Drew Peterson Gets Dumped

Christina Raines, the 24 year old that was engaged to 55 year old Drew Peterson has packed her bags and moved out of his Bolingbrook home according to the linked article in the Chicago Tribune. "He was starting to control her and make her completely dependent on him," said Raines' father, Ernie. "My daughter is safe now, and I'm going to keep my eyes on her."

The breakup is the latest development in Peterson's high-profile love life, which has captivated the media since his fourth wife, Stacy, went missing in October 2007. Authorities have named the former police sergeant a suspect in her disappearance. She was 23 at the time.

Police also are investigating the 2004 death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, 40. Her body was found in an empty bathtub in her home. Authorities now believe she was killed.

Peterson hasn't been charged in either case.

Click the title link for the full Tribune article. No comment from me!

Sticker Story Essay by a 3rd Grader

Please tell your children that spelling is important,
even for third graders!

Blago's famous last words "The Fix is In" (He's Out!)

5:38 p.m.
Illinois has a new governor! Patrick Quinn is being sworn in right now.

WTG Illinois senate!
Blagojevich impeached!

(title link to the Trib story)

I'm still at work, but had to get this out!
Such Good News! More later!

10:50 p.m.
UPDATE: After a long day at work, I will keep this short. Our local news out of Springfield gave a little more information than in the linked article. Blagojevich is forbidden from running for any political office again. He will be allowed to draw his pension ($64,000 annually), as long as he isn't convicted in criminal court. The criminal trial is expected to begin in April. It is possible that his wife Patti could still be indicted as well. If Blagojevich is convicted (looks like he will be) this Spring, he will likely be sent to prison just like his predecessor.

Like most Illinoisans, I am just glad this part is over. I don't know what was worse, all the news talk shows that gave him air time or the ex-Governor himself for going on that media blitz.

And I want people outside of this state, who have asked how he was elected twice to know the main reason. Like many elections of recent years, we were faced with two "so-so" candidates. In other words, we had to vote for the best of the worst. Blagojevich had at least six times more money than his Republican opponent Judy Baar Topinka. He used that money to bombard the airwaves, especially the last two weeks of the election to show Topinka's closeness to the tainted former Governor George Ryan, who is now in prison.

In the Blago ads, all he did was show Topinka complimenting, hugging, and even doing the polka dance with George Ryan. His ploy worked, and she was seen as being too close to Ryan and possibly just as corrupt as Ryan. I can still remember how funny the ads were, especially the polka dance ad. I think we all learned a hard lesson though. Just because we are a democrat, we won't automatically vote for a democrat anymore!

And as for Governor Quinn, don't expect him to be elected when he must run for that office. But that is a whole 'nother story!

Snow Day

Yes, I admit it. I took a "snow day" today. How else did I have time to do several blog entries? Even though we didn't get as much snow as some parts south and east of us, we got plenty--about 3-4 inches. We had a slow falling snow for three days straight, finally ending early this morning. It was 5 degrees today too, so I took a day off while I had the chance. It's going to get crazy busy at work very soon as Valentine's Day approaches. Plus, I am always busy with accounting on the first few days of every month.

As for the picture above...no, I didn't take it. You may have seen it before circulating on the internet. I received it with a myspace comment a long time ago and loved it!

Rush Limbaugh: The Voice of the GOP?

Barely a week into President Obama's term and his arch nemesis isn't Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) or even one of the myriad candidates interested in challenging him in 2012.

It's conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, once called a big fat idiot in a book by newly elected Minnesota Senator Al Franken. Actually the book was titled "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot."

Limbaugh got huge coverage after he declared that he hoped the new president would fail -- part of a broader condemnation of liberalism in the country.

Then the back and forth began. It's on! Obama blamed Limbaugh's band of politics as a big reason why major legislation hadn't passed in years. He warned Republicans to quit listening to Rush Limbaugh, if they want to get things done.

Before you could say huh, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs offered another Limbaugh remark, when asked to expand on Obama's comments about the talk show host, Gibbs demurred and then added: "Tell [Rush] I said hi."

And of course, Limbaugh took the bait. Rush said, "he's obviously more frightened of me than he is Mitch McConnell. He's more frightened of me, then he is of say, John Boehner, which doesn't say much about our party."

