Spooky!

Just when I was beginning to feel good about new beginnings this turns up! The effigy of Sara Palin hangs in front of a West Hollywood home. Needless to say it has drawn quite a bit of attention, including news crews.

When asked if the scene was appropriate, the owner of the house agreed it would be out of bounds any other time of the year but now it is in the spirit of Halloween. "It should be seen as art, and is within the month of October. It's Halloween, it's time to be scary, it's time to be spooky." Indeed.

On that basis I suppose the 18 and 20 year old skinheads who plotted to kill 88 people including beheading 14 African Americans and ultimately assassinating Obama while dressed in top hats and white tuxedos should also be given a pass. It's time to be scary. It's time to be spooky.

There was the shooting at the University of Central Arkansas that left two students dead and another injured. And of course the murder of Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother and 7 year old nephew. It's a time to be scary. It's a time to be spooky.

I thank heaven that our humane society is not adopting out any cats until after Halloween. One can only imagine what would be found the day after. It's time to be scary. It's time to be spooky.

I'd like to think this had been a bad dream while sleeping off my cold, but no, I had to turn on that TV!

AHhhhH-CHOO!

I haven't had a cold nor the flu for four or five years but boy I've got a dose now! Funny thing about living with aches and pains, when you add that old Rhino virus to them you're body gets confused and doesn't know what to do with any of it!

At least that's how mine is reacting.

Okay. We took a road trip. I'm quite conscious about keeping my hands washed but what do you do at rest stops where there is no hot water if any at all? Yeah. We've got the handiwipes in the car but they only do so much. And if you lead a fairly sequestered life like Hub and I do and you suddenly find yourself among throngs of people, who knows what they're carrying!

I thought I had things on the run yesterday but it's back with a vengence today. Meds. What can you safely take when you have high blood pressure pills, high cholesterol pills, pain pills, anxiety pills! Okay, I don't take anything other than the blood pressure and cholesterol stuff on a daily basis. But still...

The blood pressure stuff gives me a dry cough. I was forewarned it was a possibility but when I mentioned it to my doc she thought it might be allergies. Could be. I don't think so, but could be. So we didn't change. So now I have a chest full. What part is the BP med playing?

Who knows. I searched through my stash of over the counter meds and found one for coughs and congestion for those with high BP. We'll see if it helps.

I wouldn't be posting this but I had to come to the office to feed the fish since Hub is off doing his civic duty. The fish are finished now so I'm going to wrap this up and head back to the couch.

Always looking for the bright side, I listened to Obama's speech in Ohio and am as inspired as ever. It's being called his "closing argument" ; it could be a "Best of Obama" album! It was dynamite.

At least that made me feel well enough to get some food into my system.

When back on the couch I think I'll leave the TV off. Bacchus will sleep beside me. I may doze off. Maybe I'll even be ready for Hub who, I know, will arrive home in a mood even worse than mine!

An Open Comment to The Democrats

Today is Sunday. For the past couple of days the polls have been tightening. It has also been reported Obama has his inaugural speech already written and that his campaign is going to charge the media to park their trucks and equipment at Grant Park for the election night festivities.

If any of this is true remember you haven't won it yet. If any of this is true, you're arrogance is showing.

P.S. To the Democrat congressional delegation, if Obama wins, remember he ran on the promise of across the aisle cooperation. If those are your lips I hear smacking in the background, barely containing your desire to run roughshod over the Republicans, remember that. Many of us have strongly supported Obama for the man he is more than the party he represents. If you don't comply with the promise of cooperation many of us will regret that support and, be sure, we will let you know.

National Security Questions Unasked

National security questions seemed few and far between during the campaign. Other than whether one was or was not suited to be commander-in-chief and when and how to end the Iraqi war, I heard little about domestic issues. This seems strange to me because the over kill in airport security has contributed a great deal to the demise of our economy.

I resist flying at all cost. I'm a white knuckle flier to begin with. Pair that with the anxiety of the personal scrutiny by total strangers, not being able to complain when it goes over board, the chance prescriptions and other valuables may disappear from luggage and not being able to take even essential grooming supplies with you has made the experience one I can do without.

Now the TSA is testing the see everything x-ray machines at airports. I believe they are already being tested in Phoenix. Bet McCain doesn't have to go through them. Oops. He has access to Cindy's company jet. Oh well.

Why has no one ever asked the candidates if they intend to retain these oppressive security tactics? Have enough potential terrorists been deterred to justify the cost to the economy? Airlines are dying. So are hotels and resorts that are destinations and in turn the retailers that cater to the tourist. We're not flying within our own country and foreign visitors are opting for other choices for the same reasons.

"Out there" a ray of hope shines. Germany has said they will not join in the practice. While already used in some European countries with the blessing of the European Commission, EU lawmakers have put forth a resolution criticizing them saying they are equivalent to "a virtual strip search" raising serious human rights concerns.

If there is a country in the free world that understands the downside of war, terror and human rights abuses it would be Germany.

Is anyone in the TSA paying attention? Are the candidates?

Sarah Palin - Today's Woman

There is nothing about Sarah Palin's political leanings that I agree with. I don't think she is, by any stretch of the imagination, ready to assume the Vice Presidency of the United States. But, boy, I do like her spirit. When she learns how to articulate her thoughts in a more cohesive manner she will be formidable.

Her spunk first became publicly apparent when she showed her disapproval of the campaign's withdrawing from Michigan. Now, after the shopping spree flap she is back to wearing her own clothes and ignoring those tired, old boy network, white guys that are advising her. I love it!

She's "going rogue" comes the cry. One insider says, "She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone. She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else." I don't know about her family dynamics but from the way she was chosen, then sequestered, I see no reason why she'd have any trust for those now complaining.

They go on to say, "Also, she is playing for her future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom." It sounds like Palin's own definition of an elitist mixed with a bit of scripture! It also shows that she realizes how she has been used and doesn't like it one little bit.

She may well go on to be a leader of the Christian Conservative side of the party. They like her just fine the way she is. She needs a bit of polishing for the world outside of Alaska. She's smart and savvy and will learn from this experience. I expect she will begin to actually read those papers and magazines whose names were fed to her, she'll begin to travel outside the country and she'll wear the clothes that she is most comfortable in.

I think of how Hillary's supporters felt the world had dropped out from under them when she lost the nomination. How they felt this was their chance to see a woman achieve the Presidency. Well, rest easy, ladies. Sarah Palin isn't my choice for national office and probably not yours but she has shown that there are others out there able and ready to do battle.

They are women. Hear them roar?