Sunday, October 25, 2009

What is the purpose of the news?





I have recently figured out that now that news is on 24/7, they are just there to manipulate and/or entertain us. It used to be that they were there to inform us and help protect us. I was obscessed with the news for the last nine years. So much was going on in the world that I thought if I missed a single minute of it I would miss something really important.


I would get so aggravated when people I worked around never watched any news. They could repeat certain sound bites, something that was said by someone trying to manipulate us, but didn’t know other important things that were going on. Those sound bites had their intended effect. It’s what helped to take Hillary down. People could quote every nasty comment ever made about her but didn’t really know all the good things she had done. Obama was lucky that he was fairly new on the scene. There was no time to plan and prepare for his demise.


The purpose of much of talk radio is the help create these sound bites and then they are picked up by the MSM. They understand that people are too busy with their lives to really check this stuff out. I’ve even heard some of those talk show hosts admit it. I was also too busy, but I didn’t want to just go on sound bites, so I tried to do my research. I tried to stay informed. Its’ really hard to find anything but BS. It’s a lot of work and it takes a toll on ya.


One of the reasons I created the Swamp, was to get away from it all. I feel so much better both physically and mentally, because I have kicked that news addiction. I still have my people on the Trail. (Trailmix) They can work through it all the BS for me, cut to the chase and save me the trouble of having to do it myself. After a year and a half of hanging with them, I trust them to find out what is important. Now I will just stick to the 30 minute network news, my local news and Trailmix. I think I’ll be OK now.


The Swamp is a group effort. We all still hang out on the Trail but know we sometimes need a healing break from the serious stuff.











This is the Swamp, on a glassy river afternoon




















Coreen added some pictures of Fall in CT.



194 comments:

Carol said...

I want to repeat what I said at the end of the last blog post.

I am so proud of you Coreen for learning to do a hyperlink in the comments here. I am also so proud of Chloe for having the patience to help us all to learn how. It is a very complicated task.

Carol said...

Kind of interesting that my post this morning and the video Craig posted this morning are in synch. Synchronicity again. The video is from CNN new yesterday and I can't watch CNN because I purposely don't have any cable/satellite out here at the camp.

Carol said...

Helen and Craig are two of the few people involved with politics, who still try to cut through the BS. Helen Thomas has been doing it for many years and she said the other day that being old has it's advantages in politics. She has nothing to lose if she pisses people off. And maybe they will be a little more gentle with her because of her age. No one wants to be charged with abusing the elderly.

Carol said...

I wanted to do a shout out to Trailmix. If it wasn't for it, I wouldn't have met the interesting people here on our blog. I also wouldn't have reconnected with my old friend. Trailmix was definitely part of my destiny, it was in my playbook.

Carol said...

One of the problems with politicians, medical people, even reporters is that they may start out very idealistic, wanting to do what is right and they learn over the years that it just doesn't pay. You can't stay in business when you do that. Money talks and everyone listens. They are all bought off, eventually.

Coreen said...

Carol, guess I needed to get some rest before I could absorb it.

Like you, I have tuned out the 24/7 cable channels. I think your decision to go with
your local news and the nightly network news is
more in sync with what most people do.

We all owe TM a debt of gratitude, since it
brought us together & gave you the desire to
create the swamp & to invite us all.

The other aspect of the 24/7 cable business---
first & foremost its a business, intended to make money---so sculpting the
presentation to get an audience and advertising dollars always trumps all else.

For me, I still read the local newspaper daily
& the NYT as well, but have found that 'obsessing' about any particular subject is really counter-productive & ultimately does not solve or resolve anything--one's own perspective usually prevails.

Here with you and our other 'swampites' I find
it fun, interesting & peaceful.

Carol said...

Let me change that last statement to, most are eventually bought off. Not Helen or Craig or me.

Carol said...

Thanks Coreen. I started this place but you guys made it a home. There is not home without family. We are family.

Carol said...

We are family, I've got all my sistas and a brotha, with me.


We are family

Carol said...

Are ya dancing Solar?

Coreen said...

I was about to go find Sister Sledge & you beat
me to the punch! Guess we do think alike.

Carol said...

We are all in tune now. Sing it sista.

Carol said...

Ya kinda want to practice that hyperlinking, don't ha Coreen?

Coreen said...

Yes!! and here's something that continues to
irk me & I suspect you as well.

The Mismeasure of Woman

Carol said...

Yep Coreen, us older women had to work so hard to get a little recognition. I was doing in my little pharmacy job when I was in college. I've fought sexually discrimination all my life. Our sacrifice and the sacrifice of many of the famous women, like Hillary, paved the way for the young women today.

What did those young women do....they blew it and are continuing to blow it. They just thought it came naturally, that no one worked hard to get it for them. Now they will have to start all over, or at least start from close to the bottom again. Shame on them!

Carol said...

It is women who run most of the households in this country. They are out working, they are taking care of the kids and the house and often the yard. They know how to multitask but many still do not have any self respect.

Carol said...

Oops, we're getting serious again. But it is Sunday, a day for a lesson. I said I wasn't going to do the Sunday School lesson again but when I got up, I was the only one around and this is what I was, unfortunately, pondering.

We are all tough women on this blog, and one tough guy who appreciates tough women. Thank you Solar.

Carol said...

Love ya Solar! Your ethnicity could have made you a little macho, but it didn't.

Ivy Green said...

Too much so-called news is really speculation at best, and rumor-mongering at worst. It has grown into an obese-beast with an insatiable appetite for sensationalism. The "balloon boy" escapade ought to be a wake-up call to the media how easily itself can be manipulated

Ivy Green said...

My favorite "news" show is the CBS Sunday Morning show. They just did a bit about the popularity of deep-fried butter at the Texas State Fair.

Coreen said...

I'm not quite sure where things went off-track.

Was it really more idealistic when the woman's
movement started, did at some point younger women who did not experience the economic discrimination that those of us did, just take
everything for granted, or was it simply a
'me' thing, to the exclusion of what was going
on around them---I really don't know, but it is
disheartening.

