Sunday, October 31, 2004

Adding to the Horror....

Now that I am re-reading the previous entry (for the hundred the time it seems, damn OCD and AOL for not liking paragraphs), I am really angry about this.    

Does gas not cost an average of $2.00 a gallon?  Isn't the atmosphere getting enough of our pollutants from our daily routines?  Do we pay so much for our vehicles that we feel a need to spend as much time in it as possible?  Someone tell me the need for taking the family car trick or treating!  

Are we really that time consumed we cannot walk our kids?  I hope that my area is the only place this is happening, I can cope with that.  I can change that.   

Some may wonder why I am ticked off so much.... it is because when my kid is older, she'll be the only one walking.  Isn't that sad?  It doesn't bother her to be different now.  I pray she stays that way forever.  But we know what trying to fit in is like and not wanting to feel the shame of being that person who is different.   

I know there are many, many neighborhoods keeping tradition alive~ they rock!  But it would be nice not to need to drive anywhere at all......  

Whewww, think I'm done now   Happy Halloween all!  

Cat

A real Horror......

Halloween here stinks.  It has for a decade, actually.  The road is too busy and the houses are too far apart for it to be considered a safe area, I guess.  Although the speed limit is 25 mph, the average is about 40.     

My brother, our friends, and I used to walk miles to acquire the luscious bounty being so freely handed out.  Gee~remember when we could actually get homemade popcorn balls, caramel apples, and those always frowned upon plain apples and not have to worry about some lunatic tampering with them?  :::ahhhh, those were the days:::    

My father, uncles and aunt walked the same path before us.  Of course with less houses spaced even farther apart, and obviously less traffic.  They talk of getting pillow cases full!    

So, tonight I'm walking  with Grace down one of the side streets (no traffic there- usually).  Out of 30 houses on this street, maybe 10 had their porch light on (the universal sign to come and get it).  We hit all of them, it was a pretty good trek as well.  She would've gone on and on, as long as I was holding her hand.... she was willing to walk anywhere.  She was also so sleepy she was a zombie.... a very courteous zombie:    

<knock on door>

'Halloweenee' comes to door with huge bowl of candy, opens door

Grace:  Happy Halloween!  Trick or Treat

Halloweenee:  Awww, aren't you cute?

Grace:  Yes, thank you

Halloweenee:  Would you like some candy, honey?

Grace:  Yes, thank you.  (pointing to each finger as she counts) Can I have one two fwee sor sive?    

 

Of course since there are no children around here (I saw maybe five others out walking), they would grant her wish and give a big handful.  When we were younger, goodies were handed out by the baggy full :)    People knew we had to walk a spell to get there, we were generously rewarded.     

But what made me really disgusted about this year was the number of parents I saw driving their kids around to trick or treat.  While they sat in the car, with the hazard lights on as their kids ran up to the door.  The side streets are very wide so even though there are no sidewalks, there is plenty of room to avoid any cars that happen to venture down the road.  Its pretty well lighted.  If I, the most over-protective, guarded of strangers, untrusting of society type parent, can walk my fat ass around with my 3-yr-old kid, what's their excuse?     

As we are walking, I see headlights of a minivan... then I notice the flashing orange lights.  Ok, no big deal.  I know people with disabilities may have to drive their kids, so I don't think twice about it.  We cross the street and I look down to see where the minivan is now, when I noticed it was a caravan of minivans (there were at least 6!) moving ever so slowly down the street.  The houses are separated by yards that are about 100 feet.  100 FEET!  Come on.... its not that damn far to walk.    

I am so disappointed in those parents.  The kids get buckets full of candy from just one street (due to the not many kids around and always hopeful halloweenees that there will be more than there are) and with such a great motivating factor, they'd get plenty of exercise trying to knock on as many doors as possible.  No wonder we're the fattest nation in the world and have the fattest kids.... some don't even get to walk for Halloween.  

We go to the last house and are walking home, when yet another minivan came down the street in the opposite direction, stopped, and let out a furry white rabbit who ran to the porch to get its share.  My brain was on overdrive, when the driver says 'hi, happy halloween'.  I am so glad I didn't respond with what was in my head, I simply said 'hello, you too'.  I was thinking 'look, you lazy ass, what's the deal with driving the kid trick or treating?'  :::patting self on back for showing such restraint:::  

There are certain circumstances when I have no problems with it~as I stated before.  I even get people who live in the country... with acres separating properties.  But I do not get why perfectly healthy parents can't walk with them?     

Maybe I'm wrong on this one.  Maybe there are so many freaks out there, we are going to be reduced to trick or treating in the malls.  Gosh, I sure hope not.  I think, remembering back to when we were really young and mom or dad took us, I have some of the best memories with my parents on our Halloween walks.  

I thought the walking was the fun part?!  We would always have fun.. trying to scare each other or other kids.  We would hide in the grave yard, by the wall that faced the street, lay down behind it and make ghost sounds at unsuspecting passers-by.  I feel sadthat some kids don't get to experience that.  It just doesn't seem right to me.  Am I being too harsh?    

Cat    

Another name Game.....

I got this from Storm's place (who got it over at Chelle's)........

 

If you wish to try it, go here.

  Catherine

 

Your name of Catherine makes you easy-going and refined, but detracts from your physical vitality. You desire all the finer things in life--lovely clothes, home, furniture, and environment. However, procrastination is your worst enemy (so true!), and you find yourself lacking the ambition to make your dreams a reality. People are inclined to take advantage of your sympathetic, tractable nature. You naturally attract people with problems who seek your understanding and advice. You can give good advice although it is unlikely that you would follow it yourself. You would be most successful in situations where you can use your skills in diplomacy in handling people, but where you are not under pressure or required to carry responsibility and make decisions (I work great under pressure, but explode when the task is complete). It is difficult for you to be individual and make your own decisions, for you lack self-confidence (In some areas, yes). Your desire for sweet, rich foods could cause overweight, circulatory problems, or weakness in the kidneys (mmmmmm, sweet, rich foods!).

 

Short and sweet, try your name......

 

Cat

 

 

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Times are a changin'

Have you changed your clock today?   Being that I live in Indiana, I am one of the few, the proud, the non-clock changing people!  I believe Arizona is the only other place that doesn't go through the bi-annual turning of time.  Help me out on that if you know differently!    Frankly, I get why it is done and I am happy I do not have to do.  Those of you that do..... it is a good thing for you or a bad thing?     Cat

Weekend Assignment

Here's my weekend assignment:  

They say here lies Cat

She died where she sat

'Puterin' with a smoke in hand    

She was readin' email

(loadin slow as a snail)

from friends here in J-Land    

When all at once

I heard nothing but grunts

I ran in to see what was wrong    

I came to find

she'd lost her mind

Guess dial up does take too long!    

 

Extra Credit:  I'm doing my brother, Charlie    

There lies my brother, Charlie

He wrecked on his Harley

Took a turn too fast

He just couldn't get past

Losing that can of Beef with Barley.    

 

It's our favorite soup, too!  

Epitaphs completed.  

 

Cat

I had this in a nice format of three verses (on mine).. but AOL is being stubborn tonight....

 

Some 'splaining to do.......

