that these kiddies of mine grew up so darn fast. I have been completely consumed with raising children for the past 22 years. What will I do with myself now?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Someday At Christmas
I downloaded Christmas songs onto my iPod his weekend. Driving into the office this morning I turned to Stevie Wonder’s Christmas song, “Someday at Christmas” and I soon found myself completely choked up and crying. Of course I’m a big crybaby anyway and will drop a few tears over the smallest events but I was really touched listening to the song.
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shining moment my heart ran away
From our world today
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
The part about all men being equal made me think of a time not so long ago when my grandmother would tell us about how segregated and racist Los Angeles used to be. (Yes, liberal, anything goes Los Angeles.) She would tell us of her days working as a maid for rich white folks in West Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. She certainly didn’t feel equal back then.
These words especially resonated with me because of the election of Barack Obama as president. While he was not my candidate, I continue to celebrate the historic significance of his impending presidency. I honestly did not think that I would live to see the day so the words “maybe not in time for you and me” made me realize that our country achieved what most of us thought was impossible.
Just look at where we are as a nation today. Sure racism and inequality still exist but look at how far we’ve come. . .
Amazing!
I’ve copied the lyrics to the entire song below. It’s one of my favorites.
Someday at Christmas
Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas we'll see a Man
No hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment my heart ran away
From our world today
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Take hope because your love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shining moment my heart ran away
From our world today
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
The part about all men being equal made me think of a time not so long ago when my grandmother would tell us about how segregated and racist Los Angeles used to be. (Yes, liberal, anything goes Los Angeles.) She would tell us of her days working as a maid for rich white folks in West Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. She certainly didn’t feel equal back then.
These words especially resonated with me because of the election of Barack Obama as president. While he was not my candidate, I continue to celebrate the historic significance of his impending presidency. I honestly did not think that I would live to see the day so the words “maybe not in time for you and me” made me realize that our country achieved what most of us thought was impossible.
Just look at where we are as a nation today. Sure racism and inequality still exist but look at how far we’ve come. . .
Amazing!
I’ve copied the lyrics to the entire song below. It’s one of my favorites.
Someday at Christmas
Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas we'll see a Man
No hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment my heart ran away
From our world today
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Take hope because your love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Representin’ for the Tall Women
The average American woman is approximately 5 feet 4 inches. I am 5 feet 8 inches and have always hated my height. Growing up, it was bad enough that I was taller than most of the other girls in school but being taller than many of the boys too made me feel as if all eyes were upon me. I’ve always been introverted, shy and “background prone” so towering over other folks made it difficult for me to do my invisible act.
My second husband was only 5’ 10” (at the most) and looking at him I would have told anyone he was about 5’7”. (Men tend to lie about their height by a minimum of 2 inches.) I invited him over to my house to watch movies as our first date and met him at the door in my socks so I wouldn’t feel taller than him. Even when we went to church together the first few times, I wore the flattest flat shoes I could find. The heels on my wedding shoes were an inch and a half at most. I laugh now at just how self-conscience I was about my height.
I’ve grown (ever so slightly) since then. Now I don’t care as much. I was invited to a Frankie Beverly concert about a year ago with a man who really was about 5’6”. I went and wore 4 inch heels. Yes, I dwarfed him but we had fun and I truly didn’t care about the height difference. I did wonder if he cared though.
I’ve come to realize that I have to either wear heels (real heels) or flats (true flats). Trying to do the in-between thing is conspicuous. When you are tall and wear dress shoes with an inch heel you appear to be saying either “I hate being tall” or “I’m out with a midget today and don’t want it to look like it.”
Today I read that Michelle Obama is 5’11”. That’s exciting to me. Other than models and a couple celebrities you don’t really see tall people in the spotlight. Now we have our future First Lady (tall as can be) on magazine covers, all over the news and the TV.