This comes just days before the members of the Republican National Committee gather in Washington to elect the organization's next chairman -- a race that has been badly overshadowed by things like RNC Chairman candidate Chip Saltsman defending Rush's "Barack the Magic Negro" song.

None of the so-called Republican leaders have found their voice or direction. Limbaugh is right there ready to pounce on anything he thinks requires a constant media counter-point."

Republicans must be careful not to allow their Democratic rivals to align them too closely with Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, or Ann Coulter for that matter. If they do, Democrats can then lump them all together and say they speak for all members of the far right. As if they don't!

Of course Limbaugh will continue to play his role as the GOP attack dog. Whether Obama plays along has yet to be seen. President Clinton all but ignored the big fat drug abusing pig, and it still didn't stop him or his "ditto heads." Limbaugh's bitchy whining voice and influence will most likely get stronger with the Democrats in control of the House, Senate, and the White House. I can't wait for the day, when the President surprises Rush and walks into his studio and says, "Hello Clarice Rush..."

Some excerpts are from The Washington Post

Click the title link for a fascinating article in today's Chicago Tribune, "Obama vs. Limbaugh, audacity vs. ideology," by Clarence Page.

Post Office Wants to End Saturday Delivery

Usually not rain or snow slows the U.S. Postal Service, but a rising deficit may force a slowdown.

Postmaster General, John Potter says the post office's financial situation could force the agency to cut a full day of mail delivery each week.

Potter asked a congressional panel today to end the requirement that the post office deliver mail six days a week. Although Saturday seems the likely day to be cut, another day could be chosen, such as Tuesday. How could they even consider this, while the nation is facing increasing unemployment?

I just wonder how that will fit in to the Obama administration's plan of job creation. It would seem that some postal employees would lose jobs, if mail delivery goes from six days a week to five. And you know they will also blame this on email! News Flash: People don't always check their email everyday!

Openly Gay Woman to be Iceland's New Leader

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Iceland's next leader will be an openly gay former flight attendant who parlayed her experience as a union organizer into a decades-long political career. Both parties forming Iceland's new coalition government support the appointment of Johanna Sigurdardottir, the island nation's 66-year-old social affairs minister, as Iceland's interim prime minister.

Sigurdardottir is expected to become Iceland's interim prime minister, and will lead the country until new elections are held. The new leader is known for allocating generous amounts of public funding to help the disabled, the elderly and organizations tackling domestic violence.

While a woman has served in the largely symbolic role of president, Sigurdardottir will be Iceland's first female prime minister. She lives with journalist Jonina Leosdottir, who became her civil partner in 2002, and has two sons from a previous marriage. Sigurdardottir is best known for her reaction to a failed bid to lead her party in 1994. "My time will come," she predicted in her concession speech.

As always, click the title link for the AP article with photos by David Stringer.

SarahCRAPPAC ... (God help us all).

If you thought Sarah Palin was going to just fade away, you clearly weren’t listening, when she said the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull was lipstick.

The Alaska governor, who was the Republican nominee for vice president in the race that John McCain lost to Democrat Barack Obama last year, is already laying the groundwork for another run at something. She just won't go away! She has started her own political action committee, SarahPAC, complete with a website. And she’s learned a trick from Obama — the site’s main feature is a page where you can put down your name and donate $25 or $5,000 or more.

On a personal level, I like and admire Governor Palin. She is more like common folk than most politicians. She's down to earth, smart and has accomplished a great deal for such a young woman. I'm glad she ran as McCain's running mate. A woman for such high office in the future, even as president (just not her) sounds like a great idea to me. It takes guts to even take on such an endeavor. So good for her! Some good will come from this, like surely a better candidate will arise once they realize what is in the works.

With that being said, as a Democrat, I hope she does run for national office. I think she would lose every time. She's the gift that just keeps on giving.

Stress

I received this as one of those forwarded emails, and it's a keeper--worth sharing. Sorry, I do not know the name of the original author. Thank you, Patricia!

Stress

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." He continued,"And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden." "So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. "So, my friend, put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while. Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good, if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well, just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* Birthdays are good for you.The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Nuclia Waste's Evangical FREE Dating Service

The Next Creep on a Media Blitz

Move over Blago, it's time for the creepy ex-pastor's media blitz! "The Trials of Ted Haggard" premieres Thursday night on HBO. He will be making the talk show rounds on Wednesday and Thursday, appearing on Oprah, Larry King Live, and God only knows what other shows.