Ok, the email fairy stole mine.  I had several left here--weekend assignment, saturday six, and a couple I hadn't read yet.  Then, as we all know, AOL went screwy and shut down on its on (as usual).  When I restarted.... all my email in my inbox is gone.  Poof...disappeared.  So, my apologies in advance to those entries I may not read today.   

To Val:  I'm sorry if seeing Osama in my blog made you upset.  I put it in there for the point that he is still out there, and Bush isn't doing anything about it!  He had us focus on Saddam, not the instigator of the attacks on us.  That is wrong.  I said I agreed with some of what binLaden's saying, and I do.   

The reasons Osama is doing this goes much farther back before Sept. 11th.  It dates back to when the Israelis were given their homeland back (1947, I believe), displacing (still today) hundreds of thousands of Palestians.  I see both sides of their struggle, and I couldn't pick who was right.    It seems both factions do things to each other all the time.  Most of us think its so far away, it won't affect us.... but it did, and will again. 

My opinion is that the United States should not defend Palestine or Israel.  Both have done major wrongs to the other side.  We should stay out of it, and let them solve their own problems.  Sorry to say, even if it means one side or both sides eliminating each other... at least we wouldn't be blamed or punished for it. 

I hate that the whole situation has hardened my heart towards the plights of the region.    But I am to the point where I say blow up the whole region (including all religious sites of the past) and lets just start over. 

I wished for peace (Clinton had them sooo close, too!!), but they (Israelis and Palestinians) don't want peace.... both sides want to be right.  Never going to happen if they can't remember they've both been wrong.....  

Cat

Friday, October 29, 2004

The weasel popped his head up.....

   So, binLaden reared his ugly head again.  I try to go straight to the source when things like this happen.  That's why I keep that link to Aljazeera on my favorite links.  And I don't know about you guys, but I happen to agree with some things he says (I will never agree with his methods).

This is what they say about Osama's new video:

  Bin Ladin: Reasons to attack US remain     

Usama bin Ladin has appeared on Aljazeera television on Friday, threatening new attacks on the United States.                          

Gesturing at the camera with a finger to stress points, bin Ladin once again took responsibility for the September 11 attacks and said reasons to attack the United States remain.

He also accused US President George Bush of deceiving the American people. (he did lie to us about Iraq being a direct threat, WMDs, etc)

"Despite the fact that we are into the fourth year after September 11, President Bush is still misleading you and hiding the real reason from you, which means that the reasons to repeat what happened remain," bin Ladin said. (he is referring to our alliance with Israel, which I think we are biased where Israelis are concerned-- I believe the Palestinians deserve their own State--they have been treated unfairly in Gaza and the West Bank)

In his address just four days ahead of the US presidential election, bin Ladin also said the US administration resembled "corrupt" Arab governments.

Looking healthy

Apparently sitting or standing at a table against a neutral brown background, bin Ladin wore a white head covering and white tunic under a light brown cloak.

Reading from a sheet of paper, his voice was strong and he appeared in fair health.

He accused Bush of reacting slowly to the September 11 attacks, saying: "I never thought that the supreme leader would leave 50,000 of his people in the two towers to face the terrifying events alone at the time they were in need for him." (I'm not sure, but I think he's referring to Bush continuing to read to the kids while the Towers were burning and falling)

Refering to next week's elections, he told Americans: "Your security is not in the hands of (Democratic candidate John) Kerry or (President George W.) Bush or al-Qaida. Your security is in your own hands ...."

"We decided to destroy towers in America," because "we want to regain the freedom of our nation," bin Ladin said.

Bin Ladin also said the United States considers "killing innocent people including children in Iraq" a legitimate act. (Um, so does binLaden)

He said the United States has dropped millions of tonnes of bombs on Iraqi children, just for the sake of replacing an old agent with a new one to plunder Iraqi oil wealth. (the plundering remains to be seen)

Bin Ladin said the September 11 attacks was in response to the injustices by the United States.

That's all they wrote.  Enough on Osama. I am sure we will be targeted again (I'm still glad I don't live in the Middle East and deal with it daily).  I'm sure more innocent people are going to die, and I'm sorry for that.  

I also believe we should respect all other religious cultures for their beliefs, even if they're different from ours.    Did you know the same stories in the Bible are in the Koran?  David and Goliath, Sodom and Gamora, Jesus, (I have to check on Adam and Eve),etc.  Muslims believe in honoring thy mother and father, not fornicating before marriage, praying 5 times a day~dawn, noon, afternoon, evening, and night (not sure of exact times), completing the Hajj, or trip to Mecca to pray at the Dome of the Rock, in their lifetime, to fast during Ramadan (30 days) to understand what it is like to starve (teaches empathy, they do eat after sunset until dawn).  We don't have that kind of religious fervor here!  Not for a majority of us, anyway. 

Yes, in some extremes they do cut off the left hand if one is caught stealing.  They do stone a woman if she is found in a precarious position with a man she is not married to.  But we have religions here that do not allow women cut their hair, wear makeup, or pants; some still see women as second class citizens; some religions here even frown upon our modern conveniences like electricity, plumbing). 

So before we go lumping up all the religions and casting judgement, let us remember it is not our place to judge others, only God's--no matter what name he is called by.  

For anyone here who does not know the history between the Palestinians and the Israelis (I thought I knew until I saw this), I suggest 'The 50 years War'.   PBS and BBC (I just love those two) air this show several times a year.  I also have the book. 

It is a documentary showing both sides factually.  But it is a basic insight as to why America is frowned upon by our Eastern Counterparts, including Israel).    Now, our beloved (and I use that term jokingly) President has gone and stirred up another bees' nest in the region.  I don't know if John Kerry will be a good President, but I sure know Bush hasn't been to the people I know! (Of course, none of them are in the top 10% of the nation's wealthiest)   

Vote next Tuesday, 4 days and counting....  

Cat

              

 

 

                                                                     

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Astro me, part 2

The First House is commonly referred to as the House of Self. The cusp of this House is the home of the Ascendant, the Sign which was rising on the eastern horizon at the precise moment of one's birth. By thinking of this in terms of sunrise and new beginnings, one begins to grasp the concepts of the First House. The new beginnings here are centered around the individual: the self and the attendant voyage of discovery which defines a person. This House speaks to the realization of one's ultimate potential. This process of becoming a unique individual is one of the greatest contributions we make to the world in which we live.  The distinct qualities which we possess are often referred to as personality. This House addresses the individual, his or her comportment and approach to life. In other words, the sum total of one's being. This is the package we give to the world. The packaging itself, or our outer being, is also governed by this House -- think the physical body and the way in which we present ourselves, and in particular, the head and face.  Early childhood is also ruled by this House. Everything from our earliest steps to our view of the emerging world is considered here.  It all begins at the beginning and serves to shape us for all time. 

In sum, the First House speaks to the person we are becoming and will become, both internally and externally. It addresses our personality and presentation to the world, our essential qualities, approach to life, demeanor, and basic sensibilities. The inner self and outer body are what this House is all about. Putting our best step forward? You bet!  It is ruled by the Sign Aries and the Planet Mars.