Although I've seen Michelle Obama do the "in-between heel height" thing more than few times (ugh!), her heels seem to be getting higher. If Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, it looks like Michelle Obama is bringing tall back. She is representin’ for us tall women!!
My second husband was only 5’ 10” (at the most) and looking at him I would have told anyone he was about 5’7”. (Men tend to lie about their height by a minimum of 2 inches.) I invited him over to my house to watch movies as our first date and met him at the door in my socks so I wouldn’t feel taller than him. Even when we went to church together the first few times, I wore the flattest flat shoes I could find. The heels on my wedding shoes were an inch and a half at most. I laugh now at just how self-conscience I was about my height.
I’ve grown (ever so slightly) since then. Now I don’t care as much. I was invited to a Frankie Beverly concert about a year ago with a man who really was about 5’6”. I went and wore 4 inch heels. Yes, I dwarfed him but we had fun and I truly didn’t care about the height difference. I did wonder if he cared though.
I’ve come to realize that I have to either wear heels (real heels) or flats (true flats). Trying to do the in-between thing is conspicuous. When you are tall and wear dress shoes with an inch heel you appear to be saying either “I hate being tall” or “I’m out with a midget today and don’t want it to look like it.”
Today I read that Michelle Obama is 5’11”. That’s exciting to me. Other than models and a couple celebrities you don’t really see tall people in the spotlight. Now we have our future First Lady (tall as can be) on magazine covers, all over the news and the TV.
Although I've seen Michelle Obama do the "in-between heel height" thing more than few times (ugh!), her heels seem to be getting higher. If Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, it looks like Michelle Obama is bringing tall back. She is representin’ for us tall women!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Obama Trivia
A friend sent an e-mail today reporting the following bits of trivia about Barack Obama:
• He collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics
• He was known as "O'Bomber" at high school for his skill at basketball
• His name means "one who is blessed" in Swahili
• His favorite meal is wife Michelle's shrimp linguini
• He won a Grammy in 2006 for the audio version of his memoir, Dreams From My Father
• He is left-handed – the sixth post-war president to be left-handed
• He has read every Harry Potter book
• He owns a set of red boxing gloves autographed by Muhammad Ali
• He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream
• His favorite snacks are chocolate-peanut protein bars
• He ate dog meat, snake meat, and roasted grasshopper while living in Indonesia
• He can speak Spanish
• While on the campaign trail he refused to watch CNN and had sports channels on instead
• His favorite drink is black forest berry iced tea
• He promised Michelle he would quit smoking before running for president – he didn't
• He kept a pet ape called Tata while in Indonesia
• He can bench press an impressive 200lbs
• He was known as Barry until university when he asked to be addressed by his full name
• His favorite book is Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• He visited Wokingham, Berks, in 1996 for the stag party of his half-sister's fiancé, but left when a stripper arrived
• His desk in his Senate office once belonged to Robert Kennedy
• He and Michelle made $4.2 million (£2.7 million) last year, with much coming from sales of his books
• His favorite films are Casablanca and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
0A
• He carries a tiny Madonna and child statue and a bracelet belonging to a soldier in Iraq for good luck
• He applied to appear in a black pin-up calendar while at Harvard but was rejected by the all-female committee.
• His favorite music includes Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bach and The Fugees
• He took Michelle to see the Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing on their first date
• He enjoys playing Scrabble and poker
• He doesn't drink coffee and rarely drinks alcohol
• He would have liked to have been an architect20if he were not a politician
• As a teenager he took drugs including marijuana and cocaine
• His daughters' ambitions are to go to Yale before becoming an actress (Malia, 10) and to sing and dance (Sasha, 7)
• He hates the youth trend for trousers which sag beneath the backside
• He repaid his student loan only four years ago after signing his book deal
• His house in Chicago has four fire places
• Daughter Malia's godmother is Jesse Jackson's daughter Santita
• He says his worst habit is con stantly checking his Blackberry
• He uses an Apple Mac laptop
• He drives a Ford Escape Hybrid, having ditched his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300
• He wears $1,500 (£952) Hart Schaffner Marx suits
• He owns four identical pairs of black size 11 shoes
• He has his hair cut once a week by his Chicago barber, Zariff, who charges $21
• His favorite fictional television programs are Mash and The Wire
• He was given the code name "Renegade" by his Secret Service handlers
• He was nicknamed "Bear" by his late grandmother
• He plans to install a basketball court in the White House grounds
• His favorite artist is Pablo Picasso
• His speciality as a cook is chilli
• He has said many of his friends in Indonesia were "street urchins"
• He keeps on his desk a carving of a wooden hand holding an egg, a Kenyan symbol of the fragility of life
• His late father was a senior economist for the Kenyan government
Interesting but I wish there was a tidbit referencing his relationship with Christ.
