I Value... YOU.

I can’t tell you how much I dislike hypocritical and judgmental attitudes.  It really is my paramount pet peeve.

I won’t mention an actual name or location; merely it was at a foodbank which I volunteer at.  The organization serves a vital need and I don’t wish to dissuade anyone from contributing time or donations due to the bigotry of an influential individual.

What I overheard tonight was appalling.  Let’s call her Ms. B.

“Sometimes I wish we were a Christian foodbank.“ Said Ms. B. Unsure if I’d heard correctly I asked what she meant by that.   The reply boiled my temper.

“Well you know” As she flicked her head indicating two women who might have been a couple.  Might have been. I don’t know, it wasn’t my business and so what if they were?

This offended me on so many levels, including the assumption that I would share such a narrow minded view.  At a place meant to provide at least some help for the less fortunate, no less.  My possibly overly loud response was “I think you’re missing the entire point of what we’re doing here.”  At the very least, Ms. B. received my message.  I checked out shortly thereafter; I don’t think my services will be very welcome in the future.

The tragedy of an empty supper table is not lessened by religion.  A person’s worth is not defined by a belief or social status.  No one has the right to judge you, tell you who you may love or impose their own sanctimonious viewpoints upon you.  Life can be hard, as evident of where I was tonight and it can be unbelievably lonely. If you’ve found someone to share your life and affections with, good for you.  May you continue to have good fortune.

No matter if you’re rich or poor, gay or straight, you’re still a person; a fellow human being to be treated with respect and dignity. You have value.

Never let anyone define you.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Good Business? Dragon Chow!

For those who see no value in social media as a medium for business, today's blog will prove you wrong.  In today's world, the blogger has power.  We can rate, rank or rant about a product based on our individual experience and businesses should take note.  Real people and opinions matter more than the late night infomercial.  Make no mistake, the quill is in the hands of the consumer. This isn't a commercial or a sales pitch.  I just want to blog about a dice bag that I'd ordered a week or so ago. 

No, I don't play dice and I haven't been a "gamer" in decades but allow me to explain this unique product. The seller was someone I'd had intermittently spoken with on Twitter, mostly laughing at one liners but she mentioned dice bags in a tweet.  "I don't need dice bags" I thought and continued to tweet using my brand new phone until I put the device down.

Then it occurred to me.  A dice bag is a protective bag and my phone is just charging on my desk.  Unprotected.

Here's the kicker.  See @GeekyLyndsay specializes in dice bags.  I've made suggestions to some crafters claiming customizations but honestly to most that merely means a color choice.  Lyndsay took the time to hear me out on what I needed; it didn't matter that the product wasn't the intended construction, that of a phone rather than dice storage.  Custom build? She seemed almost excited at the challenge of different fabrics, colors and even a unique size.  I gave her my custom specifications  (far outside her normal designs I might add) and took the time to work with me to see that I'd be happy with a well made product.

OMG she took the time to meet the customer's needs?!

That's the point of this blog today.  Too often a manufacturer or crafter has a set idea and that's that.  The customer chooses from the existing array, if they want something special, too bad.  I cannot tell you how refreshing my design experience with Dragon Chow was and how rewarding to find the extremely well made bag in the mail. And it is quality.  Phone pouch users might indentify with the Golla or other pouches from Amazon and Ebay.  I bought one of those too and it ripped within the first few days.  The Dragon Chow as far as I can see is double stitched, REVERSABLE, handmade and at about half the cost.  

From the pictures you can also see something else.... something that you don't see often when ordering.  A personal "thank you" from the crafter.  Not "Hope this fits your phone" but actually mentioning the model by name.  That's pride in your work, pride in your quality of service and flat out how to treat a customer. This is how all companies should be run, a more intimate and thoughtful experience that leaves both parties feeling happy and willing to do business again.

Remember the Twitter name: @GeekyLyndsay

And take a look at the product page: http://www.dragonchow.com/zencart/

Ok, my rant is done.  But honestly people, I don't rave about a product often, especially one I have no affiliation with other than being a very satisfied customer.