The Second House is commonly referred to as the House of Possessions. While this speaks to that which we own, it's not limited simply to tangible things. We own our feelings and emotions, as well as our inner selves, abilities, needs, and wants. When we "own up" to something, we are in fact claiming ownership of our greatest possession, our self.  Our possessions should enhance our lives and those of others in addition to fostering a general sense of well-being. This brings forth the concept of value which is key to this House.  Specific possessions covered by the Second include earned income and our ability to influence it, investments and moveable property (cars, clothing, jewelry and the like). Debt is also part of the equation here, since we "own" the responsibility to pay our bills. How we view money, the acquisition of wealth (and debt), financial reversals, savings, budgeting, and financial status are all ruled by this House.

For those of us who believe that money will set us free, it's interesting to note that this maxim finds a home in this House. Personal freedoms as established by financial capability and sensibility are addressed within this House. To a great extent, our possessions and what we do with them help to define us as viable human beings. Therefore, the goal implicit in one's possessions could be defined as the ability to use those possessions honestly and to our best advantage and for the greater good. It is ruled by the Sign Taurus and the Planet Venus.

The Third House is commonly referred to as the House of Communication. In this House, much of the communication is going on between the individual and those he or she holds close: brothers, sisters, as well as neighbors. While communication here can be both written and verbal, it also has a conscious quality to it. Think kindred spirits and mental connectedness. This serves to highlight the role of intelligence within this House.  Intelligence, as viewed in this realm, is the analytical ability one possesses within his or her environment, specifically a basic grasp of things and a practical sensibility. We use this intelligence to help us work effectively within our world and with those in it. The Third House reminds us that it's okay to use our conscious skills, as well as a more reflective intelligence, in order to make our way. A symbiotic relationship with those we hold close is also part of the plan. Let's not forget that our minds are powerful, quick, and dexterous. Some things will be well-thought out, others nearly automatic. Maximizing our sum potential is the key.

Early education, effectively teaching us how to think and communicate, is also covered by the Third House, as are short trips.   Harnessing our intelligence and sharing it effectively with others is the essence of the Third House. The questions posed by this House can be answered by listening to that House: think, process, share.   This House is ruled by the Sign Gemini and the Planet Mercury.

The Fourth House is commonly referred to as the House of Home. When we think of home, we think of that place where we put down our roots. We lay our foundation and plant ourselves firmly into the Earth, as it were. One day, we will return to that very same Earth. This House brings things full circle by also addressing old age, endings, and our final resting place.

Much of the emphasis of this House, however, is on the concept of home. By laying down roots, we make a home for ourselves, or more specifically, the self. It's worth noting that in addition to the external home (all the bricks and mortar around us), we have really brought the essential self home. "I'm home." The words themselves have a peaceful ring to them. The self is now centered, grounded, one, and at peace with the Earth. We seek to come home both physically and psychically, for ourselves and for those we love. By creating home, we create a meeting place, a sanctuary, a sacred place for ourselves and for others.  Also important here are family history, cultural and societal norms, and ways of being. All of these are ruled by the Fourth House, as are our ancestry, roots, and heritage. These qualities are brought "home" through us and integrated into the place we call home.  Helping to create the home we make are our parents, for it is they who greatly nurture and shape our being. Therefore, this House can also be thought of as the House of the Mother, the Parent, or the Nurturer. It is ruled by the Sign Cancer and the Moon.

The Fifth House is commonly referred to as the House of Pleasure. Oftentimes, pleasure is the result of a creative act. The simple act of creating is, essentially, giving of oneself and making something -- making another? Yes, the Fifth House does speak to procreation and children, but it also addresses the creation of art and culture. The creative life is one from which we can derive much personal pleasure and self-satisfaction.

Taking this pleasure principle a step further, one can give it a more human face, even two faces. Romance and romantic affairs, both emotional pleasures, are within the realm of the Fifth House. Emotional satisfaction can be gained in many ways, and yet another way addressed by this House is gambling. While this implies a financial risk, it can also be viewed as the willingness to take a risk -- on love, with money, or in life. A gut risk in the hopes of a pleasurable outcome is how the Fifth House sees it. This House is actually quite rich with pleasures since it also lords over fun, games, and hobbies. Life is more than just being or doing, it also includes finding the pleasure in the acts in which we engage.  Children as a source of pleasure are also important in this House. This brings us back to creativity, since through our children, we create an extension of ourselves and then watch it grow. Giving our children all the good we had (and have), and then some, is certainly a pleasurable pursuit. Music, dance, theater, art, science, literature -- these fancies are for them, and for us. Play for the purpose of emotional enrichment and pure pleasure is what this House is all about.  It is ruled by the Sign Leo and the Sun.

The Sixth House is commonly referred to as the House of Health. Implicit in maintaining good health is the ability to cope in the face of adversity, and this theme rings truest in this House. As human beings, we naturally have shortcomings. Crises, illnesses and reversals of fortune are all part of our Earthly trek. How we confront these situations, and deal with the lessons they invariably teach us, helps to define the person we become.

Work and service are central to the Sixth House. The focus here is on employment (employers and employees), training, those who serve us (along with those we serve), and those who depend on us. Keeping ourselves strong throughout these efforts is also important here, which is why this House further focuses on health (good and bad), diet, fitness, and hygiene.  Essential to the work we do in life is the work we do on our self. Duty, responsibility, and personal growth all contribute to the creation of a fully-realized being. We work for others as well as for ourselves; we are at service to those who need us, including our own being. There will be times when crises of health or faith will stand in the way of our best self. At those times, we must endeavor to heal ourselves (again, the focus of this House is on health) so that we can return to the work of realizing our sum potential, of serving our world.

The Sixth House also addresses the daily dailiness of life.  These simple matters keep our engines humming and enable us to do the more important work of our choosing. It's a patchwork quilt: the ability to serve others in health and through work which is both valuable and fulfilling.  It is ruled by the Sign Virgo and the Planet Mercury. 

The Seventh House is commonly referred to as the House of Partnership. With this House, we see a shift away from the self toward another -- a partner. By cooperating with, and relating to, another, we unite for the purpose of achieving something. Purpose is important to this House, the act of accomplishing something great or small for the self, the partnership, and even society as a whole. In uniting with another, we also become a more valuable member of our world: we make a contribution, one small cog in the wheel of life. We have purpose. Cooperation and partnership help to expedite our purpose in life.  Through a partnership, we fill out our essential being. Suddenly, we see ourselves in context. Through a partnership in which we work, play, love, and/or create, we are fully-formed and completed. The other half helps to make us whole. Ultimately, how we relate to others will help to define the success we have as a human being and as a member of humankind.  The Seventh House shows us that partnerships can take many forms: marriage, business relationships, contracts, legalities, negotiations, and agreements. We will cooperate to a greater or lesser extent inthese varied partnerships. The quality of that cooperation, in essence how we relate to the other, is key to this House. There are many reasons for uniting with another. We may choose to fill voids we see in ourselves. We may simply want the company and companionship of another. The partnerships we form say a great deal about ourselves and also serve to teach us much. This House wants us to know that the quality of our partnerships will enhance our lives, make them fuller, more special, and better for everyone.