• He collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics
• He was known as "O'Bomber" at high school for his skill at basketball
• His name means "one who is blessed" in Swahili
• His favorite meal is wife Michelle's shrimp linguini
• He won a Grammy in 2006 for the audio version of his memoir, Dreams From My Father
• He is left-handed – the sixth post-war president to be left-handed
• He has read every Harry Potter book
• He owns a set of red boxing gloves autographed by Muhammad Ali
• He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream
• His favorite snacks are chocolate-peanut protein bars
• He ate dog meat, snake meat, and roasted grasshopper while living in Indonesia
• He can speak Spanish
• While on the campaign trail he refused to watch CNN and had sports channels on instead
• His favorite drink is black forest berry iced tea
• He promised Michelle he would quit smoking before running for president – he didn't
• He kept a pet ape called Tata while in Indonesia
• He can bench press an impressive 200lbs
• He was known as Barry until university when he asked to be addressed by his full name
• His favorite book is Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• He visited Wokingham, Berks, in 1996 for the stag party of his half-sister's fiancé, but left when a stripper arrived
• His desk in his Senate office once belonged to Robert Kennedy
• He and Michelle made $4.2 million (£2.7 million) last year, with much coming from sales of his books
• His favorite films are Casablanca and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
0A
• He carries a tiny Madonna and child statue and a bracelet belonging to a soldier in Iraq for good luck
• He applied to appear in a black pin-up calendar while at Harvard but was rejected by the all-female committee.
• His favorite music includes Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bach and The Fugees
• He took Michelle to see the Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing on their first date
• He enjoys playing Scrabble and poker
• He doesn't drink coffee and rarely drinks alcohol
• He would have liked to have been an architect20if he were not a politician
• As a teenager he took drugs including marijuana and cocaine
• His daughters' ambitions are to go to Yale before becoming an actress (Malia, 10) and to sing and dance (Sasha, 7)
• He hates the youth trend for trousers which sag beneath the backside
• He repaid his student loan only four years ago after signing his book deal
• His house in Chicago has four fire places
• Daughter Malia's godmother is Jesse Jackson's daughter Santita
• He says his worst habit is con stantly checking his Blackberry
• He uses an Apple Mac laptop
• He drives a Ford Escape Hybrid, having ditched his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300
• He wears $1,500 (£952) Hart Schaffner Marx suits
• He owns four identical pairs of black size 11 shoes
• He has his hair cut once a week by his Chicago barber, Zariff, who charges $21
• His favorite fictional television programs are Mash and The Wire
• He was given the code name "Renegade" by his Secret Service handlers
• He was nicknamed "Bear" by his late grandmother
• He plans to install a basketball court in the White House grounds
• His favorite artist is Pablo Picasso
• His speciality as a cook is chilli
• He has said many of his friends in Indonesia were "street urchins"
• He keeps on his desk a carving of a wooden hand holding an egg, a Kenyan symbol of the fragility of life
• His late father was a senior economist for the Kenyan government
Interesting but I wish there was a tidbit referencing his relationship with Christ.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Christmas at the White House
HGTV is one of my favorite cable television stations – especially at Christmas time. The past few years they have had a show featuring First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. Mrs. Bush provides a tour of the White House and describes the Christmas decorations, the themes of the various Christmas Trees, the gingerbread house, etc. She also shares the year’s Christmas card, who was commissioned to illustrate it and the story behind it. Being an artsy-craftsy, do-it-yourself kind of girl, I just find the entire tour and all the little back-stories fascinating.