Make that repeat customer.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Don't Let Us Sick

There's a song by Warren Zevon that really touches me; it's one of those I can listen to repeatedly and never tire of.  For those who only knew of Warren Zevon from "Werewolves of London", you're really missing out.  The song I enjoy so much is "Don't Let Us Get Sick", a wistful tune to be sure about friendships and those closest to us. I've included a link at the bottom of the blog, the singer is Pat Guadagno.

Each year I try very hard to get into the holiday spirit but the stark reality is that the holidays have always depressed me.  There's always someone you know who is out of work and you worry for them. Many of my family are ill or getting on in years so the gatherings are getting more difficult to plan and attend.  The economy makes you wary about spending too much because there's no guarantees in the job market and every year there's another empty chair at the table painfully reminding us of our own mortality.  I'm working on getting that sprit that almost all of us have had at some point in our lives, but it's not easy.

Relationships are particularly tough.  For those that only know me as 'Grim' online, I try to be funny and light.  The truth is in person, I tend to actually be rather grim.  I'm an introvert and a loner, I don't make friends quickly nor easily anymore and tend to cherish a small number of intimate friends rather than a large number of acquaintances.  It's a defensive measure, I suppose and words to live by are "Don't get close, people leave."  They get sick, they get old and then they're gone.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total humbug; I don't begrudge those who do take extreme joy in the holidays, I'm glad they're able to embrace the spirit of giving.  Goodness know we can use more of it in the world today.  Although I've been more social this year than practically in decades, I just see commercials, couples and children and the warm fuzzy intentions just adds to the feeling of funk.

So dear reader, if you've found this blog either by interest or by accident maybe you've learned a little about me.  I'm not one to usually open up about my personal life.

But I'm working on that, too.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avcKCZb-HCk

What I'm Thankful For.

Thanksgiving!  The day where families get together and celebrate all the blessings received in the past year.

(Not to be confused with Festivus, where you explain in great detail how each of your family members and dinner guests have disappointed you.)

No, this is Turkeyday.   A day of tons of food, unabashed gluttony, football and most likely a nap.

I usually try to be thankful for the little things each day.  Comfortable shoes, green lights, friendly smiles and the Three Stooges.  The simple pleasures.  But really what's a little thing is a matter of perspective.

This year, I'm thankful for my family.  Each year we seem to be smaller and more geographically scattered but we're hanging in there.  Despite disagreements and challenges, we continue to support each other through a foundation of love. My mother, my sister, my nephew, all of my family are truly a wonder.

I'm thankful for my friends, new and old.  I don't make friends as easily or as often as I did in my youth but each of them, far too many to list, have a special place in my heart.  I hope in reading this you realize how important you all are to me.  Many of you have given me a lift in times when I needed it, offered words of encouragement and helped me maintain my balance.

I'm thankful that yesterday there were more volunteers at my local food bank than necessary and I wasn't needed.  I like to be needed but this is one instance where I wish a business no influx of new customers. If you have the time and resources, I encourage you to seek out your local food bank.  It's an important cause filling a desperate need.

I'm thankful for a roof over my head and food at my table. I'm thankful I'm healthy.  I'm thankful I'm someplace warm.  I'm thankful I'm one of the fortunate ones to have a job in this economy.  There are far too many in this world without these blessings and they are in my thoughts and prayers. Despite a long year, I really have so many blessings and an impossible task of enumerating them all appropriately.

Mostly I'm just thankful that I'm fortunate enough  to be thankful.  I'm alive and tomorrow the sun will rise; no matter what happens I'll be thankful for that, too.

It's Your Blog, Too!

I enjoy blogging and speaking my mind but according to some guidebooks I've read, a blog should have a central theme.  The blogger should focus on his or her interests but not ALL of their interests.  Seeing how I am only reaching out to a little more than a dozen readers, I'm thinking my blog may be too scattered.

I have many interests and they're very hard to compartmentalize.  I enjoy writing, sketching, sports, fishing, cooking, scifi, technology and discussing politics.  The question I'm posing to you, my loyal 15 readers lol is what (if anything) do you enjoy reading about?  If I had to limit my blog to one particular topic, what would be your preference?  What would keep you coming back?  This is your chance to chime in, it's your blog as well so weigh in!

We look but do not see.

