Is All Allowed in Love and War?

I love to start discussions, especially about topics that people feel very strongly about, which doesn't always go well. But it gives me something to write about. 

So after reading a blog post about whether or not it is OK to take someone else's man, where the blogger states "Why the hell not? This notion of a good man is hard to find will never go away because women will always get tangled up with incompatible men. If you find a guy who has everything you're looking for and the only thing standing in the way is another chick—fuck her.", I decided to take the question to a more grown up forum, where the answers were quite different. 

The ones who answered were women, and maybe that is were the difference lies. But there was no one who thought it was OK.  The answers ranged from "the perfect man doesn't have a girlfriend", to "going after someone else's man is tacky", "you would have no regard for his girlfriend and how she feels", and "it shows total lack of respect for one self and the integrity of a relationship". Of course Karma also comes up - you will reap what you sow. 

Photo by JSCREATIONZS/FREEDIGITALPHOTOS.NET

In both forums it is made clear we're not talking about married men (or women for that sake). I think we can all agree to respect marriages. The question was posed about a man who has a girlfriend. 

So which is it? Some will say a person is "approachable" until they are married, others will say once he or she is dating someone exclusively, they are "off the market." My opinion?  There are no set rules.  It all depends on the individual person.

If a guy has a girlfriend, but is open to being approached by other women, flirts with other women, texts or sexts with other women, then he is still looking, and really doesn't love her.  Taking him away from her will not make you Susie Home-wrecker - there wasn't much to wreck starting out. 

 

Photo by Susie B/Freedigitalphotos.net

The question still remains though; if he leaves another woman for you, what will make him treat you differently from the last?  

Well, if you went in to this with the "Girl, she doesn't know what to do with her man" attitude...absolutely nothing, because I'm pretty sure you're not displaying yourself as "dating material" with that attitude.  

How you carry yourself, your "ground rules", and communication will determine how you allow yourself to be treated. Just because he was unsatisfied in one relationship doesn't mean he always will be. 

In principle, I think the rules are the same for approaching women. However, I think women are much less approachable than men once they are dating someone. Maybe we don't want to admit it, but within a few hours of knowing a man, most women have run through the list of boyfriend, husband, father or grandfather (depending on one's age), lover, companion etc. etc., and determined if we think he is a good fit for what we want.  By the time a woman is dating a man exclusively, she has already determined he is someone she probably wants in her life long term, and she is no longer looking.  

On the other hand, some women really should still be looking. Whether it is desperation or a notion of unworthiness, I don't know. But I have seen entirely way too many women clinging on to relationships that everyone but themselves can see is no good. So in my very single (but mostly happy) opinion; if you have to pretty up the relationship, put on a good facade and always point out your man's "good sides", then probably you should still be looking.  There is absolutely no reason to settle.

Happy Memorial Day

A big Thank You to those who served and are serving in our armed forces.

More Stupid criminals

Not to repeat myself on criminals being stupid, but just had to share these too.

You kinda figure that when you do something illegal, you shouldn't broadcast it....especially not at a funeral. When Josue Rivera in Bridgeport, CT, handed over a thumb drive with what was supposed to have a memorial slide show of the person who had passed away, they instead found dozens of images of child pornography...glad to see that one caught!



Others get a little too upset over their coffee....Brandon Scott Quintana got so upset over his mother drinking his chilled Starbucks coffee that he ended up in jail charged with battery...and on Mother's Day weekend. Sad Brandon....

Photo by Worradmu/freedigitalphotos.net

And last, when you break in to some one's house and they are home, it might not be the  brightest idea to drink their beer and take a nap on their couch.  That is exactly what Mr. Furchak  did when he broke in to a house in Long Neck, Del (get it?  Long neck....that makes the story even funnier...).  When the house owner woke him up the following morning, he ran out with another beer in his hand....Might be time for AA, is all I have to say.