The 45-minute HBO film offers an intimate if fragmentary look at Haggard's attempt to recover from the sex scandal that drove him from his Colorado Springs, Colo., church in 2006. His contrition takes on new resonance with allegations made this week by a former parishioner, who said Haggard performed a sex act in front of him when Haggard was still a pastor. In a statement, Haggard expressed regret for having "an inappropriate relationship" with the man.

Click the title link for the full interesting article in today's LA Times.

This man admits to having a sexual attraction to other men, but claims he isn't gay. After all, he is married with children! He also admitted to buying meth from a male prostitute on at least one occasion, but he claims he threw it away. You know what they say..."if it walks like a duck..."

Mercury found in Classic Coke...but not on second test

According to an article today on WebMD, some foods and drinks rich in high-fructose corn syrup may contain detectable levels of mercury, a new report shows. As if you needed another reason to avoid high fructose corn syrup!

The report, published on the web site of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), shows detectable levels of mercury in 17 out of 55 tested products rich in high-fructose corn syrup.

"Overall, we found detectable mercury in 17 of 55 samples, or around 31%," write Wallinga and colleagues. Here is the list of those products:
* Quaker Oatmeal to Go bars
* Jack Daniel's Barbecue Sauce
* Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
* Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce
* Nutri-Grain Strawberry Cereal Bars
* Manwich Gold Sloppy Joe
* Market Pantry Grape Jelly
* Smucker's Strawberry Jelly
* Pop-Tarts Frosted Blueberry
* Hunt's Tomato Ketchup
* Wish-Bone Western Sweet & Smooth Dressing
* Coca-Cola Classic: no mercury found on a second test
* Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt
* Minute Maid Berry Punch
* Yoo-hoo Chocolate Drink
* Nesquik Chocolate Milk
* Kemps Fat Free Chocolate Milk

Wallinga and colleagues caution that their list was "just a snapshot in time; we only tested one sample of each product. That clearly is not sufficient grounds to give definitive advice to consumers."

It is not difficult to avoid high fructose corn syrup; just read the food/drink label. It seems like it is in nearly everything! I highly recommend this WebMD article, especially to all parents. Click the title link for the article.

Sometimes a Fur Coat Just Isn't Enough

Monkai the cat has always loved boxes, especially the tray boxes that cases of bottled water come in. And she had spent a lot of time laying on what must be an uncomfortable, but warm radiator. I put the tray box on this radiator, and that cat now spends most of her time in the warm box.

Speaking of cats, Freddie is just fine after neutering. (See post from January 18, 2009). He came home from the animal hospital the next day as planned. All the cats get along better now.

News You Can't Use - Blago Media Blitz

How many times do we have to hear this guy say it's not fair, blah, blah, blah." It's a trampling of the constitution," he says. "Blah, Blah, Blah." Did anyone hear something?

It doesn't surprise me that "GMA," "Today," and "The View" would have this creep on their shows, but "Larry King Live" has sunk to an all new low by announcing soon-to-be Ex-Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich will be his next guest.

Blago must be so proud. Both he and Drew Peterson now have something in common--the same PR firm. The Publicity Agency, a Tampa firm that counts the former Bolingbrook police sergeant among its high-profile clients, announced Saturday it will be representing the governor “in his dealings with the news media that are outside the scope of his being governor.”

Miss Indiana Wins Bizarre Miss America Pageant

Watch this short video (1:17 min.) of Miss Indiana Katie Stam being crowned Miss America 2009 in Las Vegas last night. For the finalists announcement, at first the top seven were on stage, but only four would receive awards. For the final three contestants, one would be crowned Miss America and the other two would be a tie for "Miss Humiliated America" and rushed off stage.

Besides receiving the crown and sash on stage Miss America also was presented with an arm bouquet of roses that was half her body size and weight. A couple of noticeable themes in this year's pageant were a majority of the women were named "Ashley," and most of the contestants were very short.

For the talent competition, 12 contestants were brought on stage, but only 10 allowed to perform. The other two got to sit there smiling as they were not selected. Sorry ladies, I guess your humiliation is supposed to raise ratings. Something must be working.. You were on TLC instead of CMT this year.