The holidays are fast approaching.  Shopping last week just before Halloween I saw the signs of Christmas decorations even before Thanksgiving.  I know retailers are hurting but honestly, that's a little early for me.

For some the holidays are a magical time; it's gathering around the hearth singing carols, spending time with family and the smell of gingerbread in the air.  For some it's at best just another time of year.  At worst it's a struggle to survive the elements and fearful of their safety.

I had every intention of a lighter blog tonight, until I got back from my local food bank that also helps with a homeless mission.  I try to spend a few hours when I can helping to fill bags, unload trucks, whatever use they can find for me but sometimes the images are a little hard to shake. 

They're the invisible citizens.  The ones we may view in passing and try to forget.  Afraid of the stark reality that "there but for the grace..."

In the wealthiest nation on the planet, we have children going hungry and veterans sleeping under bridges.  Alone, cold, forgotten and wondering whatever it is they may have done to deserve such a fate.

Here's some facts on the homeless.  Over 3.5 million will face homelessness at least temporarily in a given year. 40% of those will be families with children and 23% of the homeless are veterans. 1.37 million homeless will be under the age of 18.  When I was 18 my biggest source of anxiety was whether stonewash jeans were going out of style.  No child should ever have to worry about having a roof over their heads or food to eat.

I'm not saying we should all run out and give away our possessions.  Many of us are struggling to make ends meet ourselves, some only a paycheck away from being a statistic.  What I am saying is we can do more and it's not always about money.  If you are in a position to help, please do so in whatever manner you can.  Food banks need canned goods and the Salvation Army can use old clothes and toys.  Want to know a surprise? The biggest demand at most homeless shelters are for new socks and tupperware.

The common thread among all of the charitable organizations is need of your time and attention. We can't wish away the problems and we can't ignore the voices crying in silence. Just be involved and each day be thankful for at least one blessing in your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Your Right. Your Voice. Vote.

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Tomorrow is election day in the United States and if you're like me, it hasn't come soon enough.  In September I wrote a piece (http://grimagination.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-sing-body-politic.html) speaking of the partisanship divide in this election cycle.  The Jon Stewart 'rally to restore sanity' aside, the word still hasn't gotten out that we're tired of the rhetoric and the ads from both sides of the aisle have been caustic to say the least.  I'm still waiting for the ad beginning "Is Candidate XX a cannibal? He's never publically stated he isn't.  What is he hiding? Vote for Candidate BB.  He doesn't eat people. And that's on the record."

Ok maybe that's a little farfetched but you get my point.

I'm not asking you to vote in any direction, whether you vote Republican, Democrat or Independent, your views are your own as is your right to a private ballot.  All I ask is that you do vote.  Vote with your conscience and your mind and be informed.  Use this evening to explore the candidates' positions and propositions/initiatives within your state.  This fundamental process is the most precious of all rights and the bedrock of the Republic.  Our nation was founded upon and paid bitterly for your right to vote; it's our voices that dictate the direction of the nation.  It baffles me that most are willing to wait in line for hamburgers and dry cleaning, only to proclaim they can't make the time to cast a ballot.

If you've not registered, please look at your districts as there are some that allow same day registrations.  If you're confused at the booth by electronic voting machines, ask questions of the polling attendants.  While they cannot tell you for whom or what to vote for, they can assist in the process.

I will leave with a final thought; it doesn't matter if your candidate or issue fails.  What matters is that democracy endures and that can only be achieved with a vote.  It's the one day that 'We The People" play an active role in the governance of our nation. It's your right and your voice.  Please use it.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Trekxpo! A Perspective of a First Convention.

I had the absolute thrill to attend my first "con" this weekend. The Hollywood Expo; where television, movies, comic books and science fiction collided to form a universe of fans. I have to admit, I was reticent about attending as I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm not big on crowds and being in my 30's, I feared being the older and strange one. I should have known better of Star Trek fans. There were no strange people, the ages ran the gamut and while the occasional oddity appeared ("Thong Man"), it was all in good fun.

