From IT in the comments at The Friends of Jake:
IT said...
I cried today. Stupid. I was at my dentist's (he's a friend and came to our wedding) and he cheerfully said, "How's married life treating you?" and I replied, waaay too seriously, "good for as long as it lasts," and then he wanted to know about the court case, and if we'd heard whether our marriage would last, and when we would KNOW, and how we are doing, etc etc and I had to go through it all again.
I walked out to the car afterwards and got in and cried tears of anger and frustration--not at my dear dentist, but at feeling I'm living betwixt and between, unresolved, at being A Thing whose fate is decided by courts and how the PropH8 people took my euphoric feeling that finally I was a Real Married Person with a real place in society, like everyone else, and they threw me back into the gutter and kicked me back into being an unwanted outsider.
And then I dried my eyes and went to work and tried, yet again, to get past it.
I don't know what to say, except to note that the marriages of 18,000 couples, 36,000 human beings, may be annulled by the passage of Prop 8 in California.
H/T to Arkansas Hillbilly, who posted these poignant words, too, and followed them with lovely commentary.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Berani, The Orangutan, Escapes In The Zoo
From the Times-Picayune:
Using only a stretched green T-shirt and powerful upper-body strength, a Sumatran orangutan named Berani escaped from his Audubon Zoo enclosure Friday -- for about 10 minutes.
Employing a level of cunning that could have come from a prison movie, the brownish-orange primate stretched the shirt, scaled a 10 1/2-foot wall to the top of the moat, wrapped the shirt around the "hot" electrical wires surrounding the exhibit and swung out about 12:45 p.m., zoo spokeswoman Sarah Burnette said.
That's Berani the Coy in the picture. He's a clever one, isn't he? If he could talk, we'd know just how clever.
The sight of a primate mixing on the grounds with zoo patrons did cause a mild stir.
"There was a group of people standing there," Burnette said, "and they kind of pointed, and there was Berani, standing in the middle of the boardwalk. He kind of lingered there for no more than 10 minutes and catapulted himself back into his exhibit."
The zoo staff gave the orangutans t-shirts to play with every day, but now, no more t-shirts! Berani escaped from his enclosure, and then he got back in. T-shirts or not, he may repeat the the exercise. What now? A higher fence? I think there's a message here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
"To Be Six Again"
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday.
'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!
He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there.
Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.
He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being six again??'
Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 'I meant my dress size, you dumb ass!'
The moral of the story:
Even when a man is listening, he's gonna get it wrong.
Don't blame me. Blame naughty Doug.
'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!
He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there.
Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.
He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being six again??'
Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 'I meant my dress size, you dumb ass!'
The moral of the story:
Even when a man is listening, he's gonna get it wrong.
Don't blame me. Blame naughty Doug.
Ellie's Tribute To Izzy
Today, my wonderful Anatolian Shepherd (who was part of my life for almost thirteen years) died peacefully in my arms. She had just been diagnosed with bone cancer.
I made the decision many years ago that I would not let her deteriorate or go through any unnecessary pain when there was no hope of her getting better. So there was no inner struggle or conflict about knowing what needed to be done.
She was happy to the end - still guarding the house with vigor.
Please go read the rest of Ellie's lovely tribute to Izzy, a truly magnificent friend and companion.
Quote Of The Day
From the TimesOnline.
Father Floriano Abrahamowicz, head of the [S]ociety [of Saint Pius X] in Treviso in northeast Italy, told a local paper: "I know that gas chambers existed as a means to disinfect. But I cannot say for sure if they killed anyone, because I really haven't looked into it." His remarks were widely reported in the Italian media.
I dunno. Maybe Father Floriano should have "looked into it" before he spoke out.
Father Floriano's bishop, Richard Williamson, recently stated on Swedish TV, "I believe there were no gas chambers."
Which is it? No gas chambers, or gas chambers for the purpose of disinfection?
The excommunication of the society's members was recently lifted by Pope Benedict XVI.
A long time ago, Gerturde Stein said, "There is no pope."
Father Floriano Abrahamowicz, head of the [S]ociety [of Saint Pius X] in Treviso in northeast Italy, told a local paper: "I know that gas chambers existed as a means to disinfect. But I cannot say for sure if they killed anyone, because I really haven't looked into it." His remarks were widely reported in the Italian media.