Tensions within a partnership also serve to teach us lessons. For this reason, the House also focuses on the darker side of our unions. Divorce, lawsuits, and treaties all fall within this House. At its worst, a partnership may create enemies -- and on a more global scale, these rifts can deteriorate into war. It is our reaction to this adversity which will shape the partnerships yet to come.  It is ruled by the Sign Libra and the Planet Venus.

The Eighth House is commonly referred to as the House of Sex. This House delves into relationships -- interactions with another and how certain aspects of those interactions can take on a more communal nature. It speaks to what our relationships will bring us and how we can get the most out of them.  Returning to this House's emphasis on sex, it's important to note that the French refer to an orgasm as "le petit mort" or "the little death." When we reach that exalted state of communion, we leave a little of ourselves behind -- die a small death. One can also choose to view this as growth, a new beginning, the rebirth of the soul, or a gain for the partnership. This House is an equal-opportunity House, placing sex, death, and rebirth on the same level playing field and acknowledging the viability and importance of all three. We will all experience death and rebirth as part of our lives: failed relationships leading to new ones, career changes, a new hairstyle. We are regenerated and reborn with each new phase and should welcome them thusly.

Shared resources also fall within the House: inheritance, alimony, taxes, insurance, support from another. Financial support as well as spiritual, emotional, and physical support are addressed by this House. While our relationships share many of the aforementioned things, they also have their own dynamics and grow from within (wegrow through our sexuality as well as through other more tangible means). That said, much as our relationships are expansive, but they also have certain constraints, many which are placed on them by society. Again, taxes, alimony, and the joint nature of assets come to mind. Yes, with every opportunity we have, we may face a restriction along with it. Once again, death and rebirth.

In keeping with the transformative nature of this House, rituals are highlighted. Every group has its own way of peering in and looking deep into the soul and the past, if only to get a sense of what we truly are.  How we manage our interactions, relationships, and rituals is important to this House -- will we be honest, effective, and responsible? Will the riches generated by our relationships benefit the group (company, humankind) as a whole? Our legacies are key to this House: how we conduct ourselves now and how that will play out for all time.  It is ruled by the Sign Scorpio and the Planets Mars and Pluto.

The Ninth House is commonly referred to as the House of Philosophy. In keeping with that theme, it's our search for meaning which is the focal point here. By virtue of exploring our world, we start to grasp everything that is available to us. It all boils down to understanding: understanding that which we see and feel and probing further in the hopes of realizing true meaning.  Through higher education, we have the hope of understanding concepts and theories which will enhance our world. Whether it's philosophy or psychology, this House reminds us that we are on a voyage of discovery. Along that road, we will come face-to-face with our ideals and further shape the ethics by which we live. Another approach to clearer meaning and understanding of that which we see, and more importantly, that which we do not see, is through religion. Understanding and accepting that which is greater than us, and our world, is key to this House.

Sadly, we might not always be humble in the face of what we have. A concrete understanding of the possibilities in life may well lead to ruthless ambition and greed and an over-expansion of the self. To face these demons most effectively in society, we institute laws. These laws provide for the orderly and positive growth of that society. In much the same way, philosophy and religion help add focus and purpose to a productive society. How members of a society relate, and knowing and respecting the laws by which they live, are core tenets of the Ninth House.

The way in which we expand our inner and outer lives is also addressed by this House. Travel and interaction with other peoples and cultures are a means to this end. Our dreams, those which illustrate our past as well as those which speak to future events, also help to mold our being and our relationships. Taking this a step further, psychics as the bearers of relevant information also come into play. Additionally, this House addresses publishing and multinational ventures such as import/export businesses. This House also has a multi-generational view, taking into account grandchildren as well as in-laws. At the end of the day, however, the Ninth House is best described as philosophically inclined in the search for meaning and truth.  it is ruled by the Sign Sagittarius and the Planet Jupiter.

The Tenth House is commonly referred to as the House of Social Status. It is about the place we have attained in our social (or work/career) grouping and in society as a whole. Think status, the authority it conveys, and consequently, the role we take in our community. It also speaks to any promotions we receive, any fame we may have or will come to have and the types of business and social activities in which we partake. With respect to achievement, this House focuses on how we see ourselves and how the community as a whole sees us (and our efforts). Through this House, we work on manifesting ourselves.  Vocation is important in the Tenth House. Career, professional goals, ambition, and motivation all come into play here. In a more practical context, employers and their rules are covered here, as are any other organizations (specifically the government) which have the ability to rule over us. Along with our life's work comes the challenge of ruling over others, although there will generally be someone who lords over us.  The prestige and social status we accrue by virtue of our careers and vocations can be seen, intangibly, in the form of ego gratification. How we manage this is addressed by the Tenth House. It may be most difficult to tire of financial rewards in our consumerist society; surprisingly, ego massage may growold more quickly.  The question of how we will manage these "gifts," and the status that comes along with them, is important to this House. Not all of us are cut out for grand scale social success or equipped to help society significantly. It's also worth noting that many of our successes are achieved with the aid of society and not in a vacuum.

The relationship of the individual to a group and to society is also highlighted in the Tenth House. To improve things and to make an impact, we must feel a real kinship to the cause; a fervent resolve to change things is necessary. In this way, we will achieve that social status which is truly worthwhile. Lastly, in keeping with its focus on rulers, the Tenth House addresses the father who is generally the more authoritarian parent.  It is ruled by the Sign Capricorn and the Planet Saturn.

The Eleventh House is commonly referred to as the House of Friends. Through our friends, we find strength in numbers -- we see the power of the collective, the group. Groups addressed by this House include clubs, organizations, social groups, networking organizations, and professional associations. The focus here is on the activities we undertake within these groups, how we make a difference, and, as a result, how we grow and actualize our true selves. Further, it's the group, by virtue of its collective strength, which helps to define what we as individuals will do.  As we grow, we have more opportunities and possibilities available to us, and the Eleventh House addresses these. Our interactions and efforts are in keeping with our priorities in life; these interactions have the ability to enhance our lives. A "labor of love?" Yes, in many ways. Through our friends and group activities, we add substance and meaning to our lives and to society.

At times, we may upset the proverbial apple cart, but the sum total of our efforts should be to look at the end result. If that's good, then the process of getting there, for better or for worse, is worthwhile. Lastly, the Eleventh House also governs stepchildren, foster children, and adopted children.  It is ruled by the Sign Aquarius and the Planets Saturn and Uranus.

The Twelfth House is commonly referred to as the House of the Unconscious. The unconscious state can help engender our successes, as well as assist us in coping with our failures. This House might more aptly be called the House of Reckoning, since it is in the Twelfth that we review what we have been (and done) and decide where we go from there. Along with these unconscious musings, we also deliberate on strengths and weaknesses which are hidden from public view.