There were panels of writers, actors, set designers and crew providing insight and anecdotes (or "antidotes" as one writer pronounced it). There were sellers of memorabilia that transported you in an instant back to childhood ("I had that toy/model /poster back in 19xx!") and creative personalities galore. Out of nostalgia, I purchased my first comic book in more decades than I care to admit. I'll give it to my nephew, as the connection is what I actually purchased and the hopes it will kindle the spirit of science fiction in his young eyes. A dollar well spent.

I do however regret passing on the Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass vinyl.

Some of the TrekXpo experiences include: A panel with Richard Hatch & Herb Jefferson, Jr. (The original BSG Apollo and Boomer, respectively) and an original Trek panel. The biggest panel treat for me was Suzie Plakson, Michael Dorn and Jonathon Frakes known mostly from (but by no means exclusively) The Next Generation. In addition to Dorn's singing an obscure showtune, Frakes not only answered questions, but also ran into the audience to ask them! They were all bright, funny and engaging despite a rather small audience.

Embarrassments abounded which was also part of the fun. In grabbing my first ever autograph, I met Suzie Plakson (who was amazingly nice) and yes I made an ass out of myself but at least I stopped short of screaming "No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!" I'm quite sure she surveyed the parking lot for my short bus upon checking out of the hotel.

I also narrowly avoided running directly into a gracious Herb Jefferson, Jr. en route to the men's room. But two men frantically grappling for access to a restroom is not a tale I'd care to blog about. I won't speak for him, but I blame excessive coffee for my own desperation. Two men enter, one man leaves. My apologies Herb, but welcome to the Thunderdome.

What I enjoyed the most? It wasn't the costumes or seeing the celebrities, it was meeting people I'd spoken to on Twitter and then passionately conversing on our shared interest. At the con, we all were members of the Federation. In an impromptu discussion over coffee and (ok yes, lots of liquor), we defended our favorites of the franchise. (Enterprise!!) One new friend commented that at its base Star Trek is an allegory of society and our interactions with different nations. I countered that it's a message of hope, that humanity still exists 300 years from now despite our present planetary differences. You know who was right? All of us.

The different interpretations are why we watch each series and movie within the franchise again and again. It's why we gather together in places we normally would never venture. There's a place for all of us in Star Trek, which doesn't care where you're from, who you are, rich or poor, gay or straight, religious or atheist. There's no judging amongst laughter and I don't think I went longer than 5 minutes between each outburst.

I would be remiss if I didn't break down the topics. Ask those in attendance for a more in depth explanation, the stammering might even be more amusing than the tale itself. New (and by any definition unique) technology concepts were explored. There were bacon heists, zombie fish, broken dishes, chowder bowl coffee, dancing waiters, tales of Halloween etiquette, bartering for flying lessons and I believe I even saw emergency services at one point. I will end the topics portion by advising you all to purchase a bedazzler. It might become a hot accessory item very soon.

Still all in all it was the friendships that meant the most. I may never be able to attend another Trek Con, time away is rather difficult to obtain but I'm so very glad I went this year. (Thank you Melissa for inviting me!!) It was an amazing weekend; although I couldn't attend on Sunday it is an experience I will not forget and memories that I will cherish.

Herb might not cherish it but I'm certain he won't forget.

The BEST "con" group EVER!

No Caption comes to mind except... I look...strange and she senses that I am.

Awesome panel: Plakson, Dorn & Frakes. Thanks to Christina for this pic!

That is Jonathon Frakes firing off questions!

Melissa holds up "Grimm's Fairy Tales!" I almost bought that!

First comic in decades.

That was no warriors drink....

The entire place was filled with sushi.

Thanks to Melissa for grabbing this pic!

NCC-1701-A Enterprise

NX-01 Enterprise

This call may be monitored...

Rough transcript of a phone conversation I just had, attempting to activate a replacement credit card.


***This call may be monitored for training purposes so we can better serve you.***


Agent: Hello, thank you for calling _____ card activation service.


Me: Hello, I would like to activate my card.


Agent: Of course sir. And how are you this morning?


Me: Fine thank you but a bit rushed, I would like to activate my card.


Agent: Certainly sir, I am calling up your information now.  Ah! Because of your excellent standing, I am able to extend your credit limit to $ ___. Would you like your credit limit extended?


