12 Head Scratchers and Anger Inducers

These are just a few of the things that bug me and make me scratch my head. What bugs you? 

**I started out with 10, but have added 2 more. I will add as many as necessary as long as people continue to do and say dumb things**

1. Driving along at a nice pace, with no one behind me for miles and some moron pulls out in front of me and then crawls at an infuriating 20 miles an hour. 

2. Going to the movies and someone kicking the back of my seat the whole time. 

3. Going to the movies and being forced to sit through 20 minutes or more of trailers. What ever happened to “Chilly Willy” anyway?

4. Paying good money for a meal and in return receive poor service, a seat near the bathroom and lousy, cold food.

5.  Shopping in a store, ready to spend good money and ending up wandering around for days trying to find a salesperson to help me.

6. People who allow their brats to scream uncontrollably when they can’t get what they want in a store. This makes me want to slap the parent. Take the kid outside, deposit him/her in your car and go home. I don’t want to hear it. 

7. Being put on hold for hours only to be transferred to several other people who can’t help me or punching numbers into my phone a hundred times and still never talking to a real, live person.

8. People who talk too loud on their cell phones in public places and people who wear those stupid bluetooth headsets that make them look like they’re talking to themselves.

9. People who use the expression : “I thought to myself”. Who else are you going to think to? Unless you have telepathic  abilities you can’t “think to” anyone else.

10. People who use the expression: “Well, you can’t have your cake and eat it too”. What good is the cake if you can’t eat it?

11. People who say “nother” when they mean other. “that’s a whole nother story”. You mean “that’s a whole other story”. Using nother just makes you sound ignorant.

12. People who use the word “irregardless”. There’s no such word. It’s “regardless”. I’ve heard some otherwise intelligent people use this word.

***This post and all others (including posts not published here) can be read on my new blogging site, http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

A Word (Or Three) On Hillary Clinton

And now a word, actually three words, on Hillary Clinton: Can’t Stand Her. I’d vote for Hillary Duff before I’d vote for Hillary Clinton. Now, why would I say something like that about my very own New York State Senator? Well, for one, I, like many other women, would have had much more respect for her if she had kicked that philandering liar, Bill, to the curb. We’re supposed to believe that staying with Bill was a political decision she made on his behalf? Please…the decision to “stand by her man” was only meant to preserve her own political career.

 Ms. Rodam Clinton is a political, social and moral phony. Just recently, when she addressed a group of African-Americans in a Selma, Alabama church, Hillary suddenly adopted a pronounced Southern accent. This was clearly a desperate ploy to attempt to connect with her audience. Does she think the African-American community is so ignorant that they can’t see an opportunistic white woman talking down to them?

We are suddenly expected to believe Ms. Clinton (is it Rodam Clinton or just Clinton or does it just depend upon what mood Hillary is in or what audience she’s speaking to?) has turned away from her college days as an ultra-liberal to a now more moderate political view?

At one point, in the ’90’s, Hillary made the ridiculous statement that she “could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas”, but instead she pursued her political and career goals. Oh no she di-int! Them’s fightin’ words missy. Want to lose the women’s vote much? And writing her autobiography, “Living History”, was a thinly veiled attempt to prevent damage control when the questions hit the proverbial fan. This way she doesn’t have to answer any questions, she can just tell us all to go read the book.

So, let’s recap: Hillary has a phony marriage, phony political views, a phony accent and a misguided view of women (although I’m pretty sure she is one). I, for one, don’t want a flaky fake in the position of making major political decisions in the midst of a global war on terrorism. Bill…quick…get me my book so I know what decision I’m supposed to make now and get off that intern!

**This post and all others (included posts not published on here) can be read at my brand-new blog site: http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

Mosh Pit Injuries At The Fair…

I recently went to the highly publicized “Projekt Revolution Tour” at the New York State Fair. To be quite honest, I wasn’t the least bit interested in any of the bands besides Linkin’ Park and waited most of the day for them to go on. During the wait we were entertained by other popular bands, two of which were “My Chemical Romance” and “Taking Back Sunday”. Not my thing, but they both put on a pretty specular show. From where I sat I had an excellent view of the stage and of an extremely active mosh pit. For those who don’t know what a mosh pit is, it’s an area created within the crowd where concert goers can dance aggressively. This dancing includes shoving, slamming and even head butting. I don’t understand it, but it’s apparently popular with some of the kids. The height of the moshing occured during the “My Chemical Romance” performance.