The 2009 Miss America Pageant felt a lot like American Idol. At-home viewers had the power to vote four contestants into the final 15. The winner was one of those four contestants.

6 Things You Don't Know About Me

The other day I got tagged with my first meme by one of my favorite bloggers "Nunly" over at Bad Habit to share the "6 Things You Don't Know About Me." It was strange that just the night before I was reading another one of my favorite blogs-- Monkey Mucker, who suggested his readers do the same meme.

The rules are simple. I'm going to share 6 things about me that you probably don't know. Then I'm supposed to tag 6 of my favorite blog buddies and ask them to do the same and link back to me.

As I mentioned, it is my first meme post and I had to give it a bit of thought. I don't want to embarrass myself or anyone else. Since I work in a fairly small conservative town, I must be careful about work. I won't state the obvious, and hopefully my 6 things will be something you wouldn't know, even if you had read my profile or the content from all my posts. So, here goes...

1. I'm just a kid at heart, not immature, just able to dream, able to imagine, able to play without a care. Here I am swinging on my grandchildren's swing set in my back yard last Fall. Like a child I can view things with wide eyes and wonder, and everything is just one big adventure to me.

2. I try to live a healthy lifestyle. I'm not a health nut, even though some people think I am. I have to watch what I eat and I must exercise. My constant struggle with elevated cholesterol and extremely high triglycerides demand that I avoid certain foods. That means my diet would be considered pretty bland and boring to most people. It was difficult at first, but now it's easy. I will do anything to avoid statin medicines, since I once had a bad reaction to vytorin. But once a week or when eating out I might treat myself and eat whatever I want.

3. I refer to some people using a nickname instead of their actual name. Usually I just do this, if I have forgotten their name or don't want to know their name. I think I picked up this habit from a certain friend. For example, a woman we used to see roaming the neighborhood always had a hat on, so she was "Hat Girl." "Red House John" was the guy that lived in the barn red color house down the street. "Cat Lady" lives with several dozen cats down the street. "Coke Bottle Glasses" is a friend of a friend, and she has very thick glasses. "Old Gold Miner" is an acquaintance that has a scraggly beard and needs a haircut. There's others, but you get the picture. It's all in good fun. The nicknames aren't meant to make fun of others.

4. I'm slowly losing my hair. It seems my forehead slowly gets bigger, and I have a small area near the crown that is sparse. Baldness runs in the family. My Dad was bald on top before he was 30. Two out of three of my brothers are bald on top. I don't let it bother me, as I know it's part of growing old. I do have a large cap collection though! And you'll never see me with a comb over!

5. I watch entirely too much tv. But, I am no couch potato. Maybe I should re-phrase that and say I spend too much time in front of the tv. Most of the time it's on for the noise factor. I am usually doing something else and have the tv tuned to CNN or MSNBC. Since I have tivo, I rarely watch anything live. I'd rather speed through boring parts of programs and all commercials.

I know from past experiences that I didn't watch tv hardly at all, when I lived in bigger cities. But I am in a rural area now, and I don't even live in the town. When you live in such a boring area, you are more likely to watch tv more, because there's not much to do.

6. I don't like to cook. I used to enjoy it, when I had more time and could eat anything I wanted. To avoid cooking I will eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables, almonds, and healthy snacks. I will cook, but I just don't enjoy it. Maybe it also has something to do with the end result--dirty dishes!

Ok, since I have not been actively blogging for very long and have only followed a few blogs so far; I won't call anyone out by tagging them. Instead I will do the same as Dr. Monkey, and ask that if you read this, consider yourself tagged. Link back to me, or use this post's comments section to let me know, when you have completed your meme. Hey, if I can do it, anyone can!

Illinois Furniture Ad

Recommended Music for this Historic Day

I was happy and excited on election day and made a pit stop on the way to the polls and bought this cd, "Evolver," by John Legend. I just had to hear "If You're Out There." Hearing that song as I was on my way to vote for Barack Obama for president gave me a feeling of euphoria. Today is another great day to listen to this inspirational song. As I watch the inauguration events, I have that same great feeling. I have hope. Change is finally here!