We can learn much from the unconscious. In its most noble manifestation, we will be prompted to be charitable. If we learn our lessons, both past and present, we are also better equipped to move forward. This House compels us to seek closure in a spiritual way as an aid to positive growth.  The last House of the Zodiac also recognizes that we can feel bound in life -- stuck and confined. For this reason, this House rules jails, hospitals, institutions, asylums, and any space that inhibits freedom. More gloominess in the Twelfth comes in the form of danger, secret enemies, and clandestine affairs. Beware!  While some may decry this House as the garbage bin of the Zodiac, it's really an unfair term. Ultimately, this House is the champion of positive transformations. It is here that we stand on the precipice and determine how we will proceed. By visiting the unconscious and meeting with the past, we begin to glean what the future will bring.  It is ruled by the Sign Pisces and the Planets Jupiter and Neptune.  (All information from Astrology.com)

Now, with all that being copied here....can someone explain mine to me?!  LOL :}

Cat

The astrological me, in 2 parts

For those of you who believe in Astrology, Numerology, etc., this is my natal chart (or chart wheel).  The rest will follow in the next entry......


 
 

The numbers on the inner circle represent the 'Houses', there are 12.  It is divided into four sections (horizontally through 3 and 9 o'clock, and vertically through 12 and 6 o'clock).  From 9 to 12 is called the Ascendant, 12 to 3 is the Medium Coeli, 3 to 6 is the Descenant, and 6- 9 is the Imum Coeli.

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

The Curse has been lifted.....

Way to go, SOX!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its going to be a long, hard winter.....

Not from snow, but from my baby being sick.  We thankfully escaped Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, but now she has some intestinal thing that's been going around!  If it is not gone by Monday, to the Doc we go.  It takes about four days to clear up after starting (today) a bland diet....oh yeah, this ought to be fun.  Good thing she likes eggs, dry toast and dry cereal already!  Yes.... I am looking at the bright side of this...... well, trying anyway.  

Grace has had 'wash your hands after potty and before you eat' drilled into her head, I chatted up Mrs. Preschool Teacher and Ms. Dance Teacher, and I've armed them both with Lysol Wipes, Spray, and hospital-use hand disinfectant (C-Stat, compliments of my ex-employer :::winks:::).  Good thing, too, because I have a feeling there's a lot of germs waiting to invade my daughter.  

She's out of school tomorrow (Stacy, we'll be chatting at naptime..lol), so I went and got "The Rescuers" and "Monsters, Inc" for her to watch tomorrow.  I love this new video place, Family Video.  All their kids movies, educational movies and exercise tapes are free! Not new releasesof course, but still...free!  For 2 days, but all I do is call and tell them I want it longer and ok, its still free!  Hope you have one in your neighborhood :)  

Big Brother update:  (No, not the show: mine)  He is moved in and settling at Johnny's house (wish it was me..yummy.. lol).  He has an interview Tuesday (fast, huh?) at a company looking for a few good mechanical engineers.  Keeping my fingers crossed on that!   

Kitty has adjusted well to her new home here, until my brother saves enough to buy a house.  She gets along with Forrest quite well.  I can tell by the way they chase each other around at 5 am, including the cat game of 'jump on /over the sleeping body on the bed'.  After that, its 'kitty sprints' to seewhich can run up and down the stairs faster (and the loudest).  To wrap up their night (about 6:30am), its feline wrestling on my bed, of course.  Gosh I had forgotten what young kitties were like....  

Update on me:  I am still smoking only 10 cigarettes a day.  I am working out 30 minutes a day, trying to build enough stamina to go on 'The Biggest Loser' ......lol.  I would go, too!  Anyone care to join me?  I started walking, but with Grace being sick, she can't really go, so I have been going up and down the stairs like 20 times daily (we have 18 steps).  I'm not as fast as the cats.  My legs are killing me, but not upper body... guess I need to work that harder.  

I have to get a part time job.  Not only to get some income (its a long time until tax season begins and I need Christmas present money!).  So, down the street (about 10 minutes walking time) is a bakery that is looking for part time counter help.  Yeah, this is my calling as I am a glorified baker... it would be great insight into owning one someday.  But gees, the timing of it..... guess there's no better way to learn to resist temptation, right?!  Or like Dad says, 'you'll eat yourself sick of them'.  Hmmmm.....that has never happened yet.   

I am still thinking of a department store like Target or Sears, but it must be something that closes for the night!  After years of working at a hospital...my new place of employment must have opening and closing times.  I even thought about Hobby Lobby (because they're closed on Sundays, I can still see the football games) or something like it.  I'll find something.  

Ok, that's all from me for today.  Hope all have a great night!  

Cat   

15 minutes

I signed on to check my email and alerts while Gracie was napping.  Guess what I saw?!  This:  

Hello!
 
AOL Keyword:
Journals is considering your AOL Journal, Saving Sanity, to be highlighted on our main screen in the future.  

Wow, how cool is that?  I didn't think it mattered to me if I got recognition of any sort about my blog.  It's just a place to put my thoughts and share my feelings.  I have since made some very good friends, some nice aquaintances, and some great debators who (mutually) enjoy pushing buttons.   

Even if I'm not picked, it is nice to be recognized.  The first comment(or) in my journal made me happy enough......I'd rather enjoy 15 seconds of fame in J-Land than the usual 15 minutes in the real world :)  

Cat

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Halloween came early.....

Gracie had her Halloween party at preschool today.  They were sooo cute!  Sad news though of her best friend, Adharsh, moving last week.  Those two were like glue and defended each other if needed.   

His parents are from India, but he was born here.  He was adorable, but not very socialized.   The time we took them to the park, Adharsh acted like he had never been to a playground.  He didn't know which thing to try first.... funny, but kind of sad.      Anyway, here's some pictures:

      Having treats  

 Gracie is the one with her hands up to her mouth.... lol  

 Chit-chat time.....  

I tried to get pictures of the costumes and the games, but those didn't turn out... must have had the cam on a wrong setting.....   I'll get a good one of her costume on the actual day..... she makes for a cute peasant girl :)  

Til next time.....  

Cat

Out the mouths of babes....

You just have to go to Val's place and read these......I'll give you a sample:  

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3.  
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.  Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.

"If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'"

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"


   A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.  

"Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.  

 "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied.   The boy thought a moment and then said,

"Did God throw him back down?"    

  
Go check them out, I promise you'll laugh!  

Cat

Twenty Questions....

From Stacy's Place (and others, I'm sure)

1. What's your favorite sports team? Football: Colts, Steelers, Packers.  Baseball: Cubs, Red Sox.  Nascar:  Newman, Kahne, Junior.

2. Do you have any brothers or sisters?  Older brother, Charles.. he's the best!

3. Superman or Batman?  Batman

4. What's the nicest gift you've ever received?  A bracelet made from my Grandma's rosary.

5. Brownies or Cookies?  Both..... no, I'm not choosing

6. What's your favorite old sitcom?  Cosby Show, Alice (don't ask... kiss my grits!)

7. Are there people from J-Land you'd like to meet face to face?  Undoubtedly!  See that list over there to the right?  They'd be the first.....

8. Have you ever been on a blind date?  No..... I've done okay on my own

9. Pack rat or neat freak?  How about organized pack rat?!

10. Soap operas or Talk Shows? Talk shows and Y&R, sometimes when kiddo is napping

11. How did you meet your signifigant other or your last ex,depending on your situation? Ex--At work, when I was 20.

12. Chicken noodle or vegetable soup?  Chicken noodle

13. Beach or Pool?  Beach

14. When someone recommends a food or beauty product, do you run out and try it?  Not as of yet..

15. Have you ever dyed your hair an "unusual" color?  I dyed my hair black and added blonde streaks before it was popular... people thought I was nuts, I think I should go into high fashion.....