Need to do some work around here for awhile,
see you later.

Carol said...

Love it Ivy. I do love butter. I think we need a pome this morning Ivy. One to soothe the savage beast.

Ivy Green said...

They always do a nature-bit at the end of each show. One minute of pure serenity. Today, autumn in the Colorado mountains.

Ivy Green said...

The CBS Sunday Morning show is where I saw the interview with Amy Stewart at her "poison garden." I purchased her book, "Wicked Plants," from which I was inspired to post "Pretty Poison."

Carol said...

It is nice to have something at the end to clean the palate Ivy.

Carol said...

I also like PBS. I need to send them my annual donation. They are supported by the people. I especially like Bill Moyers Journal.

Carol said...

If anyone has a pic they want posted today, just email it to me and I will add it to the blog post. Since I wrote the blog post, I might be the only one who can add to it. We also need to clean the palate here.

Carol said...

Did you get planted yesterday Ivy? You said that you needed to plant Ivy.

Ivy Green said...

This is a cute "pome" that all us swamp-dwellers can identify with. lol

Let us pray.
Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry.
Please keep it cool in mid-July.
Bless these walls where termites dine,
while ants and roaches march in time.
Bless our yard where spiders pass
fireant castles in the grass.
Bless the garage, a home to please
carpenter beetles, ticks, and fleas.
Bless the love bugs, two by two,
the gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you.
Millions of creatures that fly or crawl,
In Texas, Lord, you've put them all!!
Bless this home, and here we'll stay,
So thank you, Lord, for insect spray.

~~ Author unknown

Carol said...

And Jan, did you have fun yesterday without us??

Ivy Green said...

We quit planting before I got my ivy pots in. We put 500 bulbs in, maybe more. Some were last years' that I had dug up and stored during the summer. I hope we didn't plant too early, last year I had a daffodil bloom on January 7th. On second thought, maybe that's okay.

Today will be planted the ivy. It promises to be a gorgeous day.

Carol said...

Yes Ivy, a perfect day to get planted.

Carol said...

Like your pome Ivy. I bless my little anoles. I don't use pesticide because my anoles are eating the other bad guys and I don't want to hurt them. There are critters out there that will eat other critters and if you use pecticide, you kill them all.

Carol said...

I'm smothering a chuck roast right now. This critter plans on eating that critter. It's a critter eat critter world.

Mary said...

OK-Here goes. Don't faint!!!
I loved the poem Ivy. I do use pesticides on fireants because my little Yorkie had a near death experience from fireants when he was young. I had to do CPR on him. He lived but has had problems with his respiratory system ever since.
Also, I loved the joke, Solar. I got it.
Didn't need anyone to explain it.
I read this blog all the time but may not post alot since I have to type on a computer at work all day. Usually by the time I get off work I don't even want to see a computer.

Mary said...

P.S. thornwil is Mary

Coreen said...

Carol,

Taking a short break, so please check your email, I tried to send 3 pics for you to add if it works. It's the email Chloe sent me to
get added to your list.

Carol said...

I did it Coreen. I hope it worked OK.

Carol said...

Thanks again Coreen. Pics to clean the palate.

Ivy Green said...

Hello, Mary!
So glad you took the plunge into the blogosphere. Your sis's swamp is one of the best. If you blog nowhere else but here, you will be in good stead.

We had a wiener-dog when we lived in Florida who got into fireants. I don't know who was "newer" to Florida at that time, us or the ants. That was our introduction to the species. Dachsie-pup survived the encounter following a dash to the vet and a shot of cortisone, and went on to become our longest-lived dog to date when he passed away at age 13. That was 21 years ago.

Mary said...

Loved the new pics addded. Is the bottom one from CT or Carol's river. Whatever, I just made it my background picture on my comp.

Carol said...

That last pic is from Coreen's CT but it does look like the river, especially down from Randel's camp. Some of your pics yesterday Coreen looked a lot like some of our wooded areas here.

Coreen said...

Sitting again & see that you were able to add
to your post. Like that you don't have to change the topic to add them.

Mary, glad you couldn't resist your sister's
place.

Not sure what grows near you, but the trees that usually provide the reds are maples, we also have lots of oaks, beeches, which are usually bronze, yellows.

Not sure what the difference is between a river
& a lake, but that lake (Canoe Brook Lake)is private, only to be used by the surrounding landowners, & no motor boats allowed.

Carol, I have a really nice closeup of that lake that I will email to you. I put it on
my desktop background.

Carol said...

Mary will probably be heading over here later. She smelled that roast cooking.

Coreen said...

It's on its way.

Didn't realize Mary lived nearby.

Carol said...

She lives on the other end of town.

Carol said...

Ivy, something interesting I found out about Ivy:

"Although far less toxic than poison ivy, which is unrelated to this genus, ivy contains triterpenoid saponins and falcarinol, a polyyne. Falcarinol is capable of inducing an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis).[3] It has also been shown to kill breast cancer cells."

Ivy

Carol said...

Wash you hands Ivy, after playing with the ivy.

Carol said...

No mail yet Coreen.

Coreen said...

Oh Carol, was working on the little sweater,
& see that the mail came back, I had a # not a letter.

Sorry, I'll try again.

Carol said...

Getting ready to add your pic Coreen. I was cooking and planting. Not at the same time.

That last pic is an award winner. You used some very good composition there. You used nature to frame your pic. Did you realize that?

Carol said...

The new pic is pic #2. All are good but that one is award winning.

Carol said...

When you get famous for your photography Coreen tell them I did encourage you.

Carol said...

Suit up, it's the Saints vs Dolphins.

Will pull for your Yanks later Coreen.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Thank you for the Ivy link. Very informative. Wonder why I haven't looked it up before? I have never seen ivy berries before. They are very beautiful. I would be ecstatic if my ivy produced berries. lol

Ivy Berries

Carol said...

Choose the single best answer to the following multiple choice question.

