An extraordinary nut sack?

Ok. I don't know how many of you readers out there watch a significant amount of television, but I would like to talk about those True North commercials. True North is a division of Frito-Lays that makes "nut snacks". Well, the first I'd ever heard of it was while I was watching something either on A&E or History Channel or something... and I SWEAR to all that's sacred that the guy in the commercial stated they were "an extraordinary nut sack". I must've seen this particular commercial about 5-6 times in the same evening and when Kevin got home from work, I mentioned the commercial and that he should keep an eye out for it. I didn't mention the nut sack part because I wanted to make sure I wasn't just HEARING things.

Indeed... Kevin heard them say nut sack too, so I knew I wasn't losing my mind. We both tittered like a gaggle of 14 year olds and it was the running joke for an entire week.

Now they have changed it AT LEAST twice. It went from nut sack (which it does come in a sack and they ARE nuts, after all so it made sense, though quite hilarious) to nut snack to just snack. I find this kind of disappointing but at least I have the memory. Hehe.

Of course I realize perhaps I really WAS just hearing things... but I'm usually much better at recognizing my mistake after SIX times of seeing and hearing something. Genius advertising, quickly and discreetly changed after a controversy? Is it a business conspiracy? I'd really like to know. I'm into being a meaningless fountain of information.

Anyhow... here is the commercial in its changed form as I can't seem to locate one of the original.





If anyone out there could help me confirm or debunk what I thought I heard, I would greatly appreciate it.

Green for Dummies

Wow. There is a new channel offered on satellite called Planet Green and they haven't to have the most dumbed-down, commercial examples of green programming I've ever seen. We suffered through about 15 minutes of this agonizingly repetitive and retarded show called "The G Word". It was too much to take. Not to mention the commercials in between advertising "green" products. Way to make a buck on the death of the earth from the over-population of humans. This from the same company that produces the shows of people who have multiples of 6 or more or families with 17+ children. *rolls eyes* How irresponsible. And this is something I'm supposed to take seriously? Seriously??

This isn't the only stupid show on this channel either. There's some "Hollywood" green show that's just as stupid that I caught the other day. There's yet another one featuring Adrian Grenier of "Entourage" fame that was just purely sexist and disgusting. I mean, really?

I tend to take the "green" movement fairly seriously and find it insulting to be condescended to on a subject I find so personally important. I'll stick to Mother Earth News and other such publications, thanks. At least they take things seriously and treat you like you have some semblance of intelligence and deeper thought.

I refuse to cave to those greed-monger business jackasses who only see the Green movement as a way to profit from the global crisis rather than a sincere interest in the fate of the planet. It's ok to profit and create a business designed to help change in the world, but it's a whole different ballgame when you seek only to profit from the misfortunes of others. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm all alone in feeling that way. I'm used to that feeling I guess. I'm not as oblivious as the rest of the population. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. *sighs*

Why credit is evil...

Credit. It's swallowing America whole. More people are in debt today than ever before and credit companies are taking advantage with insane interest rates and fees. More people are being swallowed up by foreclosures and liens and collections and the only way out is bankruptcy (if you can afford it) or death. There are lots of people out there that are so overwhelmed in debt and collections harassment that they feel their only way out is suicide. Literally KILLING themselves because they honestly feel so backed into a corner, that in moments of desperation, take their own lives.

When the hell did this country, this government, decide that the profits of the corporations supercede the health and well-being of their fellow countrymen? This is why I DO NOT have credit cards or buy ANYTHING on credit. This is why I bought my house only when he had the money to pay it in FULL. No mortgages. No car payments. Fuck you, corporate America. You're not taking my life.You're not enslaving me with your offers of false prosperity. If you're living on credit you have nothing. You're contributing to your own downfall. Did you know for every dollar of principle you spend with credit, you owe two dollars towards interest and fees? How does that work for you? Why would you intentionally dig your own grave? We live in a country that's promoted instant gratification and little education on what exactly you're getting yourself into. Want a car? Sure! Have it! But you'll pay for it the next 10 years until it breaks down several times. Then we'll have you down for a new one that you'll spend ANOTHER 10 years paying on. Mortgages that last for 30 years of your life (or longer) with insane amounts (and sometimes changable, higher rates)

How the hell much longer are people going to stand for this piracy and thievary until they put their foot down? I highly suggest and recommend you rent the documentary

"Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders"

Here's the trailer... check it out. Seriously.