The White House is always so beautifully decorated and Laura Bush always presents herself in such a refined, dignified, “First Lady-ish” manner that the show inspires me. Today I realized that this year will be the last one featuring Laura Bush. Christmas 2009 will feature Michelle Obama.
What will a Michelle Obama Christmas show look like? Michelle Obama strikes me as a woman who will make a graceful, traditional First Lady. I look forward to peeking into the White House for Christmas 2009. I’m sure Michelle Obama will do a grand job. Do you think during the Bush and Obama meeting yesterday, Laura and Michelle discussed Christmas?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thank you President Bush
There are lists and blogs and articles and editorials about the awful presidency of George W. Bush. He was especially dogged during this presidential election – by both Democrats and Republicans. While he certainly made some serious mistakes and I didn’t agree with all of his decisions – it is sad that the main (and possibly only) thing that anyone will remember about President Bush is the war in Iraq.
Whatever your personal opinions about George W. Bush, he must have done at least one or two things right because he was re-elected in 2004. He served our country in the most demanding, highly scrutinized and difficult job in the world. The citizens of this country owe him a simple “thank you” if nothing else.
As we move forward and begin to support and pray for our new president – let’s not fail to thank and continue to pray for our outgoing president. Thank you President Bush!
Whatever your personal opinions about George W. Bush, he must have done at least one or two things right because he was re-elected in 2004. He served our country in the most demanding, highly scrutinized and difficult job in the world. The citizens of this country owe him a simple “thank you” if nothing else.
As we move forward and begin to support and pray for our new president – let’s not fail to thank and continue to pray for our outgoing president. Thank you President Bush!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Proposition 8 -- California
My home state got it right. Californians passed Proposition 8 yesterday. Proposition 8 eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.
Great job Cali! This will be a continued war for sure but every battle victory on this issue should be celebrated.
Great job Cali! This will be a continued war for sure but every battle victory on this issue should be celebrated.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Pray
No matter how you are voting (or have voted) today -- please remember to pray for Barack Obama and his family. There remain people in this country who would rather go to jail or even die than to accept a Black man as President.
Racism is alive and well and living in every state, city and neighborhood. Let's pray that the Obama family does not become a victim of the ugliest display of racism.
Let's all pray for their safety. Then let's continue to pray for our nation.
Lord help. . .
Racism is alive and well and living in every state, city and neighborhood. Let's pray that the Obama family does not become a victim of the ugliest display of racism.
Let's all pray for their safety. Then let's continue to pray for our nation.
Lord help. . .
Monday, November 3, 2008
I Can Only Imagine – Part II
So what might an Obama presidency look like?
With Obama in the White House, Black folks will have a direct and private line to the President of the United States. We will finally have someone in the White House who will make significant, positive changes in minority communities. We will have change beyond anything we could ever imagine.
With Obama in the White House our financial woes will be no more. He will make sure that all of the “little people” are not only heard but paid. Obama (the Robin Hood of “The Hood.”) will right all that is wrong with the world. President Obama will create peace on earth and good will toward all men. There will be hope at last for all the people who have been forgotten over the last 8 years.
I swear – this is what I hear on Black radio every day! Comical ain’t it?
With Obama in the White House, Black folks will have a direct and private line to the President of the United States. We will finally have someone in the White House who will make significant, positive changes in minority communities. We will have change beyond anything we could ever imagine.
With Obama in the White House our financial woes will be no more. He will make sure that all of the “little people” are not only heard but paid. Obama (the Robin Hood of “The Hood.”) will right all that is wrong with the world. President Obama will create peace on earth and good will toward all men. There will be hope at last for all the people who have been forgotten over the last 8 years.