So stay honest, be nice, and enjoy your weekend :-)

Middle Age Texting Codes

We did an earlier segment on texting and abbreviations, but as we get older, some may have new meaning.  So here to help you, I bring you the texting codes for middle age:

ATD -at the doctor. 

BFF - best friend fell. 

BTW -bring the wheelchair. 

Photo by Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalImages.net

 BYOT -bring your own teeth. 

FWIW -forgot where I was 

GGPBL -gotta go, pacemaker battery low. 

GHA -got heartburn again. 

IMHAO -is my hearing aid on? 

LMDO -laughing my dentures out 

OMMR -on my massage recliner 

ROFLACGU -rolling on floor laughing and can't get up. 

TTYL -talk to you louder!

 

Have a great weekend all!

It's Finally Here!

This should make life easier for all of us!  The new book "A Guide for Men to Understand Women" has been published:

This should at least cover the basics....

Discovered at 40

I am definitely not one of those moms to push for kid-stardom. But my kids love to sing and act, and have been begging for me to find them a venue to be in a commercial, stage play or, of course, a movie. So to show my support, I told them I would sign them up with a talent agency, and maybe, if they are lucky, they can get some work.  So off to the agency we go, pictures in hand, and a great deal of self confidence coming from the back seat.

Photo By jscreationz/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We met with this really nice lady. The kids were on their best behavior and made a good first impression, for once. Then, as we are finishing up our appointment, the lady says: "So what about you, mom?"  Yeah, what about me? I'm 40, totally none-photogenic, can't act or sing (at least not outside the shower)....But  she was very convincing, and the flattery apparently gave me a huge ego boost.

Photo by Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPHotos.net

 Bottom line is your truly now has an agent.... LMAO!! (and one that doesn't charge up front fees, nonetheless.)  I can't believe I'm actually admitting to this, but I figure all I need is one little job to say I was "discovered at 40"...So all afternoon, I've been flipping my hair, sticking my nose up in the air and practicing the whole diva thing, right along with the kids.  Hollywood, here we come LOL.  

I apologize for  going a little overboard on this one, but at this stage, I'll take the compliments and enjoy them as they come.  Tomorrow morning I'll wake up and look in the mirror and  be back to reality for sure, so I figure I'm entitled to my one day of divaness.  Now just imagine the disappointment if they were to call me for products targeted at older women...."here's Ms. Pink starring in a Tena Pad commercial..." No, think I'll go back to a couple more hours as the diva instead. 

Embrasing the Imperfect

Are you tired of hearing all the stories of other people's perfect children, and seeing the endless number of bumper stickers bragging about honor roll students and other accomplishments?  Then check out Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid , a website designed for parents of average, special and different children, and join their Movement for Imperfection.

I love it!

When Will I Ever Learn To Shut Up?

I consider myself a fairly intelligent and capable woman, and although I wouldn't quite say my life is completely in order right now, I still think I have it together. So why then is it that the connection between brain and mouth consistently seems to dysfunction?  Somehow I at times appoint myself as counselor for everyone I know, and blurt out exactly what I think, whether appropriate or not.... Oh my!  

The fact that we have one mouth and two ears for a reason, has obviously never quite registered with me.  Nor the fact that my opinions may not necessarily be welcome; especially when I have opinions about things and situations that have absolutely nothing to do with me. No, no. I still blurt out my "advice" like I actually have expert input to give. The worst part is I often wonder why they don't follow my advice when it is so "obvious" that I am right....

Photo by photostock/freedigitalphotos.net

So it took a while, but I finally caught on.  No more advice unless asked for.  No more opinions unless solicited. And certainly no more late night chats - I apparently turn in to the true psychic at that time of the  day. This week, I will learn to shut up.  As they say, silence is golden  (and duct tape is silver... ).

Have a great week!

Stupid Criminals

I always say criminals are criminals because they're too stupid to do honest work, and Daniel Moore in Gainsville, GA, proves my point.