Don't become another victim. Educate yourselves.

ATTN folks in IN, IL, OH and MI

The MidWest Boston Terrier Rescue is in dire need of your help! Danielle Thompson who is the coordinator for the Ohio branch of the rescue says "We are once again very full and can not take in anymore dogs. If anyone has thought about fostering now is the time. Please email me at ohioATmidwestbtrescueDOTorg if you can help any of our many boston's coming into rescue." They've just received 11 more rescues and they are in dire need of foster homes!!!

They are willing to work with people over this 4 state spread, you can email Danielle for more information to get involved and she will tell you what you need to do.

What do you mean by foster?
Temporary homes are needed for rescued dogs until permanent homes can be found. Temporary homes are called foster homes. We do not have a kennel or central location, all of our dogs live in foster homes until adoption.

What will be expected of me as a foster home?
As a foster home foster families must have the financial ability to provide a good quality food, toys, a crate and bedding for your foster while it stays with you. You will be responsible for having the dog fully vetted, helping MWBTR assess its needs for an adoptive home, brushing up on housebreaking, crate training, and most importantly providing the TLC many of our dogs have never known. It is most important to realize these dogs are not yet "perfect pets" and it is the hard work the foster home puts in that helps them on their way to becoming one. We encourage foster families to treat the foster dog as much like their own pet as possible. Most fosters are mainly in need of proper nutrition and love. The dog provides you with love, joy, and the satisfaction of having saved a life.

Who pays the medical expenses of the foster dogs?
All approved medical expenses of the foster dogs are paid by MWBTR. A foster home is generally asked by their vet to pay the expenses upfront, and then we will reimburse the foster home. If your vet is willing to bill us directly, it can also be handeled that way.

Where are the dogs from that I might be asked to foster?
Dogs are surrendered to MWBTR from owners who no longer are able or have a desire to care for their Boston, and ask us to find a loving home. We also regularly pull dogs from shelters within our covered area.

Am I putting my personal pets in danger by agreeing to foster?
We ask that you quarantine all foster dogs until you have had a vet evaluate the dog to avoid spreading anything to your animals. After the vet clears a dog, a slow introduction must be made to all pets in the household. Interaction must be supervised at all times, and we require the foster dog be crated when no one is home for their safety and the safety of your animals.

How long will I have a foster dog before it is adopted?
We strive to find the perfect forever home for each of our dogs. Our Bostons are not adopted out on a first come, first serve basis. It is very difficult to predict how long a dog will be in our care, the average is 4-6 weeks but varies greatly based on age, medical, or training issues.

Is it necessary for me to have a fenced yard to foster?
We do not require a fenced yard. The foster dog must be on a tie out or lead, and supervised at all times when outside of your home.

Do I get to choose the dog I foster?
This is not very likely. MWBTR will place a dog based on need, temperament, and your abilities.

What kinds of behavior problems might I expect?
Probably the most common problem is separation anxiety (i.e. crying or barking when left alone). It is not unusual for this to occur at night if the rescue is crated in another part of the house. This usually resolves over time. Marking (with urine) is a behavior frequently exhibited by males in a new environment. Chewing can also be a problem. Peeing and pooping in the house may occur either because the dog is not housebroken, because of the new environment or because you don't understand he's asking to go out. Food aggression (fighting with other dogs over food) can be avoided by separating the dogs at feeding time. Some dogs are very possessive of chew toys, rawhide chews, etc. MWBTR volunteers can provide ideas on how to handle many of these behavior problems.

What if the foster dog just doesn't work out?
We will help you overcome the situation, whether it requires additional training, or another placement. MWBTR will take care not to place a dog with you that are not ready to handle. From time to time, the rescue and foster family just aren't a good match. Because these dogs are rescues, we often don't know about their likes and dislikes. Arrangements will be made to move the dog elsewhere.

I hope some of you are able to help! Please do cross-post this to other groups if you can.

Political ... long and for some... boring

A friend of mine wrote this in her journal:

"Talking to mom about gas prices, which somehow lead to immigration. I think the solution for all of these problems is very simple.

