Last week I learned that, as of New Year's Day, I will no longer be writing for Patch. It was a disappointing phone call which I am sure my friend and boss lady, Heather Asiyanbi, was not looking forward to making. I’m fairly certain she was expecting an emotional meltdown of some kind or at least a slew of swear-jar-worthy vocabulary. Surprisingly, however, I was able to maintain some sense of decorum. I have written since I was a teen – high school paper, copious amount of letters to the editor of various newspapers, my personal blogs and a little writing for the Gateway paper as well. I …
It’s the Guns, Damnit A friend of mine recently stated, “We’ve seen technological advances, but the stupidity factor has risen along with it. We run 21st century problems through a brain chemistry that, in evolutionary terms, hasn’t advanced in 50,000 years.” Technology, media, and entertainment all play a role in how we have reached this point. It is almost as if the clothes on our backs are growing while we remain the same size. We can invent something to take care of just about anything but we cannot count on any machine, program or device to power our human evolution. Mental illness is …
Is It All in the Head? Mental illness is an umbrella term that houses many different conditions, syndromes and disorders. Some of these are quite manageable and often completely unnoticed. Others may have no treatment options at all. Some may increase the chances of violent tendencies. Others may have not one iota of a violent predisposition. It is being speculated that the shooter in the Newtown massacre may have been on the autism spectrum. First of all, we do not know that for sure. Second, even if he was, that doesn’t mean that is the only diagnosis he had been given. Third, the fact that…
I recently started re-watching the entire West Wing series. I had forgotten how much I sincerely appreciate this show. The writing and acting is just outstanding. About 20 episodes per season for 7 seasons and each one is just as good as the last. Also, it is more fun watching now that I know and care significantly more than I did back then. One thing I find very disheartening, however, is that this show, a decade after it was produced, is in-your-face proof that we are simply not progressing as I would have hoped. We are socially stagnant; perhaps even regressive in some instances. Fighting …
On Friday, the hedge funds supporting Hostess announced that they will start liquidating the company and that nearly 19,000 people will be losing their jobs. The decision came after a one-week strike by the Bakery Workers Union. More than 90 percent of the workers voted to strike even after the threat of a permanent closing. It is possible they knew the closure was inevitable and went on strike anyway to help save the contracts affecting employees at other bakeries. There are a lot of fingers pointing at the union. However, it should be noted that this company was trapped in a crème-filled …
It needs to be discussed. Many would like to push it under the rug or pretend it isn’t anything more than a distraction. But the absolute, unwavering, uncompromising, fundamental beliefs embraced by our legislators, President and Vice President are something to be strongly considered. This week, candidate for U.S. Senate, Richard Mourdock, stepped into a big steamy pile of his own words. Mourdock stated that a pregnancy caused by rape was God’s intention and a gift. Well, by that reasoning, should we no longer support the treatment of sexually transmitted disease contracted through rape? …
With the election being days away, life has been busy and I have been pretty pre-occupied with political conversations, duties, events and thoughts. There have been quite a few things on my mind lately so I thought I would give you a peak into some of my random civically-based brain activity. What’s in it for Me? A few mornings ago, I was listening to talk radio and a guy called in and said that people typically vote with one question in mind – “What’s in it for me?” Do you think this is true? I do not. People often comment on my articles about my being a leach, a moocher or something of that…
It seems so clear – if you want to win an election, keep the opponent’s supporters from voting. Duh. It’s just so obvious, right? Problem is, you can only get away with the obvious for so long before the masses begin take notice. There has been a strong and persistent effort to disenfranchise groups of our population who typically tend to vote Democrat. I have little doubt that this has been a GOP fantasy for quite some time. And low and behold the Tea Party flew in on their rebel flag bumper stickered broomsticks and made their dreams come true. From passing photo voter ID laws to …
So I have been seeing a photo of an old blurb from some unknown publication circulating around Facebook recently. The paragraph-long story reports on a woman’s stolen purse. The basics: The purse was valued at $400, her wallet was valued at $200 and she said there was $800 in cash in the purse. There were also food stamps cards amongst her belongings. I am sure you can imagine the onslaught of angered, fist pounding protests. “How dare she walk around with such an expensive bag when she is living off the tax payers?” Yes, the poverty police have been out in full force on the comments sections…