The teenager accidentally pocket-dialed 911 while buying drugs, and even gave them his location while doing so. When the deputy arrived, there were still a connection between the cell phone and dispatch, so no denying it was him committing the wrongdoing.  Daniel, Daniel....you can lock it, you know....Guess that was the easy bust for the police that day.

So as clueless as Mr. Moore is, Stephon Bennett is in a league of his own.  According to True Crime Report, armed, Bennett along with two others, robbed two women in a parking lot outside the women's apartment building then fled the scene.  However, Bennett showed up two hours later, knocked on one of the women's door, to, guess what?  Ask her out on a date! OMG, how dumb can you get?  And what was the pick-up line he used?

William Hendrix in Florida, on the other hand, was just afraid of his girlfriend....while living in her house, he let an old friend stay in an apartment above the garage. However, when he found his friend dead, he, I guess, was too afraid to tell his girlfriend, and instead decided to mow the lawn...?!?  

Sometimes I just wonder....

Robin Sharma Live

It is so easy to blame other people or our "circumstances" for our misfortunes and failed dreams.  Sometimes, though, it is important to look at our own role in our successes and failures. 

So let me share this video of Robin Sharma speaking live re. reaching your goals and being all that you can be. Like he says; life is like a mirror, it doesn't give you what you want, it  gives you who you are.

Here's to having an enthusiastically fantastic day!!

Toddler For Sale

What is wrong with people? 

The news story of a 20 year old Annandale woman who tried to sell her cousin's toddler on Ebay broke yesterday. 

The two-year old girl was listed as "Kid for sale. An adorable child for sale.Can clean and hold a decent conversation. Very lovable, but I just grew out of her." Shipping cost was $30. and "buy now" price listed at $1,000. Who does shit like that?  SHM!!

Luckily the woman was caught, and the child has been reunited with her mother, so at least there is a happy ending to the story....you can find more information on the story here. 

Guest Blogging

My Swedish Friend Åsa Schraeder, has also started blogging, and asked me to be a guest blogger on her blog, SwedeArt.  

 As a stay at home mom, with what started as a hobby, she makes custom ordered children's art, flower pots and much more, and calls herself an "accidental entrepreneur". Which is not so different from my own situation, with exception of the stay at home mom and art part....

You can read my post on her blog here.

Fun Facts About Sex

A few surprising, and some not so surprising facts about sex:

1. One in four men prefer to have the lights off during sex.  Guess they might be as insecure about their bodies as we are?  That, or we look better in the dark...

Photo by Marcus 74ID/freedigitalphotos.net

 2. The more you get, the more you want....on the other hand, 14 months, 9 days and 13 hours without, does not make you stop wanting it - in case you wondered.  Tested and proved.

3. The vibrator was originally created to cure neurosis in women, and successfully so.  Can't think of anything more calming than a quick orgasm.

Photo by freedigitalphoto.net

4. Many men are nervous about their penis being too small.  Most women; however, say that size doesn't matter.....nope, I have no comment on this one....

Photo by M_Bartosch/freedigitalphoto.net

5. A teaspoon of sperm has about 7 calories and is apparently rich in proteins.  It has also been claimed to be useful as an anti-wrinkle "cream".....and???  Does anyone seriously expect us to smear it in our faces? Think I'll stick with my cream - bought and prepackaged.


6. Sex is great cardio exercise. A good half hour will burn about 200 calories. So who needs the gym?

7. The most common place to have sex outside the house, is in the car.  Maybe I'm showing my age here, 'cause I can see a limo working fine, but otherwise, very intimate and contained quarters....probably a better choice than the hood of the car, though.

Photo by photostock/freedigitalphotos.net

8. During our lifetime, we kiss on average 20,160 minutes. That might sound like a lot, but if you got your first kiss at 13, and live to the average age of 80.7, that's not even a minute a day.  I think we need to increase this!  Yeah of course I do - I'm part of the group who is pulling down the average here...