We collect our debt that France owes us from WWII. We collect the debt every single other country owes us. It'll then be easy to pay back what we owe to China and we will be in surplus, due to interest on countries like France. Then we spend the trillions of dollars and do something simple. Build a big fucking wall on borders of Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. We take everyone who is here illegally and kick them the fuck out because all they do is take, they give nothing; we build up our Navy and patrol the ocean borders and drill oil in Alaska. Fuck the world market, let them all fall. We shall survive, we're arrogant enough to do so!!!

Oh and if you don't agree with me about immigration, I don't really care, so please don't comment and tell me how much they are helping this country, cuz I will statistic your ass in the other direction."

Now this really shocked me... not just due to the meat of the topic, but the blindness and lack of information behind it... needless to say, I said my piece.

*edited due to loss of links due to transfer... I had a pant-load, but it's not really worth trying to dig them all up again. Google is magic! News sites are magic!*

This is my response:

Ok,as much as I hate to be contrary, I was kind of shocked to read some of what you wrote. I agree with you about the immigration, but I'll touch back on that later. This is long, so I hope you'll read it all.. and the links. It's very important for you to see the source of all our American woes!

First of all, France doesn't owe us anything for WWII, they are our allies and we helped to protect their country from the Nazi's, willingly. There are some people in the world that aren't as strong as we are and it's our job to help those in need so long as they are our allies. Here is an article from 2004 where the French held a ceremony in Paris for WWII Vets thanking them and bestowing honors upon them. *gone... look it up, I found it, so can you*

The last thing we want to do is create more bad blood with countries who are on our side!

Secondly, we owe China about 2 & 1/2 TRILLION American dollars.

China gets American dollars when they sell us stuff made in China. Instead of sitting on the dollars they buy American interest bearing Treasury Bills & Treasury Bonds, which would have different maturity dates. These Gvt. issues can also be rolled over when the maturity date arrives.

Because we buy their poisoned toys, tainted drugs (Heparin for example... look it up, it's there.), etc. we're supporting trade with them. Problem is we're buying all their crap, they don't buy shit from us. No equal trade. You want to stop buying ANYTHING that say "Made in China" on it, for your sake and for your children's sake!!!

Jobs aren't being lost to just immigrants (if manual labor, farming, and house-maids are your schtick), jobs are being lost overseas to companies who get cost-breaks for moving OUT of America and TO countries like India, China, Southeast Asia, and Central America (read, not Mexico). Tech support jobs, IT jobs, parts manufacturers both auto and otherwise, MAJOR jobs.

US-based companies have accelerated the practice of offshoring and have extended its reach to include so called white-collar jobs. Large companies have transferred their call centers to India, for example, where labor rates can be as low as 50-80% lower than US rates. The offshoring of professional and technical jobs by US companies is done to save money, but it has raised concerns. As the US struggles to try to recover from recession, the rate of job creation lags far behind the "expected" pace.

Now to boil down to the state of the economy in the US... we are damn near another Great Depression. The country is currently locked into the worst recession in generations. If the government can't figure out how to bring back those American companies who've outsourced/off-shored employment, then I'd say we're pretty much screwed.

The price of gas is rising because supplies are dwindling, but also because of the uneccessary war in Iraq, oil-men controlling the government who stand to profit from the price gouging. Why is it that In South America gasoline costs a mere .12 cents a gallon? Or .45 cents in Saudi Arabia? Certainly shipping doesn't cost THAT much. Not to mention how we are supporting terrorist factions by purchasing that oil from the Mid-East where the companies siphon off profits to groups like the Taliban who in turn grease the palms of sects like Al Quaeda.

They also make money off the American drug habit... the need for opium-based products like heroin. So junkies contribute to terrorists too.

The Middle East and China have America by the balls and there isn't a whole lot that individual people can do. People have to come together and rise against the government and take it BACK from the corrupt politicians who are more interested in making money than protecting and preserving the American way. The war in Iraq has been nothing more than a play for money. A play for a hand in the blood-oil. By greedy men. How many boys and girls have died over there for this sham of a war?

Drilling for oil in Alaska is THE WORST solution for the US.

"Opening up ANWR would lead to a negligible bump in world oil supply, and would provide barely five percent of what the U.S. consumes today. The spigot wouldn't even be fully opened until the mid 2020's -- if Congress acts now, which isn't at all likely. And Bush fails to acknowledge that investors aren't interested in building refineries for strong business reasons that go beyond the tangled permitting process."