Obama's Admiration for Lincoln (Sorry to burst your bubble)

We know President-elect Obama did some studying on Lincoln. So why then, would he admire him so much? Maybe it's because most Americans probably don't know much about Lincoln, and he's taken that and ran with it. The majority surely thinks that Lincoln freed the slaves. I can remember during my childhood asking, "why was Lincoln such a great president?" And I was always told, "because he abolished slavery, or he freed the slaves." Well, there is a little more to it than that, as I later learned.

One of my first jobs, when I moved to Springfield back in 1981 was at the Lincoln Souvenir and Gift Shop on Monument Avenue right in front of the entry gates to Oakland Cemetery, home of Lincoln's Tomb. The log cabin style gift shop had everything "Lincoln" that you could imagine, including many books.

I remember glancing through some of those books that seemed contrary to what I thought I knew about Lincoln. For example, there is a sometimes forgotten quote from 1858 that "Abraham Lincoln was a 19th century white man who famously said that "there is a physical difference between the white and black races, which ... will forever forbid the two races living together upon terms of social and political equality."

That quote is part of the nationally syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts' latest article. Be sure and click the title link to read the complete article, "Lincoln might not have welcomed Obama's election." Even better, it has a short video (3:48 min.) of Mr. Pitts commentary about the mythological Lincoln. Watch it before it's gone!

Anyway, back to my time at the gift shop. I loved working there and learned so much about Lincoln. I was so only 19, and the other nine staff were all in their 50's and 60's. They were all women, except for the owner and they all took me under their wing. I was especially close to one of the women and she was so much like my grandma that lived far away.

She loved sharing her knowledge of Lincoln and would have me over to her nearby house on the same street for homemade pie, cake, or cookies quite often. That's when she should would tell me the true Lincoln lore that she had learned during her lifetime in Springfield--things she couldn't say at work.

"Lincoln really didn't free the slaves," she said. What! I guess I didn't pay much attention in school. There's no doubt about it. Between cutting classes and passing notes to Chuck and Donna all the time, I didn't learn as much as I could have. At the time though, history was boring to me. Ok, it's also true, I was a class clown, but hey, I did memorize and recite the Gettysburg Address in the 8th grade! In Illinois (at least back then) it was actually a requirement to graduate!

Ever since President-elect Obama started all this Lincoln stuff by officially kicking off his campaign in Springfield of all places, and even returning there to announce his vice-president choice, and now having the kickoff ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, I have wanted to write about the irony of it all. Unfortunately, I never found the time. I was so happy to find one of my favorite syndicated columnists, who happens to be black, write about it himself. That's even better! So thank you Leonard Pitts!

And don't get me wrong, I still believe Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest presidents in our history. And I hope and pray that Obama will also be a great president or the best ever. Only time will tell, but I do have great faith and confidence in our new president. I wish him all the best. I have hope, and I hope for that change he talked about.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Prophetic Words

This short video is less than two minutes, and was part of his last speech. He was asassinated the next day. Today in the U.S. we honor Martin Luther King Jr. as a human rights icon by honoring his birthday as a national holiday. He would have been 80 years old today. The interesting Wikipedia link has all his efforts and accomplishments well documented and contains many great pictures.

Less than 12 hours Until the Dreaded Trip

This is Freddie, who will be fasting after midnight and checks into the local animal hospital at 8:00 a.m. Everything brought into the home fascinates this cat, including the new pet carrier that he will be transported in tomorrow. The curious kitty, poor thing has no idea what is in store for him. He will be just fine though.

I'm sure you probably know what's up, but if not, just click the title link for all the details, as long as you don't click "home," when you get there. Because it links to a pet hospital in L.A., but little Freddie won't be traveling that far! The linked site was just one of the best websites I found about neutering the male cat and lots of other interesting things that go on at an animal hospital.

Especially for Mary Ellen

I'm not on the facebook

I knew there was a reason not to have Facebook

UPDATE: I eat my words, because I am on facebook now. When so many of my family members joined they persuaded me. I love it and recommend it! 9/18/09

As if I needed one! Who has the time? Today the Trib reported about the "Koobface" scam, which is actually a virus. I'm proud that I haven't yet jumped on the Facebook bandwagon! I won't say that I never will, but I probably won't. I did give Twitter a try and got bored real fast. I do have a myspace, but how could I not, since I love music! I have been inundated with invites to Facebook, Friendster, and a few other social networking sites that I won't mention.