9. Sex provides pain relief.  During an orgasm, endorphins are released that can relieve pain.  Headache is therefore not a good excuse to not have sex - quite opposite actually ... Yep, it's been a tough day...I could use some help here!

10. During one day, 100 million sexual acts occur around the world.  Again, that sounded so high, but really that's only 2.3 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 65.  So being part of the other 97.7 percent is not so bad....but now that I think about it, it may not be the same 2.3 percent every day....might be nice to be part of that group sometimes too...
 

What Men and Women Really Want

I found this page on Facebook, "Sexy After 40", which if I read it enough, I believe might cure my midlife crisis. It is refreshing to read comments from so many people over 40 who are so confident and secure in who they are, and clear on what they want.  So today I am borrowing a few comments from their discussion board.

Written by a married man re. what men really want:

• We want a affectionate, passionate female. 

• We want one that doesn't compare us to the last man they were with. 

• We want one that is a woman in front of company and my tigress in the Bedroom. 

• We want one who doesn't try to compete with Monday Night Football or Sunday Football by waiting till it comes on to start asking questions..

• We desire one that doesn't have to ask 502 times "Do you love me" or wants to talk about my ex. 

• We want a Honest women - not one who says I'm protected but ends up pregnant less than 3 months later..Cause that starts the Baby mamas Drama. 

• Don't want a jealous women, You know the who's that who's that question all the time. 

• Want a women who enjoys cooking, and taking care of the house - let me add this this is not her sole responsibility but it helps if she is cool with doing this because when i do help its better appreciated. 

• Like a women who's into the church and one who doesn't need my approval for everything. One who takes care of herself physically and mentally. Likes to look good but not fanatical about it. Educated is cool but not a must, trustworthy ,loyalty is big..common sense is a must .Communication is big too. No screaming at each other when things aren't right. 

• Want one who understands the difference between cuddling, foreplay and sex...because each act is different.

• Want one who cares about how I look because I represent her when I step out. 

• Can't be prejudice or judgemental on someone physical or emotional thought process. Can't be the type of female to start all men ain't sh*t routine when the goings rough..

• Needs to understand that all men aren't machines and sometimes we don't feel like making love either. That's were the cuddling comes in. 

• Respect for me and what i do bring to the table...if its not enough don't chastise me for it in a way that demeans me. ....and most of all Be Real about the love you feel for me....make it unconditional love and not conditional love.

I have to say the list is pretty long, and if any man has anything else to add, you are just being picky....

Photo by Idea Go/Freedigitalphotos.net

So what do women want?  Guess our list is just as long:

• Women want to be adored, cherished and respected. 

• Women want RESPECT, honesty, love, faithfulness, and your time.

  Let me elaborate:

• Respect is the most important thing. We want to be respected as a person and as a woman; for who we are, what we have accomplished in life, how we have raised our kids, how we conduct ourselves, how we treat others etc. 

• We want to be treated "right". I want a man whom I can trust, and who I don't need to worry about where is.

• One who is confident, but not overbearing. 

• One who loves me unconditionally, and doesn't make me feel I need to change to fit his "type". 

• One who sees me as a true partner, who is worthy of getting to know the vulnerable side of me, and who can be trusted to not ever use that against me. 

• One who is compassionate, but still strong and firm in his beliefs. 

• One who at times likes to just cuddle, because being close is more important than having sex. 

• One who makes me laugh, and with whom I can have long, interesting conversations....sexy might start at 40, but as time passes, having something to talk about will be nice...

  Did I miss anything?  Feel free to add your comment.

The End Is Near...

I don't mean to make fun of anyone's religious beliefs, but I just couldn't pass this one up.

It was posted several places on the Internet today that the end is near....  According to E-Bible Fellowship, judgement day will occur on May 21st , 2011 and the world will end October 21st,  2011. And we know that because for Noah and his family, 7 days meant 7 days, but for the rest of us, 7 days means 7000 years....OK...no, I don't get that one...