I have not check in to the Swamp today because:

A. the weather was so beautiful that I played
outside all day.
B. the supervolcano went off and someone
forgot to tell you.
C. we hated your blog post but loved Coreen's
pics
D. all of the above.

Carol said...

Hi Ivy. You survived the supervolcano too?

Ivy Green said...

What supervolcaneaux? It WAS beautiful and I DID play outside today.

Carol said...

If you develop any berries Ivy, seek medical help!

Ivy Green said...

I DO love Coreen's photos.

Carol said...

I played also and watched that Saints game. I have no fingernails or hair left. It was a scary game but we won!

Coreen said...

Carol, your guys pulled that one out big time
in the end, but were you a bit anxious for awhile.

Gotta go, Yankees about to start.

It was a beautiful day, they should have played
the game this afternoon, but October in the
Bronx, doesn't get much better.

I have confidence in Andy, but will be on pins & needles for awhile.

Glad you liked the lake closeup. It's my Canon
not me. I just look out & click away.

See you later, hopefully happy.

Anonymous said...

"I have recently figured out that now that news is on 24/7, they are just there to manipulate and/or entertain us"

Carol and Coreen, You two should be professional photographers. I love all the pictures, really love them. Your glassy river photo is now my desktop wallpaper Carol, and it will be followed soon by Coreen's pictures, especially the very colorful one. What a beauty! - Connecticut in the Fall. You guys have kept me in desktop pictures for quite a while to come.

Regarding today's post: I think everything on TV and radio has always been about making money, but more so now than ever Carol. They're just providing the public with what they want. If the ratings go up when they're talking about a particular subject, then then give you a whole lot more of the same. The demand used to be for real news, now it's for the flashy entertainment type of (so-called) news. What's scary about it is how much they can manipulate and control public opinion. We became 'very' aware of that during the last election.

Hey Mary! Glad to see you posting. Solar will be thrilled that you loved his joke, since he likes to make people laugh. Have you and Carol polished off that roast yet?

... sorry I didn't comment until now Carol. I checked in a couple of times, but Emma's been a little fussy today, so I didn't have much free time.

Anonymous said...

I just love the last part of my horoscope for today (which I rarely check btw). It seems like such good advice. It first told me to set aside time to daydream about the future (they called it fantasy time). Here's the last part:

"Your imagination requires maintenance, and you need to get some imagining done so you can recognize a dream coming true when it happens."

Carol said...

I'm not sure I get it Chloe. Does it mean you need to visualize what you want to happen? Nothing wrong with checking your horoscope. I'm sometimes afraid to because it might tell me something will happen that I don't want to happen and I don't want to then expect it to happen. Did you follow that?

Carol said...

I'm trying to watch Coreen's baseball but it is so slow. Sooooooo slow.

Carol said...

You may not realize what an event it was for Mary to post a comment on the Internet. It was a damn miracle. She didn't make it over here for roast.

Anonymous said...

Horoscopes aren't a fortune teller sort of thing, so I would never take anything negative from it. I occasionally look to it in a fun sorta way, nothing more. But it will sometimes make me think of something I would never had thought of if I hadn't looked at it.

I really liked that quote a lot. I think it sounds more hopeful than anything else. I think it means that you have to exercise your imagination, become aware of what it is you really want, in order to recognize it when it's staring you in the face. It's a little like meditation, you have to look at things and think about them, get to know yourself, and as a result you won't miss opportunities when they present themselves.

You probably thought about your camp a long time before it materialized. Your imagination spent a long time designing your future, and I bet when you saw your camp, you 'recognized' it as what you'd been looking for.

To me, that paragraph was almost poetic; it is funny and it is a reminder; it is hopeful; it implies good things will happen, but reminds you have to recognize them. Everything is subjective, and I try never to forget that.

Anonymous said...

That is so great Mary made that comment. I hope she continues to do so.

I also hope that Solar see's her post about how much she liked his joke. I think he may be the one who got her to make an appearance. I think he'll be very happy about that.

Anonymous said...

Let's send a smoke signal out to him.

Solar? You need to tell Mary another joke so she'll visit us again.

Carol said...

I dreamed of having this place for a long time. I had to wait for everything to be right. When I first got the place, I could buy the camp but not the property. I had to lease the property. I didn't like that idea. I heard they were getting close to selling the property to the people who owned the camps so the time was perfect. They did sell the property to us about 3 years after I bought the camp.

Carol said...

I agree Chloe. Solar has a way with the women folke. He's a smooth one, he is.

Carol said...

And he seems to be able to handle his entire corral of fillies here. Maybe, it is more like herd of gatorettes.

Carol said...

Now if that don't wake that boy up, he's in a coma.

Anonymous said...

The way you just described finding your camp is a perfect example of what that horoscope meant. If another person besides you had looked at it, but had never dreamed about the seclusion, the river, the trees, the wildlife, etc. then your camp would have had no meaning to them.

Whereas those were all the things you had imagined, hoped for, enjoyed, wanted and dreamed of. So when you saw it, you recognized it for what it is. Home. But you did a lot of daydreaming before you got there.

That's what that horoscope is talking about. Daydream, visualize, hope, so when you come across what it is that will make you happy, you'll recognize it.

Everything we want, everything we ever could want is out there, we just have to find it. It's a quest.

Anonymous said...

He's out there in the 'Universe' somewhere, probably day dreaming (unless he's asleep, and dreaming that way instead).

We just have to figure out how to get him to hear us. Unfortunately, I have no witchery talents, but there must be some way.

Carol said...

He may be digging for a good joke.

Yanks just took the lead! Coreen is jumping up and down!

Carol said...

You don't have to have a joke Solar. Your cute just the way you are.

Carol said...

And us gatorettes have already been fed.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it's almost November. Next thing we know, it'll be Christmas. Then 2010.

Anonymous said...

Oh good. I bet Coreen 'is' jumping around. Hopefully they'll keep it.

Carol said...

Bases loaded and A Rod is up...I guess this is the exciting part.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I just went over and saw that gator that Sturge linked. That things a monster. Makes that one you linked look like an infant.