Anyway, if you get a chance, be sure and read "Facebook scam makes for awkward water-cooler talk" by clicking the title link. According to the article, this Koobface virus first emerged over the summer and has circulated around both MySpace and Facebook. Yikes!

And speaking of social networking sites, Wikipedia lists 132 of them(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites)!

And this is not a complete listing.

Governor, You've Been Served

Today was an odd day in Springfield. With the bad weather, some wondered if the governor would make it to Springfield to swear in the new senate, but he did finally arrive. Of course, that would not have been an issue, if he resided in the Governor's mansion. Blago never lived in the governor's mansion. Instead, he flew back and forth from Chicago (wonder who paid for that).

Would the new senate give him a dirty look? Would they refuse to shake his hand. Would they look the other way? I'm not sure exactly how it went down, but the State Journal-Register (http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1621246460/New-legislative-term-begins-today) has a lot of pictures of the awkward swearing in ceremony.

Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich presided over a tense swearing-in of the state Senate that must ultimately decide whether to oust him, telling the lawmakers he hopes they will "find the truth and sort things out."

The highlight of the day had to be when Blagojevich's legal staff received the summons for the Jan. 26 Senate impeachment trial.

Obama to end "Don't Ask Don't Tell"

The San Francisco Chronicle reported today President Obama will end the 15-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has prevented homosexual and bisexual men and women from serving openly within the U.S. military, a spokesman for the president-elect said.

It's about time. So many other countries have allowed gay people to serve openly in their military for years now. So, we are finally catching up with the rest of the civilized world. Gay people can go overseas and die in combat, but oh no, you cannot marry your gay partner.

Gay Marriage in Maine?

I hope so! Surely other states could take note and do the same. Gay couples shouldn't have to sue for the same civil rights as everyone else. Legislation can be introduced in other states, so how about it?

A Maine lawmaker introduced a bill today to legalize same-sex marriage, but it looks set to face tough opposition. The legislation proposed by Democratic state Sen. Dennis Damonck would make the state the nation's third to allow same-sex marriage. It seeks to redefine marriage as the legal union of two people rather than between a man and a women.

The looming fight in Maine, a rural state of 1.3 million people with a Democratic-controlled legislature, underlines a concerted push for same-sex marriage recognition in New England's six states by gay and lesbian advocates -- a bid that would effectively create a regional niche for gay marriage.

Be sure and click the title link to read the entire Reuters article by Jason Szep! This is a great article and I am happy to see such in depth reporting on this issue, especially the economic benefits to the state.

SNL = Saturday Night Lame

Sometimes Saturday Night Live has some funny spoofs of celebrities, but lately they have been down right cruel, or at a minimum, LAME. The most recent show spoofed Rachel Maddow as gay. Isn't that funny? Not!

The show before that one (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08351/935356-42.stm) had a sketch featuring a spoof of New York Governor David Paterson, who happens to be blind. It was not funny how they had him bumbling around in front of people and holding a sign upside down.

Paterson's office said the skit ridiculed people with physical disabilities and implied that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities. I agree. SNL needs to get their act together or stop having elementary students writing for them.

Harrah's to Postpone Completion of Newest Tower

Although this is not a Harrah's sign, it appears you can get a BJ for $2 at one Las Vegas casino!

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Harrah's--the world's largest casino company confirmed Monday that it is postponing opening nearly 660 rooms in the new Caesars Palace Octavius Tower from its scheduled midsummer completion "until a period of stronger demand."

Just last Thursday, the same newspaper reported that the 9.1 billion dollar MGM Mirage owned "City Center" was scaling back the size of one of it's towers, (http://www.lvrj.com/news/37258774.html), postponing it's opening and cancelling the condo portion.

The newspaper reported on August 1, 2008 that Boyd Gaming Corp. (who also owns the East Peoria, Illinois Par-A-Dice Casino & Hotel) announced that it will delay construction of the $4.8 billion Echelon project because of the souring credit markets. You really should check out the picture of the incomplete enormous construction of Echelon! (http://www.lvrj.com/news/26182389.html)

To sum it up, Las Vegas isn't doing so good right now!

Gay Bishop to Open Inaugural Festivities

The Gay community, their friends and families will be happy to know that New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, a vocal gay rights leader, will open the presidential inauguration with a prayer on Sunday's kick-off event at the Lincoln Memorial.