16. What are you having or have had for breakfast today? A bowl of cereal, Rice Chex to be exact, and coffee (decaf)

17. What is the worst pickup line you've ever used or heard?  Can I buy you a drink with a mickey in it!   Really!!

18. Orange or Apple juice?  Orange

19. Swiffer or Dry mop? Swiffer

20. Felix or Oscar?  Oscar, he's more fun and a sports writer, which is a big plus.  But Felix can live with us (hey, he cooks and cleans).


 

Monday, October 25, 2004

From Krissy's Place.....     Monday Morning Question:

If you could be an animal (other than a cat or dog - let's make this tougher!) which one would you be and why?I have many I would like to be.... I'll choose two:   I want to be a Tree Squirrel (Except in Goth Daughter's state..... lol) View this Picture

Squirrel is any of a group of small to medium-sized gnawing animals with a long, cylindrical body; a furry tail; and powerful jaws. Squirrels are some of the most popular and easily recognized animals because of their curiosity, liveliness, and wide distribution. They live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Types of squirrels

Squirrels make up one of the largest families of rodents (gnawing animals), the order to which beavers, mice, and rats also belong. The squirrel family, Sciuridae, consists of approximately 270 species. They may be divided into three general types: (1) tree squirrels, (2) flying squirrels, and (3) ground squirrels.

Tree squirrels are tree-climbing, bushy-tailed animals that inhabit most of the world's forests. They weigh from 1/3 ounce to 61/2 pounds (10 grams to 3 kilograms). They are active during the day. Familiar tree squirrels include the eastern gray and eastern fox squirrels of North America, the Eurasian red squirrel, and the giant and tricolor squirrels of Asia.

The origin and development of squirrels

Scientists believe that squirrels appeared early in the history of rodents. During the Cenozoic Era, beginning about 63 million years ago, forests of seed- and nut-bearing trees began to grow over much of the earth.The growth of such forests was probably a major factor in the evolution of squirrels. It accounts for many of the ways squirrels differ from other rodents. For example, squirrels have sharp incisor (front) teeth and powerful jaw muscles, well suited for gnawing through hard-shelled nuts and thick pine cones. Their sharp claws and flexible bodies help them grasp branches and leap from tree to tree. As a result, they can move easily through the treetops to get food and escape enemies. A squirrel's furry tail acts as a "balancer" when the animal leaps and climbs. The tail also serves as a blanket when wrapped around the body or as a signaling device when waved vigorously from a high perch.

Obtaining shelter. Second only to food in importance for squirrel survival is the availability of nests. Nests provide protection from heat and cold, a refuge from enemies, a place to raise young, and a storage site for food. A squirrel usually has more than one nest and can move quickly to an alternate nest if threatened.

Many tree and flying squirrels use different kinds of nests for winter and summer. The winter nest consists of a cavity in a tree trunk or branch lined with leaves, grasses, chewed bark, or other padding. The summer nest is a leaf nest consisting of twigs, leaves, vines, and other plant material woven into a ball in the fork of a tree branch. Some squirrel species use a leaf nest the year around. Such leaf nests are called dreys.

Raising young. How far north a squirrel lives affects how often the animal mates and how many young are born in each litter. In the Far North, squirrels usually mate once a year, in late winter or early spring. The resulting litter consists of four to eight young. Farther south, squirrels may have a second litter, but the litter size is smaller. In the tropics, many small litters of one or two have been reported.

A female squirrel carries her offspring inside her body from 36 to 43 days before giving birth. Newborn squirrels are pink, hairless, and helpless. They cannot see because their eyelids are sealed shut. The mother cares for the babies alone. Tree squirrels live with their mother for about 8 weeks before they become independent. Flying squirrels require a longer developmental period, 10 weeks or more, perhaps because these squirrels need more time to master the techniques of gliding.

AND

A Hawk                  

Hawk refers to any of a group of birds of prey. Hawks have large eyes, hooked beaks, and sharp claws for detecting, capturing, and consuming animals. They belong to a family of over 200 birds that also includes ospreys, kites, harriers, Old World vultures, and eagles. Hawks live on every continent except Antarctica.

There are two basic types of hawks: (1) accipiters, or ambushing hawks, and (2) buteos, or soaring hawks. Accipiters include goshawks and sparrowhawks. Members of this group watch and wait for prey from a perch before rapidly chasing after the prey. Accipiters commonly inhabit forests, where their relatively short wings and long tails enable them to maneuver well. Buteos live mainly in open grasslands and in deserts. Most species have long, broad wings and fan-shaped tails, enabling them to soar in search of food. They use their excellent eyesight to spot prey from high up in the air. They then swoop down to catch the animal. Buteos include the buzzards and the red-tailed hawk.

When a hawk catches its prey, it often carries the animal to a perch. It then holds the prey with its strong feet and legs and tears off pieces of the animal with its beak. Some hawks eat bones, feathers, and fur as well as flesh. Because hawks cannot digest everything they eat, they throw up masses of undigested food called pellets.

Hawks hunt a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, fish, insects, and other birds. They also eat animals they find dead. Hawks that prey chiefly on birds have long, thin legs and toes and elongated, sharp, curving talons (claws). These "bird hawks" include many accipiters. Hawks that eat mammals or reptiles have stouter legs, shorter toes, and thicker talons than do bird hawks. Most buteos belong to this group.

Female hawks grow larger and heavier than do males. Hawks measure from 8 to 40 inches (20 to 102 centimeters) in length, with a wingspan of from 19 inches to 7 1/2 feet (48 centimeters to 2.3 meters). They weigh from 2 3/4 ounces to 20 pounds (78 grams to 9 kilograms).

Hawk Mountain is a great place to visit in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Saturday, October 23, 2004

A day for visions...

                             Visions from nature..............                                            

                                                                    

More visions from Tarnished Images, Inc........                                     

                                                                                                                                 

Just don't feel like it....

Here it is Saturday again.  I don't feel like doing the normal Saturday entries...Saturday Six, Weekend Assignment, etc.  I don't know what I want to write about.  Too many scrambled thoughts right now.    

 

My brother packed up all his stuff in Georgia yesterday, he should be on his way back here now.  It is usually a 7-8 hour drive, but with towing his '64 Falcon on a trailer behind Dad's pickup truck with the U-Haul, following, towing another trailer with his Suburban on it..... it will be a good 10+ hour trip back.    

 

Don't get me wrong, it'll be great having him back home in Indy, but I am down because I know he didn't want to move back.  I could go on about the pros and a few cons of having him back here, but I'm not.  I love my big brother and always want to be close to him.  He cried one night (of course after we'd been drinking) saying that he wouldn't get to know Gracie like he does his friends kids in GA, so that's a good thing--he'll probably be tired of her now.. lol.    

 

We've also inherited his kitty 'Kitty', because where he is going to live (with his friend), there is an overgrown german sheppard 90 pound pup named Shadow, who has never been with a cat.  So, since Kitty is still a kitten and loves to play--we thought it would be best to keep her here with us.        We just can't let her escape outside or she'll undoubtedly get hit by a car--we've lost lots of animals on this street.  Last one was my cat, Baby, who got hit in April of 2002. 