I guess I'd better go start my ritual, getting ready for tomorrow.

Carol said...

Where does Sturge live?

Carol said...

Yes, it's almost my time for our bedtime ritual. Usually start at 9.

Anonymous said...

Sturge lives in South Carolina, on the ocean. I think he said it's right across the road from him. He said once he well off, but cash poor (paraphrasing). If you has beach front property, that's really something.

Anonymous said...

See you tomorrow. Let me know how the game ends. I don't watch them, but you and Coreen are starting to get me interested. nite.

38,37,36

Carol said...

Nite Chloe

Ivy Green said...

Before we finish up on this "news cycle," it seems to me, the "news" used to be about waiting for stuff to happen. Nowadays, it's all about keeping the 'ole pot stirring. One way they do it is by so-called interviews in which they get the first guy to take on a topic. Then they get a second guy, and tell him what the first guy said and get him to react. Then they go back and tell the first guy what the second guy said about what he (the first guy) said. He said blah-blah-blah, so what do you think about blah-blah-blah?, then he said you said blah-blah-blah. No, I've never said blah-blah-blah, what I meant was blah-blah-blah, he's a damn blah-blah-blah...And back-and-forth until they wear out that topic. Then they find somebody to take on a new topic, and they're off to the races again. This is what passes for news?

"And that's the way it is. Good night and good luck."

Ivy Green said...

Now they're talking. Interesting 'gator chat on TM. Saw you chimed in, Carol. I had one 'gator encounter while birding in Florida, and I didn't hang around long enough to find out what it would do. More to my taste was the friendly manatee I swam with once on the St. Johns River. You got any manatees in your river, Carol?

Coreen said...

Well Midnite in the Bronx & the Yankees are the American League Champions!!!!!

Thats all!----good, good night all.

Carol said...

I got up pondering that article Coreen linked about women. I think some of the younger women just don't want to be stereotyped a feminist or as Patsi calls it a feminatzi. It's not appealing to men. Doesn't have that sex appeal. The term is not appealing to anyone. Those dang labels always get us in trouble.

All we want is a little respect, if we deserve it, and equal opportunities, when we qualify for them. We don't want to be given something just to equal out the playing field.

It does seem to me that many of the younger generation of men, and some of the more evolved older generation understand this or at least pretend to. Not enough of those to go around so some women have to compromise and settle for a jerk or be lonely.

Once you pass a certain age and are still single, they used to say your chances of finding a husband are a little lower than you chances of being killed by a terrorist. Well at least those chances have gotten better in the last 8 years. Progress.

Carol said...

Congrats on your team, Coreen. Darn, your name rhymes with a lot of words Coreen. We could write a lot of pomes with your name.

My Saints gave me a little startle for a while. With their previous history, I was ready to give up but my friend Dawn kept telling me, there are 4 quarters in a game Carol. I called her a little later and she was doing dishes, she was ready to give up too.

But we were pleasantly surprised. They finally put it into gear and made us happy again. It made it a more exciting game but I just can't handle any stress these days.

Carol said...

Jan, Solar, hope you guys are OK. Did you know that our rule book says that you must check in every day. Hey Ivy did it and she was on another planet for a while. Solar, I think you got that rule book, look it up.

Solar said...

Carol,

Thats going to happen with me..I get lost in doing something or other once in a while..

If I had been around I would have commented as usual...I spent the whole day with my Mom , and brother Rick, and did not get back until late, and did not check what was going on, here or at tm, but will catch up and see what was being talked about yesterday.

Solar said...

The relation between the News papers; the Politicians; and the public, has never changed imo. it has alway's worked for the manipulation of the masses...

Yes it did have news worthy information, and was always slanted to fit what our leader wanted them to say.

Yes it wasn't all of them: Some of them did try to have a balance of news and advertising, and making money.

We have always used the written word to keep the people ignorant of what was going on in the real world: There was a time that it was against the church to read the bible..they did not want an educated people doubting the words written in them.

There seems to always have been just a few of independent news outlets that made the effort to do both..make some $ and inform.

more thought to come...lots to catch up on.,and it looks like you were very gabby yesterday...

Solar said...

The Associated Press became one of the leading organizations that began when they delivered the news of the progress of the invasion of Mexico..they reported the war from horse back. Along the way some of what was brought back as news of the day (months old) some of Pres. Polks people managed to skew what was delivered to what there slant..they also skewed the news of Texas prior to this war, and continues to do to this day...

The only news paper that I read it a neighborhood paper..they still give you the news as to what is going on...they try to any way..

Solar said...

Chloe,

"It's a little like meditation, you have to look at things and think about them, get to know yourself, and as a result you won't miss opportunities when they present themselves."

Very few people look in the mirror and see themselves: If you take the time to take a good look at your self..you can forgive your self for anything that you have done:

No-one can do this..no-one can forgive you..since you (anyone) never tell-say the complete truth..not even to your priest(he gets the least truthful story) not even to the ones that you care for..there is always some reason to not tell them.and some are not known at the time that you talk to them.

When you do know yourself (you are right)not only won't you miss an opportunity...you will feel be in the lever of synergy that makes thing all the more clearer...

This is why some people (priest mostly) have isolated them selves ..and have thought about humility and tier relation to God...this is the good thing...the bad thing, is that is mostly for themselves, it is hardly ever for the rest of the world...if they can understand themselves they will be ready for the important things...business and nourishment is a physical need. We do have people in them make money to continue what they do..this creates the leadership that other need..to the extent that it becomes greed...it is lying to your self about what is important, and you don't really get to know your self..

Yes meditaion is good for us..and we should all take some time to prepare to take advantage of everything in life..

I get some form of meditation when I exercise ...I do it this way about three-four times per wk..some times, just by daydreaming just like you say..about it all..the universe..

Oh, Chloe. you do have be witching powers.!!!

Solar said...

Carol said...

"And he seems to be able to handle his entire corral of fillies here. Maybe, it is more like herd of gatorettes".