Me: No thank you. I would like to activate my card.


Agent: Absolutely sir. I see you don't have ____ options on this account?


Me: No, I do not. I don't want to make any changes; I would like to activate my card.


Agent: I see.  Did you know that with your card you're eligible for the incentive program? (For a nominal fee)


Me: Yes I'm aware, but I do not want to participate. I would like to activate my card.


Agent: Did you know that you can earn cash back for purchases of groceries and other incidentures?


Me: Incidentals. I'm aware and I do not want to participate. Perhaps I wasn't clear as to the purpose of my calling the ___ card activation service. I... would like.. to activate... my card!  If I cannot activate my card, I would like to cancel my card.  Is that an option?


Agent: <pause> Very good sir.  Your card is now activated for purchases.  Would you like to know more about our...


Me: <click>!!


Unbelievable.  How much of the APR is consumed in this waste of resources?  What’s in your wallet?  A bag of hooey, that’s what. Would I leave home without it? I’m more than willing to discover it.

Aren't We All People?

Today is the 'National Coming Out Day' for 2010.  It's a day to raise awareness for LGBT issues.  To discuss the rights (and lack thereof) and to remind people that an orientation does not make you less of a person.

I can't imagine how difficult it is to come out and to risk losing friends and loved ones.  To feel different and guarded every day of your life.

If someone comes out to you, it's because they love you and trust you.  They have carried a burden in isolation that those who are straight most likely cannot fathom.  It's hiding who you are, fearing discovery, ridicule and possibly even violence. 

All they are asking for is acceptance as a human being and to feel free to live, to love and to exist without fear.

Can there be any greater evidence that those in the LGBT community are people too?

Thank you for taking the time to read.

"He's Single"

"He's Single"

No two words can facilitate faster action, except for perhaps "Manhattan Project."

To our married friends, the definition of 'single' can vary.  For some it's a zoological experiment and the inexplicable need to extract the bachelor from his native habitat in the hopes of finding a suitable mate. There's the fix-up, the set-up and the mix-up.

The fix-up occurs when one half of a couple feels it's time for the bachelor friend to settle down.  The bachelor is resistant, he has after all supposedly roamed the land freely his entire debauchery filled life.  The fix-up usually involves a couple throwing a party and another single person ("She would be PERFECT for him!") is invited.  Often both the bachelor and bachelorette are unaware of the nefarious plot and are more than a little peeved.  This ends badly. Every time. The music is too loud, you're unprepared to meet someone new, perhaps you're also overtired and making mental notes of each time you've said something disturbing. ("I was a Martian in my former life!")

The set-up is giving the bachelor's phone number to a single friend in the hopes of chemistry striking.  The blind date is of course one of the oldest of tactics; two people who've never met face to face and have had only intermittent phone calls are thrust into a tense social setting.  Believe me when I say that during the date when the Bachelorette is discussing her plan to dry the wetlands for profit, the bachelor is fondly remembering a turf toe injury. Not even projecting Bruce Campbell will help.

The mix up is the moment when the bachelor and bachelorette discover they are utterly incompatible and the dinner salad has not yet been served.  Example:

"Never married? So what happened in your last relationship?" Asks the Bachelorette.  "Did your last boyfriend cheat on you?"

"No." Replies the Bachelor.  "We just drifted apart and... I'm sorry, what?"

"Oh, I thought you were the gay..."

True story.  I was asked if I was 'The Gay'.  Not merely 'A' gay, but 'The Gay'.  Imagine the responsibilities! Do I chair meetings? Do I run for reelection??  Heavy must be the crown, is all I can say.

Seriously, if someone is still single it doesn't mean they're twisted or damaged and doesn't have to be gay or straight, we just haven't met 'that' someone.  It may be that we're not ready to try again after a painful failure, maybe we're shy or don't feel the need to define ourselves as a couple. Perhaps our lives are so filled with responsibilities it's not fair to the other party to engage in a relationship.

We're aware of the perceptions; the "there has to be something wrong with him to still be single" mode of thinking.  The looks of pity, the uncomfortable third wheel moments and the endless holiday questions by family members. We already feel like the last toy still on the shelf, the day after Christmas and don't need to be reminded that the calendar has more pages behind than ahead.  Ask us before assuming that we need or want the set-up, fix-up or mix-up.