 

Besides with all our female cats gone, we're seeing lots of mice now.  My male cat, Forrest, has caught only 2.  He's rather lazy.  Hopefully she'll be able to cut the mouse population down.  Now if I could only get the cats to get the bats that fly down from the attic to say hello. 

 

Nahhh, I'd just assume they leave the bat catching to me--I certainly don't want to deal with my animals and rabies, even though they've had their shots.    

 

That's all for the moment.....  

 

Cat

Friday, October 22, 2004

I still believe....

I'm shocked and I don't know why.  I know the internet is chock full of pests and predators.  I just never thought it would be here, in J-Land.  This hasn't happened to me personally, but it seems to have driven some people to either make their journals private or delete them altogether.     

 

I may be opening a can of worms, but it sure wouldn't be the first time I have, or the last.  What is the purpose of parody?  Is someone so envious-jealous-devious that they would emulate another person's blog?  Whats the point?  To mock them?  Make them feel bad?  I guess the 'mocker' just needs everyone to feel as low as they are..... I'm sorry, I just don't get it.     

 

So, J-Land is saddened by the loss of some public members but wrongs have a way of being righted.  Then they will return to us knowing that we stood, as a community--a family, to rid our neighborhood of this trash.  Something that isn't even done in our own lives anymore.      Yes, the internet is full of mean, hateful, insensitive, conniving, dreadful scoundrels.  But I still believe in the good people I find here.  

 

Carry on, old chap.......      

 

Cat        

Some quizzes

Again, from Debbie's Place:

 

Do you control your emotions well?  Go here to find out.  What it said about me.....      You are well balanced person, an expert in controlling emotion. You know when to freely reveal your emotion and when to hide them. Due to this characteristic, you are liked by most of the people around you.    

 

Personality Test     I am a 'D' person: You are always looking for new things and new places. You complete every task with enthusiasm, never doubting yourself, or holding yourself  back.      

 

How sociable are you?        You are a very sociable person and your friends like you very much. You are very considerate and constantly thinks for others. Your friends feel very lucky to know you.  

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Just some pictures tonight...

A few of my favorite subjects.......

 

                

 

 

                                                                                                       

                  Images from Tarnished images, Inc.      

 

                    

These are a couple more pictures of the Northern Lights at peak....  Have a great night, all!  

 

  Cat

 

 

I can't believe it...

They actually did it!!   The Red Sox beat the Yankees!!   Who's YOUR Daddy, now, boys??

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Another update.....

I have not enabled links this time... if you wish to participate in the poll, please copy/paste the link to your browser.... sorry, just don't have time today......     ***************** The Polling Station ********************  
Oct. 19, 2004                         220,611 Subscribers  

         Results You Will Not See Anywhere Else...  
***********************************************************  


Greetings Citizen:  

We are getting close to the election and something has  
happened in the polling industry; the other polls seem to  
be agreeing with us now. We have NOT CHANGED our methodology  
one iota, so the other polls that are now showing results  
similar to us must have been inventing results.  

Bush was way ahead before and has now edged back up after  
a post-debate Kerry surge. We believe that traditional  
polling outfits did not want to show results so skewed, it  
would have been bad for business.  

Now, we want to ask you to help us out and forward our  
poll to at least 5 friends or family members to get them  
to vote in the online poll. We have had over 80,000 people  
unsubscribe from the Polling Station.  

That is a lot of people who did not like our experiment.  
But we have over 200,000 people who like what we do. Please  
help out and participate in these last few weeks leading  
up to the election. We will be giving a STATE-BY-STATE  
breakdown on election morning.  

We need you to participate and help introduce the Polling  
station to others. We will be keeping the community going  
after the election with some interesting post election  
polling information, so stay tuned and thanks for helping  
us out.  

Best,  
Henry, Jane and the Polling Station team.  

PS. To reach us, please do not reply to this message.  
Give us feedback or your comments by visiting:  
http://rd.gophercentral.com/al/a?aid=6802&ent=2052  


--------------------------------------------------------------  

Tell your friend(s) to take the National Presidential  
Preference Poll by visiting:  
   http://rd.gophercentral.com/al/a?aid=6802&ent=1955  

--------------------------------------------------------------  


    ~~~~~~~  National Question-Of-The-Week  ~~~~~~~  

     Should we pull US troops out of Iraq after the  
     elections regardless of the consequences?  

To retake the Presidential poll and chime in on the question  
of the week, make your voice heard, visit:  

==>  http://rd.gophercentral.com/al/a?aid=6802&ent=1954  


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   
Total number of polls filled out for dates 10/8-10/15:  

      N = 13,295 Margin of error, +/- .5%  

........ Dem ........Ind ........  Rep .... Total  
Bush .... 709 ...... 2002 ........ 4167 .... 6878  
Kerry ...4216 ...... 1548 ........  171 .... 5935  
Nader ...  25 ......   74 ........   10 ....  109  
Undec. .. 102 ......  231 ........   40 ....  373  
----------------------------------  
  
Below we have the trends again covering the last three weeks.  

         2 Weeks ago...Last Week...This week... Change  

Bush  ..... 49.7% ...... 48.7% ..... 51.9% .... + 3.2%  
Kerry ..... 42.6% ...... 47.8% ..... 44.6% .... - 3.2%  
Nader .....  2.2% ......  1.0% .....   .8% .... -  .2%  
Undecided .  5.4% ......  2.5% .....  2.8% .... +  .3%  

Bush has held off the surge Kerry had from the debates.  
Kerry's problem continues to be that people are not  
enthusiastic FOR him...and his base is so much more  
anti-Bush. Being the 'anti-Bush' can only carry you so  
far...and it does not seem to be carrying Kerry to the  
Presidency.  
  
---------------------------------  

       Nationwide Independent Break Down  

A total of 3,855 voters identified themselves as  
"Independent" last week.  

........ Last Week .... This Week  

Bush  ....  46.7%  .....  51.9%  
Kerry ....  44.5%  .....  40.2%  
Nader ....   2.9%  .....   1.9%  
Undec ....   5.9%  .....   6.0%  

Kerry supporters are wondering "what happened?" We think,  
and we have been consistent on this point, that the only  
major issue that hurts Bush's numbers is Iraq and last week,  
while the news may not have been good over there, the media  
was more interested in domestic policy and the "horse race."  

The volatility of the numbers still suggests that the main-  
stream media will decide this election. For those hundreds of  
people writing comments about how there is a lot of good news  
coming out of Iraq, this fantasy is easily dispelled by sub-  
scribing to the very pro-military publication at Military.com.  
It is the most honest view of what is going on in Iraq with  
writers like Col. David Hackworth.  

Kerry loses when the topic is anything except Iraq. Abortion?  
Bush wins this issue. Trade policies? Bush wins. Health Care?  
Nobody believes either of them...so a tie goes to Bush.  

Even though Kerry's position on Iraq is not even close to being  
intelligible, he wins this issue completely by default as Bush's  
own conservative wing has abandoned his policies (George Will,  
Tucker Carlson, William Buckley...) Kerry has no real position  
that can be abandoned and he is devoted to keeping it "fuzzy."  