I would rather have Ivy's red ants: They would be a lot safer HA! Their stings goes away after a little while...You gatorettes don't just leave a little mark, a little nibble hear and there..Just don't bite me in the neck; and leave a cpl of bite marks...

Solar said...

Coreen,

Clean up that room over the garage....those are great pics of you lake, and the colors are fantastic...I too will rotate that last one with some others that I have...I have one of a water fall that I like just as much...

Thornwil ( Mary)

Thanks for the shut out. I don't think that you started posting just b/c of that little ole joke...I think that it is a combination of the people here..

Chloe is right I love doing character analysis ..and I don't think that you are the type to do anything just cos of a joke...are you...I have hundreds of them..Thats all you hear sometimes in Construction..

Do you mind if I just call you Thorn, or will, or Thornwil...they have a lot of possibilities...

About that joke..I sorta snuck it by Chloe..she was awful busy explaining the hyper link to us all...thats why I explained it to her...her mind was on resolving our problems..is all.

Solar said...

Carol,

About that Macho thing...when it is said in Spanish; it fits. When it is said in any other language it fits the ethnic person that acts like a shit...

I learned from my Sister Maria, that she was just as good as me..I was stronger physically, but she was much better than me, in man respects..

With the Women Soldiers that are in the wars, they will be making a lot of strides that they need..a new way to see them from the point of dying equally ..just like men..I think that they will make the way for the evolution of the Women s movement??

Ps...you and Coreen and the others here will never be considered retired as far as you lead the way with what you do every day...

There are a lot less women that won't take a slap in the face..this alone is progress..so I wouldn't say that there is no young women involved..maybe they are, but if a diff form...just one example...Lot more women in executive positions, and even in the construction trades...and with all the knew tech that is out there..they will learn even more to make them equal...just my opinion tho...


Ok I think that im done...Im going to get some exercise it..later

Solar said...

it=in

Mary said...

Solar,
You can call me Mary. I like that better than thorn or wil or thornwil. I do like all the people on this blog. Like I said, I read this all the time but have never been one that liked to type on it alot.Reminds me of my secretarial days which I hated. Now even tho I'm an RN, we have started doing all our charting on the comp., so when I get home I don't even want to see a comp. I mostly get on it on my days off.
Keep being yourself. You don't have to keep the jokes coming for me. You sound like a real neat person as do the rest of the people here.

Mary said...

Carol,
I was looking at the last post and did that accent quiz. We sound just alike when we talk but you said you had a southern accent. Mine came out Midland, which means no accent.

Carol said...

Afternoon folkes, glad you are OK Solar. You don't have to check in but I feel better knowing you are OK, OK? It's a little habit I have of worrying about my friends. Like to hear from them everyday even if it is just a hello, I'm OK.

Mary, I went back to the accent test to see why I would come out with a different result when we talk just alike and I found out what the problem was. I didn't read the answer correctly. It was right up at the top, Midland. So big that I missed it. I was looking at the little bar graph below thinking that was the answer. I didn't read. I didn't think I had an accent either.

Carol said...

Sky is falling right now. Big rain. There were at least 10 hummers out at my feeders fighting for a drink. (Have three still out) Must have had a herd of procrastinators come through. They are spending so much time fighting that they don't get much drinking done. They better hurry.

Carol said...

A ponder: Where do all the little birds and squirrels and other little critters go when it is pouring down like it is right now?? I know where Maggie is....under the bed. I don't see anything out there with their little unbrellas up. It's like they just beam out of here. Maybe they know how to beam into a parallel universe until the rain stops.

Carol said...

The rain is hitting my metal roof so hard that it is deafing. Every now and again something harder hits....maybe another snake??

Carol said...

It's still pouring, working on almost 4 inches in less than 3 hours and the little hummers are still busy out there sucking down the nectar. Answers my question of where the birds go when it rains. For those little birds, I guess it's too late to wait.

Solar said...

Some go back to their own neighborhoods. Some live in underground dwellings, and some live in high tower ones. And some are lost on your roof cos they smell of the cooking..

Thats a lot of rain...are you all set for getting back home ...in a hurry?

Coreen said...

Carol,

Sorry to see you are in a monsoon, since it was
another beautiful day here. Tomorrow night they
say rain to start, but hopefully not like what
you are getting.

Are you likely to be flooded when it rains so
hard over a short time? I certainly hope that
it wasn't snakes falling on your roof---again
no way I could live further south.

I walk carefully here, especially when there
are leaves, since I know they are probably around, but that is one creature I do not like
to even think about seeing closeup.

I told you I have an old friend in Myrtle Beach, SC. Didn't mention it but about 2 weeks
ago his son (30 years old) had to be hospitalized for a couple of days because when he went out to walk his girlfriends dog, he stepped off the walk & was biten by a copperhead & needed 'antivenom'?

His dad was not happy that they did not tell him til he got out of the hospital.

Coreen said...

Solar's here. Hope all is well. You were
missed greatly.

Solar said...

Coreen,

Thanks, I left a lot of post earlier to make up for it...now where is that Lucy-gal? she ditching me, cos her witchie magic could not reach me, on the other side of the Universe...

I will root for your Yanks to come in...

Carol said...

Still raining. It's training. That's what they call it when the rain keeps moving over the same area. I need Chloe to go outside and blow real hard this way. That might move it to the east.

Solar, I have pretty much moved out here. Most of my clothes, the ones I still can wear, my important junk and my food, my precious food, is here. I'd have to get a moving van to leave. Ya'll keep good thoughts.

Coreen I have seen two kids with snake bits, water moccasin, when working at the hospital. One kid was walking on a log under the water when he was bit. I've always heard that snakes can't bite under the water, wrong.

Also had an adult with a bite on the hand. He was showing off swinging the snake around. Snake karma.

I don't think they ever gave any antivenom. Heard that antivenom is almost more dangerous than the snake bite. They mark and watch the swelling.

If the swelling gets too bad they have to do a fasciotomy. That's where they cut the fascia to relieve tension and pressure. If they don't the swelling produces a tournaquet from the inside and can cut circulation and damage nerves in the extremity.