Not to mention the effect that drilling here in Alaska would kill many species of wildlife and further endanger the land. The solution is to find alternative energy resources and STOP using oil and natural gas. There is just ISN'T enough to support damned near 7 billion people in the world. The creatures of this earth have every right to be here, the same as we do, and the land is necessary for EVERYTHING in this world. Not just us, the self-important humans.

Now let me shift my focus back to Mexican immigrants. Now... yes... they SHOULD NOT be here illegally. If they want to work here, they should learn the language here, apply for citizenship, and be honest, tax-paying citizens. Building a fence is not going to stop them. Period. The ocean doesn't stop Cubans from floating over, a fence will not stop Mexicans. It's a waste of time and money. I really don't think illegal immigration is going to be much of an issue in the future if the economy collapses and we find ourselves in the midst of The Great Depression II. Mexicans and other illegal aliens will run screaming back to their native countries where the grass will be much greener(and pathetically so) on the other side. Problem solved, right? Only to be replaced by our own children starving and people looting and rioting and killing each other over lack of food, electricity, clean water.

The cost of food is rising due to both gas prices and the use of corn to make ethanol, among other reasons. Clean water available to us to drink is starting to go away... and the rest that's left is being bought up by corporations.I think I've written enough on the problems our country faces. There's a whole lot going on in this country of ours that 9/10's of Americans just refuse to see. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is freedom. It's real easy to point the finger at someone else when you're angry about the state of things, but unless you're really paying attention ALL the time, there's a lot of shit that gets swept under the rug. The US government is the United States biggest problem right now. Bush and his people would love to redirect your attention at meaningless crap to fool you while they continue to screw our country.

So you see, while I agree with you to an extent on immigration, it's the last thing we need to be focusing on right now. They're just a drop in the bucket. Building up the Navy? That's no option. Kids don't want to join just to get sent off to a war they don't believe in to die. And that's what would happen. Patrolling our oceans? Only the bare minimum. They would never keep those boys at home when they could send them to die in Iraq.
We may be arrogant enough, but it won't save us from a collapsing economy, no matter who we cut off trades with .. and perhaps our arrogance is a major part of our problem to begin with?

Sorry it's so long, again, but I really had to make you take a deeper look.

If you want to help out the local economy, try buying from these places on this website... www.localharvest.org or eatwild.com to start with. Your kids and you will eat better and you won't be eating all the poison and drugs/hormones you find everywhere else. It's a good start.

My house felt possessed

I was in a half-awake state of sleep this morning when I was shaken into full reality at 5:36AM

The house was rattling and the bed was vibrating like one of those cheap motel coin-op beds. Took me a couple seconds to realize what the hell was happening. I woke Kevin and told him we're having an earthquake. He got up and looked out the window (why? who knows...) and mumbled that he didn't feel anything. At this point the tremors had subsided.

WOW!!! We just had an aftershock just now(11:11AM).... yikes. It was pretty hard. Didn't last more than 5 seconds though. The other one was more like 20 seconds.

Anyone else feel it this morning?

What I really need right now...

... is fruit. I think I would kill someone for a fruit basket right now. Last night I was fortunate to have procured a tin of mandarin oranges in their own juice from charitable friends. I was in heaven. A short time in the freezer and it's nice and cold and wonderful. We got lots of good stuff from them, but the most prized for me was the tin of fruit.

All day thoughts of apples, pineapple, orange segments, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi's, mango, limes, lemons, ripe bosc pears, grapefruits... I just can't stop wishing for them all to magically appear in front of me.

This is the hardest part about being in the middle of the month with no money. I can't simply rush to the market and select fresh fruit to enjoy. I have to sit and suffer in my penniless state and covet other peoples produce. *sighs*

I obviously have some manner of deficiency and my body is trying to inform me that I need the many nutrients offered in fresh fruit to satisfy the hunger that our pantry just isn't fulfilling for me.

Last night I got violently ill... spent a lot of time bowing to the porcelain god. I was weak, over-exhausted from lack of proper sleep, shaking, and terrified to go to sleep because I was convinced if I succumbed to sleep, I was going to pass away. I don't know why I felt that way, I guess it was just the combination of the extent of my exhaustion and not feeling very well. I feel a little better today, but not great. I think I'm going to skip out on treatment tonight and try and reschedule for a shorter treatment either tomorrow or Saturday. I can't handle 8 hours tonight.