First off, the standing room only section was so overcrowded, I wondered how long it would take for the audience to start dropping like flies in the extreme heat and blazing sun. Unfortunately, I was correct and several people had to be administered medical attention by area ambulance personnel. Then, to make matters worse, the fair director had sectioned off an area solely for the purpose of moshing, which created more crowding in the rest of the area. Eventually, approximately 15 people (depending on who’s telling the story – concert goers or the fair director) were injured, many with broken bones and concussions. The standing room only audience didn’t make matters any better by “crowd surfing” which means being tossed around above the crowd in order to get up as close to the stage as possible. This caused other people to be kicked in the face and head. Security’s only response was to take the surfers at the end of the crowd, deposit them off to the side and tell them to go back into the audience.

So this leads me to ask if mosh pits should be done away with completely? First of all, concert producers, bands and vendors make excellent profits from concert and various other sales. The cost for this particular concert ranged upwards of $60, an average price for concert tickets. Add to the fact that a hot dog and soda costs over $10.00 and the average souvenier t- shirt sells for $40 and we’re talking big bucks. For that kind of money I expect the environment to be safe and well organized. Allowing spectators to beat the hell out of each other, endangering themselves and those around them is totally irresponsible. If these kids were beating each other in the streets they’d be arrested. Why is it acceptable behavior because it’s at a concert?

***This post and all others (including posts not published here) can be read on my new blogging site, http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

The Truth About The “100 Calorie Snack Pack”…

Americans spend over $23 billion dollars on weight loss products per year. So there’s no doubt the dieting industry is a booming business and everyone wants a piece of the pie. 100 calorie snack packs are a fairly recent marketing ploy manufactured by major food corporations. Companies are cashing in on the concept of marketing junk food in convenient little bags to the tune of a whopping $150 million.  Consumers are now being given the misleading impression that foods like Oreos, Ritz crackers, Chips Ahoy, Pringles and other snack food products are suddenly nutritious simply because they’ve downsized the packaging.

Selling these products in 100 calorie portions doesn’t make them any more nutritious. The fact is these snacks and others like them still contain the same “empty calories” as they always have. The manufacturers are simply saying  that we, as consumers, can’t control our eating habits so they’ll do it for us. In addition, although these products are labeled as having 0 grams of trans fat they still list hydrogenated oil, which is laden with trans fat, on the ingredient list. Companies are exploiting the fact that the FDA allows food manufacturers to list 0 grams of fat if the amounts of trans fat is less than 0.5 grams per serving. And studies show that smaller packaging means less staying power, eventually leading to more frequent eating.

So what’s a consumer to do? Nutritionists agree that the best snack foods are still the same as always. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and small containers of low fat or no fat yogurt are all excellent alternatives to empty calorie junk food.  They can easily be divided up and packaged into small portions and be taken to work or school. And when only ice cream or cake will satisfy a sweet tooth indulge yourself with small portions. Have a small piece of cake or one ice cream bar. And resign yourself to stop there. The key is to remember that it’s okay to reward yourself with a treat now and then as long as it’s done in moderation. 

***This post and all others (including posts not published here) can be read on my new blogging site, http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

Who Is This Vera And Why Does Everyone Love Her?

On my daughter’s first day at college, I went along to help her move in. There was alot of commotion and activity. Envision a thousand teenaged girls all lugging their belongings into the dorms. As I looked around I noticed one common accessory held in just about every girl’s hand or slung over a shoulder. There were large duffel bags, book bags, handbags, tote bags and more. All were made from colorful quilted fabric and all were beautiful. I had to have one, but first I had to know exactly what they were. My daughter informed me they were “Veras” and she wanted one for her birthday. Who was this Vera, why was she so popular and why did every young girl have to have one?