This announcement comes weeks after President-elect Obama pissed off so many people over Rick Warren, the California pastor who has perpetrated lies about the gay, lesbian and bisexual community. Warren will still deliver the inaugural invocation.

Former Lincoln Presidential Library Director Guilty of Retail Theft

Richard E. Beard, the former executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum pleaded guilty this afternoon to stealing a $40 boxed set of DVDs from the Springfield Target. His plea came a day before his trial on the misdemeanor retail theft charge was scheduled to begin. What a jerk! As Patrick Fitzgerald would say, "Abraham Lincoln must be rolling over in his grave."

Senator-designate Burris Declares Fight Over

Senator-designate Roland Burris is expected to be sworn in this week as Barack Obama's replacement. It's about time! Finally, we can move on and get past this. Now, if only we can get Harry Reid (idiot) to repeat a famous quote by President Ford, "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over."

Oprah's Big Ass Week

For all you Oprah fans, she is having "Best Life Week" this week. Yesterday, we got to see a chubby Oprah tell us what she eats. I was a little confused as to whether she has been eating those healthy items on her menus--which she has taped to her kitchen cabinets, or if she is planning on eating those foods. I wonder if those menus are taped on her cabinets at all of her homes? Does she pay someone to tape them up for her? So many unanswered questions! Ironically, Oprah partly blamed her weight gain on her binges of organic blue chips. And before you know it, we see Oprah violently shaking a bag of those chips! Hilarious! Great tv!

Next we see Oprah out of breath in a skin tight sweat suit and trying to talk, while using an elliptical. Then she tells about her next routine of resistance exercises that she just loves (can't you tell). I nearly fell out of my chair laughing as she demonstrates the dumbells--practically using them like pom poms!

Hey Oprah, it's ok! We still love you, even if you do have a fat ass and huge thighs! Please don't turn into Star Jones! You are a beautiful woman. You are not morbidly obese. I think maybe you are running out of show topics though!

Dr. Sanjay Gupta for Surgeon General?

I really hope he turns this offer down, because he is the best thing about CNN (besides Anderson Cooper). What's the matter, wasn't Dr. Weil or Dr. Oz available? What's next, Suze Orman for Secretary of Commerce? I'm surprised he didn't offer Oprah a cabinet position! Maybe he did, and we just don't know. Hey, President-elect Obama, are you sure you don't want Nancy Grace to be your Attorney General? Before you know it, Washington is going to be run by all celebrities!

I Won and Dog Gone It, People Like Me!

Okay, so that's not really what Al Franken said. But, you can click the title link for a transcript of his reaction. Way to go, Stuart! I mean, Al! Congratulations!

OMG, there I go again--blogging about politics. I can't help it, especially when it is ripe for the picking! I will eventually make a new seperate blog dedicated to politics. For bloggers (and comedians), politics is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Any suggestions for the name of my new political blog?

Richardson Withdraws as Commerce Nominee

Democratic Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico dropped out of consideration for the Secretary of Commerce post. He attributed his decision to the ongoing investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico.

According to the NY Times article, a federal grand jury in New Mexico is investigating accusations that Mr. Richardson’s administration gave substantial contracts to a California financier who contributed heavily to the governor’s political action committees. The New York Times reported this last month, citing a person familiar with the grand jury proceedings. In Illinois, we call that pay-to-play.

Let me get this straight, he won't be part of the president's cabinet, because of this scandal, yet he ran for president himself! After dropping out of the race for president, he was quick to endorse Obama for president. I and others immediately thought, oh, well Richardson will want something in return--like being the vice president! When that didn't happen, I thought he probably still expects an important cabinet post like Seceretary of State. He was passed over many times and eventually chosen to be the Commerce Secretary during the worst economic times since the Great Depression! Yeah, I think I would stay put too and just be content with my job as Governor!

Clark Howard $how begins today on HLN

This short youtube video "EcoSense for Living - At Home with Clark Howard" shows a sampling of some of Clark Howard's tips on saving more and spending less. With the current economic conditions, this show couldn't come at a better time. I hope it does well on HLN (formerly Headline News).