Guess that gives me 10 days to live it up!!  Think I'll join this guy just in case, and learn the My God Is Doing A New Thing song and dance....can't hurt....(sorry,  but even Jesus can't think this is good...)

Compliments

As so many other women, I do not have the best self esteem.  I am confident in my professional abilities, and in my role as a mother. But when it comes to my looks, I can spend hours finding faults with myself, so I have a hard time accepting compliments.  

Photo by Ambro/freedigitalphotos.net

My automatic reaction is to point out what is wrong with me, that is, until my friend told me how rude that is.  When you answer a compliment with pointing out why that cannot be true, you are not only turning down the kindness of the other person's words, but you are pointing out that he/she has bad taste.  So, according to my friend, when someone pays me a compliment, even if I totally disagree, I should just say "Thank You!" So I'm working on it, and so should you!

To help us all along with accepting compliments, let me share this letter written by a man to mature women:

What is it with you girls and self esteem?

Photo by Danilo Rizzuti/freedigitalphotos.net

There are many things I wonder about and don't understand in this world.  At the same time, I find that the older one gets, the more one ponders life's little wonders.  If it's because one has become "old and wise" or just have too much time is to be left unsaid.  Either way, spending some time pondering by oneself, can be both interesting and fun.

One of many things that never stop surprising me, is the issue of women and self confidence, or more specifically, the total lack of self esteem.

It starts at a relatively young age and reaches kind of a peak during the teen years.  Have you ever tried telling a teenage girl she is beautiful?  Then you probably also know that such a compliment is met with a slue of negative arguments.  Everything, and then I mean absolutely everything, is in the girl's own eyes, wrong. The teeth are uneven, the ears too big, the mouth too small, the hair too short, the boobs are completely absent, the legs too skinny, belly too fat...I could go on and on.  And when a teenage girl receives the positive comment "you are so pretty!" from a girlfriend, it is to be answered with "no - YOU are so pretty". WTF?

Photo by Teerata/Freedigitalphotos.net

Then the happy 20's arrive, and for some also part of the 30's. I have no idea what actually happens, but at some point, it's as if someone turned a switch.  When these girls eventually realize that they're getting an enormous amount of attention, it sometimes seems like they think they own the world. 

Everything that previously was so damn wrongly proportioned, is now to be emphasized with help of high heals, short skirts and push-up bras that almost park the nipples in the ears.  And at the beach, the young ladies' bathing suits can best be compared to two band-aids and a wine cork.  OK, I admit many women made their way up the ladder with a nice ass and bouncy tits, but when gravity eventually takes its merciless tolls, it's OK to have a bit of a personality too.

I'm of course talking about the 40 -/+. Then it's apparently time to go back to the horrible self esteem of the teenage years, just with a few new characteristics: stretch marks, love handles, cellulite, wrinkles, sagging butt, drooping boobs and so on.  Some women are so morbidly focused on this that they actually manage to live up to these characteristics. Others are just a little depressed over the changes. The most remarkable ones however, are the ones that seem to bloom.  Now it's getting interesting...!

Many adult women experience getting quite a bit of attention from far younger men, and with this I have a few experiences of my own to share.  When I was in my early 20's, all I looked at. were more mature women.  There was nothing more beautiful that a women around 40, and when I was in a flirty mood - with good help from a few cocktails, I had no problem expressing my enthusiasm for her either. I did of course get met with the, after a while quite legendary phrase "OMG, I could be your mother!", to which my answer was "Point isn't that  you could  be my mom, the point is you are not!"  That answer proved to be difficult to argue. Capitulation was a fact, without me wanting to elaborate any more on what the results of that was.

Dear, dear mature ladies:

Have you any idea of how beautiful you are?  Some idiot, most likely some superficial man, has tried to convince you that the goal is to reach the grave in a almost unused hull.  That is not the way it is!  We are many men who greatly appreciate women who both can and also dear to be...just that, women. 