I’ve since discovered that Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is a company started by two friends and neighbors, Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller over 20 years ago. They both had a passion for fashion and decided to go into business together. With just $500.00 and using Barbara’s mother’s name they started Vera Bradley Designs. Their product was so successful that the company earned 1 million dollars in just 3 years. In 1987, these 2 talented ladies earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. carries 800 products each produced in their Fort Wayne, Indiana plant. The company is also a constant supporter in the fight against breast cancer with funding contributions and fund raising efforts totaling in the millions. 

Why have Vera’s become so popular? They’ve become a sort of “status symbol” and a “must have” accessory, with many styles each having its own name. Styles are eventually “retired” making way for a new line of purses and other products. Spring and Fall designs are typically released in January and July.

Needless to say, I bought my daughter a Vera for her birthday and she uses it constantly. And, just a few days ago, she surprised me with a Vera of my own. I love it, not only because my daughter gave it to me or because it’s beautifully made, but it’s also nice to know that I own a well-made, American-made product that also supports an important women’s cause.

H.S. Football in a Small Town

Varsity H.S. Football started today. We Central New Yorkers take our high school football very seriously. Well, maybe not as seriously as Texans do, but pretty darn close. I go to most of my son’s games. Last year I wasn’t always able to go because I was working at WalMart and Sam isn’t always too happy to give you a day off, even for family reasons (my manager wouldn’t even let me have the day off for my daughter’s high school graduation, but that’s another story).

I went to an inner city high school in Brooklyn and wasn’t exposed to the small town activities and festivities my children have. Homecoming, bon fires, powder puff, float contests…if we had these things in Brooklyn then I didn’t know about them. I would have known about the bon fires of course. Growing up in a small town is wonderful. At least I appreciate it. When my ex and I decided to move Upstate from NYC it was because we wanted to start a family and raise our kids in a different environment than we had been raised. This was 21 years ago. I remember at the time I said, “watch, we’ll move upstate and the kids will feel like they’re missing something and want to move down to the city”. Well guess what…that’s exactly what happened.

***This post and all others (including posts not published here) can be read on my new blogging site: http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

Mother and Daughter

My daughter is 19 and entering her second year at college. She still calls me Mommy regardless of who’s around and she always gives me a “mwaaa” before she hangs up the phone or leaves the house. Yesterday was my birthday. First thing in the morning, my daughter greeted me with “happy birthday” and a kiss. Later she took me out to eat and surprised me with a trip to a little boutique and bought me a Vera Bradley purse. I couldn’t ask for a more affectionate and sweet little girl.

Mothers and daughters have a special bond. Sure there are times of conflict and we don’t always see eye to eye. The mother/daughter relationship will remain strong throughout life if, like most any other relationship, it continues to be nurtured. Things like creating new traditions, talking to each other, showing appreciation, learning new things together, etc. are all ways to strengthen the bond. My daughter and I always make Christmas cookies together. That’s become a mother/daugher tradition for us. We’re able to discuss just about any subject or issue. Most recently we’ve been heading outdoors with our cameras to take photos. Even with our hectic schedules we still find the time to call each other and catch up on events.

Mother/daughter relationships are probably the most important, powerful and influential bonds in a woman’s life. My relationship with my daughter wasn’t and still isn’t always conflict-free. We’ve hit some bumpy roads along the way. That’s part of becoming an adult, testing limits and deciding who you are. Even relationships filled with conflict can be learning experiences. Rocky mother/daughter relationships can still lead to growth and insight and ultimately a closer bond.

**This post and all others (including new posts not published here) are now on my new blogging site: http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

I Love Mandy

I love Mandy. She’s a secure and constant presence in my every journey. Mandy is always there for me when I need her most, beside me on each and every road I travel. When I feel I’ve lost my way, Mandy gently guides me with her soft, but authoritative voice. I honestly don’t know how I’ve lived without her for so long and I hope she remains with me always.

Okay, Mandy isn’t my lover, she’s my GPS tracker. I didn’t name her. TomTom offers three voice choices and I chose Mandy over the British voice and the male voice (I couldn’t listen to that on any trip, long or short). And I certainly would never call it TomTom or even Tom because that’s my ex’s name. I’d rather shove a sharp stick in my eye.