Maybe we're just looking for a Martian of our own.

A Random Rant - The Grocery Store

Today's rant is going to the store. Some of us hate shopping; now I do not use that word often nor do I use it lightly but hate is an apt description. For some of us the store, any store is a suburban version of Dante's inferno. Please keep these thoughts in mind when visiting said inferno.

There is a finite number of parking spaces in any lot; driving around is not going to make that magic space next to the door come out of hiding, it does not fear you. Just park your vehicle in the next open space and walk, it's not as if you're crossing the desert. Additionally while I applaud the use of caution for pedestrians, if I walk faster than you are driving, you could reasonably be described as moving only slightly faster than the parking space you are searching for.

When entering the store, do not stop immediately in the doorway and stare into the distance as if you are "shining". Red Rum! Red Rum! Who does this and why? It's as if they have discovered a utopia that has rendered them slack jawed. Unless you want to accidentally end up in my cart, please do not stop suddenly like that anywhere after entering the store. If you do, please watch the bread, it was the last one on the shelf.

Here's a tip: stores are designed to have likeminded items in specific sections. Do not wander about aimlessly; if you want to buy bananas I would not recommend the dog food aisle. And when in the frozen foods section, note that the freezers have glass doors. The food rarely rearranges itself in the split second between opening and closing so standing there for half an hour only spoils the food. I am not overly fond of the ptomaine flavored hungry man dinner.

I understand taking the occasional phone call when shopping, sometimes things come up or someone is reminding you to buy a specific item. However when taking that call and wearing a hands free headset, do not make lingering eye contact with me. I don't know if you're talking to me or someone else and frankly it freaks me out. By the way, to the person in Ralph's who was talking on the phone to her friend while in line, yes I can believe he called you that. Oh yes, I truly can.

Lastly, when in line and the cashier is totaling your purchase, trust me when I tell you that there is a zero point zero percent chance that they will not ask you to pay. This is not a game show where you are a secret contestant, so do not act surprised when the cashier tells you the total and you then spend ten minutes looking for your wallet. We are all tired, we are all waiting.

Then you decide to write a check.

This is my life, I'm not proud of it

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The Right to Judge?

<<Additional reposting from my previous blog.>>


“I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the Ghost.


Jacob Marley from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The older I become the more I appreciate the meaning but I don’t think we wait until the afterlife to bear the chains.


Each misstep, thoughtless action, harmful word or deed, youthful indiscretion and even mistakes recognized only after the fact, add weight to the chain. Whether the chain is nearly weightless or worth slabs of granite, once taken it’s never truly relinquished and the shame of each link never fades. Some carry the weight well, hardly noticing the pull. Others carry it Atlas-like, with aching backs and trembling legs, in mortal fear of adding another link that might lay them low. Make no mistake, we’re all encumbered to some degree and we’re all damaged by our chains no matter how delicate the craftsmanship. Few if any would reject the opportunity to go back to correct that first misstep.


Don’t judge a person too quickly by the weight of their chains; it’s who they were and mistakes they’ve made. If you must judge them, let it rather be by their willingness to lighten the burden of others or strides to improve themselves, that’s who they are and who they’re trying to be.


Thank you for taking the time to read.

I Sing the Body Politic.

“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

President John F. Kennedy
September 12, 1962 - Rice University in Houston, Texas

In his monumental speech calling for action, President Kennedy set a high standard for American achievement.  After only two years since the first man had ventured into space, President Kennedy directed NASA to put an American on the Moon by the end of the decade.  That’s vision.  That’s challenging the human spirit to rise up and do incredible things with a single purpose.  When Apollo 11 landed, there was no mention that President Kennedy had been a Democrat or that President Nixon was a Republican.  The dream was fulfilled by Americans. The plaque resting on the Moon describes the event as “Men from the planet Earth”

Sadly, in the 21st century there is no such unity to be found.