Clark Howard's new show airs at noon & 4 p.m. ET weekends. Clark Howard joins HLN for a new weekend show to help viewers with their money issues. Already serving as a Money Coach for HLN, Howard expands his role for the network in a self-titled program to help his audience "Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off." The show will air on weekends at noon and 4 p.m. ET

Clooney to film movie in St. Louis

Production crews will set up on Monday in St. Louis to begin filming "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney. According to AP news, up to 2,000 extras might be needed. How exciting is that! This is a big deal for St. Louis and could have an economic impact of up to $50 million for the region! As always, click the title link for the full story.

Milk - Will it play in Peoria? (still waiting)

Is Milk the best movie of the year?


Apparently, "Milk" will not play in Peoria...or Bloomington, Decatur, or Springfield. But only because it is only playing in "select" theaters. Unfortunately, for central Illinois we can only see the movie in St. Louis or Chicago, or wait for the dvd.

Be sure and click the title link for the official "Milk" page at Film In Focus. A link on that page will give you a list of cities and theaters showing the movie. You can see it in St. Louis at Tivoli Theatre 3.

UPDATE 1/28/08...MILK IS FINALLY IN PEORIA!
AT Rave Movie Theatre Grand Prairie Mall

"Milk" Trailer

Meet the new junior Senator from Illinois

You might have noticed, I have refrained from commenting about Blago's latest controversy. For one, it's overkill on every news outlet. And also it is because I have always admired Roland Burris and voted for him each time he ran for various offices in Illinois. I don't know him personally, having only shook his hand several different times at rallies. But there has always been something about him I just liked. I trusted him and had faith in his ability to govern. Many people in this state, and throughout the U.S. think he should have not accepted the appointment. But as it stands, Governor Blagojevich has yet to be convicted, impeached, or even indicted. Illinois deserves two senators just like all other states. And it is the Governor's duty to fill the seat. And so it is done.

None of that was the first thing on my mind, when I heard about this on the news. What did come to mind was the time I had my own little experience with the "shakedown tactics" of Illinois politicians. You see, I had always allowed the local democratic party to put large signs in the unused part of my large front yard of my farm and home, since the house sits far back and there is a highway in front.

Well, it was about a month before the primary of 2002 that I received a threatening phone call from the then county Chairman of the Democratic Party. He wanted to know why I had that "Burris for Governor" sign in my yard! I told him, "because that is who I want to win." And then I was asked, "well, does he spend money at your business?" I said, "no, but none of the candidates do, because they aren't from this area." He said, "well, the democrats here are for Blagojevich, not Burris. So, if you want me and the rest of the local democrats to spend money at your business, you will take down that Burris sign." I was so angry, but I did take the sign down. I did not; however, put up a Blagojevich sign.

And if you wonder why this local chairman did not want to support Burris in any way, just use your imagination. I wouldn't want to accuse him of anything, but I have a pretty good idea as to why he didn't want Burris to win. I will keep that to myself though.

After that incident, I don't allow primary signs at all in my yard!

Oh My Gov!

Clicking the title link will give you a complete list of the bills passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich that became law Jan. 1, 2009 . Thanks to the Alton Telegraph for listing the new laws, and even putting them in alphabetical order.

Some of the new laws, like Cigarette Fake IDs (SB 2546/PA 95-0905) - Prohibits minors from using fake identification to obtain cigarettes makes you wonder. Isn't it already against the law to use a fake i.d. for anything?

New Year brings New Illinois Laws

House Bill 824, one of the most important pieces of legislation approved in 2008, is supposed to put an end to pay-to-play politics. This is just one of about 120 new laws that take effect in 2009. Makes you wonder if some of the corrupt Illinois politicians got all their pay-to-play in last year (or at least tried). Notice I didn't even have to give names!

Another new law will require first time DUI offenders to get ignition breathalyzers installed in their car. It seems like a good idea to me, since it will surely save lives. Of course MADD is all for it, and the ABI is not all pleased, (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-duilegislation-ig,0,3463292.story) saying it will make you think twice though about having that glass of wine, drink a beer at a ballgame, or enjoy a champagne toast at a wedding, etc. The American Beverage Institute thinks "there will be a defacto zero tolerance policy imposed on people by their cars."

Other notable new laws target sex offenders and electronic surveillance for violators of an order of protection.

Be sure and click the title link for the Belleville News Democrat's full story.

Happy New Year!