My particular GPS tracker is incredibly easy to use and is ready to go right out of the box. It displays exactly how many miles I have to go before my next turn, what road I will be turning onto and exactly how long my entire trip will take. It has alot of other features that I haven’t even used yet. It’s so easy to program even I can do it.

Having a GPS tracker makes me feel so much more secure, I can’t believe I didn’t get one much sooner. I no longer have to sit with a stupid printout from a map-finding website (which half the time is wrong) sitting in my lap or taped to my dashboard. I was petrified I’d get into an accident trying to follow the written directions, had trouble seeing it and turned off on the side of the road more times than I can count because I made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.

GPS trackers are now being used to trace the whereabouts of suspected criminals. A “man” in my town was recently indicted on murder charges for running over his children’s 12 year old babysitter. The 42 year old man maintains he brought the girl to a pasture to see some horses around midnight after she babysat for him and accidentally ran over her with his truck while trying to turn around.  But investigators say the GPS shows he took her to an abandoned house around midnight and his truck stayed there for 3 hours.  Deputies believe the girl finally got away around 3 a.m. which is when the man chased her down and ran over her, killing her instantly.

GPS systems operate on a Global Positioning System and a CD-ROM with a digital road map that holds all the information the system needs to guide you along the way. The car navigation system always knows the best route for you to take because 3 of the 24 GPS satellites orbiting the Earth report the current position of your navigation system. State of the art sensors record every movement and register even the slightest change of direction. Most roads in the entire country are stored on the CD-ROM, so the system always knows where you are and so do you.

Travelers, sales people, delivery people, drivers of emergency vehicles and anyone needing to reach a variety of destinations can benefit from the use of a GPS system. Although GPS systems aren’t exactly cheap (TomTom is still affortable at a price somewhere between $300 and $400) they are an invaluable tool and, in my opinion, priceless.

***This post and all others (including posts not published here) can be read on my new blogging site, http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!

Ethic of Reciprocity

   Mahatma Gandhi – 1869-1948

      

                

• “What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others.” — Confucius (ca. 551 – 479 B.C.)
• “What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man.” — Hillel (ca. 50 B.C. – A.D. 10)
• “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” — Muhammad (c. A.D. 571 – 632), Hadith 13 of al-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith
• “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the lord.” — Torah Leviticus 19:18
• “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” — Jesus (c. 5 B.C. – A.D. 32 ) in the Gospels, Matthew 7:12,  Luke 6:31, Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:39
• “An’ Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will” – The Wiccan Rede

Almost every religion and culture has its own form of Ethic of Reciprocity, a fundamental moral principle, which is just another way of saying “treat others the way you would like to be treated.” The best known ethic is the Christian version, which says, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” or “The Golden Rule”.

It’s amazing to me that so many people of varied religions can refer to this concept, but not live their lives according to it. The greatest failure of organized religion is its inability to convince followers that the “Golden Rule” applies to all people, and not just followers of their own particular religion. Religious leaders and followers should be preaching that the ethic of reciprocity applies to people of all religions, all genders, all sexual orientations and all races instead of hiding behind religion to preach hatred, indifference and intolerance.

“Like the bee gathering honey from the different flowers, the wise person accepts the essence of the different scriptures and sees only the good in all religions.”  – Mahatma Gandhi

Parasite

 

I wrote this during my “angry period” after the end of a recent relationship. I’m not angry anymore, more like indifferent, but I still like the poem.

 

How dare you call yourself  human. 
You are a parasite.
You live and feed off your victims, contributing nothing in return. 
You are a bottom feeder. 
You lurk in the depths of hell and feed off the hopes, dreams and naivete of the innocent and the sinless. 
You continue to pick at the bones when the flesh is long gone then run off with the carcass so there is nothing left to bury. 
You’ve fooled many. 
I among them. 
You morph effortlessly so no one catches on. 
But when you’ve made your final transition it’s far too late to avoid the inevitable death of another soul.