We've become polarized politically, the divide becoming ever wider with an "us versus them" mentality and anyone that engages in bipartisan tones is labeled as weak or an INO (In Name Only).  The November midterm election campaigns continue with seemingly no platform by either side, no positions, no new ideas.  Neither side is asking for your vote but rather more interested in pleading for you to not vote for their opponent.  I find little comfort in a candidate assuring me that they will screw me less than their opponent intends to. Either way, I’m getting screwed, not inspired.

And yes, I desperately want to be inspired rather than resigned. I want a candidate to escalate the debate; to challenge themselves and their opponents to vigorously explore all options to address our nation’s ills with new ideas. Civil, thoughtful and respectful debate and to engage in political discussion, not play politics.  The status quo has long become unacceptable and the party options of “no” versus “can’t” has worn thin.

I blame the party leadership of both sides of the aisle and the purging of the moderates.  I blame the national media now consisting exclusively of commentators, encouraging the frenzy with partisan content and viewers who wait until they see an (R) or (D) beside a person's name before agreeing or disagreeing.  It's no longer the message, it's the messenger. I also blame us, the citizens for not being more active in shaping a political discussion and leaving it up to elected officials.  We need to become more involved and remind ourselves that legislators are our voices, that we can direct the course of the nation to the most noble of pursuits rather than encourage the next news soundbyte. The best hope for our nation lies not in the failure of opposition but in the success of our endeavors.

Mundane or mediocrity.  Those seem to be our choices.

“The best of our energies and skills” claimed President Kennedy.

When did that become too much to ask for?

Be smart, be safe, be well. (Breast Cancer Awareness)

Everyone has been touched by cancer one way or another.  You've lost someone or know someone who has.  Perhaps you're battling the disease right now. Today is "Boobie Wednesday" on twitter, commonly known as #boobiewed.  To show support and awareness in the fight against breast cancer, women change their avatars to display cleavage. A little racy perhaps, but it's all in good fun.  Anything that can be done to shine a light on cancer is a great idea and to show the 9.8 million cancer survivors in the United States they're not alone.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer fatality in women; a woman will be diagnosed with cancer every two minutes.  The incidence of cancer increases with age, but can occur in as early as late teens.  Although breast cancer occurs predominantly in women, men are not immune;  in fact nearly 2,000 cases were diagnosed last year with 440 deaths.  Cancer isn't frightened by your station in life, what kind of car you drive and couldn't care less about your schedule. 

There is always hope; the greatest weapons in the fight against breast cancer are awareness and early detection.  Know your family history and be proactive.  If there is an occurrence of cancer in your family, your risk is greatly increased; age, diet, alcohol and smoking are also factors.  If you're a woman age 30 years or older, your risk of breast cancer increases exponentially.  If detected early, the survival rate on average is 98% for localized disease and 84% for regional, five years after diagnosis.  

Above all, be faithful about scheduling a mammogram and do regular self examinations.  They can be done in the shower, as you dress for work, whenever you have the time. 

Because time is what everyone is fighting for.

If you're wondering why I'm posting this as a man?  Because ladies, without you there would be no us.

Be smart, be safe, be well.

Cancer Support Information (as provided by the American Cancer Society)

National Breast Cancer Coalition

Telephone: 1-800-622-2838

natlbcc.org

A grassroots advocacy movement dedicated to the eradication of breast cancer through research, access, and influence

National Breast and Cervical Cancer

Early Detection Program

Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636

cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program helps low-income women gain access to timely, high-quality screening programs for the detection of breast and cervical cancer.

YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support

Center

Telephone: 1-800-221-2141 (English),

1-800-986-9505 (Spanish)

networkofstrength.org

A 24-hour hotline staffed by trained peer counselors who are breast cancer survivors. YourShoes provides information on breast cancer and breast health to anyone touched by or concerned about this disease.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell... Don't Act?

<Note: This is a repost from my previous blog. I'm making the transition from Tumblr.>

What I am writing may offend some, for that I apologize for that is not my intent. Given the current political climate however, I feel the need to express my thoughts on the very volatile subject of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT).

I have fiscal conservative tendencies but I’m also a social liberal, which makes for a unique experience when inside the voting booth. For me, finding a position on the repeal of DADT is simple. My argument is based on Constitutionality; that the rights of each person should be recognized and treated equally. I support gay rights in all forms and the denying of the rights of some based on orientation is simply unconstitutional.