----------------------------------------------------------  

                   Last Week's Question  

Which of the following issues is most important to you in  
deciding for which Presidential candidate you will vote?  

[ ] A Abortion  

[ ] B Iraq war  

[ ] C Health care  


         N = 13,303 error +/- .5%  

..... Abortion .... Iraq   ... Health Care  

Bush  ...22.6%  .... 65.6% ....  11.8% ....  
Kerry ... 7.1%  .... 52.0% ....  40.9% ....  
Nader ... 9.1%  .... 50.0% ....  40.9% ....  
Undec ...10.1%  .... 44.0% ....  45.6% ....  
  

Over all nationwide results:  

15.2% of the total believes abortion is the #1 issue  
58.8% of the total believes Iraq is the #1 issue  
26.0% of the total believes health care is the #1 issue  

This question was certainly far from perfect. But it was  
designed to get a measure of which issues were most  
important to voters. As we have been saying, the Iraq war  
is the number one issue.  

We stand by our assertion that how the media covers the  
war in the final 3 weeks of the campaign will decide the  
election. Pay attention to the emphasis on Iraq in the  
coming days.  

How is the media going to spin events? How will they choose  
which stories to highlight? If they want Bush out, they  
highlight certain stories that show the chaos. I say  
HIGHLIGHT...which means giving critical stories on Iraq  
that are more than 30 seconds.  

If the media wants Bush to remain in the Whitehouse, they  
will give events short shrift. This is amazing power to  
wield. Kerry, Bush or Nader (Nader who?, have not seen him  
much lately...) run their campaigns, but the mainstream  
media does most of the choosing.  


      To View Past Questions & Results Visit:  
   http://rd.gophercentral.com/al/a?aid=6802&ent=2282   


                          ***  


           BATTLEGROUND STATE POLL RESULTS  

There are 17 states that represent the "battleground" for  
the election. We go back to the land of the CHAD to look at  
Florida.  

Florida  N = 905        error +/- 3.5%  

......... Dem ..... Ind .... Rep ... Total  

Bush .....  58 .....  60 .... 352 ... 470  
Kerry .... 329 .....  58 ....  22 ... 409  
Nader ....   2 .....   3 ....   1 ...   6  
Undec. ...   6 .....   6 ....   8 ...  20  

                    Percentages  

.........  

Bush  .... 52.0% ..........  
Kerry .... 45.2% ..........  
Nader ....   .7% ..........  
Undec. ...  2.2% ..........  

This is looking pretty good for Bush. One analyst here is  
predicting that Florida will not be settled before  
Thanksgiving because there are 2000 lawyers waiting to claim  
fraud, no matter which candidate "wins" the state.  

-----------------------------------------------------------  

                BONUS BATTLEGROUND STATE  

                      Michigan  

               N = 731 Error +/- 4.5%  
  
Bush  .... 47.6% .....  
Kerry .... 47.4% .....  
Nader ....  1.0% .....  
Undecided.  4.0% .....  

There was literally one vote difference between Bush and  
Kerry. This state is obviously too close to predict and  
our margin of error too great.  

***********************************************************   

                   Reader Comments  

You have finally achieved what I have never in my 57 years  
seen. You have put the word "Honest" in front of the word  
"poll". - Carmelite  

---------------  

Another week, another bias is shown. If you adjust your  
poll numbers to include equal number of Democrat and  
Republican poll takers, Bush is ahead 50.7% (7043 votes)  
to 45.7% (6346 votes). By using 731 more Democratic  
responders, you have falsely increased Kerry's vote  
totals. -Bob  

[There are more Democratic registered voters. If we made the  
numbers to reflect equal numbers for Independents, Democrats  
and Republicans, or Libertarians to prove a point, it would  
not be representative of the nation at large. - Henry]  

---------------  

"Except for John Kerry that is...he does not have a strong  
opinion on anything" Here is an example of political  
propaganda passed off by the Republican party and shame on  
you for falling for it. To be truly unbiased, little  
comments like this have no place in your emails.  Some  
'experiment'.-EU  

[There is no rational way to understand Kerry's various  
positions on Iraq. One has to contort one's mind like a  
pretzel to make any sense out of it, or just read George  
Orwell before reading a transcript. Equally absurd is  
Bush's justification for war in Iraq- WMDs- Nope. 9-11  
connection? Nope. Imminent threat? Hardly. Are we biased?  
We are part of this community and will not compromise the  
numbers. This is an experiment- building a community that  
has the pulse of the nation AND interact. - Jane]  

---------------  

I enjoy participating in this experiment. I wish Bush and  
Kerry would participate in one of their own and keep their  
cheap shots to a limit. They both need to participate in an  
honest debate without the political lines glaring in the  
foreground of all their rhetoric. -garanzazu  

---------------  

Many of us are really sick of politicians by now! -Patty  
  
---------------  

I'll vote Bush (lesser of 2 evils) but here is a Kerry fact  
from the New Republic, March 25 1991. Wallace Carter of  
Newton Centre, Mass. wrote Kerry 2 letters, 9 days apart  
taking both sides of Gulf war (a little trap to catch a  
flip-flop I suppose). Kerry's response was to agree with  
the man wholeheartedly and passionately on both sides of  
the issue of fighting the Gulf War and we should not be  
involved in the Gulf war. -J Crowbird  

---------------  

How do you expect a regular citizen to be able to answer  
some of your questions that need, to say the least, expert  
knowledge to deal with, like questions about the war in  
Iraq, for example? How could we possibly know what is the  
best thing to do! I suppose you realize that we are missing  
most of the information necessary to answer that.-Jacqueline  
  
[We believe everybody has an opinion, some more informed  
than others. Just tell us what you think. ]  

---------------  

I don't believe in polls at all. I really don't know why  
I'm writing. I just know that Mr. Bush gives out-right  
honest straight-forward answers, while Kerry goes around  
in circles. Also, Bush has Christian ethics. Kerry has...  
well, a mouth. -Joe  

---------------  

I can understand your not liking Kerry since he has no  
principles or convictions and married twice for money - he  
even admitted that in the last debate.  But when you say  
you don't like Bush I know you are Kerry supporters so I'm  
not participating in your polls any more. -PT Tom  

---------------  

There are so many polls, that if I were to digest all of  
them and try to come up with a rationale, I would be  
totally confused. So, I just read what I can research,  
ignore the TV commercials, and make up my own mind.-Breiter  

---------------  

When the dust (dirt?) settles after the election, I hope  
you will share with us the results of your experiment,  
including any results that were truly unexpected or even  
surprising from time to time, and what you believe the  
underlying causes may have been. -Anne  

---------------  

As an undecided independent, I could not partake in this  
week's poll - the reason being, that there is not ONE  
important issue that will cause me to vote for either Bush  
or Kerry and frankly, I am concerned about voters for  
either candidate who think that one of these three issues  
is important enough in their decision-making process. -M  


               End of Readers Comments  

This was only a representative sampling. Until next week,  
have a great week. The tighter the race, the more important  
it is to participate by voting in our poll. Thank you.  

-----------------------------------------------------------  

Comments, Questions? VISIT US AT:  
http://rd.gophercentral.com/al/a?aid=6802&ent=2052  


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