Carol said...

Coreen, did you see any of that Saints game?

Coreen said...

The more you tell me about your proximity to
'creatures' the more I know I belong here--luckily we don't have too many varieties of
creatures. My friend did say that his son
was ok after the hospital stay, so don't know
what they did for him.

Oh I did see a 'quick brown fox' yesterday a.m.
running across the yard, would you believe I
ran for my canon, but he was too fast--by the
time I went to a window he was into the woods.

I did get a photo of a deer last week, ran into the garage & startled him in the driveway, but I tried so fast--it is not clear! I'll keep trying. See what you did, Carol, everywhere I go, gotta keep that Canon on the ready!

And yes I did see the end of the Saints game,
because Fox was the baseball channel. It was not on originally, but they went to it late
before the baseball.

I was thinking about you as they miraculously came back--& that helps the Jets, since Miami is inthe Jets division, though the Jets have a long way to go.

Oh, is Drew Brees cute? He looked like he might be.

Solar, I am glad you will support my guys.

Thought maybe you would turn against the 'family'---& remember the old saying
"don't ever take sides against the family"
(The Godfather-pretty sure it was Michael) luv you though, right Carol.

Solar said...

I like NY. Just before I shipped out for Marine Corps boot Camp. A few of took a ride and spent a cpl of days there....

Coreen. The worst job that I ever had, was selling new, and used Fords, For the Rizza Family....I know the real lines.

I did not like it b/c in order to make money..you had to stiff people on the prices...I once sold three cars.. sticker price plus tax...I made a killing....I could not sleep for two day's I quite on the third...

They did not like me quitting...cos I was bi-lingual..and knew how to write my own contracts...

I met a lot of interesting Italian fellows ...:-))

When I was just starting off in construction...they wanted to be my partners...told them, that I wanted to do it my way...maybe not make a lot of $, but wanted to build a lot of diff things...

Solar said...

Where is that witchie women Chloe huh? I think that she is out looking at some motorized models to ride on this Halloween...hope she slows down so we can see her by the moon light as she passes.

Carol said...

Right Coreen. Solar don't mess with the family. None of um!

No wind coming from Chloe yet but Solar must be trying to help cuz there is a nice stiff breeze coming from the north. That will help blow some of this water down. Keep blowing Solar.

Yes, Drew Brees is a cutie Coreen.

Carol said...

There's always one of two or three little lambs that stray from the flock from time to time. Someone let the dogs out to bring them home.

Carol said...

Someone must have given that cranky judge in the middle, Dancing with the Stars, some happy weed tonight. He loves everyone. Very unusual.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I gotta tell you that it's kinda overwhelming to come here when there's such a lively, fun conversation going. I was hesitant, because it feels a little like interrupting.

Carol, That storm went through here last night and this morning. It came down really hard and fast, but was gone by mid-afternoon, but it did flood some places because it was so much, so fast. If you're getting the same one, I don't think it'll last that long. How long has it been there?

I'm trying to catch up, but haven't succeeded yet. It doesn't help that I read the comments from the bottom up, because it's all that much more confusing.

Where's Jan? I need someone else here that's not caught up like me.

Solar said...

Carol,

Can't call the cops until 48 hrs, to report a missing person...we will Lucy, another wk or so...haha

jan said...

Hi folks, I have been in a "deep hole" for a couple of days - just diggin my way out. Had many student papers to grade - and afraid if I got on line with you guys I might not get them done. So now will go back and catch up.

Solar said...

DANG, I was going to erase that.! Honest I was. Coreen no laughing..it was just an accident..Im innocent I tell ya.!

jan said...

Hi Chloe, you must be psychic - I too was going to read from the bottom up and your last comment was the first one I read after just posting a comment.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I think it was yesterday, sometime recently anyway, but someone from Kansas City was here at he same time I was reading the comments. That's where Jack lives, and I was hoping it was him. Of course, I have no way of knowing. I bet Solar would be glad to have another 'guy' join us though.

Solar, maybe you should invite him over sometime. Tell him it's not 'all' girl talk and witches.

Anonymous said...

Jan, I'm glad you're here. Perfect timing. They've been really gabby here this evening, and I still don't know where to start.

Carol said...

Solar would then have to share his harem.

Hi, little lambs.

Carol said...

Now where's that little lamb Ivy?

Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat Ivy. Rut rho. They eat Ivy???

Anonymous said...

"When I was just starting off in construction...they wanted to be my partners...told them, that I wanted to do it my way...maybe not make a lot of $, but wanted to build a lot of diff things.."

Solar, I think that was a smart move. Partnerships often don't work, especially for someone that wants to do things their way. You'd always would have been compromising.

Solar said...

Chloe,

True story. They would make me rich...but I knew that what they wanted was a front...I didn't like getting pushed around when I was young, and it would have not been pleasant for me..

I would never have built a Roof Top Reastaurant so the big corps bigh shots could party while they watched the Cubs play Baseball..thats the one that Im most proud of...

Contractors from all over the county...have wanted to do one..there are only about 20-25 that did...I would not have had that chance if I went with them.

Carol said...

Ever look back with regrets Solar?

Anonymous said...

Carol, I didn't realize that lambs eat Ivy (although I realize, that shouldn't surprise me)
There's a picture of a cute little lamb eating grapevines here:
Little Lambs Eat Ivy -- and Leaves of Wine Grapes, Too
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2009-07/2009-07-13-voa1.cfm

Anonymous said...

You did it your way Solar.
That's always a good thing.

Coreen said...

Chloe, Jan,

Good to see you tonite.

And Chloe, I finally learned how to link, yesterday morning. Thanks professor.


Solar,

Do you have any photos of the Roof Top Restaurant you built? Would like to see them,
not sure are they on top of Wrigley or near there?

jan said...

Carol, you asked if I had fun yesterday. I went to a card-making group with a d-i-l (sons' wife). Actually, it was not fun for me. Someone puts together all these bits and pieces of stuff that you glue on and you tie bows and by the end of the day, you have 30 greeting cards that no one wants. I like making quilts - to me there is some creativity in that - but this was not something I like to do - but I wanted to spend some time with my d-i-l. So, I will find another way to spend time with her. She is a delight.