Those who enter the service deserve our highest respect and better treatment than this. They are our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters and even our parents. They answered our nations call to take up arms in defense of our rights and to keep us safe, despite the enormous risks. All they ask in return is to be respected as individuals and not to be placed in harm’s way unnecessarily. The status quo of DADT reinforces a painful stigma and creates a second class of citizens all while denying them a voice.

I know one argument is a fear of behavioral misconduct. I would argue that our military is the best trained in the history of the world; do we really expect that a soldier trained in how to react in combat would suddenly no longer be able to control their libido? While I’m not going to delve too deeply into the religious arguments, I will say that I’m a Christian and I’ve read my Bible; it also speaks to me of not judging and to love my neighbor as my brother.  What I will address is this argument violates the separation of church and state and disenfranchises those who have a right to be themselves without fear of reprisal.  The very rights our service men and women voluntarily have taken an oath to defend.    The most popular argument is that it would disrupt troop cohesion; yet after President Truman integrated the troops under special order 9981, the military did what it does best: it adapted and became better for it.

The government does not bar me the opportunity to marry or to openly serve my country because of what is deemed as “appropriate behavior” yet those very rights are denied to our service men and women. Anti-gay legislation is discrimination as is the denying of government services and opportunities afforded to each individual. The government has no place in dictating what it deems a proper relationship anymore than it has the right to silence the voice of voter. The Constitution affords the rights of all to all and while it does not promise happiness, it does guarantee its pursuit.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Restrung and ready for fun!

My favorite guitar, it's at least 50 years old but still my favorite.  (Currently my only, I've had several since that I've never been as attached to.) I just love the lines and sunburst on her.

Just....Imagine.

"Imagine all the people, living life in peace."

John Lennon's epic call for world unity will be 39 years old in a few weeks.  Some critics (including Lennon himself) commented that the song was "anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalist [song] but because it's sugar coated, it's accepted." (1) Whatever your reaction or interpretation of the song, there's no mistaking the cultural impact.  "Imagine" is consistently ranked among the most inspirational and influential songs of all time with good reason.  It's a song of hope, to think and dream of a better world.

A brotherhood of man, he sang.  Not a call to lay down all arms, nor to forsake country or ideology, but to merely be open to the idea that we are all one people.  We all love, experience loss, we grow older and grieve for those no longer with us.  We all face the fear of failure, the joys of success, we weep and we dream.

Fall is coming, the holidays aren't as far off as some of us would like to believe.  The economy is shrinking and the only commodity left is the most precious.... time.  We all have some; perhaps not in the abundance we'd like or the quality we'd prefer but there are a few moments in the day.  Perhaps only enough to offer a smile to a stranger, a phone call to friend or a hug to a loved one.  I know I'm sounding a little "touchy-feely" but In the wealthiest nation on the planet, our children are going hungry, our sick are unattended and homelessness is on the rise.  If you have more than moments, I urge you to make the most of it.  Get involved in your community, call/write/email your representatives and tell them your concerns.  Find your local shelter and find out what the most pressing needs are, perhaps they can use your old blankets or neglected toys from your children.  You may be surprised.  My shelter was in urgent need of clean (unused) socks and tupperware.  Incredibly simple things that I take for granted each day.

The most difficult aspect of time is possession.  Time can't be saved in hopes of growth, moments must be used or lost forever.  The time is now, how will you use it?

"Imagine all the people, living for today", that's all.

(1) Gilmore, Mikal (2005-12-05). "Lennon Lives Forever: John Lennon". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/johnlennon/articles/story/8898300/lennon_lives_forever. Retrieved 2010-09-18.

Landing on Blogger

So I'm trying out new blogging sites.  I've unimpressed by WordPress and didn't really tumble much over Tumblr, so I continue my quest.

Why is it so difficult to find a blogging site that caters to the individual rather than vice-versa? I don't need fancy gadgets or ability to play movies. I don't care if the site has advertisements in it (as long as it's not overly intrusive) and nor do I care if it's the new "in" social site. 

What I do want is ease of posting my thoughts, my pictures and ability to be creative.

We'll see.