I dunno. Maybe Father Floriano should have "looked into it" before he spoke out.
Father Floriano's bishop, Richard Williamson, recently stated on Swedish TV, "I believe there were no gas chambers."
Which is it? No gas chambers, or gas chambers for the purpose of disinfection?
The excommunication of the society's members was recently lifted by Pope Benedict XVI.
A long time ago, Gerturde Stein said, "There is no pope."
Prayer Request From Ellie - "Oh, No, No, No, No!"
From Ellie Finlay
Oh, no, no, no.
I just this minute got the word that Izzy (my big dog) has bone cancer. Her leg could break at any moment. I'm going to need to have her put down in a couple of days. I just asked her vet to give me time to process this and say good-bye.
Obviously, I'm in shock right now. It hasn't really sunk in.
Oh dear! How sad. And so soon after Ellie's scare about her own health. Please pray for Ellie and Izzy.
UPDATE:
From Ellie:
I've decided to have her put down this afternoon. I'm actually on my way now. A dear friend and dog lover is meeting me at the animal hospital.
Please keep saying prayers. I love this dog like my life - I'm sure you understand.
Love,
Ellie
Oh, no, no, no.
I just this minute got the word that Izzy (my big dog) has bone cancer. Her leg could break at any moment. I'm going to need to have her put down in a couple of days. I just asked her vet to give me time to process this and say good-bye.
Obviously, I'm in shock right now. It hasn't really sunk in.
Oh dear! How sad. And so soon after Ellie's scare about her own health. Please pray for Ellie and Izzy.
UPDATE:
From Ellie:
I've decided to have her put down this afternoon. I'm actually on my way now. A dear friend and dog lover is meeting me at the animal hospital.
Please keep saying prayers. I love this dog like my life - I'm sure you understand.
Love,
Ellie
Now Is The Time For Universal Health Care
Paul Krugman in the New York Times:
The whole world is in recession. But the United States is the only wealthy country in which the economic catastrophe will also be a health care catastrophe — in which millions of people will lose their health insurance along with their jobs, and therefore lose access to essential care.
Which raises a question: Why has the Obama administration been silent, at least so far, about one of President Obama’s key promises during last year’s campaign — the promise of guaranteed health care for all Americans?
Good question. I've been wondering about that myself. When my son lost his job a couple of years ago, he tried to start a small business. The COBRA premiums on the health insurance from his former employer were too expensive, so he bought private health insurance. That was during the year after his divorce, and his blood pressure went up, no doubt due to the twin catastrophes, and the private plan doubled his premiums. He was forced to abandon the idea of a small business and take a job with health-care benefits. I wonder how many small businesses do not succeed or are never started due to health insurance issues. It seems to me that our country, where capitalism is valued next to God (or even higher than God!), entrepreneurship is too often stifled because of the pathetic state of our country's health care.
If you're wealthy, or elderly with Medicare coverage, of if you're well-covered by your employer's health care plan, you do all right. But if that's not the case, then you're in a pretty bad way.
Krugman lists several reasons why Obama's advisers may be cautioning him against moving forward on universal health care, which you can read if you click the link. Of the final possible reason, Krugman says:
Finally — and this is, I suspect, the real reason for the administration’s health care silence — there’s the political argument that this is a bad time to be pushing fundamental health care reform, because the nation’s attention is focused on the economic crisis. But if history is any guide, this argument is precisely wrong.
Don’t take my word for it. Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, has declared that “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” Indeed. F.D.R. was able to enact Social Security in part because the Great Depression highlighted the need for a stronger social safety net. And the current crisis presents a real opportunity to fix the gaping holes that remain in that safety net, especially with regard to health care.
I believe that Krugman is correct in his analysis.
The whole world is in recession. But the United States is the only wealthy country in which the economic catastrophe will also be a health care catastrophe — in which millions of people will lose their health insurance along with their jobs, and therefore lose access to essential care.
Which raises a question: Why has the Obama administration been silent, at least so far, about one of President Obama’s key promises during last year’s campaign — the promise of guaranteed health care for all Americans?