Anonymous said...

Seeing that little lamb chomping away on that grape vine reminded me of how much I love grapes. I have such a sweet tooth (you got me thinking about chocolate covered grahams Carol... I love those things, and bought some today. You should have never mentioned them. I'm going to keep them in the fridge - I've never tried that before. They'll stay fresh longer), and if I eat enough fruit it quiets down the cravings. Me and my sweet tooth are 'always' battling it out.

jan said...

Hope I didn't offend anyone who likes to do card-making. I think we all have our hobbies that we like. Years ago I had a friend who made her own greeting cards from bits of dried flowers and leaves from nature - now that I would like.

Anonymous said...

I saw your link Coreen! I am so sorry I forgot to mention it. I also saw the other site you linked with a more complete explanation. I was thinking that you're probably very much a detail person, and need to know why you were doing it the way you do.

Congratulations!

Solar said...

No, Carol. No regrets. All they do is absorb you any way..it might last for a little while...

The only regret that I have, is not staying in the Military..the Air Force for a career and all of the education that I could get...but thats totally different..I never look back... Its that time factor again..never going to get the last moment back..., not the future one...just the present...that might be part of what Chloe was talking about..when she was talking about the future and preparing for it...a little daydreaming never hurt anyone....CHLOE, Chloe, wake up when were talking...

Solar said...

Coreen,

They are across the street form the ball park..The one that I did was over by Right field. will see if I can get some from the Architect that took the pics..

Carol said...

Chloe, I've been hearing those chocolate covered grahams calling me all the way from WM. I didn't think I could have heard them from there but I still can. Good things it's raining too hard to get out.

I just checked and now just 2/10 away from 5 inches and still pouring. I'm afraid I might not be getting out of here for work. Just hope my part of the road doesn't go under.

That rain that came from your way Chloe is getting ready to hit the line of rain that won't move away from here. I think they are going to link up and start having babies.

Anonymous said...

That's really nice that you get along with your son's wife so well Jan.

Now me, I don't like working on crafts of any kind. I don't know why. I won't even tell you what we jokingly call craft shows here. I shouldn't be sharing this, because I know I'm going to insult someone. Enough said.

jan said...

Carol, I have heard that nursery rhyme before but not seen it written - I always thought it was "mersidotes and dosidotes and little lambsie divies" As you can see my interpretations is just jibberish. Thanks for telling how it really reads.

jan said...

Chloe, I checked out the grape-eating lambs on the site you posted. What a great way to prune grape leaves - and the environment is more safe- sad though that for all their work - they become lambchops.

Anonymous said...

LOL about the rain coming between you and your chocolate graham. I didn't realize there were two different rain systems merging. And now I'm hearing a little light rain starting here again, not much though, so maybe we're through it.

All the grahams at the WM I went to had been left out in the sun or something, because the chocolate was partially melted. So I had to go to the market for them. I can't believe they left them on the shelf, the sad thing is I considered buying them anyway.

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is sad Jan.

jan said...

Well, gotta go - I still love DWTS's. Its the closest thing to porn I watch. That Lambada a week or two ago was something else.

jan said...

Carol, hope you don't float away

Carol said...

Jan, I remember so many songs that I didn't have a clue what they were saying. I just made sounds that were similar.

Daddy used to sing us the mares eat oats song to us all the time.

Anonymous said...

I never looked at TM at all today. I think I'll just go over and scan over it tomorrow. I'm kinda curious if they were happy about the headline I saw on Yahoo, that Reid said that the health care bill will include a public option.

Anonymous said...

Nite everyone, I'm going to try to catch up on the comments here, then I'm going to call it a day.

jan said...

When I was up at 3 am a week ago,went into YouTube and listened to Carly Simon sing "Let the River Run" I knew my sis would like it so sent the link to her." I have been singing the song to myself all week. My sis called a few minutes ago and said Carly was on one of the morning songs a day or so ago and sang that song. My sis said since I sent her the link to the song, she has been singing it to herself all week. syn-chron-icity. We are all connected.

Ivy Green said...

I heard my name called. Monday is my night out with the girls. I got some catsup-ing up to do to see what you were sayin' about me. lol

Coreen said...

It's time for me to say good nite.

Carol, I sure hope that heavy rain does not
cause you real problems, take care.

Ivy Green said...

I don't need to import lambs when my deer do the same job for free.

jan said...

Nite all

jan said...

Hi Ivy, hope you had a good nite out the girls. Those are great times.

Carol said...

Well it's my bedtime also. Kinda afraid to go to bed. Maybe the Mag and me should wear our life jackets to bed.

Carol said...

Hi Ivy, you were out with the lambs tonight?

Carol said...

And Chloe, the choc. grahams I bought last week were melted looking too. Must have been on the same truck with your grahams over there. It didn't stop me from getting them. I'd already hit the other stores and wasn't going back so I got the defective ones.

Didn't ask for a discount since they didn't discount the smashed in little freezer I bought. I getting kind of used to my smashed in stuff from WM.

Hey WM, this isn't looking good for your reputation. I think we need some free coupons over here. Maybe an extra 50% off something.

Mary said...

Well,now that everyone is going to bed, I guess I'll write. I guess I'm the crafty person of the group. I have started making jewelry. Carol and my son are my best customers. My son buys for his wife. I use alot of Swarovski crystals and gemstones. It's something I thought I could benefit from, also. I never buy any jewelry anymore.

Carol said...

I just had a five foot mosquito chasing me around the room. That's what happens when we get a lot of rain.

Speaking of five foot mosquito, I met this distant relative, 14 times removed, today at work. Yep, he was in jail but still quite and interesting guy. Paranoid schizophrenic, dark side of the family. I didn't think we had any relatives left around these parts.