Photo  by Ambro/Freedigitialphotos.net

Not a bad word about young women and their looks - but they cannot compete with a real woman who is nicely dressed, with discreet, but perfect make up, who has confidence in herself, smells subtly of a good perfume, behaves politely and correctly and smiles with bot her eyes and mouth.  Then you can have cellulite like an orange farm and stretchmarks like the Grand Canyon.  You are the ones embarrassed by this, not us men!

That your bodies no longer look unused is just a sign that you have lived and learned. This again are signs that you have life experience and confidence, and that is exactly what is part of making you so damn attractive. You are alive!

Last, but not least; stop thinking that every grown man really wants a young 20 year old chick.  Most men are actually painfully aware that that train passed, me included.  I'm already in the danger zone for a massive heart attack.  Then what on earth do I need someone who will speed up the process? And, what would a young woman at the starting line of her life want with me?

So hurray for the blindingly beautiful, stylish and mature woman!!

Remember, to love one self is the start of a lifelong love story....

There you have it. Hopefully this will help, 'cause I have nothing better...

California King Bed

Had to share. Love the song...makes me want to buy a California King Bed :-)

Communication Or Lack Thereof

Feeling just a little misunderstood today. Lesson learned this weekend was, don't ask questions you're not prepared to get the answer to, and most certainly do not ask the question to someone who is honest. Sometimes illusions and little white lies are just so much nicer than the truth. 

Photo by Idea Go/freedigitalphotos.net

 In my apparent imaginary world, everybody sees me for who I really am, they see the true me, know how I feel about different issues, what makes me tick, and what's important in my life. When I'm sad, they lend a shoulder to cry on, and when I'm happy, they share in my joy. Oh, how it sucks to find out that to one you trusted and found worthy of seeing the vulnerable part of you; to one who got to really know your heart, you are nothing more than a bad fantasy.

Guess this is where we are supposed to live and learn, and move on. I however, seem to be unable to distinguish between the ones who are worthy of getting to know me; the real me, and those who should be allowed to just pass through my life. Hence I keep repeating the lesson.

It's not that I can't let go of people.  Some are meant to just be in your life for a brief moment.  It's easy to recognize those, and it's OK when they leave. Others become long term, and sometimes lifelong friends. Months, even years of little or no contact, cannot ruin those friendships. Usually because you truly know, and care about each other, and their well being.   Then there are all those in between. That's where the trouble is, and where I keep having to repeat the lessons that should already be learned.

Photo by Photostock/freedigitalphotos.net

I always thought I was such a great communicator. I love meeting new people, have opinions on most topics and usually don't run out of things to talk about. It seems to work with women.  With men on the other hand, there must be a huge disconnect between what I say and what they hear. I feel like that cartoon character with the bubble that only says "blah, blah, blah, blah". Am I really that hard to understand?  Or maybe I'm just blinding them with my good looks? (OK, I'm working on self esteem issues...but even I don't buy that one!) I looked in the mirror, but I can't see that sign they see either. The one that apparently says I'd like to hear whatever inner desire they may have...God, I need a Rosetta Stone class in body language!  Maybe one in texting too, when I think about it.

Oh well, moving right along.  New week, new opportunities, and I think this week, I will speak exclusively to women.  We speak the same language. 

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing you all a happy Mother's Day.  No matter what you do; whether you are a stay at home mom or working full time, no one has a tougher job than moms.  Luckily it is also the most rewarding one. 

When you're all stressed out and nothing is going right, it is nice to get paid with hugs and kisses, home made cards and funky looking art projects that you proudly display. No other "boss" serves you mystery food that you will do your best to eat  just because she made it, and then proudly tell your friends about your little chef.  We all want the best for our kids, and work hard for them to excel.  So isn't it nice to be rewarded with the titles "the prettiest", "the smartest", "the coolest"?   Enjoy it while you can.

Hope you will all love the hugs and kisses and precious cards and gifts you receive today.  Make them last a year till next Mother's Day.