Good question. I've been wondering about that myself. When my son lost his job a couple of years ago, he tried to start a small business. The COBRA premiums on the health insurance from his former employer were too expensive, so he bought private health insurance. That was during the year after his divorce, and his blood pressure went up, no doubt due to the twin catastrophes, and the private plan doubled his premiums. He was forced to abandon the idea of a small business and take a job with health-care benefits. I wonder how many small businesses do not succeed or are never started due to health insurance issues. It seems to me that our country, where capitalism is valued next to God (or even higher than God!), entrepreneurship is too often stifled because of the pathetic state of our country's health care.
If you're wealthy, or elderly with Medicare coverage, of if you're well-covered by your employer's health care plan, you do all right. But if that's not the case, then you're in a pretty bad way.
Krugman lists several reasons why Obama's advisers may be cautioning him against moving forward on universal health care, which you can read if you click the link. Of the final possible reason, Krugman says:
Finally — and this is, I suspect, the real reason for the administration’s health care silence — there’s the political argument that this is a bad time to be pushing fundamental health care reform, because the nation’s attention is focused on the economic crisis. But if history is any guide, this argument is precisely wrong.
Don’t take my word for it. Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, has declared that “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” Indeed. F.D.R. was able to enact Social Security in part because the Great Depression highlighted the need for a stronger social safety net. And the current crisis presents a real opportunity to fix the gaping holes that remain in that safety net, especially with regard to health care.
I believe that Krugman is correct in his analysis.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Please Pray For JohnieB
From Jane R. at Acts of Hope:
Dear all,
I've wanted to post this for a while but did not want to do so without JohnieB's permission, which I just received along with a nice catch-up letter.
JohnieB, friend to many of us in this corner of the blogosphere, is, as you know, a Vietnam War veteran who lives with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). He also gets depressed in the winter, which happens to many of us (SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder) and happens even more to people who already suffer from depression.
...Continued at Jane's blog.
Perhaps it would be best to leave comments at Jane's blog or at JohnieB's blog, Here Still Running, so he won't miss them. His energy level is low, so don't be offended if he does not respond.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servant Johnie, and give your power of healing to those who minister to his needs, that he may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 459)
Dear all,
I've wanted to post this for a while but did not want to do so without JohnieB's permission, which I just received along with a nice catch-up letter.
JohnieB, friend to many of us in this corner of the blogosphere, is, as you know, a Vietnam War veteran who lives with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). He also gets depressed in the winter, which happens to many of us (SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder) and happens even more to people who already suffer from depression.
...Continued at Jane's blog.
Perhaps it would be best to leave comments at Jane's blog or at JohnieB's blog, Here Still Running, so he won't miss them. His energy level is low, so don't be offended if he does not respond.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servant Johnie, and give your power of healing to those who minister to his needs, that he may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 459)
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off?
From Ruth Gledhill in the Times of London:
The Archbishops of the Anglican church worldwide are to debate the damaging effects of the row over homosexuality at a meeting in Egypt next week.
If that were truly the substance of the meeting, then my suggestion would be, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off!". However, that first sentence may simply be Ruth's hook to attract readership. And I see that the "Anglican church" rears its head again. There is no worldwide "Anglican church". Last I heard, it was called the Anglican Communion.
He [the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams] was upset that several conservative provinces, including Nigeria, Uganda and Rwanda, boycotted last summer’s Lambeth Conference. But it was regarded as a triumph of his archepiscopacy that he survived the three-week conference without presiding over a split. It is a further sign of the success of his strategy that no Primates are boycotting next week’s meeting, although one source said there will be no formal joint eucharist at the meeting, to avoid Primates the public embarrassment of former meetings where conservatives have refused to go to the communion table with liberals.
Why would a primate boycott the Eucharist? I don't get it. Is there a risk of contamination? It's the Lord's table, after all, not the personal possession of any one or group of Anglican primates. Can the members of a group be "in communion", if they can't share Holy Communion?
In an attempt to move the church on from homosexuality, the Primates will focus instead on how well their provinces are fulfilling the Communion’s official “five marks of mission”: evangelisation, catechisation, service, social and environmental action.
If the primates intend to focus on the "five marks of mission", rather than homosexuality, why the first sentence in the article? A focus on mission would surely fall into the category of A GOOD THING.
The Anglican Covenant, the rows over gays, defections, depositions, moratoria, blah, blah, blah. The meeting is a gathering of the primates of autonomous provinces in the Anglican Communion (not the "Anglican church"). Why not leave each province to administer its own affairs and focus on common mission, even if you can't share Holy Communion?
H/T to Mark Harris.
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