Weird, he knew who I was because he met one of my old students several years back when he was involved in this clinical trial for a psych drug. I guess the nurse, my old student, asked if he was related to me or knew me. I wonder what he told her?

I didn't even know this guy existed. He did know some of our old relatives back in Arkansas. I looked to see what he was in jail for. Didn't want any killers in the family. It was only a little dope charge. Whew! Not that paranoid schizophrenia is anything to sneeze at. Let me see again if that 5 foot mosquito is still here.

Carol said...

Oh Mary I forgot to tell you we have a relative we didn't know about. Call ya.

Carol said...

But I can't tell you his name because that would be a Hippa violation. Sorry. But I think we're safe?

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Those family skeletons-in-the-closet will jump out when you least expect it! lol

Anonymous said...

Carol, I came back into this chat room for a last peek before I conk out, and am glad I did, because I got the best laugh from that post of yours. The one about the defective melted grahams, and finding out the same truck delivered our cookies. You know they got a discount when they bought all those melted cookies. It's a cinch all the good stores would never have accepted them.

Then I got another laugh from your five foot mosquito. These people from up north probably don't realize how big we grow our insects down here.

Mary, I wish you'd link us some pictures of your jewelry (and list prices). Especially if you're selling any before Christmas. I'd love to take a look. Maybe Carol would do a post about it.

.. over and out.

Ivy Green said...

So will that HIPPA law...you know you can go to jail for violating that!

"The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996."

lol

Ivy Green said...

Maybe Carol can send us e-mails for jewelry sales.

Carol said...

Ya'll don't know his or my last name. The names are changed to protect the innocent, even if we aren't.

Mary makes some nice jewelry but inherited the same problem I have, procratination. I don't wear much jewelry but I bought several of those ankle bracelets. I love those for the summer and she makes some neat ones. You can create your own.

Before I lost all my savings I was giving gifts to the staff at work for birthdays. Her necklaces made nice gifts.

Mary said...

My son bought me a neat gadget-I think it's called a light shed that you put your jewelry in to take pictures of it, but I need to get a better camera. I do special orders. I just mailed a necklace and earring set to my d-i-l for a dress she's wearing to a wedding next week.

Carol said...

Ivy, I heard it is a $5000 fine for violating it. Would rather to go to jail.

Ivy Green said...

Mary,
What materials do you use?

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Fine AND jail for spilling beans on the confidentiality restrictions! lol

Mary said...

Swarovski crystals, gemstones (all kinds including turquoise, coral, etc.) chain-mostly sterling silver, copper-anything but solid gold, which is so expensive nobody would buy it.

Carol said...

I spilled a few peas, no beans.

Mary said...

I also use lampwork beads and different glass beads that are pretty.

Carol said...

I'm careful with that HIPPA stuff. We can't even talk to families or wives who call without getting a signed consent. It really pisses the family off.

Ivy Green said...

Mary,
I love all those. I agree, these days gold is too expensive, and I like silver and gemstones better. I bought some silver and stone-items in Arizona and Colorado. I always think I have enough (and I do) but then I see something beautiful, and I can't resist. It's usually something that bears "synchronicity."

Mary said...

That's how I am with the beads. I keep buying them and right now my house looks like a bead store. I told myself I can't buy anymore until I use up alot of the ones I have.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Those families will try to wear you down. They are half the reason the inmate is in the pokey in the first place.

Mary said...

Guess I need to 'hit the sack'. My eyes are closing down. Nite all.

Carol said...

The administration does not understand the importance of the HIPPA laws. They want us to talk to the families to get them out of their hair. I have to fight about that all the time. I tell them that I have a license to protect.

jan said...

Hi Mary, I think it has been 30+ years since I last saw you. There is a lovely woman from the Navajo Tribe who I buy jewelry from. I especially like anything in turquose. I only like necklaces that slip over my head. I would love to see the jewelry you make. Hard to believe Jeremy is grown and married.

jan said...

I did not watch DWTS's after all. Got involved in a documentary about Bonnie & Clyde -based on a book written by a s-i-l of Clyde who was part of the gang. Very interesting. Overall, the special indicated Clyde's motivation for theft & murder went back to how he was treated in a Texas prison for auto and petty theft in his early 20's. It does seem sad that we put people who have committed petty crimes in prison with those who have done violent crimes.

jan said...

Seems its about time to start a new thread.

jan said...

NOt yet, looks like about 15-16 more comments. Off to bed I go. Sweet dreams to whoever might still be around.

jan said...

Coreen,
I had to get back on and tell you how much I like your pictures. I enlarged them to see the details. My favorite is the one of the trees in all the colors reflecting back on the water - I don't paint but seeing your pictures makes me wish I did. If I had the time I would love to try and construct the one I mentioned in fabric. Thank you for sharing all of these with us.

Carol said...

The advanced hyrologic prediction doesn't look too bad for now. No actual measurement so I'm not sure they are aware of the conditions. If the rain stops it might be OK.

My computer wouldn't connect this morning. Must have been telling me to keep my mouth shut. When it finally did, it was too late to chat, with myself the morning. I guess I'll just have to do it in the shower. I do that a lot.

All that rain is moving your way Ivy. Want me to send my kayak your way? I can share.

Anonymous said...

http://ct-carolssouthernspice.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-is-purpose-of-news.html?showComment=1256618255000#c6961934712057771310

I agree completely Coreen. I love your pictures, as well as your other contributions here. I really enjoy your comments and your positive, friendly personality. Thanks for being here.

Carol, just let that kayak loose, and maybe it'll float up there.

Carol said...

Chloe, morning, someone needs to do a New Post this morning. Fixing to hit the witching number. I'm going to go to work and continue to watch the hydrologics. A north wind will help.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I'm going to post a new thread now, regardless of how dumb it may be.

Ivy Green said...

The new thread is great, Chloe, I'm moving over there now. But, Carol, I'm glad it's raining today. It will be good for my newly-planted ivy. The dogs will get wet, but they don't mind. Also, I had emptied my rain barrels and they need to get refilled. I love Tuesdays because they are "my day." I try to keep them unencumbered.