Hats and Similar Creations

I like hats!  Sadly, the only ones I ever put on my head, are either ball caps while working out, or sunhats wile at the beach. But one of these days, I want to leave the house with the most extravagant, crazy looking thing on my head and head for an event where the bigger and crazier looking hat = the better.  I can think of two places where that would happen - a royal event and the Kentucky Derby.

 Photo by Churchill Downs Museum

Obviously, the chances of me ever receiving an invitation to a royal event are slim to none. I can; however, see myself attending the Kentucky Derby.  I enjoy horse racing, but that event is all about the hats.No other place can you put on the most ridiculous creation, call it a hat and wear it with pride.

Photo by nyfashionhats.com

                                 Photo by usatoday.com                                             Photo by philadelphianewspost.com

See what I mean?

Photo by bleacherreport.com

So as I turn on the TV tomorrow for "the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports", I expect the U.S. will put on a greater hat spectacle than Great Britain did last week for the wedding.  Enjoy!!

Unfixable Death Penalty

Is killing ever right?  Have you ever pondered that questions?  Maybe this week more than ever, I have given it some thought.  I am profoundly against the death penalty, because I so strongly believe that killing is NOT right. Allowing the government to hide behind laws to justify killing someone, does not make it any more right.  And the whole idea of killing someone who killed someone to teach others not to kill, does not quite make sense to me.

 To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:  

“I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

I am not talking about Osama Bin Laden.  In war, there will obviously be casualties, and whether we chose to rejoice Bin Laden's death or not, I don't think there are anyone in America who does not believe the resent events were for the better for our country.

I do however, want to take a closer look at the practice of the death penalty in the U.S. In 2010, 46 executions took place in the U.S.  with Texas and Ohio leading the way with 17 and eight executions.  In all, twelve states performed executions in 2010, and I am certain, will continue to do so in 2011.

One case in particular, has caught my interest, and I think, shows so clearly what a broken system we have.  The case of Troy Davis has surfaced in the news, and has been a focus of Amnesty International for the past few years.  He was convicted of the murder of Officer Mark MacPhail in 1989, and has since faced three execution dates, and will soon face a fourth.  However, the doubts about his guilt are not resolved, and the chances the State of Georgia will execute an innocent man seem quite real.

Troy Davis was convicted without a shred of physical evidence.  His conviction is based on witness testimony only. Seven of the nine witnesses have since recanted their testimony, several stating that they were pressured and coerced by the police to make the statements. However, where their credibility was good enough to convict him,  their lack of credibility was brought up in the ruling against him at a special evidentiary hearing last summer.  The Supreme Court has rejected hearing his appeal on that ruling.  You can find more details on the current status of  his case here.

Photo by Salvator Vuono /freedigitalphotos.net

Whether you agree with the death penalty or not,  I hope we can all agree that the person's guilt has to be proven beyond any reasonable doubt. In this case, there is nothing but doubt, and I hope you will join me in signing Amnesty International's petition to stop the execution of Troy Davis until all doubt about his guilt has been resolved.  You can find the petition here.

You Are Beautiful!

Did you ever wish for the the dainty features, perfect smile and long legs all while criticizing your image in the mirror?  Well it's time to stop, because Beautiful has gotten a whole new definition. No need to listen to the fashion experts and beauty magazines any more!


According to MSN, what we previously have viewed as imperfections, is now defining beauty.  The gap toothed smile is in, scars can give you a sexier look, bizarre things like a missing belly button or a third nipple sets you apart from the crowd in a good way (really?!?), over sized noses and ears are just features that makes you unique, dimples are adorable, and quirkiness is cool. 

Well I just went from ugly duckling to swan.  I always had a bit of the quirkiness. But now with my big nose, one dimple (not sure where the other one went to...), and slightly crooked teeth (if it's in with a gap, I'm making my own rule re. crooked teeth....), I should be ready for modeling. 

Photos by Photostock / freedigitalphotos.net

Of course there is that issue of being the least photogenic person alive, but hey, dreaming is always good, even after 40.