Possible Ironic Fraud? “I did not personally witness any voter fraud,” Vos said. “But some portion of what happened could be classified as fraud.” That was Representative Robin Vos’ statement on Upfront with Mike Gousha shortly after the Senator Lehman/Wanggaard recount fiasco. Vos has been a staunch supporter of Voter ID laws and a big ole wolf crier on voter fraud. What makes it all the more ironic that his soon-to-be ex wife is being investigated for, yep, you guessed it ... voter fraud. Vos’ opponent for the 63rd Assembly District, Kelley Albrecht, stated, “It is beyond the pale that the …
In Chicago, 29,000 teachers were on strike because their corrupt union told them to. This is just another example of the sheer selfishness of these teachers. As they head back to the classroom, I hope they live in fear of losing their over-paid, over-rated jobs for good. One of the complaints from the teachers in Illinois is the lack of air conditioning in the schools. Oh come on. What a bunch of babies. Kids have been producing in sweat shops for decades and you’re telling me they cannot read and write in a crowded room that's 90 degrees? Please. Most of those public school kids are so fat …
I am often late to the game when it comes to watching many popular television shows. Having a young daughter made it difficult to really sit through hour long dramas when she was younger and in the past couple years, I have been playing catch-up using DVDs. It started with Six Feet Under, then Dexter, and so many great shows followed. I enjoy watching television series in these blocks so that I can do it marathon-style and do not have to wait week-to-week. My latest obsession has been HBO’s Big Love. Not only is it entertaining but I feel it has also might have triggered a change in my …
As you are probably all aware, the Democratic National Convention took place last week. I spent many hours watching and I walked away feeling inspired and even more certain that I am on the right team. Not only were the speakers top notch, but the entire production was impressive. The guest line-up, camera shots, staging – it was all put together remarkably well. But of course, it was the speeches which really blew the whole thing out of the confetti-littered water. So I wanted to share a few random thoughts on the event. He’s Baaaaack If you haven’t yet taken the time to listen to President …
While the weather can still be hot and humid and the trees are still green, there are signs of autumn’s glorious arrival. The biggest (and most celebrated) indication is the highly anticipated first day of school. Whew, I made it a whole summer without going completely insane ("completely" being a key word) or selling the children on the black market. Score! This year is a little different for me. As I gather markers, glue sticks and backpacks for the new school year, I am searching for a kind of new start in my own life. After having been a stay-at-home mom for almost 10 years, I have …
When I was in 8th grade, I was unexpectedly called to my counselor’s office during class. I had no idea the reason for this invitation as I walked down that empty staircase. I sat down, anxious to learn why I was singled out. Perhaps he was checking in on all of the students. Maybe I was getting some kind of award. Could something be wrong with one of my parents? Every possibility flew through my naïve, barely-teenage mind. But what he was about to say could not have surprised me more. “A couple members of our staff have heard that you might be pregnant,” he said with a concerned, yet stern …
I am very lucky in that I know both of the Democratic candidates for the 62nd District Assembly race. Randy Bryce and Melissa Lemke will be competing in Tuesday’s primary for the Democratic spot on the November ticket. I am also lucky because I am not a voter in this district and I do not have to choose one over the other – which would prove difficult! Randy and Melissa have done a great job at displaying their qualifications and motivations for running in this race. They are both very outspoken and heartfelt about their positions and determination to make a difference. Sometimes it helps to …
I started writing yesterday afternoon in order to get a head start on this week’s articles. I was beginning to jot down thoughts regarding my 20-year high school reunion which took place this past weekend. Sadly, my attention was quickly diverted after hearing the tragic news out of Oak Creek. And while I stayed quiet after the recent Colorado bloodshed, it is simply not in my character to remain mute while watching a similar tragedy take place mere minutes from my home. Some people are already offended by the term “ignorant” which is being thrown around by the media and those interviewed by …
My proposal to Racine Unified and Racine area schools: PIP. Also known as The Parent Involvement Plan, PIP would require evaluations of all parents of students currently attending any school in Racine. Each child would be tested on basic life skills such as manners, hygiene, nutrition, sleep, communication, behavior and willingness to learn. Half of the parents' score would depend on the student’s results and the other half on arbitrary judging of the parents’ roles and involvement. Probably won’t fly, eh? Didn’t think so. Parents are often overwhelmed – many working more than one job. Some …
It is a strange feeling to be pushing 40 yet still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Comedian Paula Poundstone had a joke, “Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.” After staying home with kids for nearly a decade, the attempt to find a new path has been a difficult one. There are several possibilities to consider: Do I find a full time job and hope it pays enough to cover child care? Do I find a part time job and hope the hours fit just right? Do I go back to finish my degree at $900 per class? (ouch) Do I …