I swear – this is what I hear on Black radio every day! Comical ain’t it?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I Can Only Imagine
What might a Barack Obama victory look like? Black radio and TV stations are absolutely working themselves into a frenzy with anticipation. Black folk know how to party and an Obama victory will have “us” literally dancing in the streets. Honestly, the history making aspect of it makes me proud as well.
For the first time in American history there will be an opportunity for Black folks to celebrate a significant event -- simultaneously. Not even the freeing of the slaves could have been as momentous (in terms of a collective celebration) because the news of freedom was spread so slowly. It will be a celebration like nothing we have ever seen.
Democrat or Republican, pro-Obama or pro-McCain – no matter how you vote, if Obama wins, I believe (at least initially) every Black person in America will celebrate the extraordinary moment. Just a few short years ago I said that I did not think there would be a Black president in my lifetime. And now, it’s a real possibility – even an eventuality.
But OK, Black folks, after the celebration be mindful of the fact that the excuses that we’ve used for so very long will no longer be valid. Hopefully we will begin to look to ourselves for solutions. Hopefully we will begin to accept responsibility for our own “stuff”. No longer will we be able to point to that obscure “man” as the reason for our continued struggles. If Obama wins – “the man” will be one of us.
For the first time in American history there will be an opportunity for Black folks to celebrate a significant event -- simultaneously. Not even the freeing of the slaves could have been as momentous (in terms of a collective celebration) because the news of freedom was spread so slowly. It will be a celebration like nothing we have ever seen.
Democrat or Republican, pro-Obama or pro-McCain – no matter how you vote, if Obama wins, I believe (at least initially) every Black person in America will celebrate the extraordinary moment. Just a few short years ago I said that I did not think there would be a Black president in my lifetime. And now, it’s a real possibility – even an eventuality.
But OK, Black folks, after the celebration be mindful of the fact that the excuses that we’ve used for so very long will no longer be valid. Hopefully we will begin to look to ourselves for solutions. Hopefully we will begin to accept responsibility for our own “stuff”. No longer will we be able to point to that obscure “man” as the reason for our continued struggles. If Obama wins – “the man” will be one of us.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Pagophagia
Growing up my mother often told stories of me to standing in my crib, peeling the paint off the walls and eating it. She also said as a toddler I would go outside, put my hand into the gopher holes (my grandmother’s yard was full of them) and grab a handful of dirt to eat.
My own memories of craving the unusual go back to elementary school. I seemed to always have an ice cube in my mouth. Over the years the “ice thing” has grown increasingly worse. I crave ice like crazy – all the time.
My second husband hated the sound of my ice crunching so much that I was banished to the garage to eat it – as if going outside for a cigarette or something. I am so used to it and so close to it that I can’t tell but the sound of it must be incredibly loud and annoying. People mention the sound even when I don’t even realize I’m eating ice.
Several years ago I was told that the craving was a symptom of anemia. I’ve been so diagnosed several times throughout my lifetime and consequently prescribed iron to address it. But, for whatever reason, I’d rather eat ice than take iron.
This disorder is called Pica. Pica is defined as a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for largely non-nutritive substances or an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients (e.g., flour, raw potato, starch, ice cubes).
OK, confession time -- my cravings go a bit further than ice. I actually crave the smell of rubber – as in rubber tires. I can stay in the tire section of a store forever, just sniffing away. Tennis shoes often have the same scent and I love it. (Go ahead and laugh.)
Today I was thinking about my cravings and decided to do some research. According to all I’ve read, both the ice and rubber issues are tied to my iron deficiency. I find it fascinating that the human body responds to deficiencies in this way.
Today I learned that Pagophagia is the name for craving ice specifically. So now when people are annoyed by the sound of my ice crunching I can tell them I can’t help it. I suffer from pagophagia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
